New vs Used

[bikerdavet]

We are seriously considering a 5th wheel bunkhouse. Most of the new models we look at are fine but don’t seem to have a lot of carrying capacity both in terms of weight and tank capacities. I have my eye on a used Jayco Eagle Premier. The Jayco is 4 years old and seems to be in excellent shape with all maintenance records. When I looked up the specs on the Jayco it showed a carrying capacity of over 4000 lbs. None of the newer models I looked at came close to that amount. For those who have purchased new and used would 5 years old on a 5th wheel scare you away from a unit? Does anyone know if the rules for measuring weight capacity have changed since 2013 or is it apples to apples 2013 to 2017?
Thanks for your feedback.

[ALLOY]

Originally Posted by bikerdavet

We are seriously considering a 5th wheel bunkhouse. Most of the new models we look at are fine but don’t seem to have a lot of carrying capacity both in terms of weight and tank capacities. I have my eye on a used Jayco Eagle Premier. The Jayco is 4 years old and seems to be in excellent shape with all maintenance records. When I looked up the specs on the Jayco it showed a carrying capacity of over 4000 lbs. None of the newer models I looked at came close to that amount. For those who have purchased new and used would 5 years old on a 5th wheel scare you away from a unit? Does anyone know if the rules for measuring weight capacity have changed since 2013 or is it apples to apples 2013 to 2017?
Thanks for your feedback.

Weight calcs have not changed... the 1/4" roof plywood on the Jayco caught my eye though. The CC is achieved by making a lighter (not stronger) trailer.

Where are you using the trailer
How often do you use it
Will it be used 2 , 3 or 4 season
How long do you want to keep it for
Looks like a 50gal (10gal more) black tank. Will that be enough

[CecilD]

I see no problem buying a 4 year old fifth wheel that has been lightly used and well maintained, especially a pre-Thor Jayco. Our trailer was 6 years old when we bought it and it had some minor issues. Now that it is 9 years old I would still consider it in prime condition. Unless there are major problems lurking (frame, water damage) the expense of repair will be more than offset by your savings over new. Used is the only way I have ever bought an RV.

My wife packs what I consider heavy and we average only a little over 1,000# of stuff. Our trips are only a week long and I travel with empty tanks and water heater. I would have to stack cases of beer down the aisle 3 feet high to get to 4,000#. Good luck with your decision.

[bikerdavet]

Originally Posted by BCBackroads

Weight calcs have not changed... the 1/4" roof plywood on the Jayco caught my eye though. The CC is achieved by making a lighter (not stronger) trailer.

Where are you using the trailer
How often do you use it
Will it be used 2 , 3 or 4 season
How long do you want to keep it for
Looks like a 50gal (10gal more) black tank. Will that be enough

We are thinking about traveling for 2 years. Close to full time. We may keep it until I am to old to travel. All the tank capacities are over 80 gallons so for us that means a week off grid.

[bikerdavet]

Originally Posted by CecilD

I see no problem buying a 4 year old fifth wheel that has been lightly used and well maintained, especially a pre-Thor Jayco. Our trailer was 6 years old when we bought it and it had some minor issues. Now that it is 9 years old I would still consider it in prime condition. Unless there are major problems lurking (frame, water damage) the expense of repair will be more than offset by your savings over new. Used is the only way I have ever bought an RV.

My wife packs what I consider heavy and we average only a little over 1,000# of stuff. Our trips are only a week long and I travel with empty tanks and water heater. I would have to stack cases of beer down the aisle 3 feet high to get to 4,000#. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks CecilD. I appreciate your insight. I will read up on pre Thor. 4000 lbs does seem like a lot but I have always thought more capacity is better even if I never use it. Can't imagine trying to carry that much beer! [emoji6] . We are going to look closely at this Jayco.

[Duoglide1]

I know zip about Jayco but every RV (&boat) I have bought has been used. On a class A maintenance records is a min requirement. On our 5th wheel it was 4 years old, showed it had been cared for, and had many options I would have chosen. If well maintained and cared for, tires less than 4 years old (& not China bombs) your probably ok. Check the roof inside & out very closely. Check for any water intrusion around windows and baggage doors. Good luck.

[mtofell]

Originally Posted by BCBackroads

The CC is achieved by making a lighter (not stronger) trailer.

This is not really true or, at best, is an oversimplification. GVWRs of trailers are set by frame, tire and axle sizes. A trailer with 5000# axles and a frame to match can just carry more weight than one with 4000# axles. I'll concede manufacturers try to aim for efficiency and they don't typically over-build but that doesn't mean they are just shaving weight off to get pound for pound more CCC.

I had a travel trailer with a 4600# CCC and it was a generally low end Forest River product (some engeineer probably got fired ). It just happened to have beefy axles and frame. I regularly see fairly high end trailers at shows and on lots with 1000-1500# CCC.

[wingnut60]

Buying used is what we have done several times and it works for us.
But, what is the gross weight on the trailer (will be on label near left side front). Take gross and subtract 4000 and that is what they are saying the trailer weighs as it sits. Probably not even close--if you get the trailer, weigh it without the truck and see what that figure is. Then you will know what you can load in it.
Jaycos have had a good rep for years, so if you like it and feel its a good deal, then it probably is.