Our 2007 30' Jayco Featherlite didn't make it home from our Alaska trip... so the search is on for a new one.Looked at some new ones and decided we still need one similar size (up to 32' total). Excursion 7.3L diesel tow vehicle (but we dread the day it dies)...We are looking at 'gently' used, and have narrowed it down to a few we've seen online, that are 'gently' used. All have the layout we like, so which brands are best, or anything I should know!?!?!We prefer the look of fiberglass but some of these are aluminum, should we stick to fiberglass?Want to pay under $30k. These are some available:-1. 2016- 28' Radiance- Touring Bunkhouse- R-28BHIK- Travel Trailer by Cruiser RV $25k, barely used. has a kitchen island unlike others and 2 slides, so slightly heavier but looks good.2.2020 Coachmen Travel Trailer RVCATALINA LEGACY EDITION 263BHSCK $30k3.2018 Dutchmen Travel Trailer RVCOLEMAN LANTERN 285BH. $30k with some extras inc.ALSO, HOW TO KNOW IF I BIKE RACK CAN BE ADDED TO IT? THANKS

I prefer aluminum sided trailers for several reasons which includes not fading like the fiberglass trailers.My preferred mfg is Nash / Arctic Fox.Bill

Trackrig wrote:I prefer aluminum sided trailers for several reasons which includes not fading like the fiberglass trailers.My preferred mfg is Nash / Arctic Fox.Billok thankshad a quick look, hard to find those brands for sale, or if they are they are 10 years old and $35k! Prices are crazy now.. it wasn't a good time to lose our TT!

jukes wrote:Trackrig wrote:I prefer aluminum sided trailers for several reasons which includes not fading like the fiberglass trailers.My preferred mfg is Nash / Arctic Fox.Billok thankshad a quick look, hard to find those brands for sale, or if they are they are 10 years old and $35k! Prices are crazy now.. it wasn't a good time to lose our TT!Give it until October and you'll see those same models fall within your budget. Used prices are still a little silly right now but coming down.

So sorry for your trouble that is having you look for another unit. We have had both Al. and Fg. walled units, 9 - 12 years each, now 14 years with no intent to change. no preference except FG walled units can be repaired for minor damage. Paint fading and graphics cracking is a common issue after a few years. 2 1/2 " hail did not damage either walls, did knock out roof vents and such. Do not focus on the exterior so much, rubber roof Fg or Al walls will do you well, with about the same amount of maintenance and ageing issues. its the other quality build that is critical to a unit that gives value and sale interest Better quality units cost more.

Coachmen is owned by Forest River, one of the two biggest RV conglomerates.Dutchmen/Coleman and Cruiser RV are owned by Thor Industries, the other biggest RV conglomerate.Both corporations are primarily profit-driven, and don't have reputations for building products of exceptional quality.Some of their stuff is OK, and some of it is pretty bad.Trackrig wrote:My preferred mfg is Nash / Arctic Fox.They have a lot of loyal fans.One common denominator among all the brands with the best reputations for quality is that they are NOT owned by the big RV conglomerates.They're all made by relatively small, mom-and-pop outfits.The sole exception might be Airstream, which is owned by Thor.

Known pros/cons these brands? | Good Sam Community

LadyRVer
Explorer II
Jul 07, 2022
I have had Forest River products, some OK, some not. Also a Dutchmen, it was OK.

My only thought is an island kitchen.. if you use the trailer going down the road (like I do) usually an island kitchen blocks access to some parts of the trailer. Personally, I would want to see it all closed up to see if I can use the sections I want.

I was in severe weather a couple of years ago. Had to pull the super slide in and stayed in for 3 days.
I was able to use all parts of the fifth-wheel.

Good luck in your new search and sorry for your loss.
Skibane
Explorer II
Jul 07, 2022
Coachmen is owned by Forest River, one of the two biggest RV conglomerates.

Dutchmen/Coleman and Cruiser RV are owned by Thor Industries, the other biggest RV conglomerate.

Both corporations are primarily profit-driven, and don't have reputations for building products of exceptional quality.

Some of their stuff is OK, and some of it is pretty bad.

Trackrig wrote:
My preferred mfg is Nash / Arctic Fox.

They have a lot of loyal fans.

One common denominator among all the brands with the best reputations for quality is that they are NOT owned by the big RV conglomerates.

They're all made by relatively small, mom-and-pop outfits.

The sole exception might be Airstream, which is owned by Thor.
SDcampowneroper
Explorer
Jul 07, 2022
So sorry for your trouble that is having you look for another unit.
We have had both Al. and Fg. walled units, 9 - 12 years each, now 14 years with no intent to change. no preference except FG walled units can be repaired for minor damage. Paint fading and graphics cracking is a common issue after a few years.
2 1/2 " hail did not damage either walls, did knock out roof vents and such.

Do not focus on the exterior so much, rubber roof Fg or Al walls will do you well, with about the same amount of maintenance and ageing issues. its the other quality build that is critical to a unit that gives value and sale interest
Better quality units cost more.
propchef
Explorer
Jul 06, 2022
jukes wrote:
Trackrig wrote:
I prefer aluminum sided trailers for several reasons which includes not fading like the fiberglass trailers.

My preferred mfg is Nash / Arctic Fox.

Bill

ok thanks
had a quick look, hard to find those brands for sale, or if they are they are 10 years old and $35k! Prices are crazy now.. it wasn't a good time to lose our TT!

Give it until October and you'll see those same models fall within your budget. Used prices are still a little silly right now but coming down.
jukes
Explorer
Jul 06, 2022
Trackrig wrote:
I prefer aluminum sided trailers for several reasons which includes not fading like the fiberglass trailers.

My preferred mfg is Nash / Arctic Fox.

Bill

ok thanks
had a quick look, hard to find those brands for sale, or if they are they are 10 years old and $35k! Prices are crazy now.. it wasn't a good time to lose our TT!
Trackrig
Explorer II
Jul 06, 2022
I prefer aluminum sided trailers for several reasons which includes not fading like the fiberglass trailers.

My preferred mfg is Nash / Arctic Fox.

Bill

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