Keystone vs Jayco vs Forest River vs Grand Design

[kwise_6]

6 months ago I purchased my first TT, a Keystone Hideout. Admittedly, I bought on the low end of Keystones models. I did so purposely, knowing I would probably want to upgrade at a later date...once I became more familiar with RVing.

I knew the unit I bought would not have as many features as higher-end Keystone coaches. I did, however, assume that the basic design and construction quality would be consistent throughout the range of Keystone's TT coaches. Without boring anyone with the specific details, I will say that I am already very disappointed in the overall quality of the product. Multiple warranty repairs have already been needed. I don't know if it's just my coach or the Keystone line as a whole, but I'm already considering getting rid of it and trying another manufacturer's product.

Right now, I'm seriously considering the following 3 coaches:1) Jayco's White Hawk, 2) Grand Design's Imagine and 3) Forest River's Surveyor. Feedback on any of these vs. Keystone's Hideout would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

[Ranger431]

I've owned 3 Jaycos (1 HTT and 2 TTs) and currently own a Flagstaff (Forest River). Although the Forest River has been OK, and hasn't had any real problems other than the strut on the outdoor kitchen pulling out (relatively easy repair) and a backer / wire cover from the power awning slide out going down the highway I will say the quality of the Jaycos were superior. That being said I do love the double awnings and outdoor kitchen of my Flagstaff.

[kwise_6]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

grampscamper wrote:
We've owned Forest River, Keystone and now Grand Design. In my opinion Grand Design is the best of the three. It's been the most trouble free. Their customer service is outstanding. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another.

Is there much price difference in the 3 ?

From what I've been able to determine, Grand Design is about 15% to 20% more than Forest River and Jayco.

[FrankShore]

If you're looking for real quality (at a higher price point though) I would recommend Lance travel trailers.

Lance Travel Trailers

Grand Design also make a pretty darn good unit. I just prefer the way mine is built. Look at the Lance website and they should have a factory tour on there somewhere.

[mbopp]

A good dealer can help make up for a substandard trailer.
Check out the Grand Design owners forum. GD seems to do more for the customer than other brands. And yes, GD was recently bought out by Winebago.

[NanciL]

We are in our third month with our new 2016 Forest River.
We made the mistake of buying by a floor plan and not the quality.

The quality and workmanship is terrible and their warrantee will keep you from using your trailer it takes so long to get anything done.
It is not the dealers fault, but it is Forest Rivers. the dealer has to submit pictures to Forest River, and then they look for the cheapest way out and sit on the claim for ages.

Do yourself a big favor and take Forest River off our list.

I have been waiting for over a month for a simple rerouting of some water pipes that have been leaking because they were installed between the frame and the structure.

Jack L

[Wills6_4_Hemi]

We have owned 2 pumas 1 forest river and 2 jaycos. I prefer the jayco brand

[theoldwizard1]

grampscamper wrote:
We've owned Forest River, Keystone and now Grand Design. In my opinion Grand Design is the best of the three. It's been the most trouble free. Their customer service is outstanding. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another.

Is there much price difference in the 3 ?

[grampscamper]

We've owned Forest River, Keystone and now Grand Design. In my opinion Grand Design is the best of the three. It's been the most trouble free. Their customer service is outstanding. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another.

[beemerphile1]

My short list would be Northwood products or Grand Design. Unfortunately Grand Design has been sold so I expect it to become just another of the many junk quality RVs.

[dahkota]

Have owned a Keystone (sprinter) and a Jayco (Jayflight). We would buy a Jayco again, no problem. Won't buy a Keystone though if they gave us one free, we wouldn't turn it down. I've heard great things about Grand Design, awful things about Forest River. In tts, our choice would be Outdoors RV or Arctic Fox.

[myredracer]

Jayco uses the BAL Ultraframe. Has no welding on it and uses a kind of rivet instead. This, plus the fact that Jayco has a decent reputation would make this my choice. Jayco was bought by Thor recently but I don't think Thor will change much. No big changes when they bought KZ a couple of years ago.

Forest River TTs seem to be hit and miss. I'd check the FR forum for specific info. on various brands/models. Don't know much about Grand Design but *think* they have a good reputation.

One important thing to look at first is frames. Check axle ratings (tag on axle) and tire load capacity rating vs. GVWR. Some (like Keystone) load these right up to their ratings. Look for at least 10 percent reserve capacity on tires. If a manufacturer offers the option, get higher load range tires. Look at CCC/NCC vs the GVWR. More CCC is better and can indicate strength of frame/suspension. Expect to add 500-1000 lbs of camping "stuff" including factory options plus upgrades/mods you do. Some TTs can have CCC as high as around 3K lbs and some under 1K lbs.

I'd also see what you can find out about factory support on issues and also how good/bad your dealer will be. Some are good, some are bad.

Since you're on the west coast, def. take a look at Outdoors RV (Northwood) TTs. They are better built than the majority of others and have many desirable features such as a heavy duty, off-road certified, in-house built frame c/w shocks and better insulation with 2" thick walls. Have a pretty good reputation. They're not part of a big conglomerate either.

[TomG2]

I have only owned one Jayco product, but it is put together much better than the half dozen Forest River units I had before it. Small sampling, but informative. I stuck with my local Forest River dealer as long as I could.

[donn0128]

Any and every RV regardless of price will have issues. Low cost or "light weight" units save weight somehow? Usually by sacrificing durability. None of the modely your considering will improve on your current trailer.

[DutchmenSport]

I have a Keystone Outback for three years now. I've had absolutely no issues with it. I think there are different ranges in Keystone products. If you look at higher-end Keystone travel trailers you will have better success.

[downtheroad]

Still looking?
Don't rule out Northwood products...Arctic Fox, Nash, Snow River...

Northwood ......LINK

Good luck with your search.