Currently my wife and I have 4 children (ages 11, 9, 6, and 3) and we're currently expecting twins. This is causing us to look into upgrading from our Jayco 232 HTT. Because of the need to have 8 seats we're relegated into the SUV market, but from a towing standpoint I think we did about as well as we could have with a 2004 Nissan Armada with the towing package and an Equalizer WDH.
In looking at campers we started looking at the Sprinter 311BHS, but it definitely was too much. Today we really fell for the Jayco G2 32BHDS, but it really seems to push us to the edges of our towing capacity- it's 7855 dry with a GVWR of 9750 - which is about our towing max.
Today we also looked at Zingers, Hornets, Coachmen, Wildwoods, Outbacks, and a couple of others. We're really wanting a BH design that gives the kids a "room" they can hang out in either in the evening, or if it's raining, and preferably a "U" shaped dinette. It seems as if all the rigs big enough to sleep our family comfortably can't be pulled by a TV that can carry us all.
Are there any suggestions, or is anyone else in the same situation? The dealer thinks that we should be able to tow the 32BHDS fine. When we travel we typically don't carry tons of stuff, and most trips are 2-4 days, and within 2-2.5 hours or less away on relatively flat terrain.
04 Lariat Supercrew 4x4,5.4,3.73, Edge tuner, flowmaster duals
06 Trail Bay 31BH, nicely optioned
Equal-i-zer
Prodigy
Follow vehicle, 05 KIA Sorento EX for the golden retrievers.
The G2 will not work with your truck! Simply put, the dealer is not correct. An used Excursion would be wonderful, especially figuring in the twin arrivels, if you could swing it! It could pull the earth off it's axis! If you look at the V-10 model, they are deeply discounted now due to fuel crisis.
This Jayco might meet your needs. U shaped dinette, enough sleeping arrangements for the kids and friends! Weight is good, length is a bit long, but can be done with the right hitch (PullRite or Hensley suggested)at least a dual can system. Keep in mind that the towing capacity of your truck includes the weight of your passengers, all of their clothing, toys, food, water, propane, gasoline, dogs, etc. You have to figure the unloaded weight of the rv also. Short wheel base SUV's are not the best truck to tow a longish trailer!
This would work as well...especially if you want to stay with a Jayco too!, and why wouldn't you!
I know exactly what you are experiencing. We fell in love with the floorplan and nothing else measured up for what we wanted (with 2 kids, LOL). We considered all you mentioned too.
Upgrading your tow vehicle may be the only option. And I feel your pain! We picked up the truck on Feb 22 and the trailer on March 22. Started Payments in April. Ouch.
Thats what we did 18 months ago when we bought the Armada and the Jayco 232 - I swore I wouldn't do that again - LOL - kinda like swearing off drinking in college...
I know a trailer that I believe has what you are looking for. The KZ Spree 289 KS. It has four bunks, a KING hard rear slide for mom and dad, a jackknife sofa and a huge U-shaped dinette that can sleep 2 more at least. This trailer can sleep 9 easily, 10 if you don't mind taking one of the munchkins into the king bed with you and the wife. I have the 245 KS, which is identical, except 2 bunks instead of 4. The Sprees are made by KZ, which is well respected. They look great inside and out. Check it out. By the way, this trailer is probably about 5500 pounds dry... my 245 is 5000.
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