New vs Used... Overwhelmed by the options & yes posted by a newbie!


rjallan

Junior Member
Looking for a little insight from the many experienced RV'rs out there. We're looking at our first RV (leaning toward a 5th W) and the choices quite frankly are daunting. To help, a little background; we are mid 50's couple with 2 - 75lb dogs looking to spend anywhere from 1 week to several months at a time on the road. We don't anticipate staying in any one spot too long and hope to do our share of boon-docking along with stays in parks throughout Canada and USA and possibly Mexico. (We are avid sailors and lover to gunk-hole in the summer months).

We are looking at a couple of units locally that have caught our interest. One, a 2008 Jayco Eagle 341RLQS offers a ton of storage, nice kitchen layout with counter space (DW loves to cook) and the potential of adding a washer unit. It's heavy (dry weight 11,340 & GVW 14,500), long (37.4), appears to be well constructed. The Jayco is equipped with a 50A cable. The other unit is a new 2012 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite Diamond Series Model8289WS (dry weight 7,793 & GVW 9,350 with a length of 31.2. Similar style layout with island kitchen, not as much cupboard/storage space and likely no room for DW's washer unit. The Rockwood is equipped with a 30A cable.

Towing will be either a 2007 Ford F250 Diesel 6.0 with long box or 2004 GMC 2500 with Duramax Diesel engine and 6.4 box (again more decisions)

The Jayco unit is very clean (1 owner - they traded in for a newer Jayco with an Artic pkg) and priced about $ 6,000 less than the new 2012 Rockwood.

Am I comparing Apples and Oranges here? I like the features of the Jayco and the lower price but the weight and length concern me a little bit. On the Rockwood, a higher price but brand new with warranty however will the lighter weight construction stand up over time and usage? Is there anything I am not looking at or should be considering that I've not mentioned. Your comments and suggestions are encouraged and welcomed.
 

LEN

Senior Member
Check your tow rig size, think you will need a 3500 or 350 also think 4x4 for boondocking. Also think about a gen either built in or portables like 2 Honda 2000 in paralel that way on light duty, run 0ne and on heavy run both. A propane gen uses too much fuel and you have to move the RV to fill the tank.

LEN
 

Grandview Trailer Sa

Senior Member
In my opinion, the Jayco is a much better trailer than the Rockwood. If you get that, you will certainly need the warranty....but read up of FR before you buy.

The GM Duramax is a lot better engine than the 6.0 Ford. Read about them too!!
 
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