The biggest upgrade I will be looking for in our next unit is a better roof and protection against water intrusion/leaks, which means I won't be getting a new unit anytime soon. Or I will take what I can get and look to 3rd party aftermarket solutions to get the improvements I want. I have owned four trailers over the last 25 years and the unit that did the best was the tent we used before getting into trailers (we pay a big price for that indoor plumbing!).
Good video JD. So many variables for a newbie to consider that I will throw in just a couple more that I believe in. First, think of your needs. Family size, amount of use, importance of the layout and such. What is your budget. These are not investments but a life style. Get your second RV the first time. Meaning rather than taking an expected loss on two units, get the one your going to get in a year or two the first time. Most importantly, don't wait for the "perfect" unit. That is a unicorn. Just get out there with what you can afford and what checks the big boxes.
So for 120k I get to purchase a Pinnacle with a smashed up front cargo box liner? What the heck are these builders doing, and secondly, how does that pass p.d.i.? I spent 4 months working on my 2022 Hemisphere after it was drop shipped from Ohio to my home in Seattle. More things wrong than ever should be allowed. Tired of crap products being produced with zero support to us consumers. Sorry for the rant, however I do enjoy your videos and honest perspective.
Very good J.D. all good points you make. Agree, generlly as you go up in price, trailers as in trucks, you get nicer amenities. I am amazed at the difference in mid price trailers are today vs 10-15 years ago not to mention the top of the lines per manufacturer. Manufacturers are utilizing better materials and technology . One major area they seem to be inclined not to address is damage caused by water intrusion. Almost always caused by poor roofing materials and poor caulking. Caulking that's usually always a butyl based, which dries out and shrinks in sunlight. Why it continually has to be re-done every year , and still doesn't work. The other major item is roofing. Still utilizing TPO, rubber systems -- that can not hold up to direct sunlight. Sunlight degrades rubber, that causes water leaks at seams and joints. Solution from roofing and trailer manufacturers tell owners to just keep slobbering on more sealer, every couple of months. Perpetuating the problem. If the first layer of sealer has started releasing and failing, putting more new sealer over failed sealer is not the answer. I understand switching to a commercial grade roofing materials, like used on office buildings, grocery stores etc., would raise the price significantly. But if properly applied, manufacturers could offer a 20 to 30 year warranty. Would you be willing to pay a little more for that piece of mind ? I believe that roofing is an area that manufacturers are going to have to look at. Since you have the ear of some manufacturers, perhaps could be an interesting conversation. I mean asdell (hope I spelled correctly) siding was a new concept to avert delamination in sidewalls. Next logical thing is to stop water from getting to sidewalls. Anyway buddy, just my thoughts. Hey, you started the conversation, I'm just adding my 2 cents. Love your content and appreciate objective opinions you offer, for the most part, I agree with what you say. Hope your health is continuing to improve. God bless you and your family and have a blessed day my friend.
All the bells & whistles are great, but will lead to more cost if something breaks down the line. The more tech you add to the unit, the more things you may not be able to fix yourself. I also like that my 2017 Seismic 4113 still has redundant switches to control everything in addition to the OneControl. I'm more concerned with quality construction/materials/components/appliances, than the kind of tech, sound system, or how many TV's an RV has. I guess that puts me in the middle of the road category. Mine also has the electronic ground control system. I prefer that over the hydraulic, not only because I can change a motor anywhere, but I can easily manually operate them individually with a ratchet or drill in an emergency. I also do not have to worry about dealing with hydraulic fluid and hoses (that get brittle over time and are a PITA to change). The only time I ever notice the leveling system straining, is when I try using it when not hooked up to shore power. I try to only hook up/unhook/level while connected to shore power now.
Thanks for your quality videos and I appreciate that this is an informative one for a first time buyer. They only thing better would be to have you present when shopping. Beside the differences for me is that I will be traveling alone and dealing with the size/practicality involved in the decision. As a former truck driver I’ve settled on a fifth wheel and have just purchased a new 3/4ton diesel. Your videos will aid in some of information I’ll need.
In my humble opinion with all the upgrades and add ons it increases the weight exponentially. Taking a lot of customers out of the high in market for that reason alone. I did enjoy the video just was hoping to see the inside of the RV. Thank you
What would you suggest for a 5th wheel under or close to 30 foot for most of the year living? Many videos on the big campers. We prefer smaller for easier access into certain camping areas. But want the quality for staying in it (mobile/traveling) for 6-9 months
Great video on comparisons. Would be interesting to see a comparison on a unit advertised as ‘lite’ vs non lite. Aside from obvious weight difference - would be interesting to see other differences in quality, durability etc.
I purchased a new Eagle in 2016. Using your “luxury” item scale it was closer to the current 22 Pinnacle than the same 22 Eagle today as far as luxury items on it. (It also cost me half the price of the current one.) My point is that it seems that many of the manufacturers are putting less into their mid range units trying to keep their cost down. I would love to see you do a side by side comparison of a new and say 6 year old same unit and see the changes.
Hi JD, another good comparison video. My wife & I like the added luxury upgrades as in our Legacy Montana with full body paint. One upgrade I do not like is the power theater seating. Motors are slow, and while I understand older folks with less leg strength may like them, I wish we had pull levers.
Safety is more important than luxury. If the thing is over 35 feet it's too big for state parks. Full timers might want the size. Outside cooking rather than inside. Inside always sets off the alarm. Bedroom comfort is important also. I need space around the bed to get in without crawling in and space to change my clothes. Good info!
Can you add the electric cord wheel to the Jayco after market? Also what hitch/pin box would you recommend if you upgraded. I am in the 2022 Jayco Eagle 321RSTS. I could have gone with a higher end model however we decided to spend the money on a truck since traveling in comfort was a better place to spend the money. Plus we typically keep any travel trailer for 5 to 10 years. This is our first 5th wheel. You also mentioned something about the Jayco having an upgraded suspension?
After having only Airstreams I walked through numerous 5th Wheels at an RV show recently. The floors felt so hollow and cheep in all of them. Yes, they are bigger, but that feeling like you are going to fall though the floors is hard to accept. Do you find this the case in the ones you tour?
Have you ever reviewed any primetime units? We just purchased a crusader lite 33bh and so far are very happy with it. But I’m finding a few things that are a little off. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Good points in the video. Prices are crazy to me. My 2021 Montana High Country was less than half the sales price of that high end Jayco and has a lot of high end features. I personally prefer the electric landing gear over hydraulic alot easier to troubleshoot and work on.
You may want to revisit the slide systems on the Eagle vs Pinnacle. A rack and pinion is used on the camp side of the Eagle with the cable system on the off camp side (kitchen/entertainment slide) as shown in the video. On the Pinnacle I believe Jayco uses the Slim Rack system instead of the cable system found in the Eagle and Eagle HT's. I believe they do this to save weight. Hope this helps and thanks for another great video.
We like the concept of keep it simple stupid. We have no slides, no awning, no furnace, no hot water heater, no shower to clean only a wrap around shower curtain, no outdoor kitchen. What we do have is a European style with the Alde heating and hot water system. The air conditioner is build into the side of the trailer. It’s only 18 feet long and dry weight around 2900 lbs. personal I wouldn’t give $10.00 for a 5th wheel but that’s just me. Thanks for asking. Great video and review. Thanks
Great advice !!! I think the biggest concerns are pricing on trucks, availability and fuel costs. Looking to travel but things are not looking very good and quality seems to be a big issue with labor being so hard to find.
Only two questions matter to me. Where are the campsites I will park that $100,000 high quality construction “camper” in next summer? And, I don’t already own a 1 Ton truck, but I have checked prices. Have you? What’s my point? I could have $175,000+ tied up in my rig and no place to go. On the other hand, I could retire, sell the house and live in one of those full time in the right place. Without my wife, of course.
One of the reasons I started looking at class c and class A rv's is by the time I purchase a camper large enough for my family it would then require a new truck to pull it after all is said and done I could still use the class c or A to pull a trailer with the dirtbikes and the side by side for less mobey
We were going with Pinnacle front living room but now we are looking at the Eagle HT fiver. Several reasons besides price but that's another discussion. Have you done a video on the Curt Turning Point pin box that comes on the Eagle HT? We are still going with a Super Duty 250 or 350 but I just don't like the look of long beds. Any videos or information concerning reliability and usefulness of this type box would be great. I am still willing to go long bed on truck but would prefer not to.
I don't trust the drop frame. Seems like it creates a weak point between the pin box and the axles where a bump in the road would show the fail point. I know they engineered it for travel. But I wanna see the factory to understand it.
Good video 😀 I would rather have the pinnacle with all the extras they are over priced think should change in the future with pricing people have slowed in there purchasing fifth wheel I'm not going to pay higher prices but if you want better rig's luxe or new horizon area better 🤔
@@sljack1671 yes but a lot of the rvs coming out now, even low end models, have solar panels that are either already installed or at the very least are solar ready. That is way more efficient than a gas/electric
All campers are pretty much cheap. They are built by a bunch of under paid kids in Indiana. The roofs are the weak point on all campers. If not maintained you are guaranteed leaks on some as soon as 5 years. Stay on top of it. Check it and service every 6 months if not store under a shed.
This is not going to be the most accurate video you have ever done, the kitchen slide on the pinnacle uses the same cable system as the eagle, you missed that because it’s not out, the couch side of the eagle uses the same rack and pinion system as the pinnacle, this is done to allow for larger holding tanks. in this video you are comparing apples to oranges as you are comparing opposite slides. Additionally the door on the Eagle kitchen slide is for repairs should there be a issue with the residential fridge, this keeps them from having to remove the slide to repair. You won’t open that door to winterize. Eagle has solid surface counters and real wood cabinets and drawers this is a really poor side by side comparison
I never thought of that. What kind of place would do that? Auto paint shop? My friend got his old truck repainted and it was $4k. I thought that was alot for an old pickup. Seems like that shop would charge a whole lot more to paint an RV.
4k isn't to bad. It's all the body that eats up most off. Most RVs ruff the original paint up and start painting. And depending on the paint it may not be much to get if you get it yourself.
The biggest upgrade I will be looking for in our next unit is a better roof and protection against water intrusion/leaks, which means I won't be getting a new unit anytime soon. Or I will take what I can get and look to 3rd party aftermarket solutions to get the improvements I want. I have owned four trailers over the last 25 years and the unit that did the best was the tent we used before getting into trailers (we pay a big price for that indoor plumbing!).
Good video JD. So many variables for a newbie to consider that I will throw in just a couple more that I believe in. First, think of your needs. Family size, amount of use, importance of the layout and such. What is your budget. These are not investments but a life style. Get your second RV the first time. Meaning rather than taking an expected loss on two units, get the one your going to get in a year or two the first time. Most importantly, don't wait for the "perfect" unit. That is a unicorn. Just get out there with what you can afford and what checks the big boxes.
Thank you for covering the front storage area! 🏍💨🏍💨
So for 120k I get to purchase a Pinnacle with a smashed up front cargo box liner? What the heck are these builders doing, and secondly, how does that pass p.d.i.? I spent 4 months working on my 2022 Hemisphere after it was drop shipped from Ohio to my home in Seattle. More things wrong than ever should be allowed. Tired of crap products being produced with zero support to us consumers. Sorry for the rant, however I do enjoy your videos and honest perspective.
Solid video, actually REALLY helpful in my look for a new 5th wheel!
It’s really not, a lot of misinformation in this video
Very good J.D. all good points you make.
Agree, generlly as you go up in price, trailers as in trucks, you get nicer amenities.
I am amazed at the difference in mid price trailers are today vs 10-15 years ago not to mention the top of the lines per manufacturer.
Manufacturers are utilizing better materials and technology . One major area they seem to be inclined not to address is damage caused by water intrusion. Almost always caused by poor roofing materials and poor caulking.
Caulking that's usually always a butyl based, which dries out and shrinks in sunlight. Why it continually has to be re-done every year , and still doesn't work.
The other major item is roofing. Still utilizing TPO, rubber systems -- that can not hold up to direct sunlight. Sunlight degrades rubber, that causes water leaks at seams and joints. Solution from roofing and trailer manufacturers tell owners to just keep slobbering on more sealer, every couple of months. Perpetuating the problem. If the first layer of sealer has started releasing and failing, putting more new sealer over failed sealer is not the answer.
I understand switching to a commercial grade roofing materials, like used on office buildings, grocery stores etc., would raise the price significantly. But if properly applied, manufacturers could offer a 20 to 30 year warranty.
Would you be willing to pay a little more for that piece of mind ?
I believe that roofing is an area that manufacturers are going to have to look at.
Since you have the ear of some manufacturers, perhaps could be an interesting conversation.
I mean asdell (hope I spelled correctly) siding was a new concept to avert delamination in sidewalls. Next logical thing is to stop water from getting to sidewalls.
Anyway buddy, just my thoughts. Hey, you started the conversation, I'm just adding my 2 cents.
Love your content and appreciate objective opinions you offer, for the most part, I agree with what you say. Hope your health is continuing to improve. God bless you and your family and have a blessed day my friend.
Being a starter with 5th wheeler. Thanks for these importants hints and showing all differences. Well done.👍
As usual, GREAT video!! Me thinks the rv industry is SLOWLY pricing itself out of business??
Love this!! Amazing. Thank you!
All the bells & whistles are great, but will lead to more cost if something breaks down the line. The more tech you add to the unit, the more things you may not be able to fix yourself. I also like that my 2017 Seismic 4113 still has redundant switches to control everything in addition to the OneControl. I'm more concerned with quality construction/materials/components/appliances, than the kind of tech, sound system, or how many TV's an RV has. I guess that puts me in the middle of the road category. Mine also has the electronic ground control system. I prefer that over the hydraulic, not only because I can change a motor anywhere, but I can easily manually operate them individually with a ratchet or drill in an emergency. I also do not have to worry about dealing with hydraulic fluid and hoses (that get brittle over time and are a PITA to change). The only time I ever notice the leveling system straining, is when I try using it when not hooked up to shore power. I try to only hook up/unhook/level while connected to shore power now.
I have the northpoint, right between these two. Been very happy with it!
Very good video, as always great information. We have had a class A, but are looking at 5th wheels now.
Thanks for your quality videos and I appreciate that this is an informative one for a first time buyer. They only thing better would be to have you present when shopping. Beside the differences for me is that I will be traveling alone and dealing with the size/practicality involved in the decision. As a former truck driver I’ve settled on a fifth wheel and have just purchased a new 3/4ton diesel. Your videos will aid in some of information I’ll need.
Great video! Nice to see the availability and differences!
In my humble opinion with all the upgrades and add ons it increases the weight exponentially. Taking a lot of customers out of the high in market for that reason alone. I did enjoy the video just was hoping to see the inside of the RV. Thank you
What would you suggest for a 5th wheel under or close to 30 foot for most of the year living? Many videos on the big campers. We prefer smaller for easier access into certain camping areas. But want the quality for staying in it (mobile/traveling) for 6-9 months
Great video on comparisons. Would be interesting to see a comparison on a unit advertised as ‘lite’ vs non lite. Aside from obvious weight difference - would be interesting to see other differences in quality, durability etc.
It’s really not, most of this video isn’t accurate
I purchased a new Eagle in 2016. Using your “luxury” item scale it was closer to the current 22 Pinnacle than the same 22 Eagle today as far as luxury items on it. (It also cost me half the price of the current one.) My point is that it seems that many of the manufacturers are putting less into their mid range units trying to keep their cost down. I would love to see you do a side by side comparison of a new and say 6 year old same unit and see the changes.
That’s because his information was very inaccurate, the things he claims the eagle doesn’t have is incorrect
Hi JD, another good comparison video. My wife & I like the added luxury upgrades as in our Legacy Montana with full body paint. One upgrade I do not like is the power theater seating. Motors are slow, and while I understand older folks with less leg strength may like them, I wish we had pull levers.
Safety is more important than luxury. If the thing is over 35 feet it's too big for state parks. Full timers might want the size. Outside cooking rather than inside. Inside always sets off the alarm. Bedroom comfort is important also. I need space around the bed to get in without crawling in and space to change my clothes. Good info!
Can you add the electric cord wheel to the Jayco after market? Also what hitch/pin box would you recommend if you upgraded. I am in the 2022 Jayco Eagle 321RSTS. I could have gone with a higher end model however we decided to spend the money on a truck since traveling in comfort was a better place to spend the money. Plus we typically keep any travel trailer for 5 to 10 years. This is our first 5th wheel. You also mentioned something about the Jayco having an upgraded suspension?
After having only Airstreams I walked through numerous 5th Wheels at an RV show recently. The floors felt so hollow and cheep in all of them. Yes, they are bigger, but that feeling like you are going to fall though the floors is hard to accept. Do you find this the case in the ones you tour?
I want it all if Iam going to use it a lot !
Have you ever reviewed any primetime units? We just purchased a crusader lite 33bh and so far are very happy with it. But I’m finding a few things that are a little off. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Good points in the video. Prices are crazy to me. My 2021 Montana High Country was less than half the sales price of that high end Jayco and has a lot of high end features. I personally prefer the electric landing gear over hydraulic alot easier to troubleshoot and work on.
I love this channel and the content you provide. Keep up the great work.
You may want to revisit the slide systems on the Eagle vs Pinnacle. A rack and pinion is used on the camp side of the Eagle with the cable system on the off camp side (kitchen/entertainment slide) as shown in the video. On the Pinnacle I believe Jayco uses the Slim Rack system instead of the cable system found in the Eagle and Eagle HT's. I believe they do this to save weight. Hope this helps and thanks for another great video.
I wouldn’t buy a RV with a cable slide actuator for all the tea in China.
We like the concept of keep it simple stupid. We have no slides, no awning, no furnace, no hot water heater, no shower to clean only a wrap around shower curtain, no outdoor kitchen. What we do have is a European style with the Alde heating and hot water system. The air conditioner is build into the side of the trailer. It’s only 18 feet long and dry weight around 2900 lbs. personal I wouldn’t give $10.00 for a 5th wheel but that’s just me. Thanks for asking. Great video and review. Thanks
Most important thing to know is no matter how much you pay for it, in a year it will be worth half of what you purchased it for.
Great advice !!! I think the biggest concerns are pricing on trucks, availability and fuel costs. Looking to travel but things are not looking very good and quality seems to be a big issue with labor being so hard to find.
Only two questions matter to me. Where are the campsites I will park that $100,000 high quality construction “camper” in next summer? And, I don’t already own a 1 Ton truck, but I have checked prices. Have you? What’s my point? I could have $175,000+ tied up in my rig and no place to go. On the other hand, I could retire, sell the house and live in one of those full time in the right place. Without my wife, of course.
One of the reasons I started looking at class c and class A rv's is by the time I purchase a camper large enough for my family it would then require a new truck to pull it after all is said and done I could still use the class c or A to pull a trailer with the dirtbikes and the side by side for less mobey
She has a go fund me to get you on your way. You can park down by the river
Hey JD,
What type of slide system do you think is best for the large heavy slides?
Gear driven rack and pinion.
What is the pin and weight difference, probably significant.
I like my Coachman chaparral 298rls
We were going with Pinnacle front living room but now we are looking at the Eagle HT fiver. Several reasons besides price but that's another discussion. Have you done a video on the Curt Turning Point pin box that comes on the Eagle HT? We are still going with a Super Duty 250 or 350 but I just don't like the look of long beds. Any videos or information concerning reliability and usefulness of this type box would be great. I am still willing to go long bed on truck but would prefer not to.
And nether have insulation under the floor. That's how come it gets hotter than hell in the summer, and colder than hell.
My primary criteria is reliability.
So you know witch one not to get. Probably 2019 on
I don't trust the drop frame. Seems like it creates a weak point between the pin box and the axles where a bump in the road would show the fail point. I know they engineered it for travel. But I wanna see the factory to understand it.
Why don't you recommend towing with a fifth wheel and or travel trailer.
Good video 😀 I would rather have the pinnacle with all the extras they are over priced think should change in the future with pricing people have slowed in there purchasing fifth wheel I'm not going to pay higher prices but if you want better rig's luxe or new horizon area better 🤔
Totally agree 👍
I really don’t know why gas/electric refrigerators are still being used especially in higher end. 12v much more efficient
Cheap
Lots of times we do not have access to electric and can still run the fridge on gas.
@@sljack1671 yes but a lot of the rvs coming out now, even low end models, have solar panels that are either already installed or at the very least are solar ready. That is way more efficient than a gas/electric
The Jack is gonna move it about 2 seconds faster
Excellent review! I like the luxury but the pocket book and the boss (wife) do not.
All campers are pretty much cheap. They are built by a bunch of under paid kids in Indiana. The roofs are the weak point on all campers. If not maintained you are guaranteed leaks on some as soon as 5 years. Stay on top of it. Check it and service every 6 months if not store under a shed.
Single pane windo. R-.70. Dual pane R-.90.
It's not worth the upgrade.
My price range is in the 40k so I wouldn't even look at these rvs unless they where used
I got a brand new flagstaff fifthwheel for under 40k otd
Stay away from hydraulics. Way more complicated to troubleshoot.
Show a video on the Jayco Eagle 357 MDOK.
This is not going to be the most accurate video you have ever done, the kitchen slide on the pinnacle uses the same cable system as the eagle, you missed that because it’s not out, the couch side of the eagle uses the same rack and pinion system as the pinnacle, this is done to allow for larger holding tanks. in this video you are comparing apples to oranges as you are comparing opposite slides. Additionally the door on the Eagle kitchen slide is for repairs should there be a issue with the residential fridge, this keeps them from having to remove the slide to repair. You won’t open that door to winterize. Eagle has solid surface counters and real wood cabinets and drawers this is a really poor side by side comparison
auto leveling sucks no matter what brand you buy fyi
The new RVs are nice. But as good as the Chevy trucks lol.
To all go get your own paint job 6k
I never thought of that. What kind of place would do that? Auto paint shop? My friend got his old truck repainted and it was $4k. I thought that was alot for an old pickup. Seems like that shop would charge a whole lot more to paint an RV.
4k isn't to bad. It's all the body that eats up most off. Most RVs ruff the original paint up and start painting. And depending on the paint it may not be much to get if you get it yourself.
I think they're both way overpriced.