Genblue wrote:
We have four kids & a dog. My wife fell in love with the Coachmen Freedom Express Liberty/Maple Leaf edition 312 bunkhouse (similar layout to the Jayco 314). After spending months researching various tow vehicle options (just as you're doing now), we decided the best option for us was a 2005 Ford Excursion diesel. Vans were a close 2nd but in the great white North, we need 4wd and didn't want to spend an additional $10k on adding 4wd to a van.
It took us 3 months to find our X but we finally did in Missouri. It was a 16 hour drive each way but it was well worth it (as long as you can live with the extra engine) since it only had 41k on it.
The 6.0L diesel engine has it's issues and we're prepared to spend $5-6k to "bulletproof" the engine in the near future. Now we're on the hunt for a new Coachmen 312.
The 314 is a nice unit but my wife loved the table in the bunkhouse for the times when the kids will need their own space for games, coloring etc. and the Coachmen is a few thousand cheaper than the Jayco but the Jayco is better insulated and offers the outside kitchen.
Good luck as you work through the process.
Thanks, that's a great bunkhouse too. The Jayco does have a flip up table also but the dinette in the back is great and more room!. I think I came across this one and showed hubby and he wasn't sold on there being no outdoor kitchen. IMO, is it really that hard to pack an aluminium table, a camp stove and an extra gas bottle... i'm not so fussed about an outdoor kitchen, i'm more thinking a deep freezer in stead of the whole outdoor kitchen LOL!
I think the van scenario is going to be out given it's not a 4wd, we like to go up to banff area and off the beaten track, so yes... agree... 4wd best option.
I'll need to look into more of the issues surrounding the diesels. I do know that they generally have more on them to go wrong with them and I can do without the headache tbh.
thanks,
K7
