Somerset vs Jayco

It's typically all about the floor plan, and what makes DW happy!:)

I'm sorry to say that I don't know much about the Somerset, but the Jayco typically has good reviews.

I'm sure that there will probably be some owners here, who can give you a better rating.

For what it's worth, I'd still suggest looking for a unit that is 3-4 years old, so that you get more value (taking depreciation into account), and typically, the problems have already been taken care of. You may not find any locally though, but it's just a thought.

Get the Jayco if you like the floorplan. That's my two cents.

I'd rather have plywood than press board/particle board.

Somerset, I believe bought the failing Coleman Pop Up line. I'd be cautious on this new owner as all previous owners have folded. I believe due to inherent design flaws in the Coleman line over many many years. I don't know how Somerset has changed the design if it's for the better or worse, but they are unproven, and rare around our parts. I've never seen one or even heard of anyone on the forums even owning one. Somerset is owned by the same company that owns A-liner but if this line is more trouble than it's worth, they could drop it.

I'd probably go with Jayco or StarCraft as they have been proven for years.

Flagstaff or Rockwood FTW

I've never seen a Somerset, but am within driving distance (hour or so) of Somerset, PA where the Coleman mfg was.

Do they have a showroom or anything? Might be an interesting trip.

Their factory is not at the same location. It's at 1297 Kecksburg Road, Mt Pleasant, PA 15666
Phone 724-423-7440 724-423-8485 (fax)

Google Maps didn't even have the address, but Yahoo did. It's at the Aliner Factory. Looks pretty scary to me!

Coordinates 40.184951,-79.463286

I'd go with Jayco - very reliable popup as I owned the 1206 back in the day. Never a lick of a problem and very comfortable as far as poups go. It helps with the lifetime warranties Jayco has on many of the components and you know Jayco will be around awhile!

Mike Up wrote:
I'd rather have plywood than press board/particle board.

Somerset, I believe bought the failing Coleman Pop Up line. I'd be cautious on this new owner as all previous owners have folded. I believe due to inherent design flaws in the Coleman line over many many years. I don't know how Somerset has changed the design if it's for the better or worse, but they are unproven, and rare around our parts. I've never seen one or even heard of anyone on the forums even owning one. Somerset is owned by the same company that owns A-liner but if this line is more trouble than it's worth, they could drop it.

I'd probably go with Jayco or StarCraft as they have been proven for years.

When FTCA in Somerset, PA went belly-up, a couple of key people who lost their jobs went to Columbia Northwest (Aliner) which is located about 25 miles west of Somerset, PA. FTCA sold all equipment and parts so nothing was left of the former company except people. These former Coleman trailer individuals knew both the product and the suppliers, so basically they started producing the "Somerset" trailers from a blank sheet. Many of the design flaws found in the later Coleman and FTCA trailers, were corrected and materials were upgraded. Several employees from the Coleman plant have since transferred to Columbia Northwest.

Presently the main problem is "success". Demand outstrips supply on both the Somerset and Aliner product line. More production is needed but it becomes a really a difficult business decision to invest in additional production facilities when the industry is just recovering from the worst RV sales slump in modern times. That is the main reason there are not more Somerset/Aliner dealers. In fact present sales are so good that you hardly ever find a completed unit at the factory (I am a retired engineer living seven miles from the CNW plant).

I personally do not have any direct camping experience with either the quality of Jayco or Somerset, but from what I hear from people working at the Columbia Northwest factory, its not for lack of interest or effort on part of both management and labor.