Forum Discussion

mlayton's avatar
mlayton
Explorer
Jul 13, 2013

Help - Sunset Trail by Crossroads or the Jayco WhiteHawk

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!!!
  • WoodGlue's avatar
    WoodGlue
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    Jayco is ok if you don't mind having luaun wood in the walls.

    WoodGlue
  • mwebber78's avatar
    mwebber78
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    They both have luan so that's a mute point.

    The 2014 Jayco Whitehawks have been upgraded and have a domed interior and many other changes to trim, so you may want to consider finding one before making a final choice.
  • WoodGlue's avatar
    WoodGlue
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    It may be a moot point, until it starts to rain and the luaun gets wet and soggy and starts to mildew and get moldy.

    WoodGlue
  • mlayton's avatar
    mlayton
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    Woodglue - is there a brand/series you would prefer that has a bunkhouse. Honestly, there are so many options it's hard to figure where to start. These are 2 we really liked and wanted to shorten our list to just one of these.
  • WoodGlue's avatar
    WoodGlue
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    Yes, Lance makes a great bunkhouse. The trailer will sleep 7 people w/ the dinette bed made out.

    The model is the 2185 and the new 2014 model year has a 2 year warranty. Is made without any luaun in the walls. Instead it's made with Azdel and LitePly which is 50% lighter than traditional plywood.

    2013 Lance 2185 Video

    No worry about rotting wood and mold and mildew!

    Lance Trailer Finder

    WoodGlue
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    To help you decide on what RV to buy you could go to www.rvknowhow.com and read Joe and Vicki’s suggestions and/or download their e-book `RV Buyers Homework’, which walks you through the process of choosing the best RV for your needs, selecting the right floor plans and features, determining the RV’s cargo-carrying and towing capacities and evaluating its livability. (Nov-Dec Highways, pg. 21)
    RVtravel.com and the Better Business Bureau have a DVD that covers the same subject
    (http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=710&m=2) and Chuck Woodbury has an ebook with similar advice that can be instantly downloaded from www.rvbookstore.com.
  • mlayton's avatar
    mlayton
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    THANKS - I'll check that out.

    Woodglue - we looked at the Lance on-line and did really like it, especially since that 3rd bunk on to floor would work nicely for our 2 dogs! No one has them around here and they said the earliest is the fall. I'm not getting one sight unseen without having been able to walk in one. With the 2 big dogs, we like some of the open floorplans.
  • WoodGlue's avatar
    WoodGlue
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    There is currently a 6 week "build out" period for any Lance trailer order placed. They don't make them in a hurry like some other manufacturers do. They take their time and do the job correctly.

    Take a look at RVT and see if there aren't any units closer to you:

    RVT.com

    WoodGlue
  • mwebber78's avatar
    mwebber78
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    WoodGlue wrote:
    It may be a moot point, until it starts to rain and the luaun gets wet and soggy and starts to mildew and get moldy.

    WoodGlue


    You called out the Jayco for having luan - the Crossroads does to and hence it was a moot point between the two units. Add KZ in their too, luan in that unit. Not debating the benefit of a composite substrate but the fact that every post you make starts with ignoring the actual question and moving into a Lance advertisements gets old.
  • mlayton's avatar
    mlayton
    Explorer
    Jul 13, 2013
    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.

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