Help - Sunset Trail by Crossroads or the Jayco WhiteHawk

[mlayton]

We are narrowing our choices for a bunkhouse unit. Still need to see the KZ's but are really impressed with the Jayco WhiteHawk and the Sunset Trail ST290QB. We actually had narrowed the Jayco's to the WhiteHawk and went back to peek and see if we wanted to make the trek to see any KZ's, the salesman showed us the Sunset trail and we were really impressed - and torn. No 2 yr warranty but it had the vinyl/faux leather interior which I liked since it can be wiped (2 kids, 2 dogs and a cat!). The ceiling is slightly domed giving more head room, there are extra windows on the dinette slide which lets tons more light in, the bathroom shower is MUCH nicer, you gain an outside kitchen and most importantly the kids essentially get a room, they have a door and 2 larger than single bunks on one side then a little dinette with a standard single that folds up over the top. There is a spot for a TV which is appealing. It was really nice. We like the reputation and warranty of the Jayco. It's the same dealer for both. Weights are almost equal so that is not a factor - ~5800# on the lot as is. The Jayco has a CC of 2210# and the Sunset is at 1627#. The Jayco has the double size bunks for the kids, microfiber fabric, outside bathroom door. Layouts are really similar.

So - which between these is preferred and why??? I don't know much about the Sunset brand. The finishing seemed nice, etc. Just making sure they didn't put lipstick on a pig - know what I mean! The idea of having a separate room for the kids is appealing - so is the wood door if we want to be up late, etc. I want to get something that will last and it is a big investment - the Sunset was actually a little more money but we are OK with that.

Curious to hear what people say!!!

[mwebber78]

I've owned both Crossroads and Jayco over the last decade - if you'd ask me two years ago I'd told you to pick the Crossroads all day long. There have been numerous changes at CR over the last few years including a reduction in the bumper to bumper warranty, elimination of the structural warranty on the Cruiser, and staffing/directional changes. I suggest you visit the forums, www.crossroadsrv.com/forum and make your own decisions.

As far as Jayco, I disagree with them pushing any and all warranty to "their" dealer network and not wanting to ship simple parts directly to customers but at the end of the day they build a nice unit and the company's still a family run enterprise.

[planter8]

Our sunset trail has held up well. Very satisfied!

[WoodGlue]

Kampfirekid wrote:
I assume they cost 30% more too.

With Lance, you get what you pay for! LOL 🙂

BTW, I'm a gal!

WoodGlue

[Kampfirekid]

Boy, after the Lance Salesman hopped on, I had to see what all the fuss was all about. I was keyed up until I see they don't make larger trailers with a true bunkhouse. I assume they cost 30% more too.

[kt0819]

We just bought a 2014 WhiteHawk 31DSLB that has the domed roof. We have been very pleased with the quality of our unit this far. The 2014 model comes with some nice upgrades from the 2013, including LED lights on the awning and side valances instead of drapes. Also, the couch is a nice tri-fold now.

The dealer we bought from also sold SunSet Trail and I am totally smitten with them. I would have bought it in a heartbeat over the Jayco. That said, the Sunset Trail model we wanted was simply too heavy for our TV so we were forced to get the WhiteHawk. I wasn't willing to compromise on the floor plan and get a smaller/lighter Sunset Trail.

When we are forced to upgrade our TV to a 12 passenger 1 ton van, upgrading the WhiteHawk to a Sunset Trail will be my "consolation" for having to drive a beast of a vehicle.

I drool a little inside everytime I see someone pulling or camped in a Sunset. They're just so very nice and come with lots of extras. FWIW dh doesn't share my love of them and is perfectly content with the WhiteHawk. It is a very nice unit also and in the 3 weeks we have had it we have already spent 12 nights in it.

Go with the Sunset. 😉

[mlayton]

thanks - there is a big sale this week which takes it from the list of 36K to 26K, we didn't look at numbers much since we just saw it today!

We did also notice many of the things included like the extra slide windows, the bigger fridge, etc. A few little things I didn't like was the single cabinet door that opens to the drawers vs. just single drawers but it's not a biggie. Is yours holding up well with wear and tear?

[Goldstalker]

Mine has been pretty problem free, just the typical minor ajustments. Big pluses are standard 15K a/c standard 8ft fridge and most other options are all included. Also love the lighted power awning. I was also able to negotiate over 35% off msrp. Try Wagner's RV in Suamico WI.

[mlayton]

Can you guys tell me what you like about the Sunset, a little worried about the 1yr warranty vs. the 2yr. Bu I have to say, the layout is really appealing.

Are they reliable? Hold up well? Not too familiar with the line.

[Goldstalker]

Surprise! Sunset gets my vote too.

[tkhollywood]

Sunset trail

[thomasmnile]

mwebber78 wrote:
They are a west coast company similar to Northwood and a few other premium lines.

Exactly right. Fair number of Lance TC dealers east of the Mississippi. Travel trailers (Lance) not so much.........

OP: I think you would be pleased with either the Crossroads Sunset Trail or the Jayco WhiteHawk. We own a 2013 WhiteHawk 27DSRL and are pleased with it so far. You are correct about the Sunset Trail interior height. Crossroads builds it with a crowned roof truss system. The 2013 and earlier WhiteHawks were not, but I have seen 2014 models and noted they are now "crowned".

[mwebber78]

They are a west coast company similar to Northwood and a few other premium lines.

[WoodGlue]

If the basic layout fits your requirements, take the 1,000 mile trip - I can assure you that you'll be impressed beyond words with the quality. Meantime, you can look at the links in my signature box (scroll up to my first post) for a factory tour and some other videos about Azdel vs Luaun and the roof clamp system used.

WoodGlue

[mlayton]

Nearest Lance 2185 is over 1000miles away. It's crazy that we can't even see one, makes it hard to buy one or even form an opinion.