I have researched Pop-ups for over 4 months and just bought a 2005 Jayco Baja 10Z:
Requirements:
Evaluated buying cheap pop up and adding lift kit. Ruled out after 4 weeks of research. Would not be able to get 15” tire rims even with lift. Frame rails not as sturdy, internal workings would vibrate, inability to add shocks. 15” rims are the same as a standard tire instead of the 12” tiny tires on most pop-ups. People who have done this end up with units falling apart and worthless after several years. Plus buying a decent used one with a refrig is about $4K, add the lift, tires, etc ??
So added requirements to have 15” tires, spring suspension with shocks to absorb road bounce. Frame must be sturdy and have protection for underside to not damage propane lines.
I went to the Starcraft dealer and looked at the 10RT and 11RT. I didn’t like the 11RT because of the way the table sits, and the deck is too big since I don’t have an ATV. I also debated on the bathroom. I can always get a portapottie and either keep it in a cabinet and pull it out when needed, or used the tent outhouse when needed. So the toilet/shower option was not a swinger for me. Plenty of shower kits available.
The above set of criteria came up with 3 units (non bathroom units):
Looked for 2005 models that were still new and have full warranty. Used 2004 models are only about $500 less and in some cases more.
Looking everywhere but the east coast, the Evolution was above $10K
After seeing the Starcraft 10RT in person. I spent a couple of nights searching and reading everything I could on these things and decided I liked the Jayco Baja 10Z better. I didn't want a front deck as big as the RT11, but wanted a smaller one and I liked the optional tool box that comes with the Baja. I also liked the little couch in the Baja better than just the cabinet. Also, I liked the step were the bed and floor meet. I liked the fact you could load the frig and cabinets with the top down. Finally, the Baja had more clearance at the hitch area.
So, after calling all around, I found one near Rapid City SD and did a deal for $8300 out the door that includes the value package (Refer, Furnace, Stereo, Prep for solar and generator, Water purifier), the outside Grill, Tool Box option, Hydraulic Brakes, Brake controller and wiring my vehicle. Damn, there went my Toy budget.
It's a big discount going for a 2005. The 2006's are almost identical and they are about $3-4K more. FYI - There are 3 2005's left at Jacks Campers in SD (1 in Black Hills 2 in Mitchell) and there is one in Tulsa Oklahoma that are all about the same price.
Here is a link to the Jayco site showing the 2005 10Z model:
http://www.jayco.com/html/catalog/ga...php?prod_id=85
I won't be able to get up there for a couple of weeks, but I put money down and it's mine. Kind of scary since I bought it without seeing it in person. The salesman is going to take some pics of my unit and send them to me so I will post them when I get them.
Looks like Doug and I will be able to have an Open house for the Starcraft and Jayco models at Moab, you can bring the Beer. What, you don’t bring presents to House Warming parties.
Requirements:
· Need to have a refrigerator
· Need to have a Furnace
· Need to be able to in the wild for several days and be able to have electricity, heat, etc.
· Need to be able to take trailer off road (Moderate) to make base camp prior to wheeling on more aggressive trails.
· Want layout so I don’t have to climb over kitchen table to get in bed.
· Unit needs to be well built and hold up with light to moderate road bumps.
· Brakes on trailer required for Mountain Driving and potential off road.
· Need to have a Furnace
· Need to be able to in the wild for several days and be able to have electricity, heat, etc.
· Need to be able to take trailer off road (Moderate) to make base camp prior to wheeling on more aggressive trails.
· Want layout so I don’t have to climb over kitchen table to get in bed.
· Unit needs to be well built and hold up with light to moderate road bumps.
· Brakes on trailer required for Mountain Driving and potential off road.
Evaluated buying cheap pop up and adding lift kit. Ruled out after 4 weeks of research. Would not be able to get 15” tire rims even with lift. Frame rails not as sturdy, internal workings would vibrate, inability to add shocks. 15” rims are the same as a standard tire instead of the 12” tiny tires on most pop-ups. People who have done this end up with units falling apart and worthless after several years. Plus buying a decent used one with a refrig is about $4K, add the lift, tires, etc ??
So added requirements to have 15” tires, spring suspension with shocks to absorb road bounce. Frame must be sturdy and have protection for underside to not damage propane lines.
I went to the Starcraft dealer and looked at the 10RT and 11RT. I didn’t like the 11RT because of the way the table sits, and the deck is too big since I don’t have an ATV. I also debated on the bathroom. I can always get a portapottie and either keep it in a cabinet and pull it out when needed, or used the tent outhouse when needed. So the toilet/shower option was not a swinger for me. Plenty of shower kits available.
The above set of criteria came up with 3 units (non bathroom units):
1. Jayco Baja
2. Fleetwood Evolution E1
3. Starcraft 10RT
Only Starcraft and Fleetwood tents separate and are not one whole piece. Only starcraft has 7 year warranty on tent. Others are 5 year. Jayco has a 2 year bumper to bumper warranty vs the others with 1 year. The tenting almost swayed me to the Starcraft.2. Fleetwood Evolution E1
3. Starcraft 10RT
Looked for 2005 models that were still new and have full warranty. Used 2004 models are only about $500 less and in some cases more.
Looking everywhere but the east coast, the Evolution was above $10K
After seeing the Starcraft 10RT in person. I spent a couple of nights searching and reading everything I could on these things and decided I liked the Jayco Baja 10Z better. I didn't want a front deck as big as the RT11, but wanted a smaller one and I liked the optional tool box that comes with the Baja. I also liked the little couch in the Baja better than just the cabinet. Also, I liked the step were the bed and floor meet. I liked the fact you could load the frig and cabinets with the top down. Finally, the Baja had more clearance at the hitch area.
So, after calling all around, I found one near Rapid City SD and did a deal for $8300 out the door that includes the value package (Refer, Furnace, Stereo, Prep for solar and generator, Water purifier), the outside Grill, Tool Box option, Hydraulic Brakes, Brake controller and wiring my vehicle. Damn, there went my Toy budget.
It's a big discount going for a 2005. The 2006's are almost identical and they are about $3-4K more. FYI - There are 3 2005's left at Jacks Campers in SD (1 in Black Hills 2 in Mitchell) and there is one in Tulsa Oklahoma that are all about the same price.
Here is a link to the Jayco site showing the 2005 10Z model:
http://www.jayco.com/html/catalog/ga...php?prod_id=85
I won't be able to get up there for a couple of weeks, but I put money down and it's mine. Kind of scary since I bought it without seeing it in person. The salesman is going to take some pics of my unit and send them to me so I will post them when I get them.
Looks like Doug and I will be able to have an Open house for the Starcraft and Jayco models at Moab, you can bring the Beer. What, you don’t bring presents to House Warming parties.
