I found a Casita. . .

[Cudedog]

Ann, you should have said something. You could have easily taken a shower in my rig. Next time, say something.

Thanks Judy! Much appreciated.

I did know beforehand that there would be no showers at the campground. So it was my fault, and no one else's - I had planned in advance the "stealth" trip to the ladies room just before bedtime. I like to be self-sufficient.

I had read that there were pay showers around the other side of the lake at the "store", so I knew in a pinch I could go there.

Thanks again!!

Anne

[Cudedog]

Anne, I think Lyn’s trailer is made by Lance. Good luck on your search. You’ll be surprised one day when you happen across “the perfect one.”
Sandi

Well. . . forget about what I said earlier about similar pricing between stick-built and fiberglass trailers. I ran across the Jayco Bunkhouse on the web this afternoon, I hope to see one in person tomorrow or the next day. There is a Jayco dealer here in town.

This Jayco "bunkhouse" is right up my alley. First of all, the price of it new, and fully loaded (ac, awning, heater, microwave, refrigerator, stove, etc.) including Kitchen! Bathroom! Permanent bed! Also: It's price, new, is nearly two thousand dollars less than the 10-year-old Casita I was thinking about going to see.

https://www.rvsofsac.com/product/new-2018-jayco-jay-flight-slx-154bh-839240-29

Is Jayco a good brand, or is it junk?

It has permanent a "bunk bed" that I could easily sleep on (I fall asleep on the couch watching tv pretty often, and usually just get comfy and stay on the couch the rest of the night) and so not have to convert the "dinette" to a queen size bed. I could remove the table from the dinette and then have a small "living area" (I almost never eat at my table here at home). The trailer is small - just how I want it. Weight about 2500 pounds - my van is rated to pull 9,000. Storage is minimal in a unit this size, but no problem for me - have traveled for weeks in my van with under-bed storage, the van could easily be used for extra storage for the trailer.

If I can find a used one a year or two old, I just might whip out my checkbook!!

What kind of questions about it do I need to ask!

I am excited! I think I could travel very comfortably in this unit and go for some very long trips indeed!! What do you all think? Please chime in. I am a total newbie at trailers, and I value each and every one of your opinions!!



Anne

[JudyJB]

Here is the Jayco site with more floorplans for 2018: https://www.jayco.com/products/travel-t ... nd-prices/

When I was looking for motorhomes, Jayco was one of the manufacturers I visited in Indiana, and I was impressed with them. They are family-owned, not owned by the big conglomerates that own most of the other RV manufacturers. Also, they were the only manufacturers that offered a 2-year warranty. The rest were only one year, and trust me, two years is much better than one year, so consider buying new.

I like the bunk concept and the fact that you would always have a bed made up. You could take the top mattress out and put it in storage, and build some sort of railing or mesh screening to hold storage boxes up there. Or, you could leave the mattress in and still build some sort of removable railing that would hold boxes of stuff. I am envisioning something that maybe slides in a slot of some sort???

Big advantage over the Casita or Scamp is the dry shower. I have heard people who hate wet baths because of the mess made on the walls and how they get tired of drying everything off after a shower.

One other thing I had considered doing if I ended up with a dinette was to remove the big table and have a smaller one made on a pedestal that goes up and down. That way you could use it as a sort of coffee table and also as a laptop or work table in the raised position. They make those table too big, at least for me, but the purpose is so it can slide down and act as a foundation to make it into a bed, but you are never going to sleep anyone on that, are you? And I would even have cup holders built into the modified table to prevent spills. Tuck a magazine rack underneath?

For the size, there is a lot of storage over the dinette and around the walls. Much more than your van, at least, and you still have the van for extra stuff.

Check tank size out.

[Cudedog]

OH OH OH!!!

Judy, you are getting me really excited!! This is very good news to me that you share about Jayco!!

Under this link, click on the "360 Tour" button below the video. It shows [i]exactly what this trailer is all about.

https://www.rvsofsac.com/product/new-2018-jayco-jay-flight-slx-154bh-839240-29

I am probably going to go look at this one tomorrow. There is even a possibility that it is small enough to fit in my garage. [/i]

Here is the Jayco site with more floorplans for 2018: https://www.jayco.com/products/travel-t ... nd-prices/

When I was looking for motorhomes, Jayco was one of the manufacturers I visited in Indiana, and I was impressed with them. They are family-owned, not owned by the big conglomerates that own most of the other RV manufacturers. Also, they were the only manufacturers that offered a 2-year warranty. The rest were only one year, and trust me, two years is much better than one year, so consider buying new.

Excellent news about Jayco, and excellent suggestion for buying new. I have spent the evening trying to find a used one, and all that I have found have already been sold. Which is a good thing - it says the units are in some demand.

I like the bunk concept and the fact that you would always have a bed made up. You could take the top mattress out and put it in storage, and build some sort of railing or mesh screening to hold storage boxes up there. Or, you could leave the mattress in and still build some sort of removable railing that would hold boxes of stuff. I am envisioning something that maybe slides in a slot of some sort???

Yes, Yes and Yes! Making up a bed (or converting a dinette to a bed) every day would make me crazy. I would NOT like to do it. Yes on removing the top mattress - the upper bunk is rated to hold 300 pounds, so could definitely use it for more storage. Slides in a slot!! I LOVE IT!! This floorplan gives so many options on how to set things up!!

Big advantage over the Casita or Scamp is the dry shower. I have heard people who hate wet baths because of the mess made on the walls and how they get tired of drying everything off after a shower.

Yes, too, on the dry shower! Or even the ability to take a shallow bath!

One other thing I had considered doing if I ended up with a dinette was to remove the big table and have a smaller one made on a pedestal that goes up and down. That way you could use it as a sort of coffee table and also as a laptop or work table in the raised position.

YES!!! I don't need a gigantic table just for me. A small up-and-down table as you describe would be perfect! Even no table at all would be fine. I actually rarely use a table. My bill-paying and my crafting is almost always done sitting on the sofa with one of those lap tables on my lap.

They make those table too big, at least for me, but the purpose is so it can slide down and act as a foundation to make it into a bed, but you are never going to sleep anyone on that, are you?

No, I don't anticipate ever having anyone sleep there. And, yes, the table is way too big for me! Takes up an enormous amount of room in this small space! If my daughter and her husband should ever join me for a camping trip (and well they might), they can take the bunks and I can sleep in the van (I will leave the bed in the van).

Tuck a magazine rack underneath?

A magazine rack against the wall between behind where the table is now would be perfect!!

Check tank size out.

Tank sizes are small - but absolutely do-able! LOL! More than I have in my van now! Which is nothing!

Fresh Water Capacity 10 gals
Grey Water Capacity 19.9 gals
Black Water Capacity 19.9 gals

THANKS, Judy!!

Anne

[JudyJB]

You can take two skimpy showers and wash dishes twice in that. Can always keep a galling jug of water for flushing.

See if you can find a 2017 sitting new at dealers or 2018 once 2019s come out and deal with them. My motor home was 25% off list price because they had it 6 months and used it for shows. Bigger AC on roof is important upgrade.

I am getting excited for you also!

[Colliemom]

My trailer is a Rockwood Mini Lite 2109S. It’s way bigger than what you want in a trailer, but has all the comforts of home. I love it. It weighs over 5,000 pounds when loaded, but it’s stick built fiberglass. . But there are smaller models out. It’s made by Forest River.

Have you looked at the Escape trailers? Made in Canada. Saw a bunch of them last fall at the COE campground in IL during a GTG. They are really neat.

[Cougarfan]

Here is a used one. Looks like it is in great shape.

https://www.guaranty.com/vehicle/2016-jayco-slx-154bh-pt3561

I've purchased two trailers from this dealer. If you go, let me know and I'll give you a name of someone to work with. He is very honest and fair.

Good luck!

Laura

[BirdbyBird]

I love the diversity of this group! I always pause and reflect on it when I read the new member's question, "What size do I need?" When you move up from a van, a tiny trailer is a wonder. Will the tanks be big enough some wonder. Bigger than I had before and I managed well enough. Excited that your search is now leading you to more possibilities that meet your needs and may actually be available for you to find. We are all ready to listen for more of your adventures.

[OregonLuvr]

Thor Industries now own Jayco.

[Birdie]

Thor bought Jayco a couple of years ago. Said they would not change anything. However, I think Jayco has more recalls now than before. A Casita will hold its value even better than the Scamp and Boler. Don’t have value retention on the Escape, but do have a friend who had a 5th wheel Escape made two or three years ago. It is another solid built fiberglass trailer built in Canada. The Fiberglass forum would be another place to see what values are on used units.

I bought the Spirit Deluxe in 2008. I did have a few interior mods made. They now have added an additional model. They are easily towed using only a sway bar. Factory says WDH not required. When I sold my Casita, Dec 2009, it was to a retired doctor in Seattle. I ran my for sale in the Casita forum, of which there used to be two. I got the call and made the deal in 3 days. Payment was made through PayPal.

[Cudedog]

Thanks to Sue (immediately went to check out Forest Rivers after reading your post, thank you!), Laura, Tina and Karen!

Tina, you are SO right! After travelling (and having wonderful trips!) in my van, this tiny trailer sounds (and looks!) like a palace to me. I guess it's all relative!

Laura, thanks for the tip about the unit in your area - I can get to southern Oregon in just a couple of hours.

Karen, I have heard not-so-good things about Thor - should this be a concern regarding this trailer, do you think?

I'm going to need all the help I can get on this one. Unsurprisingly, last night was one of my (fairly frequent) "insomnia nights". Too excited to sleep! Still planning to head in to Sacramento sometime today to take a look at one. There really don't seem to be too many of them for sale, which kind of has me a bit worried.

If I find after my usual "morning coffee" that I am still a bit too groggy to make the drive, I will telephone my local U-Haul to have a hitch and wiring put on my van. Whether or not I get this trailer, it is something that I have been thinking about doing for a long time - it is good to have on there, plus I can get one of those hitch baskets (for storage) if the trailer thing falls through.

Since I wasn't sleeping last night anyway, I continued my hunt for this trailer on the internet and found out that this trailer also comes in a "Baja Edition". Which means that you have a 30-gallon water tank instead of the 20-gallon, and also a larger propane tank (I think a 30-pound tank rather than a 20-pound). It is also a bit higher off the ground, and the undercarriage is "sealed" (whatever that means.

I think this version might be good for me, because I would like to be able not to worry about low spots in the road. On the other hand, with it being higher off the ground this might also meant that it might have more trouble in the wind - and also more wind resistance going down the road. What do you all think?

Depending upon where I eventually go to buy, the additional price for the Baja is only a couple hundred dollars.

Pricing on these is (maybe surprisingly, and maybe not - to those of you who have done this hunt before) is all over the map, from about $13,500 to about $10,999, with the average being about $11,500.

Here is the Baha version, showing the raised body (and larger propane tank - $11,499):

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2018-Jayco-JAY-FLIGHT-SLX-154BH-5000042629

For comparison, here is one with the "normal" suspension ($10,999):

https://www.bbrv.me/New-Inventory-2017-Jayco-Travel-Trailer-Jay-Flight-SLX-154BH-Anderson-California-3257117

Looking at them both just now, I think I kind of like the "normal" suspension one better - but could probably use the larger water and propane tanks.

QUESTION: Both of these are listed as "sale" prices - can I then "make an offer" on one? Or does a sale price generally seem pretty firm? I have seen these trailers online for as high as $13,500, so the prices listed under these links might be discounted prices already.

Question for Beth: WooHoo! When did you say you were going to be in the Yellowstone area! This just might (finally!!) be my year!!!

I'm thinking that if I have to drive some distance to just "take a look" it might be a good idea to drive the van, with the hitch already in place.

Best wishes (and please keep those suggestions coming!) ,

Anne

[Bethers]

Good luck in your search... And you can always offer less... They can say yes or no or counter.

I won't be in Yellowstone, but in Keystone, SD again by Mt Rushmore.

[Colliemom]

Trailer Life just released their 2017 Readers Choice Awards, these are the top three travel trailer manufactures chosen by readers such as myself, who submit our favorite and best choices in a variety of things. Gold: Lance, Silver: Forest River, Bronze: Jayco.

A few things to think about. Bathroom, no issues, some like a sink and medicine cabinet to store stuff in. That Jayco has an empty wall behind the foilet. Something can be put up there if one wants. Kitchen has a nice amount of counter space, small fridge, but van camping, you are used to that. The bunks are a bit tight though. I’ve been in bunkhouse trailers but some have a tad more length to crawl in and out of. Get in there and lay on them, see how much effort you need to get in and out, if you feel cramped etc., and heaven forbid, can you get out fast in an emergency. Yes the table can be removed, so can the whole dinette for that matter. Put a chair and side table in or something. Is there enough storage inside to keep the necessities you want to carry, are there enough windows for air and light, how eady is it to hook up sewer hoses for dumping or full hookup sites. Is there exterior storage outside for that stuff. If you find a used one, look for any signs of leaks and check the tires for wear, bulges or. Damage, look at the DOT code to see the date of manufactuer, you can find out online how to do that and see who made them. If an off brand, probably Chinese, ditch em. Roofs on used ones should be loked at to see the condition if you can. How big are water tanks, holding tanks etc.

I eould suggest loking at one maybe one size up too, just for comparison. A foot or two of length is no big deal. Go tonthecdealers and look at small trailers they yave just for fun and note the differences in floor plans. Never know what you mught find, then look for a used one. You know, if you have a zillion auestions, I would be more than happy to talk with you. We could pm numbers if you want. But best of all, have fun, you wil know when you find that perfect one.

[Colliemom]

Another thought. Take the dinette out and have a sofa put in, then you can use a fold down table when you want it.

[Cudedog]

Good luck in your search... And you can always offer less... They can say yes or no or counter.

I won't be in Yellowstone, but in Keystone, SD again by Mt Rushmore.

Well, when I am in that end of the world, Keystone should be "close enough".

First bump in the road: I had thought that I could park my potential trailer in my driveway (my driveway is certainly long enough) but made a telephone call to the city building department to be sure and was told that parking an RV in one's driveway here is not permitted. Luckily, my van (which I park in my driveway) looks like a. . . van. And not like an RV. Of course, there are several trailers of one sort or another on my street parked in driveways or on the street, but it would just be my luck to get cited if I tried it.

So, the hunt for storage is on. After making some phone calls, most local places I have found on Craigslist charge upwards of $65.00/mo. Ouch. Although I can afford it, El Cheapo mega-tightwad that I am, I'm not sure it is "worth it" to me to pay $800/year (or more - rents never go down, do they?) just to have it parked on a dusty lot somewhere at the mercy of "five-finger midnight supply".

In any case, the local Jayco dealer that I spoke to yesterday explained to me this morning on the phone that he doesn't have any of these units currently in stock, but states they are "on order". I know that there are a couple of these units in (fairly) nearby cities that I can go to look at, but (since there aren't any of this model here in the town where I live) I think I will postpone any out-of-town "tire kicking" trips until I have solved the storage issue problem (I have friends with acreage where I might be able to store the thing), and have had a hitch put on my van (which I have been thinking about doing in any case, whether or not a trailer is in my future).

Also, making big, potentially life-altering, decisions is never a good idea for me when I am short on sleep. Slept a big three hours or so last night. Probably less.

So.

I know that there are rv storage places around town that I haven't seen advertised, because I have driven by them on my daily out-and-abouts. I'm going to head out in a bit to the local U-Haul place to make an appointment to have a hitch installed, then drive around a bit more to (hopefully) find a place where my potential unit could be stored without costing me an-arm-and-a-leg. I need all of them, arms and legs and the whole lot, and am not particularly interested in giving any of them up.

Again, suggestions appreciated. Do most of you pay to store your units somewhere for the off-season? Would be interested to know what the going rate for this might be in your area.

As always, thank you all very much.

Anne