Need help,what to buy

[campertom]

After camping for 9 years and 2 popups , its time for us to move ahead. Our kids our grown and do not go camping with us.I have it narrow down to two units.First one is a Jayco Jay Feather Expandable Model 25 E. The second one is also a Jayco ,but it is a Travel Trailer Model 25 Z. The price is about the same for both units.Our last camper was a 2001 Bayside.We like having the King size bed.In the new unit the both have smaller bed, was this a big deal for people ,going to a smaller bed.Also  how much work is it to setup and close the beds on the expanable. So my question is do we go for the Expandable or the Travel Trailer ?? Thanks for you advice and input

[GeneF]

Just a couple of questions:

1.  What do you intend to use the trailer for?   Will it be for some fulltiming or just traveling around on short trips?

If you are going to camp in colder areas, then the tt might be a better choice especially if heated tanks could be an option.  

2.  If there are only two of you, how big of a trailer do you need?

I did a quick comparison of the two on Jayco's site and they do have different setups.

If you want more room, then go with the expandable.  I believe that one opens up to about 29+ feet verses the tt at about 27+.

The bed will give you less walkaround room than in the expandable.  You might also want to check out how easy it is to get around the bed.

DW and I just did a two month road trip in our 23B.  We found this trailer to be plenty big for our needs.  We had some inside storage space that we didn't even use.

The expandable gives you a lot of flexibility in that you do not need to open the ends for a one nighter.  Or you can just open one bed.

Set up time with the expandable is less than with the popups.  If DW and I got a level site, we could be set up in about 15 minutes.

If you can, I would advise looking at each one at a dealers or an rv show.  Try to spend 30 minutes to an hour in each one (without a salesman) and be picky about what you see.  Look for the good side but also consider the downside of that particular model.  Try to roleplay that you are actually camping right now.
'
Storage can be important so take a close look at the amount of storage and if needed, how could you modify it.

Good luck in making your choice.

[BNLazy]

As the old saying says...Different strokes for different folks.  We have a Coyote Expandable made by KZ.   We've had it for a couple years and are very satisfied. Here's a link: http://www.kz-rv.com/coyote/coyote_index.php

Good Luck!

[PopupSgt]

BNLazy,

We own the 25E and have zero complaints about the purchase.  We love the camper, the set-up time is very fast with cable attached beds and no poles are needed.  With the cable system the tear-down is also extremely fast as well.

[Jofabietz]

Just back on Popuptimes after 2 1/2 yrs. We had to sell our camper to free up money to build a new home. We broke the home in now and now are remembering the wonderful vacations we had camping. We went to the rv show and we came home coyote 23CT owners. I loved the closet space and I'm sure my girls will love their private beds.This unit is on order so we have 6 weeks til we get it. I think we got the best deal for our needs. Can't wait to get back to camping.Seems funny our last camping trip was at mohican campgrounds where we met BNlazy.
Feels good to be back.
   :usflag:  :-()  :-()  :U      

God Bless Our Troops!


Son serving in the US Army

[Dee4j]

GeneF-pretty much covered all. but here's my $.02. The kids have moved on, but will they decide to join you or how about the grandkids? and how often?
We got a hybrid because we have kids and I like folding the beds out vereses converting the dinnette etc. everyday. with the beds out,  the entire interior of the trailer is living space and they don't take long at all to set up.
me personally with no kids I'd go for the TT. as I get older I want less set up/tear down when I camp. and with 2 kids the Wanderer 261 sd gave us plenty of growing room. they each have their own double bed and could each also bring a friend. have fun buying your new toy

[campertom]

Thanks for all of your help. Went to the Chicago boat and RV show the other night. Checked out all the other hybirds. Ordered a Jayco 25 E. Will pick it up when all this snow is gone. Can't wait to go camping.

[brainpause]

Congratulations on the new unit. The 25E is a great model, and there are lots of people out there with Jay Feathers that are satisfied!

Larry

[PopupSgt]

Campertom,
Congrats on your purchase, I hope you love your 25E as much as our family loves ours.  She's a very big unit and also has plenty of space to relax.

[Dee4j]

Yeah!!! Congrats

[dee106]

Thanks for all of your help. Went to the Chicago boat and RV show the other night. Checked out all the other hybirds. Ordered a Jayco 25 E. Will pick it up when all this snow is gone. Can't wait to go camping.

don't forget to list it next door in how many hybrids are we up too!;)
 you could be number 33!