Buying my first Tt

[srgallant]

I'm in the process of buying my first TT. Have done lots of camping in tents and had a pop up for years but now have 2 young kids. Want something to take the family to the east coast every summer for a 2-3 week trip and some week-end local trips.

Looking to start with something used first. Things go well perhaps we'll commit $$$ on something newer. Basic criteria I'm after is permanent beds for the kids room for my wife and I. So basically bunks in the back with a queen bed in the front.

Found a 2000 30' Jayco Eagle 304 BKS that fits the bill. Price is in a comfortable range for us. It's older so obviously I have check it over carefully. Looking for general opinions expressed on our plans?

Trailers dry weight is 4950# with a GVRW of 7600# apparently. Seems light but I'll check the tags before buying. Tow vehicle is a 2003 Yukon Denali XL. Rated for 8300#. 6.0L engine. Has a tranny temp gauge and cooler. I've already added Air lift air bags and put on load range E tires. I tow my 4500# jeep on a 2500# equipment float using a pintal hook. I don't anticipate loading the TT very heavy so it should be lighter than what I'm used to. It will be almost twice the length and will catch more wind though.

I'm assuming with a decent hitch I shouldn't have to much trouble. My car hauler with the pintal was awful until I got some practice getting the weight located properly. Needs a lot of tongue weight to be stable.

Trip I'm planning each summer is 1800 km (1100 miles) without any significant grades to deal with. Comments?

Steve

[EldIr]

You basically have a six year newer version of what I have. I like the trailer alot. When I was shopping, I had an older 1/2 ton Suburban with a 350 and didn't think I could find something this big within it's weight limits. The 300 Jayco is fairly light for it's size and had just the floorplan I had hoped for. I'm sure your family will be very happy with it.

[EcoHank]

Congrats on the 'new' TT.
when you replace the tires, it would be a good idea to replace wheel bearings with new fresh packed bearings, and new brakes if needed. This part of your trailer- where the trailer meets the road is your trailer lifeline, don't skimp on your safety.

[anaro]

Make sure if you haven't already, get a good wdh with integrated sway control like equal-i-zer or Reese dual cam. Also make sure you have a proportional brake controller (like prodigy p2 or p3) and not a time based controller. Enjoy your new to you trailer.

[rexlion]

Congrats on the 'new' TT. You're a man of action! Only 1 day after your OP.

[srgallant]

Thanks for the comments. Bought the trailer today and towed it home. Couple hour drive at hwy speeds with no issues. Tows better than my jeep and car hauler.

Not sure what the roof is but I climbed up and crawled under and couldn't find any soft spots or evidence of water damage. All in all for a 13 year old trailer it was in excellent shape. Tires need to be replaced but other than that it's ready to go...Well that and much bigger mirrors for the truck.

Steve

[Bumpyroad]

buy one with either a TPO or fiberglass roof, not rubber.
bumpy

[wannavolunteerF]

Eagles are Jayco's top of the line TT, so you should not have an issue with trailer if it has been maintained. check for leaks or past leaks carefully. On a real estate website, a comment was made that if a house smells like frou-frou candles or air freshners, then it is probably covering something up. I thought that was a great hint for used RV,s too. Use your nose to warn you of anything that is not right. If smells are just from being shut up or use, clean and put outside in the sun for a couple of days to help. (My previous TT smelled like cat (not urine, just cat) and closed up smell and everything went outside for a couple of days if it couldn't go through washer-- mattress, cushions, valances, etc and that made it smell fresh)

I agree with the others that you should be okay, if the weights advertised are right. You can check with Jayco, if you want to verify (or cant read the stickers on the trailer).

check out the fridge because I would guess that is the appliance that is most likely to give you problems. once you get it, clean, treat and caulk roof as soon as possible and you will have a good trailer to have lots of family fun.

[JaredWPhillips]

Sounds like you are on the right track. Being a 2000 model is not a problem, but just check the roof well. Most RV roofs have a 12-15 year warranty. Make sure everything is sealed well and the rubber is in good condition. Check inside for any sings of leaks; all along ceilings, inside cabinets and closets, etc.

RV tires - anything older than 5 years needs to be checked carefully.

[des04004]

If it checks out okay and the price is right, go for it! Your Yukon will handle that trailer easily.