RE: BIG TiMe downsize!
biker--
I agree with what you're doing, and I think pocketing 10 grand is reason enough--although I think you'll be lucky to retain 5k once your whale is sold. The market for bigguns is VERY soft.
FWIW, don't brush aside the good advice you're getting here. My new (2me) TT barely stretches 17'11", but with a full frontal area I still get only 10-12 mpg on the highway. And let me explain what the difference is: At 60 I get 10 mpg, at 55 I get 12. Slow down and you will save more gas than you will by trading trailers.
As for climbing "Mt. Hood Pass", I've skied Mt. Hood most summers since they started glacier skiing in 1978. And I've never driven the incline up to Govy (3500 ft, not 6k) without having to slalom my Jeep GC between lumbering wooly mammoths inching up at 35 mph.
Well, this year with my TT I'll be lucky to do 35, but I'll bet I won't be the slowest. So why sweat it? If gas stays this high, folks will soon be towing TT's with their bicycles, biker.
What's up with the whole biker thing? Anyway, your correct Gov camp is 3500 ft but when you add warm springs and every other grade to central Oregon your easily over 6k. I was talking about 35mph around Mt St helens where we frequent the most. Very winding roads. For some reason everyone thinks I'm driving like a bat out of hell. I never said I was traveling even above 50mph? I get the drag thing already. Just quit dismissing the weight as being a factor.:)
If gas stays this high, folks will soon be towing TT's with their bicycles, biker.
Exactly why I'm getting a jump on it now! Estimates are currently at fuel being $7.00 a Gal in 2 years, It's not going down folks. No magic to it. Think ahead! If your justifying your current setup because you enjoy it that's fine. I love my Eagle but I'm not afraid to plan for the future so I can continue to enjoy RVing by re-visiting my previous choices and seeing how it fits the next few years. We're staying local and that means hills. Lots of hills!
RE: BIG TiMe downsize!
Like others have said, biggest MPG factors are speed and wind resistance. Slow down, enjoy the trip.
You need to re-read my posts on the type of terrain we deal with. To summit Mt Hood pass is a 6k elevation change with several other small passes. Ever driven out of Warm Springs Indian Reservation? Mt St. Helens is up to 4500. I'm already pulling at 35mph on winding roads so I can't go much slower! Maybe most of you live where it's flat but drive a mile in my shoes! If you don't think weight is a factor your wrong.:E
If you're really concerned about weight, take a good, hard look at how much "stuff" you take along and maybe it's time for a "diet."
If going on a diet as you say will effect mpg then what do you think losing 2tons will do? Lots of contradictions in several replys.
RE: BIG TiMe downsize!
Thanks for all the replys. I looked at several older Alumiscapa/HR trailers and I just don't like the floorplans. They are still heavier than smaller Jay Flights even with all the aluminum goodies.
I to feel the Jayco 20BH would be a tight fit but willing to go that route. Found a 2006 locally for $9900 thats only been used once! Another plan we like is the 2006 Jayco 23FB. Looks like a good amount of space and storage in a 26' package and UVW is only 390lbs higher than the 20bh.
I do need to pay off some bills so going lighter,smaller and cheaper would be an advantage all the way around. No hidden costs as we already own all necessary towing items and internal stuff. Agree with 20k being high and will most likely let it go for $18 or $18,500. It is time. If anyone is looking for a pristine Eagle on the west coast let me know!
RE: BIG TiMe downsize!
Hmmmm difficult math. Sell the 2005 Eagle for 20k and buy the 2006 20bh for 9k. I don't think that's much of a loss. ;) Why sell the F-350 diesel when it gets better MPG than any f-150?
RE: BIG TiMe downsize!
It may not help with fuel. It isn't the weight so much that hurts mpg. It is the drag of that TT front wall. Weight only comes in to the mpg equasion, when either starting off, or climbing the mountain.
I am in complete agreement with this!
Well, Since I'm in Washington State I think you'll understand from the mountain aspect. We frequently crest Mt. Hood and Mt St. Helens so fuel IS a concern. Every trip involves at least a 3000 ft elevation change. Weight is a factor and our current setup is 9.5 tons. Hauling that over a mountain and /or several grades is draining (on fuel that is). Another issue is most state parks and National Park camp grounds around here are prone to 24ft back in spots or small pull through. The Beagle (BIG Eagle) just don't fit! So on to smaller, lighter and better MPG.
Losing 6 inches of front profile drag and losing 1 and a half tons will make a difference as well. Thanks for the feedback.
BIG TiMe downsize!
Well it looks like we are parting ways with our Jayco Eagle 298bhs. Its been a great trailer and never had any warranty work but fuel is going up.....so were going down. Down in trailer size anyway. We are looking at a used Jayco Jay Flight 20bh. There are 5 of us so we still need to see if we fit. It's almost half the weight of the Eagle so that should help with fuel. We are looking for the basics of having a bed for everyone with a shower and toilet and basic kitchen. The 20bh seems to fit the bill. Also gonna try and stay around the 10k mark money wise. The DW doesn't want canvas so we're avoiding hybrids and pop ups.
Bye Bye Eagle.....TBC
