Modern travel trailers - Who makes them in the US?

[Proteus]

So, now that we've looked a lot, and rented a Nash 25c for a while, its time to actually look at buying a TT. The problem is, where are the modern designs, with modern materials?

Browsing European sites for example they have lovely options like this:

http://www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/caravans/pegasus-gt65/bailey-pegasus-gt65-turin/

Well designed floorplans and fittings, quality interior materials, modern styling and modern construction materials and aerodynamics. They're also lighter..the 20 ft model above comes in at 3300lbs.

The Lance 2185 comes close I guess, but even there, it has traditional face frame cabinets, is significantly heavier, and doesn't have good cabinet/counter space.

So, where are the "euro" trailers here in the US? The only one I've seen so far while looking is the Jayco Skylark, and they don't have a model that sleeps 4 (and have been discontinued anyways).

[Airstreamer67]

Quote..."Thanks, we're definitely looking for torsion, vs leaf spring suspension, which unfortunately seems to be somewhat rare. I looked at Jayco earlier, but aren't they using wood extensively for exterior walls, roof framing, and flooring?..."

J-0621 was referring to the Jayco JayFeather. My JayFeather has an aluminum upper structure frame, not wood. Of course, mine is a 2006 model, so they could have changed but I doubt it.

I like my JayFeather. It's relatively light at 6000 pounds GVWR for a 27 footer. The tortion axles help make it handle like an Airstream, and it's actually lighter than similar sized Airstreams by several hundred pounds. Unfortunately, Airstreams haven't the trim weight they had in the earlier years.

[WoodGlue]

Clicky

I haven't had any fit and finish problems.

WoodGlue

[Proteus]

Woodglue, any comment on this thread?
http://lanceowners.hoop.la/topic/fit-and-finish-issues

[Proteus]

jerem0621 wrote:
OP..

I am not sure what your budget is or exactly what you are looking for, but a few things in a general sense come to mind.

1) Torsion Axles... they are the choice of Airstream and have proven to be reliable. And they lead to a very good handling trailer
2) Laminated build... its beautiful and can be very light weight.
2) Manufacturer that stands behind their product and will be around longer than next week
3) A dealer network is nearly as important as the manufacturer

These facts have lead me to the Jayco Jay Feather line of travel trailers.

1) They have torsion axles
2) they have a laminated build
3) Jayco has been around for years and stand behind their products with a 2 year warrenty
4) Jayco dealers tend to be very good.

I like the Jay Feather 254 for a family of 2 or 3 ish.

Jay Feather floor plans

Here is a video that illustrates the handling differences between Airstream (torsion axles) vs leaf springs.... Really scary IMHO.

Airstream Performance

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Thanks, we're definitely looking for torsion, vs leaf spring suspension, which unfortunately seems to be somewhat rare. I looked at Jayco earlier, but aren't they using wood extensively for exterior walls, roof framing, and flooring? Lamination is nice, but with wood, it will delaminate if it gets wet. Does Jayco make anything with Azdel anymore? I know the Skylark did, but it was designed for two (and no longer made :-(.
Basically what I want is either a slightly larger Lance 2185 with 2 bunks vs 3, a Jayco Skylark with bunks at around 23-26 ft, or a lightweight Nash 25c with Azdel/aluminum construction. Getting close, but with all the choices out there, nothing with the right combo. Airstream is nice..but they're not designed for kids due to lack of bunks. Sleeping on the dinette just doesn't work for us.

[jerem0621]

OP..

I am not sure what your budget is or exactly what you are looking for, but a few things in a general sense come to mind.

1) Torsion Axles... they are the choice of Airstream and have proven to be reliable. And they lead to a very good handling trailer
2) Laminated build... its beautiful and can be very light weight.
2) Manufacturer that stands behind their product and will be around longer than next week
3) A dealer network is nearly as important as the manufacturer

These facts have lead me to the Jayco Jay Feather line of travel trailers.

1) They have torsion axles
2) they have a laminated build
3) Jayco has been around for years and stand behind their products with a 2 year warrenty
4) Jayco dealers tend to be very good.

I like the Jay Feather 254 for a family of 2 or 3 ish.

Jay Feather floor plans

Here is a video that illustrates the handling differences between Airstream (torsion axles) vs leaf springs.... Really scary IMHO.

Airstream Performance

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[Proteus]

Thanks Robert, would love to see more of the Aussie trailers, they seem to be built to a higher standard, and what I see of the interior design is top notch. Most of the stuff here is far more old fashioned (1970s era raised panel face frame cabs, weird fabric patterns). Woodglue, I have to agree with Mike on the whole triple bunk arrangement,the Lance is looking good, but there are 3 issues I need to figure out.
1) is there a way to remove or adjust the bunk heights? Two would be comfortable, 3 are like coffins.
2)is there any usable pantry storage? All I saw was one cab under the sink, and 1 overhead? Can the little corner cabs in the slides fit standard dinner dishes?
3) can the spare tire up front be relocated backwards to reduce tongue weight? I found my TV works much better with LESS tongue weight (about 10%), not more, probably due to having a short overhang, and lower and tighter suspension.

[RobertRyan]

WoodGlue wrote:
Thank you for clearing this up Robert! I always like your posts!

As well as Australian Jayco and Jayco we have the Australian Winnebago(Now AVIDA) and Winnebago Industries.As regards legal implications neither parties can bring their respective models to the US or Vica versa.
Gerry Ryan and Sun Wagon
History of Gerry Ryan not Jerry Ryan

[WoodGlue]

RobertRyan wrote:

In Australia, Jayco is manufactured by Jayco Australia which is another privately founded and owned independent manufacturer, which is not affiliated with Jayco Inc of the USA

From Wikipedia about Jayco US

Thank you for clearing this up Robert! I always like your posts! 🙂

[Mike_Up]

RobertRyan wrote:

Mike Up wrote:
've seen you argue this with everyone and their brother. Why must you?? Just drop it already and keep the peace.

The Wikipedia article sums it up. and You cannot buy Jayco Australia products in the US

n Australia, Jayco is manufactured by Jayco Australia which is another privately founded and owned independent manufacturer,which is not affiliated with Jayco Inc of the USA

Didn't you read I wasn't going to argue with you about this. Yes, I'm sure the Australian version does as you've edited it. 🙂

[RobertRyan]

Mike Up wrote:
've seen you argue this with everyone and their brother. Why must you?? Just drop it already and keep the peace.

The Wikipedia article sums it up. and You cannot buy Jayco Australia products in the US

n Australia, Jayco is manufactured by Jayco Australia which is another privately founded and owned independent manufacturer,which is not affiliated with Jayco Inc of the USA

[Mike_Up]

RobertRyan wrote:

Mike Up wrote:
Remember, we've been through this a few years ago. I've been in the corporate offices of Jayco in Middleburry. Right on their walls they have awards and pictures of "THEIR" Australian facility.

Jerry Ryan was a partner of Jayco USA and went to Europe/Australia to open Jayco there

It is Gerry Ryan not Jerry he worked for Sun Wagon in Australia, went to the US and arranged a deal with Jayco US to supply parts from the US after being impressed by their operation.. others here have used Canadian Okanagan builders and other companies from Indiana to supply parts.
He owns Jayco Australia he is NOT a shareholder in Jayco US as they are a family owned comapany.He owns a globally big special effects business as well as several wineries as well.
Aliner in the US lists Avan as a "Sister Company", but the only connection is they own the rights to build the Aliner folding campers under the Avan brand.
As it stands Jayco US cannot build the Expanda or any other Jayco Australian product in the US, although many in the US would love to have such products available(including yourself). It is no division of Jayco, affiliated yes.
In fact with the release of the RAM Promaster I guess a few would like Jayco US to build this as well.

Sun Wagon

I've seen you argue this with everyone and their brother. Why must you?? Just drop it already and keep the peace.

[RobertRyan]

In Australia, Jayco is manufactured by Jayco Australia which is another privately founded and owned independent manufacturer, which is not affiliated with Jayco Inc of the USA

From Wikipedia about Jayco US

[RobertRyan]

Mike Up wrote:
Remember, we've been through this a few years ago. I've been in the corporate offices of Jayco in Middleburry. Right on their walls they have awards and pictures of "THEIR" Australian facility.

Jerry Ryan was a partner of Jayco USA and went to Europe/Australia to open Jayco there

It is Gerry Ryan not Jerry he worked for Sun Wagon in Australia, went to the US and arranged a deal with Jayco US to supply parts from the US after being impressed by their operation.. others here have used Canadian Okanagan builders and other companies from Indiana to supply parts.
He owns Jayco Australia he is NOT a shareholder in Jayco US as they are a family owned comapany.He owns a globally big special effects business as well as several wineries as well.
Aliner in the US lists Avan as a "Sister Company", but the only connection is they own the rights to build the Aliner folding campers under the Avan brand.
As it stands Jayco US cannot build the Expanda or any other Jayco Australian product in the US, although many in the US would love to have such products available(including yourself). It is no division of Jayco, affiliated yes.
In fact with the release of the RAM Promaster I guess a few would like Jayco US to build this as well.

Sun Wagon

[Mike_Up]

RobertRyan wrote:

Mike Up wrote:
For Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, the Hybrids as Jayco's Larger Expanda models seem to be the better family camper. These are even better than the US model being they have a double door design for the bunkends,

Australian Jayco is not owned by Jayco but has an arrangement with the founder and owner of Jayco in Australia.Gerry Ryan to buy parts from Jayco US(a lot cheaper), that is why you do not see Aussie designs in the US.A Bit different from Australian Winnebago(AVIDA)
Pop Tops are not Conventional Caravans..

Remember, we've been through this a few years ago. I've been in the corporate offices of Jayco in Middleburry. Right on their walls they have awards and pictures of "THEIR" Australian facility.

Jerry Ryan was a partner of Jayco USA and went to Europe/Australia to open Jayco there.

I know you disagree, but I don't want to go through this with you every other year so lets just stop it before it starts.

Thanks