Jayco 355mbqs vs Sierra 372lok

[CampingN_C_]

Going to look at the Sierra tomorrow and the Jayco later in the week. Obviously by my signature I'm partial to Jayco as we're on our third unit. Plus, the Jayco matched the TV 😄
Has anyone looked at both? They look virtually identical going by pics and vids. Any key differences between the two?
Insight from current owners would be appreciated.

Also, what are the opinions on the residential refers ? Do they run on the onboard inverter ok?

[Rangerman40]

We looked at the 372LOK but wasn't a huge fan of the interior space lost for an outdoor kitchen we wouldn't use often. Ended up with an Avalanche 365MB and love it so far!

[ThreeEs_and_One]

Leveling the coach out is always a chore. One of the reasons I'm looking to upgrade as well, auto-leveling. Thanks for the info on the rear wall. That is telling. I found an Eagle TT that has what we're looking for in the fifth wheel. So many choices.

[CampingN_C_]

One thought I had about the outside kitchen on the Sierra, and maybe someone can chime in. With the extra height of the 5er, if you have a nose low site it could make using that sink somewhat difficult. I've ran into that before with our current TT.

[CampingN_C_]

We looked at the Jayco Saturday and spent around 45 mins in it with the kids. DW says she can't find anything wrong with it.....:h

As with most Jaycos (IMO) the quality difference is felt when you walk in. The back wall of the Sierra flexes with my hand, not the same construction as the side walls. More belly storage with the Jayco and I like the hard rubberized floor in the compartment. The Jayco has a true gel coat finish, not sure what type the Sierra is.

However, like you said, with the Jayco I lose the outside kitchen basically. No source of water on the door side. I wear my outside sink out when we're camping, mostly just washing my hands. I do ALL of our cooking outside.
If we trade it'll be for the Jayco though for sure.

It's my understanding that the Sierra and the Sandpiper are the exact same unit. Someone feel free to correct me. I think they're OK and I haven't read a ton of negative on them. We just prefer the Eagle.

[ThreeEs_and_One]

Hey Camping_NC, looks like we're in the same boat! We did a three week trip this summer in our 2015 Jayco 32BHDS and DW made the comment that more fridge space would be nice to have. I stumbled on the 372LOK and am looking hard at it. I too prefer Jayco, as you pointed out the warranty is nice. What I like about he Sierra/Sandpiper is the larger outdoor kitchen. We do most of our cooking outside and having a faucet to wash hands etc is a must have for us.

What have you heard on Sierra/Sandpiper's construction?

[CampingN_C_]

Looked at the Sierra today. Nice camper but I guess we've become picky. DW says there no usable counter space with outlets for coffee pots, crock pots etc. She's actually right, there isn't. The Jayco addresses those issues so we'll see on Saturday.
That floor plan is very nice though !!

[Sandia_Man]

Should not be a problem running residential fridge off inverter while going down the road as long as you intend to have shorepower at your next destination. With no plans to dry camp, having somewhat depleted batteries upon arrival is not really an issue.

Both models above do have their similarities but there is enough differences between the two that it will boil down to personal preference. Either would be a good choice, although the Jayco 2 year warranty could come in handy as you described above. Enjoy your new 5er!!!

[SanMarMor]

I don't own either, but I'll give you an observation I have from looking at the floor plans. I have a problem with most trailers made today, with how few windows they put in them. Most have massive entertainment centers sitting next to the kitchen, and there are no windows on the driver side. I wouldn't want to be in a box without windows. Our trailer has many big windows on all sides. Not being able to see out of one side of a trailer would bother me. (OK, I may be a little nosey)

The Jayco is like this, with basically no windows on the driver side. This may not be a big issue for you, but it would be for me.

Mark

[CampingN_C_]

We do little to no dry camping. I'm just concerned about running the frig on trips. Our Disney trip last week was 10 hours.

As far as weights, I know I'll be over my GVWR, I'm OK with that. I should be well under the RAWR.

Jayco's second year of warranty has saved me on several things, including a new roof.

[Second_Chance]

Looking at the specs on the Jayco, the loaded pin weight will likely come in between 3,000 and 3,200 lbs. If you haven't loaded your truck (hitch, fuel, people, stuff) and put it on the scales, you may be over the ratings on the rear axle and/or tires. Something to think about.

Residential refrigerators require a hefty battery bank to operate for any length of time on an inverter - plus generator and/or solar panels to recharge. We full-time with a 12 cu. ft. RV frig and do OK.

Last I heard, Jayco was the only manufacturer in the business with a two-year warranty.

Rob

[IdaD]

The fridge thing really depends on how you camp. We're off grid most of the time so I personally wouldn't want one. Being back east you're probably going to find yourself in campgrounds more frequently and if that's the case maybe the extra space would be worth it. We have done some longer vacation type trips as opposed to camping trips and I can understand wanting the extra space in that scenario. There are five of us and we can burn through a camper fridge/freezer of food pretty quickly.