Should we trade?

Update We bought the Jayco :) So far we are very pleased with it. Thanks again for all the helpful comments.

I would trade up and get a trailer with slides. We are seasonal also and started out with a used no-slides trailer to see if we liked camping all summer. The next year we traded it in on a new 2 slide trailer. Best decision we made. Ours is now 9 years old and have had no problem with it or any slide leaks. And for the first 6 years we left it onside in northern Wisconsin and Colorado and it went through heavy rain, snow, ice and now is in Arizona and goes through heat, sun and occasional rain. We take good care of it and keep up with maintenance and we have not had to replace anything including appliances or furniture.

Candie4749 wrote:
I checked average retail on NADA and the Coachmen is $9,800 Jayco $8,900 they were asking $10,500 for it.

Most likely he gave $5,000 for it on trade. I'd be reluctant to buy a trailer that old, as others have cautioned you on the parts. You just can't tell how "used" something is by just looking at it. Used trailers don't hold alot of value, and there are plenty to choose from.

And yes, 2000 lbs over your tow limit is dangerous and ill advised. Just because the distance is short or only once a year, doesn't mean you won't have an equipment failure or an accident. Look into having the dealer move it for you as part of the deal if you proceed - I'm sure he'd take it to a seasonal site for no extra cost. I'd store it at your seasonal instead of hauling it back and forth.

Good luck!

I checked average retail on NADA and the Coachmen is $9,800 Jayco $8,900 they were asking $10,500 for it.

Why don't you find the value of each TT with NADA?

Your the one who can do this the best as your familiar with the options each one has. Once you have this information, you can make a more informed decesion.

Would be interesting if you would post your findings.

Thanks Everyone for the comments you have given us a lot to think about this is a difficult decision for us. The dealer is telling me that Jayco Eagle really holds their value is that true? This unit is also 2000 lbs over the tow limit for our truck but we will only be pulling it to our seasonal site hope that will not harm anything.

midnightsadie wrote:
if your even up trading ? WHY A tax?? and most slides leak. just read all post on here about slides. if your staying put, get a small double wide house trailer.

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Up until this year Michigan demanded a 6% sales tax on sale price of a vehicle ( car-truck -RV etc...)didn't matter what the trade in was. I traded in a $12,000 Jayco toward our trailer and still had to pay the 6% sales tax on the new trailer price.
That has now changed. Only pay tax on the difference now.

BTW, I've had 2 trailers with double slides each and no leaks....
Happy trails,

Totally disagree that "most slides leak". The ones you read about are only the few, IMHO, that have a problem. How about a poll....we've had 2 trailers, both with slides, both with slide awnings and never a leak. Yes, maintenence is important....seal dressing. Next??

Personally, I would not make that trade.

1. As you pointed out: The 2004 Jayco Eagle is 7 years older than your 2011 Coachmen Catalina.

2. The 2004 Jayco Eagle is now 11 years old. How much longer will it be before it needs a new roof? What other things that look OK right now but will need fixing or replacing in the not to distant future? Air conditioner, water heater, other appliances, etc.?

I agree that going seasonal you will love having a slide and more room. If it was me though, I would not go older but as said, that is me. Good luck, hope it all works out for you.