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summitpower's avatar
summitpower
Explorer
Jul 10, 2016

Want some opinions

Hey all, so this week we fixed the truck issue we had(1/2 ton v6 that wouldn't haul squat, went to 3/4 ton) now we are down to 2 trailers and cant decide.

1) Coachman freedom express liberty edition 320bhds
2) Jayco Jay Flight 32bhds

Any thoughts? Also we were originally looking at stuff around 6k pounds, now these both are around 7800, new tow capacity is 13k so I assume should pull like a breeze....

28 Replies

  • Summit,

    I mentioned in your truck thread about checking the axle ratings of the Coachman.

    We love the outdoor kitchen of our 32 BHDS!!! I don't use the stove top (probably never will) since we already had a grill and a Camp Chef Explorer 2 burner stove. But the fridge eliminated a cooler for us!!! And the sink is nice.

    Couple things about kitchen slides under the awning, if the fridge is in the slide there have been reports that the fridge doesn't work as well. But a couple fans to help the air flow in the back of the fridge helps a lot from what I have read!!! Also, check to see how close the awning is to the top of the slide. While pool noodles can protect the awning, it may be a pain to put them on and remove them on the top of the slide.

    Not sure about the Coachman, but we love having an entrance directly into the bathroom on our 32!!! With the slides in you can't access the bunk room, or the drivers side of the front bed unless you crawl over the bed. But you have full access to the fridge and all cupboards when the slide is in except the "hallway" wardrobe that is across from the bathroom door.

    Good luck!!!!
  • I would consider the Coachman 310 too.

    My reason for skipping the kitchen slide: I didn't like how much area it took under the awning. By the time the slide was all the way out it felt like there wasn't much room under the awning to hang out...which is where everyone tends to hang out.

    It is def. bad ass though having that much room. It's heavy though. 8K dry it claims.

    Outdoor kitchen is a must for me. Even if you don't cook out there, the fridge and sink is out there which will prove invaluable. Fridge serves as overflow for any food/condiments and the beer/pop. Anytime I cook, I use the outdoor stove. I hate cooking inside.

    Fiberglass sides are nice too. They are one solid piece with insulation between glued between. It's a solid assembly. It's amazing how well the heat says in when it's cold out. Aluminum is built like a house with studs and bat insulation between the walls. Also peek underneath. Make sure the undersides are enclosed and that they have "cold weather" package that ducts heat down there so the water lines don't freeze if you are camping and the temps dip below freezing.

    go to as many places to check out campers as you can. This time of the year they are willing to deal since most aren't looking for campers. I was able to play a couple dealers against each other and get a screaming deal. One dealer said "we don't haggle" so I said ok. Went to another and they sold the same camper but the model a step up. Plus it had more features like the TV included and electric tongue jack (a must) included...and it ended up being quite a bit less at the end of the day.
  • Stop and think about if you will use the extra Coachman features. Are you someone who wants to cook and grill outside? If not, you won't use the outside kitchen.

    Make sure the important features of either one are accessible if the slides are in. You want to be able to stop for a quick bathroom or lunch break without putting the slides out.
  • Neither will present any problems towing with your 3/4 ton tow vehicle. At least for me, of the two choices easily the Coachman wins out. Extra slide, island in kitchen, fiberglass exterior were what set the Coachman ahead. The Jayco unit is very nice as well and I believe has the 2 year warranty. Your new tow vehicle should provide a comfortable towing experience, I have a similar TV and get 8-11 mpg toting our 9K# TT all over the four corner states.
  • Wife loves both of them, the Coachman has a sofa that turns into a bed, nice outside kitchen, and a few other little things included, but its a few k more
  • We have had a coachmen and we currently have a jayco quest 324g and i think either would make an exelent rig but we have had our jayco for several years and it has ben great the entire time always very well mannered on the road in all conditions and very well put together. I wouldnt hesitate to go with another jayco. The main thing with either is that they have lay out and options that u want look at em again youll know the one when u see it.