Forum Discussion

bernercamper's avatar
bernercamper
Explorer
Feb 03, 2018

Ready to buy a hybrid but which one and how?

EDITED to slope of driveway - I actually have no idea what the slope is because I think I threw out the paper with the calculations! Oops! I think 21 degrees might be right.

Hello, I posted a couple times this past summer when we were trying to figure out tow vehicles... I’m on my 3rd iteration and going slow, learning before buying. But we are eager to camp this spring! I wonder if y’all would help me with some questions?

Right now we have our 07 expedition with the hd tow package. I know payload is going to be my main challenge. Dh and I have 8 kids but realistically we’re planning to camp with the four youngest who are currently 4 to 11. The oldest are teens and beyond. They are planning to travel separate and tent camp if they join us.

So a couple posts ago it was recommended that we look at hybrids. I’m finally there and realize this the the way we have to go to get the beds we need. I’ve narrowed it down to a few Rockwood roos and the Jayco x23b. So how does one purchase without any dealers in my part of the state carrying them? We probably prefer a 2-3 yo one but would buy new if it made the most sense. We’ve talked about driving to one of the internet sellers. I’m not sure how to go about this process! Without paying msrp.

I also like the Jayco x254 but I think it’s too much camper for us to get in the driveway. Which brings me to my next question. How to get it up a driveway with a 21 degree incline? I don’t know anyone with a tt to test it. Yes I will look for cheap offsite parking but for dh this is a dealbreaker - he only wants to park it at home if we do this. If we can’t park at home he’ll buy a pop up and I’ll stay home. :(

I read about flipping the axles and larger diameter tires. Does anyone know which hybrids have the most clearance? And are there other hybrids or tt you’d recommend I look at?

We’re so close to doing this! But the fear of the unknown is stopping me.
I would appreciate any advice!
  • Ralph_Cramden's avatar
    Ralph_Cramden
    Explorer II
    Feb 03, 2018
    bernercamper wrote:


    Right now we have our 07 expedition with the hd tow package. I know payload is going to be my main challenge.

    to go to get the beds we need. I’ve narrowed it down to a few Rockwood roos and the Jayco x23b.


    Personally I do not get the "beds we need", and then mention of the X23B which is a two bunk hybrid? Also with the X23B to use the front bunk you have to crawl over the dinette. I would assume you would be better off with the X23E or X23F. The 23F may still be able to be found on lots as its discontinued. As far as your TV be wary of the published weights, especially in regards to hitch weights. With either the Roo's or the Jayco you're looking at a realistic hitch weight of approaching 900 lbs minimum

    bernercamper wrote:
    So how does one purchase without any dealers in my part of the state carrying them? We probably prefer a 2-3 yo one but would buy new if it made the most sense. We’ve talked about driving to one of the internet sellers. I’m not sure how to go about this process! Without paying msrp.


    With either the ROO/Flagstaff 233S or the Jayco. In real numbers without muddying it up with trades, taxes and fees, if you pay more than $20/21K with all options you left money on the table.
    Getting pricing to use from RVW or RVOne to use in negotiations is one thing, actually buying from them is another. RVone completely disappears after the sale, and RVW pricing comes with caveats such as you must use their financing to get the quoted price. I know the Campers Inn locations in GA do not carry the Roo Hybrids. They're hard to deal with regardless, they basically suck.

    I would look at Keystone Mega RV Center in Greencastle PA, probably 650 miles from you. They're a great dealer and have great pricing on the Flagstaff Shamrocks. They will beat or match RVW.



    bernercamper wrote:

    Which brings me to my next question. How to get it up a driveway with a 21 degree incline? I don’t know anyone with a tt to test it.
    I read about flipping the axles and larger diameter tires. Does anyone know which hybrids have the most clearance? And are there other hybrids or tt you’d recommend I look at?


    I don't see a transition to a 21 degree slope a huge issue with either, at least nothing that can't be overcome by using a ball mount with the lowest drop possible without scraping when putting it in the driveway, and maybe a plank or two at the transition. I think your worrying over nothing here.

    The Jayco axles are already slung under the axles. The Roo has Dexter Torflex #10's and Dexter makes a lift bracket that will increase ride height 2.63". Its not recommended though becuase on the Roo's the axles are already mounted with 3" high profile brackets. You could always have a shop make alterations but that comes with a whole host of other issues it creates that I won't get into.

    I believe you'll run into clearance issues going to larger tires on the Jayco, and know you will on a Roo. The clearance between tires on a Roo is about 1-1/2".
  • chrispitude's avatar
    chrispitude
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2018
    Jayco now has an X23E three-bed hybrid, which is a roomier successor to the very popular X23F:

    https://www.jayco.com/products/travel-trailers/2018-jay-feather/x23e/
  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2018
    bernercamper wrote:

    So a couple posts ago it was recommended that we look at hybrids. I’m finally there and realize this the the way we have to go to get the beds we need. I’ve narrowed it down to a few Rockwood roos and the Jayco x23b. So how does one purchase without any dealers in my part of the state carrying them? We probably prefer a 2-3 yo one but would buy new if it made the most sense. We’ve talked about driving to one of the internet sellers. I’m not sure how to go about this process! Without paying msrp.

    first, the Roo has a twin brand, the Shamrock, though i find it hard to believe that are no Roo, Shamrock or Jayco dealer in Georgia.

    second, you should get quotes from RVW and RV Direct. RVW has some of the best prices on the Roo, while RV Direct has some of the best prices on Roo, Shamrock and Jayco hybrids. use those quotes to shop around.

    third, are you sure you want a hybrid, they aren't for everyone. most hybrid owners are former popup owners. they love the canvas but wanted more amenities. so they understand the pros and cons of hybrids.

    I read about flipping the axles and larger diameter tires. Does anyone know which hybrids have the most clearance? And are there other hybrids or tt you’d recommend I look at?

    i know the Roo/Shamrock hybrids have torqflex axles, which can't be flipped. you can have spacers installed to raise the frame. don't know about Jaycos but suspect they have the same type of axles.


    a 3 bed hybrid does make perfect sense for a family of 6 but if you've never owned a popup, the canvas tent ends may not be your cup of tea.
    we owned our Roo for 10 years and loved it. but we had previously owned two popups.

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