Input needed on choosing my first TT

[oldjarhead]

I think I am ready to pull the trigger on moving up from a popup to a TT. I sure could use some input into the differences in quality and attributes or flaws of these 3 choices.

2015 Jayco Jay Flight 27RLS

2015 Forest River Grey Wolf 26RL

2016 Coachmen Catalina Legacy 263 RLS

They are all priced within 1000$ of each other with the Jayco being the highest. All are used and are a considerable distance from where I live.

Thank you all in advance.

[coolbreeze01]

When they were new, I would say you listed them 1,2,3. Used is a real **** shoot with any brand. Good luck.

[DutchmenSport]

oldjarhead wrote:
I will be towing with a Chevrolet 3500 Express.

I think you'll be MORE than good towing any one of these.

Personally, I like the Grey Wolf, but I've not had experience with any of these 3. I've always liked the Grey Wolf models. I think, for all practical purposes, it comes down to what you like most about each one.

Actually, to help identify your choice, start listing the things you DO NOT like about each. Really, really think about what you don't like. This may help in the elimination factor.

You really need physically go and see each one and spend some time in them. Photos, descriptions, floor plan are all deceiving. Once you step inside, your perceptions change almost immediately.

AND!!! Go visit local dealerships and look at the same models ... 2016 and 2017 so you can compare brand spaking new to used 1 or 2 years old. This help also open your eyes to how well maintained they've been.

[rbpru]

My standard advice is to select the TT you think you want, then rent a similar unit for a week or so.

You will learn a lot about RVing in a short time without a major investment.

Renting is not cheap but you will know what you are getting into.

[oldjarhead]

I will be towing with a Chevrolet 3500 Express.

[DutchmenSport]

When we purchased our first pop-up, the tow vehicle "drove" our decision as to what size and weight of pop-up we could get. We finally moved from a mini-van (5 years after getting the pop-up) to a Suburban which towed the pop-up for a year. We thought we had enough tow vehicle to handle a smaller TT, so we ended up getting a Dutchmen Sport 18 foot travel trailer. After a few months we realized the Suburban could not handle the towing, and the transmission went out. We replaced the transmission and it wasn't more than 3 months after that we traded the Suburban for a 3500 dully. The Suburban never drove right again.

After that experience with the transmission failure, we realized the tow vehicle had to be considered first before making any further camper considerations. The 3500 gas model was traded for a used 3500 diesel mode, which was finally traded for a 3500 diesel new model. With the 3500's we've never had issues towing or truck performance.

(In Indiana, rust is a real problem, and when vehicles reached about 7-10 years old, the body rusts, thus the reason for our trading).

So, to answer your question, all 3 of the campers you are considering will be equally OK, provided they have been maintained by their current owners. The difference will be the details and the overall floor plan.

But the real factor to consider, do you have a tow vehicle that can handle towing the trailer. I advise on caution here, because I am a living, breathing, real-life experienced person who found out the hard way that not all vehicles are adequate for towing much more than a pop-up.... even when they have all the appearance to handle more. Make sure you are fully aware of all limitations of your tow vehicle. And after getting the trailer, be prepared to trade for a different tow vehicle within the next year. More than likely, you will.

[Timtation]

We have a Coachmen Catalina 25RKS,2003 so it is much different than the ones you are considering it is heavier. We like the rear kitchen and find the RL versions to often have the door path in the way of your feet if sitting in the near chair. The RLA is better for tv viewing. This doesn't help answer your question but I hope it gives some confusion to a difficult decision. 😉