Forum Discussion

a_tack's avatar
a_tack
Explorer
Jul 24, 2014

Looking to purchase my first travel trailer

Hello everyone! I am relatively new to these forums, but this seems to be a good source for information. I am traditionally a pop-up camper guy, but am thinking of getting rid of my old Coleman Sedona and purchasing a brand new travel trailer. I am looking at two particular models from different manufacturers: a 2015 Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE and a 2015 Keystone Hideout 27DBS. I really like both models and they are both within payload and tow capacities for my vehicle. My issue is, according to each salesman, their brand is better for several reasons. The Jayco salesman basically says the Keystone is garbage and the Keystone salesman (who used to sell Jayco for the other dealer) says the Jayco is overpriced and not any better than the Keystone except for a longer warranty.

My question is, are there any significant structural or quality differences between the two brands? I'm not wanting a brand war as there are things we like about each unit. Both are within my price range, but one is a couple thousand cheaper than the other. Any insight on these two brands would be greatly appreciated!
  • a_tack's avatar
    a_tack
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    Thanks for all the responses! I might add that I've got a lot of experience with larger trailers, they just all belonged to family members. This will be the first one that will belong to me. I have also been eyeballing the Jay Flight 28BHS as it has everything we are looking for and will be a little more gentle on my truck than the other two models I mentioned. Thanks again!
  • travelnutz's avatar
    travelnutz
    Explorer II
    Jul 24, 2014
    Claims don't make an RV comfortable because words are free but actual independent testing is expensive and published results sure can verify it. It's you and yours that will be using the RV you choose not the bochure writer or the salesman. Most salesmen of RV's don't even own or use one but they are told what to say/tell you to get you to buy because if you don't buy from them, the salesman etc doesn't get his commission from YOUR wallet!
  • travelnutz's avatar
    travelnutz
    Explorer II
    Jul 24, 2014
    Living in Kentucky, I'd sure pay attention to the true insulation in any trailer I'd buy as there are vast differences. Not fun camping in a hot air leaking RV while having the A/C constantly running on high while noticing many others either don't need A/C or you notice they are on a low setting. Personal comfort is very important when camping/RVing. Look at certified/verified RV performance at 0F and 100F in a manufacturers brochure. Don't be lolly'ed by claims their RV's are insulated as that's a widely used "pull the rug over" on the buyer to mislead them. The actual differences in the real world use performance (the one you are in and will be using the RV in) are so vastly wide and varied. Don't be fooled!

    Yes, there are BIG differences in RV constructions and are you willing to find out the hard way with a cheap choice and the salesman's slippery words and claims? Do your indepth research and be smart and you'll be a happy camper!
  • boosTT's avatar
    boosTT
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    In general, IMO, Jayco's have a good reputation. I own a keystone and have had zero problems though. The 2 year warranty would be nice.
  • handye9's avatar
    handye9
    Explorer II
    Jul 24, 2014
    The one that will last the longest, is the one that is maintained the best. Doesn't matter who put it together. Keep up with routine maintenance and either trailer will do well. The higher price on Jayco, is paying for the longer warranty.

    Don't listen to the sales people, when they are talking about quality of other brands. Years back, I was considering a Starcraft and a Flagstaff. The Starcraft salesman, told me Flagstaff is garbage. Four years later, I was looking at trailers again. Went back to the same dealership, same salesman, and heard the exact opposite. They were now selling Flagstaff. I'm currently on my second piece of garbage and have had no problems with them.

    Remember, payload gets eaten up by anything added to the vehicle by dealer or consumer, people, cargo, weight distribution hitch, and trailer tongue weight, combined. When loaded up for camping, both trailers will require about 1000 lbs of payload. The Jayco having a gross weight over 9000 lbs, could require more.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    I, obviously (see signature), don't have one but it seems I see more Jayco's on the road than any other brand. The chances are they will stay in business for the foreseeable future. I like to do business locally so I can count on service.
  • Speedogomer's avatar
    Speedogomer
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    The keystone is a pretty basic, entry level camper. I looked at that same unit before I bought mine. My wife and I liked it, but the more we looked, we found others we liked better. I ended up with a keystone product anyways. There are a few minor build quality issues here and there... but so far nothing to ruin a camping trip. Nothing even to cause any concern at all.

    The only thing that's actually went "wrong" was the battery's ground wire wasn't attached well and came undone. There was a storm and our power went out, and suddenly we had no battery power. Easy fix by attaching the ground back to the frame.

    That said, I can't say much about Jayco. My family members have had a few Eagle 5th wheels that have been problem free.

    In the end, I feel Jayco may be a slightly better built product, however the differences shouldn't be night and day, and you should pick the trailer you like better.
  • Aluminum_Siding's avatar
    Aluminum_Siding
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    They are all the same basic structure, same appliances and are equally flimsy and cheaply built. You'll find corners cut on both. It comes down to your overall preference. For me it was the way the trailer sat (clearance) wheel stance as well as weight and perceived aerodynamics. I've always thought the Hideout is one of the prettiest trailers made. They always have the best color scheme and I love aluminum siding. My boss just went from a pop up to a trailer and he cant stop talking about how fast the set up and tear down compared to the pop up.
  • PAAK's avatar
    PAAK
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    Hello, its like Ford vs. Chevy, which one is better? I think they are both good looking TT, I looked at similar models before I settled on mine. I do like the longer warranty, that usually comes in handy. All TT will have some sort of defect in way or another. Choose the one that you like the best and that fits your needs. Cant wait to see some pics of it. Good luck.
  • Drew_K's avatar
    Drew_K
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    Jayco has a 2 year warranty compared to Keystone's 1 year. That's a pretty nice advantage to the Jayco. Beyond that, you really have to look at how they're constructed and compare the small details. LED lights? Size of water tanks (very important to me)? Built in stabilizer jacks? From a pure reputation standpoint, it seems like Jayco owners are happier with their units and that Jayco does a better job of standing behind their warranties.

    In the end, I don't see a huge difference between the two brands so I would make the decision based more on the layout and exact features of the two models, and then factor in the 2 year Jayco warranty.

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