Looking for comparisons/opinions.

[shoebox303]

Hi everyone. I'm pretty sure my wife and I have narrowed our search down to two models:

• Jayco Eagle 325BH
• Northwood Fox Mountain 335BHS

If you've seen my other threads, you'll know that we're a family of 4 (2 kids, 6 and 9) looking to live full time in the trailer for about 2 years in Utah, so cold weather protection is a big factor.

My wife has informed me that I need to consult with the experts, and that means you guys! Please let me know what your experiences are with these models specifically, or with these companies. Thanks, everyone!

[vandave]

We've had our 31U for ten years and not had one problem with it. Never been back to the dealer. Other than normal maintainence not a glitch. We use it about 4 months every year. They are a little on the high side of price and quite heavy. Good luck. We will be transitioning to a Class A since by bride of 50 years struggles to get in and out of our truck.

[GoPackGo]

One last thing. Order the new fiver instead of taking one off the lot. That way you can get all the options you want (paying special attention to any kind of arctic package, tank heaters, extra insulation). This will also insure you don't have to pay for things you don't want. I ordered my rig and it only took about 4-6 weeks (call the manufacturer and ask).

Also, the yearly model switch-over for my manufacturer was something like May. So ordering just after the switch date so you get a newer model can save you money down the line in depreciation costs. Another question to ask the manufacturer - not a dealer.

[GoPackGo]

Been reading posts on RV.Net for 3-4 years now. I generally pay attention to posts discussing anything about Northwoods Manufacturing and Arctic Fox.

Above all else, I have learned that what should be most important when buying is the quality of the product. And generally the words 'quality' and 'RV' are seldom used in the same sentence. The RV industry is way behind the automotive industry in this regard. WAY, WAY, behind. So my advice is to try and figure out which of those two manufacturers has the best build quality. Many very expensive problems can pop up long after the one or two year warranty runs out. Talk to the customer service departments of both. Ask if they allow warranty work to be performed by mobile mechanics.

Based on what I have read, if I were to buy another 5th wheel (or trailer) I would most likely buy a Northwoods product. I have not previously owned one.

I must stress that I've never owned anything made by Jayco but they generally seem to get good reviews.

Suggestion for you - do 2 searches on the 5th wheel forum, one for 'Arctic Fox' and one for 'Jayco'. See what people have to say.

Just my .02 opinion.

[srink]

For 4 living full time. Think Kitchen, counter space, Refrigerator, Lounge area, storage. Outside kitchen a waste for most of us. turning your head to watch TV is not comfortable.
For us, Larger Frig, more counter space, comfortable lounge area and storage.
Can't tell about storage but it looks like Jayco wins the others

[midnightsadie]

buy the one SHE likes you can,t go wrong. IF you by the other one,you,ll never here the end.

[2oldman]

Get the more expensive heavier one.

[laknox]

Just from what I've read here over the years, I'd go with the Northwood product over Jayco. Quality seems to be quite a bit better, overall, though Jayco isn't bad and does have the 2-year warranty. Biggest issue is going to be the fact that this is your =home= and any warranty work will almost certainly have to be done on-site. If one or the other company won't work with you on mobile service, then that makes your choice a bit easier. Now, if you encounter a truly major issue, this means that the rig is going to have to go back to the dealer, so which dealer do you like more? How fast are they going to fix it, or BE ABLE to fix it? You'll have to be in alternative housing while it's being fixed, too. A =huge= consideration, IMO. Going with the better-built rig (IMO Northwood) from the get-go, could save you hassles like this.

The Jayco =is= bigger, but how often do you think you'll use that outside kitchen? If almost never, then it's wasted space. Only real way to tell is to find one of each and take the whole fam-damily and spend 1-2 hours in each one and see what they say, =especially= the kids! 🙂

Lyle

[Nutinelse2do]

The Jayco appears to have more inside storage, and the television viewing angle is much better. Just seems to be more livable.

Skirting the front cap and sides will help with cold weather living, but you are still going to use a bunch of propane