Forum Discussion

JRRNeiklot's avatar
JRRNeiklot
Explorer
May 23, 2015

Help choosing trailer

So, I'm about to purchase a new (to me) trailer and could use some help. It's just going to be me, perhaps my 87 year old mother occasionally, or possibly a hunting buddy once in a while. So, no more than two people at any given time. I've narrowed it down to 3 choices:

2012 Salem Cruise Lite 26BHXL - $11,800, 41 months remaining on USA Travel Care Platinum Warranty

2010 KZ Sportsman S240FB - $10,000

2011 Jayco Jay Flight 22 FB - $10000 -


I've also looked at a "gently used" 2015 Forest River Grey Wolf 25RL - $14,900, but that's more than I want to spend, I'm looking to keep it under 10k if possible.

Since the price is similar - and listed price before haggling - which of the three above would you recommend? I don't really have any use for the bunk beds in the Salem, but the warranty is nice.
The KZ has a lot of added features - outside shower,brand new electric tongue jack,,hidden safe, new Dish tailgaiter,receiver,cable and hdmi splitter.The camper has 2 brand new tvs wired hdmi and wired through the basement to watch TV outside. Also Draw tight stabilizer hitch and new swaybar. It does have "some hail dings on the front and one side that are only cosmetic", according to the owner. This one is also about a 3.5 hour drive away.

Anyway, I welcome any advice anyone has on either of these units, on whether or not the prices are justified, or just general feedback on the manufacturers.

Thanks in advance.

6 Replies

  • Is that KZ of the vintage that used the TPO that was felt backed and was problematic?
    bumpy
  • Given your info....I would choose the KZ. It may have better construction, you like the features + not a bunkhouse. you dont need BH
    for 2 people. JayFlight is very entry level + we have personally had a piece of Jayco junk. good luck!
  • To help you decide on what RV to buy you could go to www.rvknowhow.com and read Joe and Vicki’s suggestions and/or download their e-book `RV Buyers Homework’, which walks you through the process of choosing the best RV for your needs, selecting the right floor plans and features, determining the RV’s cargo-carrying and towing capacities and evaluating its livability. (Nov-Dec Highways, pg. 21)
    RVtravel.com and the Better Business Bureau have a DVD that covers the same subject
    (http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=710&m=2) and Chuck Woodbury has an ebook with similar advice.
  • Buying used be sure the refrigerator, the air conditioning and the furnace work.

    Turning the refrigerator on for a few hours does not tell you much except that the freezer works. The refrigerator takes a long time to cool down.
    Most of the time we use our bunks for much needed storage. If you plan on using it for long trips that is wonderful.
  • Tvov's avatar
    Tvov
    Explorer II
    I don't have particular ideas about those TTs, but just wanted to tell you to double check the size of beds. A lot of the "bunks" in TTs are short for me. I'd lean more towards getting one of the TTs that has a convertible couch or dinette that drops to a bed, as many times that makes a longer bed than a bunk.

    Hope this helps!