Need 5th wheel advice and input

[stugpanzer]

We have had a couple TT's and now we are in our second Class A but are looking at a couple Jayco 5th wheels to size down into.

The two models we are looking at are:
2018 JAYCO EAGLE HT 28.5RSTS (preferred)
2018 JAYCO EAGLE HT 27.5RLTS

Heavily leaning towards the RSTS as it has more storage.

I have a 2005 Ford F250 Crew Cab truck with the 6.0l diesel so I am well within my limits to pull either one since both are designed for 1/2 tons.

I would like input on those that specifically own Jayco products, good, bad and otherwise. I am also looking for input on the actual hitch. My truck has the short 6.75 bed so possibly a slide hitch but not interested in manual.

I am a newb on the 5th wheel concept so be gentle! LOL

Thanks!

[stugpanzer]

Thanks all for the great input!

[JIMNLIN]

I am also looking for input on the actual hitch. My truck has the short 6.75 bed so possibly a slide hitch but not interested in manual.

I am a newb on the 5th wheel concept so be gentle! LOL

Someone needs to downsize their clicky attempt !!

You may not need a sliding hitch if those 2018 5th wheel trailer have the rounded/notched front corer profile.
See your trailer dealer or mfg for their input on your particular short bed Ford.

Check out The PullRite Superlite series or the same design Andersen Ultimate 20k hitches.

[valhalla360]

Pick the one that has the layout you prefer (assuming similar price and condition).

I wouldn't count on a 3/4ton being good...probably but check the actual ratings. 1/2 ton trucks can often pull 10000lbs but usually (not always) can't support the pin weight of a 5th wheel. The diference is a bumper pull is usually 10-12% of the trailer weight on the ball. With a 5er, the pin weight is typically 20-25%... so while the engine can drag it, the suspension can't hold it (this assumes you want to stay within manufacturer ratings).

[laknox]

stugpanzer wrote:
We have had a couple TT's and now we are in our second Class A but are looking at a couple Jayco 5th wheels to size down into.

The two models we are looking at are:
2018 JAYCO EAGLE HT 28.5RSTS (preferred)
2018 JAYCO EAGLE HT 27.5RLTS

Heavily leaning towards the RSTS as it has more storage.

I have a 2005 Ford F250 Crew Cab truck with the 6.0l diesel so I am well within my limits to pull either one since both are designed for 1/2 tons.

I would like input on those that specifically own Jayco products, good, bad and otherwise. I am also looking for input on the actual hitch. My truck has the short 6.75 bed so possibly a slide hitch but not interested in manual.

I am a newb on the 5th wheel concept so be gentle! LOL

Thanks!

The 27.5RLTS was #2 on my short list. DW and I went to look at one and her first question, within 90 seconds, was "where's the pantry"? I'd never twigged to that and, despite having been in one a couple times before, I totally missed it. The KZ Durango 1500 D284RLT, a very similar floorplan, =might've= had more space, but I was never able to see one to be sure. Just so you know, the main reason the Jayco was #2 was the fact that I'd lose 13 gallons of black tank capacity and, since we do at least 1 boondocker a year, that really was a huge deal for me. In the end, we ended up with the KZ 277RLT, which has a =large= pantry. :B I'm not really a fan of the island kitchen, but =she= likes it, which is what counts.

Lyle

[Addy15]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

stugpanzer wrote:
I have a 2005 Ford F250 Crew Cab truck with the 6.0l diesel so I am well within my limits to pull either one since both are designed for 1/2 tons.

Anyone trying to tow that with an F150 is NUTS ! The gross weight is over 10,000 lbs.

Actually, that would depend on which F150 you have. If you just special ordered a brand new 2018 F150 Eco-boost with max tow and max payload capacity (2500+ lbs), you just might have all the power you need to pull that trailer...

[Addy15]

If I were considering between those two, I would go for the 28.5. I just looked at some pictures of that floor plan at a dealer we are considering and it looks nice and bright inside. There are a couple of reasons I like it better than the 27.5. First, regarding the windows, there actually is a window in the stove alcove, so that does give you windows on all sides. The huge windows on the dinette side are very nice. Second, there is a coat closet as you enter -- definitely on my wish list. Also, it might seem like a small thing, but something I consider -- I like that there is a countertop right next to the stove, where there is not in the 27.5.

If I didn't have length limitations due to a desire to double tow a boat, we would definitely be looking at that 28.5. As it is, we are looking at the 26.5RLDS.

P.S. Just in case you might be interested in looking at another brand, we are also looking at two Winnebago floor plans which are very similar. The Minnie Plus line -- 27RLTS and 27REOK.

[nayther]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

stugpanzer wrote:
I have a 2005 Ford F250 Crew Cab truck with the 6.0l diesel so I am well within my limits to pull either one since both are designed for 1/2 tons.

Anyone trying to tow that with an F150 is NUTS ! The gross weight is over 10,000 lbs.

New 1/2 ton trucks are rated to tow in excess of 10k. Not that I would do it either but per the mfr. you can.

https://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/features/Capability/f150-towing-capacity/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1b3HkdPq2gIVkIRpCh29VwC3EAAYASAAEgKMzfD_BwE&searchid=757864944%7c45440575368%7c344851204683%7c&s_kwcid=AL!2519!3!237920092730!e!!g!!2018%2520ford%2520f150%2520towing%2520capacity&ef_id=WoMUAQAAAvF8CGdN:20180503230227:s

I know it's sales propaganda but that's what's going on.

[theoldwizard1]

stugpanzer wrote:
I have a 2005 Ford F250 Crew Cab truck with the 6.0l diesel so I am well within my limits to pull either one since both are designed for 1/2 tons.

Anyone trying to tow that with an F150 is NUTS ! The gross weight is over 10,000 lbs.

[Njmurvin]

I can't comment on the Jayco as I haven't owned one. As for your hitch question, I have the Pullrite Superglide and love it. I never have to think about trailer to cab contact. Given that you're looking at new trailers, it is possible that their kingpin locations and shape of the front caps give you enough clearance to go with a fixed hitch. It would definitely be worthwhile checking that out.

[bluie5]

So far we are very happy with our Eagle HT. I use an Andersen rail mount hitch with my short bed Ford. It’s light weight for easy in easy out. A lot less expensive than an auto slider.

[DutchmenSport]

I personally like the 27.5 better than the 28.5.

Looking at the floor plans, the 28.5 has the center island and kitchen in one slide.

The 27.5 has the kitchen along the interior wall and no island. That means ... you have 3 sides with all windows!

Having a camper with dual slides and windows on all sides, even facing forward windows in the slides, that gives such a feeling of openness when your lounging or watching television, or simply just watching out the window, it's fabulous.

The unit with the kitchen in one slide out has no windows. I've been in units (trailers and 5ers) with kitchens in the slide, and all of them seem claustrophobic to me. You have windows on only one 2 sides then, not all 3, a complete 360 panorama view of the outside.

This is my opinion.

Apart from that, I think both trailers are equal. And fyi, there is no "perfect" manufacturer. There are all ... "Good, bad, and ugly" at the same time.... all of them. Do a thorough inspection of the unit before signing the dotted line. My vote, the 27.5!

[ford_truck_guy]

I have 3 friends that have Jayco's and all are happy, noe are the Eagle HT, but the plain Eagle.

I TRULY believe that a good dealer will make a decent RV better, and a bad dealer will make a bad RV worse . .

[md_procouple]

If your looking for a 5'er check out the Montana's. We had a Jayco Camper for 5 years, and "graduated" to a 5'er 4 yrs ago. pull it with a 2006 F-350. Good Luck and Happy Camping !!

[in5r]

We have the 28.5rsts and have been happy with it.