2008 Summit by Thor vs. 2008 Jayco Jayflight??

[JRLoppelt]

We're first time buyers of a TT and are considering either a

2008 29' Summit by Thor

https://bend.craigslist.org/rvs/4983266575.html


or a


2008 28' Jayco Jayflight

https://bend.craigslist.org/rvs/5011720405.html



Any wisdom to pass onto us?

Thanks!

(If you copy and paste the the link it will show the Craigslist ad for the the trailers we are considering, if anyone feels inclined to give us their input we'd be grateful!)

[JRLoppelt]

Ok, we're looking at both trailers this morning, we're taking everyones thoughts and advice into consideration!

Thanks to all!

[Mike_Up]

I had a Jay Flight built in 2008 and it had a lot of issues. That was back when the RV industry got hit hard and they were downsizing their labor force and/or closing shops. Jayco owns Starcraft and closed them down for good in 2008. Now they brought the Starcraft name back but their campers are just clones of Jayco models with slight modifications.

Jayco does have 1st class customer service, second to none, and corrected all my issues happily. My new 2012 Jay Flight has been excellent with only a few minor issues.

I personally would stay away from any camper built around 2008 - 2009 as that was the time period that the RV industry was going down the road to bankruptcy or merging together. Not a good time for quality.

**P.S. Went and looked at your link to the Summit. I would never consider that camper. It's a laminated trailer meaning smooth fiberglass(filon) skin glued to thin backer, glued to foam insulation and sporadic framing (either wood or aluminum), glued to decorative inner wall backer(wall paper). IMO, this is a disposable camper and being it's 7 years old already, maybe not many years left. I'd definitely choose a stick and tin camper (aluminum siding) over a laminated camper.

Also you always have to do a very thorough inspection on any camper to make sure neglect didn't damage it along with other causes of damage. I'd make sure some yearly caulking maintenance was done so that there isn't water damage. I'd check for soft floors and soft walls. I'd also check the roof for bad spots especially around the air conditioner which can be a common area.**

Good luck.

[Dakota98]

The reason there is not much information regarding the Summit is because it was marketed by Thor industries, a large parent company producing several lines of Rv's & of which produced the Summit from 2006 through 2008 models years only. It became MVP RV beginning with the 2009 models & no longer part of Thor Industries.

The Summit appears to me to be a very high end TT & depending upon your use has some great features including the aluminum construction, heated tanks, ducted air etc.

I think it boils down to, as always, the condition of each unit & floor plan you prefer.

On another note, The Craig's List add for the Jayco says warranty not included with listed prices. I would carefully consider the add on cost of that available warranty & any applicable deductibles. I rather doubt it's worth the cost.

[JRLoppelt]

Thanks for the all the responses so far!
I'll ask more questions regarding the Warranty, if it is truly transferable than it'll be hard to walk away from the used price WITH the protection...the Thor does offer more space and a better floorplan, and STORAGE (we've got 4 kiddos ages 4 and under!) however, there is not a lot of info out there about that particular one.

[APT]

8 yr old RV means the better one is based on how well each was maintained. Water especially can be costly to repair because it can often not be located until damage is quite severe. Assuming both are outstanding condition, then pick the better floorplan.

[Kennedycamper]

Jayco does make a good trailer.

[Iraqvet05]

Love our Jayco but I'd question that "elite coverage" warranty. Who covers the warranty, what is covered and is it transferable?

[CampingN_C_]

I can't speak about the Thor but you can't go wrong with the Jay Flight. There are thousands of that particular model up and down the road across the U.S.