Looking for a new TT

[disney4dan]

Well, after 3.5 years of great times with our Jayco, we discovered a hidden section of wood rot in the roof and back wall that extends to the floor.

I thought I had been so careful on checking all the seams, but this just goes to show you never can tell. After kicking myself around the driveway for a while, I got serious and began investigating. Looks like the damage had started before we bought the trailer, because there were signs of "quick fixes" to a leak in the roof in that general area that were done before I bought it. I only found it because we found mold just starting in the corner in the back of the top bunk. I climbed my big 'ole but up in there to clean it out and found the wood behind the wallpaper to be MUSH.

Anyhoo, after spending a few hours Saturday exploring my chances of success in ripping it apart, tempoarily resealing the roof to keep water out, I came back into the house to do more research on how to peel back the rubber roof without making it worse. DW Nancy was talking with a friend, and I could tell something fishy was up. She was not sure how to approach me on this, but was thinking of just trading it in and making the plunge!. Did I ever tell you how much I love this woman? She said I've done enough to show I'm capable, but she did not want either of us to go through the misery of the repair ourselves and could not see sinking the $$ into having someone else do it on an 8 to 9 year old trailer.

So, we spent a few hours yesterday looking at some trailers and have sort of settled on two. There is a Jayco Jay Flight G2 with a very similar floor plan to the one we have but with a slide out to give more room (for a reasonable price) and a Keystone Passport Ultralite 30 foot bunkhouse that the whole family likes the floor plan (for $3k more). I like the quality of Jayco so far, but DW says that there are just enough differences and less storage space inside the Jayco that it would bother her because she would want it to be like our old one. The Keystone is much bigger when open and the bunk area slides out to make a small "room" where the kids could set up video games and not take up the dining area. After spending a week in the trailer in the rain, she knows how important that can be!

So, we are thinking this through, but have decided that with our love for camping and all the fun we have on multiple adventures each year, we'd rather do this now while the kids are 9, 10 and 17.

I've read mixed reviews on the Keystone Passports, but many people seem to have added that no brand is immune to potential problems, more important is how the dealer makes good on them when discovered.

Any other advice on new TT purchasing that I should know? I've heard you should have the dealer "challenge" the seals with a garden hose during initial walk through, along with checking any/all windows, plumbing, etc.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

I have seen a walkthrough list for a pre delivery inspection (cant recall where it was online) that went into detail on how to do a very thorough pre delivery inspection. We have had 2 travel trailers and with each one I learn more about what to check and the best way to assure that things are correct, unfortunately some problems are inevitable.
We bought our Outback in the fall of 2007 (an 08 model) and thought we did a pretty good job on the delivery. We took the trailer home and actually lived in it (showering and everything) for a week because our first real use of the trailer would be at WDW that Christmas. Everything checked out and we thought we were fine until we got to GA on the way down. I noticed a small amount of water coming from under the shower after everyone was done. Long story short A day or two after we got to WDW I had to remove every faucet on the trailer and caulk them because the gasket was too hard and did not seal, the bottom pan/sidewall joint on the shower also had to be recaulked since it was leaking.
No matter how careful you are some things are going to get past you.

I had a friend with a similar problem in a trailer he owned for a few years (he bought it used at about 5 y/o) the water leak ruined the trailer and his insurance paid him off for the trailer since it was totalled, he bought it back from the insurance co for salvage and cobbled it back together and used it for deer camp for a few years after.

 

[PrincessMom4]

is Jayco a good product or is there a better TT out there?? We have 4 kids under 10 and we'd like something with 2 separate rooms with actual doors. Its nice to have a little privacy and hubby usually gets his work done after they are in bed. So we need that separation.

 

[2goofycampers]

We have had 3 Jayco's, wouldn't think of buying another brand.

 

[liv luvs disney]

Dan, I don't have any advice for you, but you have given me some great advice for our camper search. Thank-you and good luck with your new search.

Denise, I will put Jayco on my list of good campers. Thank-you to you too.

 

[Kagoguen]

We have a Jayco Feather Lite EXP232 Hybrid, we love the open floor plan. I'm not crazy about the pop-out beds, would rather of had beds contained, but that would have made the floor plan of the TT smaller and heavier. I'm able to haul with a mid size SUV, with a 1000lbs to spare, so I guess we're all cool

 

[tlh0726]

So, we spent a few hours yesterday looking at some trailers and have sort of settled on two. There is a Jayco Jay Flight G2 with a very similar floor plan to the one we have but with a slide out to give more room (for a reasonable price) and a Keystone Passport Ultralite 30 foot bunkhouse that the whole family likes the floor plan (for $3k more). I like the quality of Jayco so far, but DW says that there are just enough differences and less storage space inside the Jayco that it would bother her because she would want it to be like our old one. The Keystone is much bigger when open and the bunk area slides out to make a small "room" where the kids could set up video games and not take up the dining area. After spending a week in the trailer in the rain, she knows how important that can be!

Seems like your family has found the TT
No matter what brand you go with, you will always find someone for it and someone against it. People seems to voice quite loudly there displeasure in something, but how often do they voice when something goes right.
It is a tough decision.
Good luck!

 

[disney4dan]

Thanks for the input, we appreciate the views and it helps with the bigger decisions a lot!

I found a link to survey of top RV companies as rated by dealers with respect to warranty;

http://www.rvda.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home1&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=6865

Both Jayco and Keystone brands are in the top ten (Keystone makes the Passport Ultralite), so I guess I am dealing with quality companies either way. Now I guess I need to make the decision on $$ and whether to bite the bullet. Probably a foregone conclusion because we like to camp so much, but I guess I can pretend that procrastinating = serious thought .

 

[tlh0726]

Just curious

Have you finished your serious thinking yet?

 

[stacktester]

Thanks for the input, we appreciate the views and it helps with the bigger decisions a lot!

I found a link to survey of top RV companies as rated by dealers with respect to warranty;

http://www.rvda.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home1&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=6865

Both Jayco and Keystone brands are in the top ten (Keystone makes the Passport Ultralite), so I guess I am dealing with quality companies either way. Now I guess I need to make the decision on $$ and whether to bite the bullet. Probably a foregone conclusion because we like to camp so much, but I guess I can pretend that procrastinating = serious thought .

The only problem I have with Keystone is the warranty work isn't happening. At least not here. I've talked to several Keystone owners who have the same problem. Drag the camper to the dealer and be told Keystone says no. They're not being shy about saying no either. I guess they figure times are rough and when it comes back people will forget about the crapola service.

 

[disney4dan]

Busy week! Well, we made up our mind and I called the dealer on Wednesday, spoke with the sales rep and talked about setting up a time to sign papers. He was not working Th/Fr, so we agreed on Saturday.

We made arrangements for the kids on Saturday morning, pack up our paperwork in the car for the hour trek to the dealer and find that the sales rep forgot to set everything up. No financial people in the office, and all the paperwork was locked up (which is good, because I really don't want all that information sitting out for someone to take).

The receptionist got the finance person on the phone who apologized profusely, and we will be signing papers sometime early this week. She explained that even if she could get in to do the paperwork on time, that the rep had not scheduled the trailer for prep work to make sure it was ready.

We've decided on the Keystone Passport due to the floor plan and should be picking it up this week. As soon as we get it, I'll post photos!

 

[tlh0726]

Congratulations!!

Our dealership sent someone to our home to sign paperwork 2 hours each way.
Husband stopped in on a Sunday, to test drive (same model, ours was to be transferred from SC facility, I test drove the day before). Made the deal, (including all the extra stuff we wanted installed), told them both of us to be listed as owners etc, signed everything, gave them a deposit. 2 days later they were calling us that they were going to switch finance companies. Found out from the person that came here that 1st company wanted to much paperwork done and needed documentation they never asked for, plus they never listed me anywhere.
Once the coach arrived, we made the trip there to go over the coach, (surprised them before they did there prep) pointed out everything we found that needed addressed. They also threw in a gift cert. to their parts store and a full tank of gas (instead of the normal 1/2) to compensate us for the extra trip there.

So is there anything that DW needs in the unit to make life easier. Papertowel holders, extra towel rods, etc installed before pickup??

 

[stacktester]

I think I've seen that Passport in a toy hauler model as well. Is that what you're getting? I would ask for a free extended warranty lol. I can't believe these salesman stories. Unless RV sales has made a huge turnaround since last night I would think they'd be chompin to get that sale done. One thing I will say for my dealer was they had a great finance gal who had all her ducks ready when I got the Cougar. Of course when they merged another store they owned nearby they let her go which I bet they regret today. Good luck with the final transaction Dan.

One thing I forgot to mention Dan. I had a 22' Hobbi which was a very similar model as far as exterior went and had delam problems. Before you buy, check the forums to see if this is still a problem with Keystone. If so, get something in writing that the issue will be taken care of. I hate to sound so negative on your new rv but I've had issues that Keystone doesn't seem to care about after the sell.

 

[liv luvs disney]

One thing I will say for my dealer was they had a great finance gal who had all her ducks ready when I got the Cougar. Of course when they merged another store they owned nearby they let her go which I bet they regret today.

Donnie did you buy your camper in Jacksonville? I am going to be in town in August for my sweet Nana's 80th birthday. If you have any dealers in the
J-ville area that you recommend, I would be willing to check them out. I am not having the best of luck in the Knoxville area. (We are wanting a pop-up but would definitely consider a hybrid if it were light enough to be pulled with a Jeep Grand Cherokee.)

 

[liv luvs disney]

Busy week! Well, we made up our mind and I called the dealer on Wednesday, spoke with the sales rep and talked about setting up a time to sign papers. He was not working Th/Fr, so we agreed on Saturday.

We made arrangements for the kids on Saturday morning, pack up our paperwork in the car for the hour trek to the dealer and find that the sales rep forgot to set everything up. No financial people in the office, and all the paperwork was locked up (which is good, because I really don't want all that information sitting out for someone to take).

The receptionist got the finance person on the phone who apologized profusely, and we will be signing papers sometime early this week. She explained that even if she could get in to do the paperwork on time, that the rep had not scheduled the trailer for prep work to make sure it was ready.

We've decided on the Keystone Passport due to the floor plan and should be picking it up this week. As soon as we get it, I'll post photos!

Dan, it sounds like ya'll are really excited about the new TT. I hope all goes well! Sorry to be a downer, but I would be ticked if I had worked my plans around a salesman who forgot about our sell! My excitement would want to give him another chance, but I know DH would say forget it, if this is the way we're remembered (or lack of) before the sell is final, what will it be like after we hand him a check and he gets his commission. But that's just DH. Now I would be asking for something to compensate me for my gross inconvenience, whereas DH would be telling me not to be so rude and demanding! Oh the differences between men and women.

 

[stacktester]

Donnie did you buy your camper in Jacksonville? I am going to be in town in August for my sweet Nana's 80th birthday. If you have any dealers in the
J-ville area that you recommend, I would be willing to check them out. I am not having the best of luck in the Knoxville area. (We are wanting a pop-up but would definitely consider a hybrid if it were light enough to be pulled with a Jeep Grand Cherokee.)

Yes I bought at Suncoast RV which is a chain. Locally owned by a family here in Jax but they branched out to GA, FL and TN.

 

[liv luvs disney]

Yes I bought at Suncoast RV which is a chain. Locally owned by a family here in Jax but they branched out to GA, FL and TN.

Unfortunately, the Suncoast here in Knoxville has closed. I know exactly where the one in J-ville is so I'll stop by there next month. Thanks Donnie!

 

[disney4dan]

The only problem I have with Keystone is the warranty work isn't happening. At least not here. I've talked to several Keystone owners who have the same problem. Drag the camper to the dealer and be told Keystone says no. They're not being shy about saying no either. I guess they figure times are rough and when it comes back people will forget about the crapola service.

Curious as to what they were rejecting? I did a lot of searching on RV.net forums and the early versions of this model had problems with seals around the slide, but I think I found more positive than negative reviews on the board. Knowing how that board can be negative, I figure that's a good sign.

I think I've seen that Passport in a toy hauler model as well. Is that what you're getting? I would ask for a free extended warranty lol. I can't believe these salesman stories. Unless RV sales has made a huge turnaround since last night I would think they'd be chompin to get that sale done. One thing I will say for my dealer was they had a great finance gal who had all her ducks ready when I got the Cougar. Of course when they merged another store they owned nearby they let her go which I bet they regret today. Good luck with the final transaction Dan.

One thing I forgot to mention Dan. I had a 22' Hobbi which was a very similar model as far as exterior went and had delam problems. Before you buy, check the forums to see if this is still a problem with Keystone. If so, get something in writing that the issue will be taken care of. I hate to sound so negative on your new rv but I've had issues that Keystone doesn't seem to care about after the sell.

I plan on keeping a very close eye on the sides, as it does have the fiberglass siding. From what I understand, any trailer can have these problems if the water gets in, so I'll have to keep a close eye on it. The model we are hooked on is the Passport Ultralite 300BH. I like the idea of asking for a free extended warranty, but from the first comment it sounds like it would only be worth the paper it was written on!

 

[disney4dan]

Congratulations!! ...
They also threw in a gift cert. to their parts store and a full tank of gas (instead of the normal 1/2) to compensate us for the extra trip there.

So is there anything that DW needs in the unit to make life easier. Papertowel holders, extra towel rods, etc installed before pickup??

I like the idea of a full tank of gas, maybe making sure the propane is full or getting a gas card for the truck would be great, but will probably defer to Nancy who is much better at negotiating. We had driven all night with our then 3 yo son, spent a few hours at Daytona Beach, before going to register at the All Star Music for our room. DW wanted nothing more than to unpack, shower and take a nap. As we approached Orlando, a huge thunderstorm passed through, knocking out all the reservations systems before we arrived. After waiting in line for an hour while I watched cartoons with Justin, she got to the counter and was told that they could not assign rooms for a couple more hours. After her head stopped spinning around on her shoulders, in her best impersonation of "the Dark One" she explained how she was not leaving that counter until she had either a room key or someone else would be walking with a limp . She got the key and got her shower. It's been a few years and I may have embellished that story a bit , but I've learned to not get DW mad!

 

[stacktester]

Dan, The problems I've incurred was my slide doesn't go all the way out in the back. It's about 3 inches shy actually. There's a bracket on the end of the beam with all the teeth in it that's bent. The service manager at Suncoast and the manager both told me there's no way I did it. They said there would be huge damage to the fiberglass. They took pics and Keystone still turned it down.

My shower door has fallen off at least 3 times. I finally put longer screws in it but it still drags the bottom when you open it. Should be a nice smooth pull. The magnet that holds it shut started coming out the bottom so I guess the glue was no good. I asked for a new one and I would even put it in if they wouldn't. When I got it back that trip I looked at it and they took the pieces that broke off into about 1 foot each and glued them back in. It works, but dang man, I spent $26k and I have a jury rigged door? Instead of pulling it 40 miles round trip I finally just fix it myself. The dealer seemed to want to fix things but if Keystone says no they will charge me. Personally, I would fix things if I were them and send Keystone an itemized list of what I did every time to show them what they are doing to the buyers.

Finally, I wrote the rep that covers our area an email telling him the problems I had and didn't even get as much as a reply to say head for the hills. I also called him and left a mssage but no reply there either. I won't buy Keystone again for what they did. If I do, it will be used and they won't be getting another new sell from me.