Narrowed down to 3 and the research begins

[love2rvcamp]

After looking at 5th wheels we decided to stay with travel trailers since we can get everything we want and still be below our weight limits. After looking we have narrowed down to these three...

Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS - on the Reflection FB page and seems they like the Reflection line. Didn't read to many issues. Saw the unit at a local dealer yesterday and really liked it.

Jayco Eagle 338RETS - Haven't seen this specific unit but a local dealer has the Eagle brand. Like this floor plan with the optional island and large open space.

Highland Ridge Open Range OT323RLS - this one is similar to the Grand Design but the GD seems to have a lot more storage. Other than that they appear pretty close.

Looking for a cold weather durable trailer, insulation, heated underbelly and tanks. We are going to the camping show this month and hope to see these units. Will spend a good amount of time in each one before we make a decision.

I know that no trailer is perfect but does anyone have any "glaring" issues with any of these manufacturers?

Mike

[FrankShore]

Have you looked at Lance? They are true 4 season, built with Azdel in the walls, etc

Lance Factory Tour

Lance Heated Enclosed Tanks

Heated Systems in Lance

[Ralph_Cramden]

ScottG wrote:
Reflectix is no hoax. I have read the engineering data on it and it works great with one caveat, which is printed right on it; and that is it's insulative value is for temperatures OVER something like 70 or 75 degrees.
So it works great in heat but does nothing in cold.

Except they do not use Reflectix, they use some type of silver generic who knows what reflective barrier. Reynolds wrap may do a better job. Reflectix the product is also dependent on having one side open to clear air to get it's full values, but a moot point as no one I am aware of uses actual Reflectix.

[goducks10]

love2rvcamp wrote:

donn0128 wrote:
Have you checked out Arctic Fox? Northwood, while a smaller mfg builds RVs on in house frames and are reputed to be among the best built in the industry.

We looked at them via web site but closest dealer is 360 miles away. Not sure what to do if any warranty work needed to be done.

BTDT. Bought my Northwood 250 miles away. I called NW for a really slow water leak and they set me up with a local independent RV repair shop. As far as I know thats a pretty common way that NW handles repairs for owners that have no dealer close by.

[ScottG]

Reflectix is no hoax. I have read the engineering data on it and it works great with one caveat, which is printed right on it; and that is it's insulative value is for temperatures OVER something like 70 or 75 degrees.
So it works great in heat but does nothing in cold.

[SDcampowneroper]

Mfgr claims of 4 season depends on their definition. Good insulation translates into comfort, both in summer and winter. = lower utility costs. Look to posts made by those who have wintered in the cold -- Also those who summered in the heat. . In those you will see brands like Arctic Fox, Nash. Look at the attention given to heating the tanks water inlet dump valves. These are the critical areas you need in cold weather.
There is no replacement for thick walls, dual pane windows. Ignore mfgr. claims of r7
' reflective film' its a hoax. Likewise Aluminum over wood framing. Wood is a poorer cunductor isnt it? Al. framing always shows colder or hotter on walls when you use an ir heat sensor gun. Get one, shoot around at the outside wall temps of various rvs when they are warm inside.
After you do, you will want something like a Fox, Excel,Nash, Mobile Suite, King of the Road, a dozen others.
Comfort and useability in extreme temps surpasses interior glitz.

I recommend you contact independent mobile rv repairmen for their advice. .

[kerrlakeRoo]

donn0128 wrote:
Have you checked out Arctic Fox? Northwood, while a smaller mfg builds RVs on in house frames and are reputed to be among the best built in the industry.

Donn, they are hard to find out here. His nearest dealer is in Raleigh NC. About 400 miles.

[love2rvcamp]

donn0128 wrote:
Have you checked out Arctic Fox? Northwood, while a smaller mfg builds RVs on in house frames and are reputed to be among the best built in the industry.

We looked at them via web site but closest dealer is 360 miles away. Not sure what to do if any warranty work needed to be done.

[donn0128]

Have you checked out Arctic Fox? Northwood, while a smaller mfg builds RVs on in house frames and are reputed to be among the best built in the industry.

[Mortimer_Brewst]

If you are planning to use the sofa as a bed, I’d recommend opening them up to see how big they are when opened. We took a pass on a Grand Design fifth wheel because the fold-out sofa was only suitable for kids.

[downtheroad]

Hard call....all of them look good to me.
One observation... If it matters to you, make sure you have access to bathroom, frig, etc with the slides in for quick stops along the way.

Since all of them have only one door and all have an island with opposing slides, this might be a problem.
Also compare the three for usable counter space.

Good luck with your choice.