ozarkkawi wrote:
getting back into camping and agonizing over TT choice. looking at 27-28' which ends up30+ I realize,bunks,sofa/dinette sleepers around 5500 UVW. I hate to make impulsive choices but wife is impulsive and ready to camp now. After trips to a few dealers and hours on the net,we like the KZ sportsmen 271bhle it "felt" like fit finish was as good or better that some others,the jayco and a passport model was also nice and in our budget. we really like KZ but I can't find many realworld testomonials. Any input or experience? Thanks a ton!!
We own a KZ so I suppose am qualified to comment. Do NOT ever go by the dry weights. Use the GVWR figures. Our 29' Spree (overall length) has a dry weight of about 5400 lbs but is almost at the 7K lb GVWR fully loaded for camping. If we were to tow with one full holding tank we'd be over the GVWR which is NOT good. Our Spree has an advertised cargo carrying capacity (CCC) of around 1500 lbs but by the time it's loaded with the usual "stuff" for camping plus you account for additional factory weight on top of the UVW that doesn't get included, you can have little CCC left. The standard LRC tires aren't that great - we got the optional Goodyear Marathon LRD tires.
Haven't looked at Jayco specs for quite a while, but I am pretty sure they use a BAL Ultraframe which is a LOT better than the commonplace Lippert ones. I'd buy a Jayco for that reason alone. KZ TTs have Lippert frame but they use a 3-piece welded I-beam that *looks* like a regular I-beam but flex a lot more and can lead to serious issues.
Both have a 2 year warranty. The dealer will make a big difference too and I would try and see if you can find out how good/bad they are. Many dealers are the latter. Thor bought KZ 2 or 3 years ago and they bought Jayco more recently. Thor is not known for excellence in quality, but most TTs have quality issues so choose wisely. Jayco has had a pretty good reputation from owners. I'm not impressed with KZ build quality ('nuf said 'cuz legally I can't say more).
If you were out west I'd say look at Nash, Outdoors RV & Lance for quality at the higher end of the scale. Assessing quality can be difficult, esp. with internet opinions. I'd maybe go to a campground and talk directly to some owners that have had their TTs for a while. Don't buy until you have done your due diligence and done all the research you can and don't go by looks and what a TT *feels* like.