Jayco vs Dutchmen vs Keystone

Thanks for all of the help. I ended up picking up the 2014 Jayco Jay Flight 32BHDS for $27162.11 out the door with the 14k# equal-i-zer hitch, 15k AC, Hide-a-bed, technology package, customer value package, power package, thermal package, electric stabilizers, aluminum wheels, roof ladder, etc. If I had waited and bought in the winter or bought back east, I might have gotten a better deal, but I think I did ok on the deal for the west coast.

OBX-GL wrote:

What i have learned so far is - all trailers are junk, just of varying degrees.

That's one of the best quotes I've heard in regards to trailers.

Dutchmen is now by Keystone, all about the same. My 2cents , the Jaycos ive been in have had some of the worst fit and finish ive ever seen.

I have been really happy with our Heartland. They are owned by Thor industries as many RV brands are. The Rv industry is kinda messed up that way, many brands/companies competing against one another under the same umbrella for the same piece of the pie. Haven't been able to figure out how it makes for a healthy industry yet. Good thing is some of the brands still operate somewhat independently under that umbrella and therefore have better than average customer service.

What i have learned so far is - all trailers are junk, just of varying degrees. Unless you find the golden nugget you will need service. If buying new manufacturer customer service would be my primary deciding factor along side finding a good dealer. If your not handy you will be needing someone you can trust not to screw you and who will go to bat for you. I haven't heard any conclusive argument for one brands form of construction being night and day better over the other so in the end do your research on customer service and dealer service and be handy.

I'll add Heartland has generally good rep. for customer service. Although i have had little go wrong on my trailer the time i did need them they really went all out and rushed parts through customs so as not to hold up my holiday. The nature of my problem was such they could have easily shirked their responsibility, they really stepped up.

I can only speak to the brand we've owned...we have a Jayco Eagle.

I will simply say it's been a very nice trailer that has served us very well. No issues/problems

Nunyadamn wrote:
So it sounds like Dutchmen is not the way to go. The Dutchmen dealer is really small and a the people I met were a little strange, so that may be a good thing to not buy from them. I did like the "sand" colors better than the Jayco, but the Dutchmen place wanted extra to order one with it.

Our Last Dutchmen was completely problem free and seemingly well built (thank god), however the dealer was totally horrible to deal with, I had ordered some extra stuff through them and between the lying and story telling I never got any of what I ordered or put a deposit down on.

Fast forward three years, we buy our current RV through a fantastic dealer, we had nothing but issued from day one with the unit, however every last thing was taken care of quickly and properly by the dealer. At least I've got piece of mind in the dealer. (most every problem we had was component related)

So it sounds like Dutchmen is not the way to go. The Dutchmen dealer is really small and a the people I met were a little strange, so that may be a good thing to not buy from them. I did like the "sand" colors better than the Jayco, but the Dutchmen place wanted extra to order one with it.

Of those three choices, I'd go with the Jayco.

My first 5er was a Dutchman. Bought new back in about 1999. That was the biggest POS that I have ever had. During the two years we owned it, it seemed to be in for repair more than with me.

I had the same experience with a brand new 2008 Dutchman 24ft trailer. I would never again own one.