CPBIGGS wrote:
I don't know, he mentioned his pop up, unlike any I have heard of, has all of the comforts the big rigs have. I would like for him to respond with his make and model so I can research. One of the things I like best about my current pup is the ability to park in my own garage. If my wife and I can get everything we want in a pup, I wont have to move up to a TT.
After being on here a bit and reading Roy's posts, you will know that he loves his OFF-ROAD POPUP, so much so he loves to SHOUT this from the rooftops - every message. :D
You would notice from his signature that while he has the popup he appears to also have a 5th Wheel that looks something like this.

Maybe he is indeed mixing the comforts of the 5th wheel into his reply. Only he can say. ;)
CPBIGGS wrote:
...The main advice I am looking for is your experience with these brands. Especially quality of materials, workmanship and dealing with the respective companies. I understand each has their issues, just trying to decide which one to roll the dice with. Thanks for your input.
I have owned a Jayco Hybrid and can say that the quality was pretty much on par with the others you mentioned and did not mention. That said,I never had a day's worth of problems with the Jayco which I owned for 3 years. This present trailer, with the same build / workmanship quality was in the shop several times for radio and oven, both of which were replaced under warranty. Fit and finish among all RVs are about the same - average to mediocre. This must be your expectation or you will be sorely disappointed. As for the items that are included (not made by the trailer manufacturer) - their quality is only marginally better. My raido (Genesis / Concertone) had to be replaced because it just up and died one fine day. The oven on our Subruban sotve insisted on going out once temperature was reached. After must diagnosing and misdiagnosing and replacement of oven manifolds, they replaced the whole stove and oven. So far it appears to be working. So nothing wrong with the trailer itself, but the appliances might be another story. That is all I will say regarding quality.
That said we love our RV's floorplan and counter space, etc. You should look at it closer.
As others have said, with a 1/2 ton, payload is the limiting factor. Find out how much tongue weight you can handle with likely truck bed loading and then work backwards to see how much trailer you can pull. It will not be a 8900# trailer, I can assure you. Hint - I would not go higher than my trailer which maxes out at 7500# and I have slightly more towing capacity than your 8900#.