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Santa_Fe's avatar
Santa_Fe
Explorer
Jun 13, 2013

Considering an HTT upgrade

Ok HTT folks, posting here is uncharted territory for me.

Right now, we have a '96 Coleman Cheyenne that we love. It's paid for, suits us, and is paid for. On our last weeklong trip, it was a bit chilly and had a hike to the bathhouse. I think we all were yearning a bit for some hard sides and a potty. Curiosity got the best of us and we spent the day checking out some HTTs.

What recommendations do you have for me? I'd like to stay under 20' and under 5000lbs gross (my V8 4Runner can tow 7000lbs). I want something that will be comfortable, but not too big to be unsafe or harm my precious Runner.

Right now, the Jayco Jay Feather is at the top of the list. We really liked the X17Z that we saw (twice) today. One Jayco dealer that we stopped at had a X18D which would probably be ideal for us with the three bunkends, I'm just concerned it's a little too big?. I like the 2 year Co-Pilot Warranty and the Jayco quality, plus Jaycos are pretty available where I live.

We also looked at Jay Flight Swifts (not enough headroom), Skyline Sky Cats (definite NO), and the KZ Sportsmen Classic (eh, ok).

What other brands should I consider? Starcrafts and Flagstaffs are hard to locate and man those Roos are pricey!!

Are there any that I'm overlooking that are worth a look?

Thanks for your help! Hoping to join your crowd soon!
  • Hoosierdaddy47's avatar
    Hoosierdaddy47
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2013
    If it were me, I'd look at the Jayco X23F. True, it's longer than you want, but it still grosses at (Just) under 5K and has gobs o' room. Also, I don't know if you can find one, but the Starcraft Travel Star 187TB is a virtual twin of the X18D and seems to price out 5-7000 dollars less! Try Schreck RV in Apollo, PA.
  • Campfire_Time's avatar
    Campfire_Time
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2013
    You didn't say how many people you need to accommodate. If you have more than 2 people you will not like the X17Z. We just traded our 2003 Kiwi 17A. It was great for 2 of us, but when our adult daughter went with us it was too small.

    Have you looked at the JayFeather X20E? I know its a tad longer than you want, but it has a slide and is really roomy. We looked at the 18D, very nice, but it was the slide on the X20E that sold us. Its also 4750# GVWR, well within your capacity. Our Trailblazer tows it beautifully.
  • dadmomh's avatar
    dadmomh
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2013
    So this time Chuck beat me to it!.....spend some time online at RV Wholesalers. You're in PA and OH is just a short drive. They are located in Lakeview, OH, just east of I-75 and a bit NW of Columbus. We just bought our second unit from them and have saved thousands....over $4000 on our '07 ROO 23SS and we didn't even calculate on our new TT....our TT had an MSRP of $33,000+ and we paid $20,000. But don't go by MSRP anywhere....there is always wiggle room. If you're looking at 17's - maybe 19's - check what they have in stock or on order. Floorplans in those sizes are generally pretty similar. If you don't see what you love, spec it out. They do not post prices, but you ask for a quote and they email you the price. No haggling over the price....that's what you pay. No surprises. We loved the fit and finish of our ROO and this time went with the Rockwood Ultra Lite TT. Equally pleased. BTW, we drove from West TN and still saved a bundle after expenses. You might also check with House of Camping in the Chicago area. Bikendan drove from northern CA to save a bundle on his ROO - their price actually beat RVW. Keep checking. ROOs are not as pricey as you think.
  • harmanrk's avatar
    harmanrk
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2013
    We went with a Solaire by Palimino earlier this year. I found it to be very well put together compares to some of the others we looked at.
  • Chuck_S's avatar
    Chuck_S
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2013
    Roo pricy? Where ya pricing them? RVWholesalers sells hundreds of them at low prices.

    -- Chuck
  • galexander's avatar
    galexander
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2013
    We just bought a 2013 Jayco X18D last month and we love it. Upgraded from a P/U. More room than we need but we felt that the X17Z was just a bit too small and would rather have the extra room. I have had Jayco's before and they are a well built camper, I can't see you going wrong with the Jayco. Only MHO. Good Luck in your decision. Ours weighs in at 3715 lbs.dry and GVW is 4,400 lbs.
  • Santa_Fe's avatar
    Santa_Fe
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2013
    We need to have three sleeping areas, hence why the X18D would be a nice fit.
  • poppin_fresh's avatar
    poppin_fresh
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2013
    I dont know how many you need to sleep, but I think you would be ok with an X18D. Yes, its a little heavier than the X17, but it has more cargo capacity too.

    I am towing a Starcraft 18SB with a Chevy Traverse which is around 3,000lbs empty and 3700 max. The Traverse is a V6 with a 5200lb rating and even in the hills here it does OK. Not a powerhouse, but decent.

    I would think your TV would be completely fine pulling slightly more weight than I have, knowing you have even more capacity.
  • real4u2c's avatar
    real4u2c
    Explorer
    Jun 13, 2013
    Partner, we own a 233s 2013 roo. Yes it did cost a bit, before we negotiated a better deal and yes it weighs 4200lbs dry, but those 3 queen size beds hold 1300lbs. each. Now I am a good size man, and that is a blessing. My son is 6'2", he doesn't have to duck indoors, and the shower still fits him. Strong frame, insulated. Ours is 26 feet closed up and with my ez wdht, can't complain. Very sturdy on rough terrain, not all places in va are paved, some are downright ugly. And our Roo doesn't squabble a bit. Just a thought

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