Purchasing Advice

[Essex]

I'm looking at a used 2005 Montana 5th wheel and a new Jayco 5th wheel. The price difference is about $5000 more for the Jayco, but it does have a 2 yr. warrantly.

I know you all will want more details, but in general, what are your thoughts.

[Essex]

I'm looking at a used 2005 Montana 5th wheel and a new Jayco 5th wheel. The price difference is about $5000 more for the Jayco, but it does have a 2 yr. warrantly.

I know you all will want more details, but in general, what are your thoughts.

[John66]

The warrantee is good for minor problems, but may not help if there is something seriously wrong with the unit (a 'lemon') The used one may have all the manufacturing defects worked out and the huge initial depreciations already marked against it, but then there is stuff which has worn out or been broken by the previous users.

Forgetting price and new/used, which one do you like better? Which fills your needs better? If the used one is your choice, it might be wise to spend a few hundred of your savings and have a top professional inspect the unit to find out anything wrong with it.

Note that the price asked on either a new unit or a used unit is often higher than the price you can get it for...

[RustyJC]

Which Jayco? JayFlight? Eagle? Designer? Legacy? Their model range spans a substantial section of the entry-level and middle of the 5th wheel market.

Rusty

[Essex]

Looking at a couple of Jayco Eagle models.

[RustyJC]

As far as an "apples to apples" comparison, in my mind the Montana would be more comparable to the Designer, so (as I would have expected) you may be able to get farther upmarket for your money with the used Montana. We've owned three (3) Jaycos in the past, two (2) of which have been Designer 5th wheels. All have given us years of enjoyable service, and Jayco has a well-deserved reputation for standing behind its products.

Having said that, if the Montana has been well maintained, and if it has the features you want, at a $5K discount relative to the Eagle it could be the most bang for the buck as I mentioned above. Your money - your choice.

Rusty

[Hitchhiker]

Not sure exactly what floor plan or size you're looking for but there's a nice, clean looking 2005 model 30' Fifth wheel on eBay with a starting bid just a little over $27K. It seems to be a fair value for the trailer.