Fifth Wheel - Jayco vs Alumascape

[BigMike]

Ok. My wife and I have narrowed it down to a choice between a Jayco Designer 33RLS or an Alumascape 34SKT. It's a tough choice. We're buying new, so no advice on used. Soliciting all opinions of these two. Thanks for your input.

 

[MABurns]

I can't compare my Jayco to the Designer line up but I have had two Jayco fifth wheels and have been very happy with their quality.

 

[chuck3]

Thats a tought one.

They are both nice trailers, been looking at both myself. But for me I'm going with the HR, reason the Jayco doesn't have the floorplan we like. Good luck.

 

[RJOL]

Noticed you live in WA... I'm sure you've considered it, but when you get much over 31-32' you will be a tight fit for most State or National parks...

 

[plntmgr]

Consider the weight of the rig. It will be a plus somewhere down the road. We looked at several units just before the end of the year and bought an Alpenlite 32' RK and are totally satisfied.





'98. 5 2500 Auto,354 ,60 gal Aero tank, Modified transmission( Dunrite Converters.com . (Pg9 Issue 34 TDR) Happy, Happy































'

 

[BigMike]

Alpenlites seem a little heavy for a 2500. Don't see any way I could keep my GCW under 20,000 lbs.

 

[RustyJC]

We're on our second Jayco Designer 5th wheel (see signature), and both have given us extremely good service. One important thing about Jayco is, if you ever do have a problem, the corporate personnel will bend over backwards to correct it and ensure your satisfaction - something not true (unfortunately) with all RV manufacturers.



I can't really comment on the Alumascape since I don't have any direct experience with them.



Rusty

 

[RHARVEY]

plntmgr



The Alpenlite will be our next trailer(5er). . Can't see the new prices though. . I will shop around and get a very well maintained used one. . My wife and I love the Alpenlites... or a Dreamer. . made by Western Rv. Just a little cheaper in price for entry level buyers. They stopped the Dreamer line last year... .



Rick

 

[Barry]

Being in the RV biz, I marvel at the Jayco line of trailers. From a preowned stand point, the Jayco Designer units are the most bang for the buck on the market today. Good for the used buyer, not so good for the original owner. The Jayco units just do not carry value per dollar spent as well as some other units. And, those of us in the industry cannot explain it because the Jayco Designer is a good unit. If I were spending MY money on a new unit (and I would not) I would buy the Holiday Rambler. FYI: There has been a 98 HR Alumalite 32' triple slide on Ebay several times and no one will bid on it. The owner is in Austrialia and the unit is in Indiana. He set a min. bid of $21K this last time and no one bid. I have been tracking that unit for the last 4 months. I smell a deal... ... ... ... ... ... ...

 

[LEEH]

BIG MIKE: Do not have any information on the two choices you made. However, did you know that the Salem, Oregon RV show is being held at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Jan 24 through 27 ? ?



Would give you the opportunity to price shop for the units you are interested in. Another plus is the aftermarket accessories available at the small vender booths.



20,000 GVW concern - is your concern for limiting yourself to 20,000 lbs GVW because of the weigh station signs that say commercial vehicles over 20000 must weigh? Private RV's either do not fall in this catagory or else they are ignored. I haven't had to stop at a weigh station anywhere in the US or Canada to weigh except to satisy my curiosity about my GVW.

 

[RHARVEY]

Barry,



I have friend here at work that just bought a Ford F550 with a 50' car hauler in you part of the state. . If I remember correctly the guys name is Rex Bruton.

My friend is leaving the 27th of this month to drive back and pick it up.

Just thought that you might know this guy. .



Also what is your thoughts of the Alpenlite and Dreamer line(used units). . in the 29-31' range. .



Thanks

Rick

 

[Barry]

Took a 29' Dreamer to Colo. last summer. Took a 34' Alpenlite Appletree the summer before that. Both were a delight to pull and use. However, there 'ain't nuthin light about an Alpenlite!

 

[RHARVEY]

Barry,



Do you know this Rex Bruton there in Granbury Tx. .



Rick



He use to run a 50' car hauler with a f550 ford. .

 

[RJOL]

Originally posted by Barry

... However, there 'ain't nuthin light about an Alpenlite!

Have to agree with Barry on this, but most newer 5th wheels, over 30', with slideouts, will be pushing weight limits on a 2500. You not only will be pusing the total CGVW but, more importantly, will be pushing the king pin weight over the rear axle. One of the reasons we bought our 96' Alpenlite was the overall quality, and the enormous storage tanks (100 gal water; 100 gal gray; 50 gal black)... . Have Fun!!!

 

[BigMike]

Lee, My concern isn't weigh stations. My truck's GCVWR is 20,000 lbs. No one who has a 2500 has more than that. If I take the weight of my truck at about 7300lbs, it severely limits what I can buy that will keep me under 20,000. I would love to have an Alpenlite, have looked carefully at them and found them to be to heavy for me. I know lots of folks ignore weight. I'm trying not to. It's hard because the heavier they are the nicer they are.

 

[FredNeise]

Jayco or Alumascape

Big Mike, About your choice..... Jayco or Alumascape... ... 1st you need to check the tongue-weight of your trailer. Since you have a 2500, I would suggest that you choose the lesser of the tongue-weights because 1500 - 2000 lbs will cause some sway in your truck. (A dualie is never a problem regardless of tongue-weight. ) My wife and I have had good luck with Jayco products in the past. I think that the Holiday Rambler, which has aluminum framing, is a bit on the (way over) over-priced list. Both units are well-suited for your purpose and should give you a lot of years of enjoyment. Happy motoring.

 

[RJOL]

Re: Jayco or Alumascape

Originally posted by Fred W Neise

... Since you have a 2500, I would suggest that you choose the lesser of the tongue-weights because 1500 - 2000 lbs will cause some sway in your truck. (A dualie is never a problem regardless of tongue-weight. ) .

My Alpenlite has a pin weight of 2400 lbs and it tows rock solid. Haven't experienced any "sway" at all...

 

[Paul Somers]

I would probably choose the Jayco if you are looking for votes. The pin weight is something to look at. I pull a 30' with 1630 lbs of pin weight and any more would require air bags or something to help. It doesn't sway but it does sit lower than I would like. I have tow package but not camper package. The camper package would probably handle the weight with the 2500 with no problem.

 

[FredNeise]

jayco vs. alumascape, again

Big Mike,



I'm not trying to confuse you. There was a suggestion that you might need to have airbags. If you have auxillary springs on your 2500, you shouldn't need them or any additional help. I would make sure I had 80 pounds of air in the tires when cold. Tires are probably a major source of sway, especially 75/85 series due to a large sidewall.



We have a had a Jayco and have had good factory representation after owning it for 5 years. Due to floorplan design, we have switched to a Keystone Sprinter, 29' travel trailer, with which we are well-pleased. I chose Keystone because they were willing to make changes in their floorplan according to our wishes. They were the best insulated at the time. Recently they were bought by Thor Industries. I don't know if they will still be as accomodating.

 

[BigMike]

Fred, I don't have auxiliary springs on my truck. I will be installing airbags before spring. Thanks for your words of wisdom



Mike