RE: Jayco Eagle 14SO

[RamblingWreck]

 RamblingWreck
[]We went to the local Jayco dealer this morning and he opened an Eagle 14SO for us (its 2002 carry over).  It s a very impresive trailer.  Here are some observations we made:
 
 1) there are 4 x duplex electrical outlets inside plus an outside outlet near where you would connect the carry out stove.
 
 2) The unit we looked at has surge brakes.  There is a lever to disengage the surge brake when backing the trailer.
 
 3) Solid sheets of plywood are used under the bunk ends.  Thin strips of wood are glued to the under side of the plywood.  They are there to increase the moment of inertia (e.g. make the plywoof stiffer).  Looking at the underside without going inside and lifting a mattress gives one the mistaken impression that the plywood has been pieced.
 
 4) Very spacious interior.  Lots of storage space.
 
 5) Lift system is different from Coleman and Starcraft.  Looks like Starcraft and Coleeman use series of cables and pulleys to lift while Jayco system pushes.  There doesn t seem to be any exposed cables underneath like on Coleman and Starcraft.  A consideration up here in Northeast due to salt used for clearing snow on roads.  
 
 Hope to visit him later this afternoon without DD and DS in tow to discuss price.  We want to look at a Coleman Niagra and a Starcraft Gemeni before purchasing anything.
 
 Rambling Wreck

[got woody?]

 RamblingWreck
One thing I can t figure out, and this may or may not be a valid concern but -
 
 I looked up the specs for this camper  on Jayco s webiste (I m shopping for my first as well) and I noticed something that stuck me as odd.
 
 Why do they drop down to a 12"  tire on the 14  box when they list 13"  tires on all their 12ft.ers?
 
 In most of my reading thus far, most folks seem to think the larger the tire size the better.
 
 I d agree that the 14SO does look nice, though.  Very open floorplan which would be good for growing families.

[RamblingWreck]

 got woody?
Jim,
 
 I think it has to with the 14 SO has tandem axels, e.g. it has two axels and four wheels, while 12 foot beds have only the one axel and two wheels.  I have been asking around about pros and cons of tandem axels.  Here is the list I put together:
 
 Pros:
 1) Trailers with tandem axels are less prone to sway when being towed.
 2) In the event of a blow out or loss of a wheel, you still have one tire on which to run while you get over to the road s shoulder.  What good is a camper if you and your family are not alive to enjoy it?
 3) Four trailer wheels with brakes.  Stopping is important.
 
 Cons:
 1) You most likely will not be able to grab the trailer s tongue and fine tune its position.  (On the Popup Times home page one of the sponosors sells a rachet drive type dolly you could use to accomplish this.  So manual manipulation is possible at additional expense).
 2) Additional repair expenses, double the number of tires, brakes and bearings to replace when the time comes.  Double the number of tires to balance, etc.
 3) Additional toll expenses if the tarrif is charged by axel.
 
 FYI, trailer I looked at yesterday had bias ply tires.  Per another forum this preferred over radial tires.  Trailer equipped with bias ply tires tend to sway less than those with radials.
 
 Rambling Wreck
 

[got woody?]

 RamblingWreck
Thanks. I had completely overlooked the whole dual axle thing.

[wssfetch]

 RamblingWreck
So,Ramblin --did you get the camper or not?  Still looking?

[RamblingWreck]

 wssfetch
Sue,
 
 We are still shopping.  We were mightly impressed by the unit we saw, but would prefer a couple of additional options that require factory installation.  Price offered was in the middle of the range shown on the NADA website.  Dealer does a nice job of preping, includes pulling all wheels and re-packing bearings, applying silicone seal to all roof joints.  They will store unit for first year at no charge.  Dealer has an excellent reputation in our area for after sales support.
 
 There will be a really large show in Springfield, MA beginning Valentines Day.  Its only 50 miles away and has reputation for aggressive pricing.  While there, we want to have a closer look at Coleman Niagra and Starcraft Gemini.  Also we hope to see a Jayco Eagle 14SO eqipped with indoor shower console and electric brakes.
 
 No hurry to purchase as it is way too cold to use a popup up here just yet.  Dealer had to pull the one we looked at indoors and crack it open so canvas, etc could warm up and get pliable enough to raise fully.  Otherwise would run the risk cracking plastic.
 
 We have a pair of German Shorthaired Pointers.  Its so cold that they are having problems with their paw pads cracking.  Its getting difficult to get them to go outside to do their business.
 
 If you get a chance, go to Thomasville when the roses start blooming.  Post some photos, it wil help those of use in the deep freeze anticipate spring all the more.
 
 Rambling Wreck