1st PUP - an update.

[Tim M.]

Thank you for everyone's input. I've narrowed the choice down to several makes / models.

I looked at the Jayco Baja but I really don't need or want a cargo box and I can't find a Fleetwood Element Graphite anywhere in a reasonable distance to look at.

So it looks like I'm down to:

* Jayco 1007 (with wheels upgraded to 13"�)
* Jayco 1207
* Fleetwood Santa Fe

The 1007 is $1000 less than the Santa Fe and $500 less than the 1207. The Jayco Factory Tech Support folks stated that upgrading the 12"� tires to 13"� is a modification that they routinely recommend and the dealer is willing to make the swap at no charge.

I'd like some input on the following (or any other comments folks have):

1. The torsion axle system on the Jayco seems to provide much less ground clearance that the traditional suspension on the Fleetwood. Does anyone have experience with torsion axle setups "bottoming out"� on bumpy or uneven roads?

2. The Jayco dealer stressed several times that the lift system on the Jayco was far superior to the Fleetwood and the large number of cables and pulleys in the Fleetwood are prone to problems and breakage. Is this the general experience with these PUPs?

3. The Warranty for the Jayco seems much better, especially on the roof (Limited lifetime for Jayco, 5 year for Fleetwood). While I'm not looking at the PUP as a lifetime commitment is this difference in warranties an indicator of inherent quality of just a marketing tool?

4. They weren't side by side to do a fair comparison but to my surprise the quality of the detailed workmanship for the Fleetwood seemed better than the Jayco. Is this other people's impression or opinion?

Thanks again for your help!

[Tim M.]

Thank you for everyone's input. I've narrowed the choice down to several makes / models.

I looked at the Jayco Baja but I really don't need or want a cargo box and I can't find a Fleetwood Element Graphite anywhere in a reasonable distance to look at.

So it looks like I'm down to:

* Jayco 1007 (with wheels upgraded to 13"�)
* Jayco 1207
* Fleetwood Santa Fe

The 1007 is $1000 less than the Santa Fe and $500 less than the 1207. The Jayco Factory Tech Support folks stated that upgrading the 12"� tires to 13"� is a modification that they routinely recommend and the dealer is willing to make the swap at no charge.

I'd like some input on the following (or any other comments folks have):

1. The torsion axle system on the Jayco seems to provide much less ground clearance that the traditional suspension on the Fleetwood. Does anyone have experience with torsion axle setups "bottoming out"� on bumpy or uneven roads?

2. The Jayco dealer stressed several times that the lift system on the Jayco was far superior to the Fleetwood and the large number of cables and pulleys in the Fleetwood are prone to problems and breakage. Is this the general experience with these PUPs?

3. The Warranty for the Jayco seems much better, especially on the roof (Limited lifetime for Jayco, 5 year for Fleetwood). While I'm not looking at the PUP as a lifetime commitment is this difference in warranties an indicator of inherent quality of just a marketing tool?

4. They weren't side by side to do a fair comparison but to my surprise the quality of the detailed workmanship for the Fleetwood seemed better than the Jayco. Is this other people's impression or opinion?

Thanks again for your help!

[Kablewizard]

Tim I can't answer the questions that would argue with the Jayco salesman. I don't know that much about the Jaycos. I do know they are both good rigs and you would be happy with either.If you turned the axels over I am bnot sure tha you would hve aproblem with clearance other then the axel from the ground. I will say that you might want to reconsidder the storage box. 10% of your trailer weight should be n front of the axel. We used our fron box for the water hose, levelers, Jack, and things that were needed for the camper ony that way we didnt have to nload verything everytime from the truck. Which ever you chose you will know you got the things you wanted.

Have fun.

[Tim M.]

We we did it, bought a new 2006 Fleetwood Santa Fe.

Thank you all for the advice and for sharing your experience and opinions. It was great to get some input while making this decision.

The PUP has everything but air and is the perfect size for my wife and I to drive cross country with. After looking at Palomino, Jayco and Fleetwood the Santa Fe seemed to be the right fit for us.

I suspect that I'll be back to ask some probably less than smart questions once I get it home and start to play with it (after the snow melts of course).

Thanks again!