Category: Reviews

Where do you want to go? That’s the only issue Jayco wants you to have with the luxurious Precept 31UL. This road-trip-ready RV was built in response to extensive customer feedback. The 2025 Jayco Precept 31 UL starts with a bold floorplan and adds everything you need for safe, comfortable road trips — with family or without. 

This smaller Class A is designed to give you a premium driving and handling experience, one that even those who are new to driving a larger vehicle will enjoy. Navigating most state parks or grocery store parking lots won’t be a problem in the Precept 31UL due to its nimble size and its JRide Plus handling system. 

So, let’s get this review on the road and have a look at this brand-new offering from Jayco.

 

At a Glance: Precept 31UL

If you’re looking for a great Class A motorhome for under $225,000, the Jayco Precept 31UL is a great value at $219,265. The Precept 31UL has a lot going for it, which is why I have rated it at four and half out of five. To start with, it’s a nimble, powerful beast that would be genuinely fun to cruise down the highway in. It has a living area that features a TV on a televator that rises above the four-seat dinette. It’s just fun to press a button and have a TV that pops up, seemingly out of nowhere. 

But that’s just the beginning of a spectacular amenities package here. We’ll get more into that later. Instead let’s talk about safety features. The Precept has a smoke detector, propane leak detector, and a carbon monoxide alarm. 

However, one safety feature that it does lack is a second door for egress. I’ll give Jayco credit for an emergency egress window, but given that the majority of people buying Class As are over 50 years old (and probably not as mobile as they once were), climbing out a window in an emergency egress may be slow going at best. It would make better sense to add a second door somewhere on the RV. (Perhaps on the driver’s side.)

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 6
• GVWR: 22,000 pounds 
• GCWR: 24,000 pounds 
• Exterior length: 33 feet
• Exterior height: 12 feet 10 inches
• Exterior width: 8 feet 5 inches
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 72/40/50 gallons
• Fuel tank: 80 gallons
• Propane (on board): 56 pounds 
• Awning: 16 feet
• Exterior cargo capacity: 108 feet of storage

 

Features We Love

On the Exterior

• 2- to 3-year warranty on everything in the motorhome
• New front cap with LED headlights lights and accent lights
• Bilsteen steering stabilizer
• JRide Plus handling
• Quiet ride technology (in a smaller Class A — what?!)
• Koni FSB shocks to improve ride and reduce body roll
• 22.5-inch tires
• 22,000-pound Ford F53 chassis 7.3 liter engine
• 120-inch windshield with 32-inch wipers for great visibility 
• Backup camera and side cameras
• 108 feet of storage in exterior storage bays
• Side-mounted, slam-latch doors on exterior storage bays
• 200-watt solar panel on roof
• 6000-watt Yamaha generator
• Walkable fiberglass roof
• Built-in ladder 
• Vacuum-bonded laminated materials used in exterior walls that have been vacuum pressed with 144 tons of pressure for 16 to 18 minutes (so that delamination becomes impossible)
• Cage-around catalytic converter to deter theft

 

On the Interior

• Big camera/navigation monitor screen
• Plush, comfortable, and power-adjustable driver and passenger captain’s chairs
• Pull-out passenger-side desk
• Firefly total control system with app controls all functions remotely
• Winegard Wi-Fo booster and 4G mobile hotspot on roof
• 15,000-Btu-ducted air conditioner with heat pump at front and 13,000-Btu AC with heat pump in bedroom area
• 50-amp power cord
• Sirius-XM prepped
• Windows have residential-style wood trim and day night shades
• JBL sound bar 
• Big farmhouse-style sink with flexible rubber faucet
• Three-burner gas stove 
• 21-cubic-foot fridge/freezer with French doors and water dispenser
• Solid-surface countertops
• King bed with CPAP ready nightstand on each side
• Roomy shower
• Nightstands with wireless charging pads and USB ports
• Cassette blinds that are super easy to deploy 
• Lippert 4000 series windows 
• Solid hardwood cabinets
• Front seats swivel and have a shared cocktail table
• Outside shower for rinsing dirty people and dogs
• 24-inch TV in master bedroom
• Power theater seats with USB ports
• 40-inch TV on a lift system next to dinette 

 

 

Benefits

• Luxurious Class A experience for under $225,000
• Small enough to navigate campgrounds easily and get into most campsites 
• Gas chassis will be less expensive to maintain/repair than a diesel
• No tag axle or air brakes
• Mid-sized but well designed so it’s easy, fun, and intuitive to drive
• Cockpit is well laid out with everything within easy reach
• Backup camera makes backing into campsites a breeze
• Insulated for a quiet drive 
• Front seats swivel to add extra seating 
• Boondocking ready with big storage tanks and a generator that’s plumbed to the gas tank.
• Efficient 10-gallon water heater replaces up to 30 gallons of hot water per hour
• Loads of exterior and interior cabinet storage space lets you have it all with you
• Window seals are protected from sun damage
• Residential feeling tinted windows offer privacy
• Roll-down shades in cockpit area make it easy to block out the sun and enjoy privacy
• Pull-out passenger side desk allows passenger to work from the road
• Televator TV stores out of the way when not in use
• Sink cover converts sink into counter space and/or hides dirty dishes
• Power theater seats are perfectly positioned for watching 40-inch TV
• Well insulated for winter camping
• Comes with a winterization package
• Powder room allows guests to use the toilet and sink without going into the main bedroom area

 

Challenges

• TV in the living area will be difficult to watch from the dinette
• So comfortable and easy to drive that it might be hard to stop traveling

 

Best For

• Couples or families that want to take extended road trips/vacations in a luxurious Class A that doesn’t break the bank
• Couples or families that want to use it for weekend trips 

 

Key Areas That RV Trader Reviews

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Jayco Precept 31UL.

 

Sleeping Space

In the master bedroom, there’s a fantastic king bed with CPAP=ready night stands on either side. Wireless chargers and USB ports for electronic devices help keep you connected. Storage cabinets above the bed, storage underneath, and a massive wardrobe on the opposite wall help ensure that you can bring all your necessities with you wherever you decide to go.

The Precept 31UL also has a power drop-down bunk in the living area, which gives overnight guests a comfortable queen size bed that is rated for 750 pounds. In addition, the legless dinette folds into a comfortable sleeping area for two. There are also storage benches underneath that could hold bedding or guest luggage. 

 

 

Bathroom

The bathroom in the Precept 31UL gives you either one or two comfortable spaces, depending on how you configure it. The bathroom has a powder room with a vanity sink and porcelain toilet behind a wide door located across from a spacious glass-enclosed shower. The door can be opened across the hallway to create one big open bathroom with a shower. 

The shower is definitely roomy enough that anyone under 6 foot 4 inches will have plenty of headroom. Ample storage space for towels, toiletries, and toilet paper is available in hardwood vanity cabinets and drawers. There’s plenty of space for smaller items in the oversized medicine cabinet above the vanity. 

Light from the bathroom window is reflected by the mirrors on the medicine cabinet, creating the illusion of a big space in what might otherwise seem like a very cozy little half bath. Privacy from the outside shouldn’t be a problem. Both privacy glass and a dark window shade work with the height of the RV to help maintain both modesty and privacy (and everyone’s composure). 

 

 

Living Area

Jayco offers a choice of either a sofa bed or theater seats. The model I reviewed had power-adjustable, reclining twin theater seats with cup holders and USB ports for charging devices. The theater seats are right across from the TV. This works perfectly for cozy nights with a good movie and a big bowl of fresh popcorn.

The cushy driver and captains’ chairs spin to join the living area and have good vantage points for watching TV too. Both of these power adjustable chairs can share a snack table/work surface that can be set up to use when needed. Campers on the queen bunk also get a view of the TV.

The legless dinette features a 38-inch-by-70-inch table and can seat up to four people comfortably. I love that the upholstery Jayco chose for the Precept 31UL living area is family- and dog-friendly. That’s because it’s both stain- and spill-tested. And it’s resistant to both.

A 16-foot awning provides a sheltered outdoor living area complete with an entertainment center that includes outside speakers and a 40-inch LED HD smart TV mounted on a swivel bracket for viewing from multiple angles. An outdoor LPG connection for an outdoor grill or fireplace eliminates the need to bring a portable tank along. 

 

 

Kitchen

The L-shaped kitchen in the Precept 31UL has a surprising amount of both counter space and storage. It’s an impressively efficient little kitchen with a super-efficient work triangle. The 21-cubic-foot, 12-volt refrigerator/freezer is located on the wall opposite to the kitchen sink, so you can take produce from the refrigerator, take a step to wash it in the sink and then turn prepare it for cooking on the three-burner gas cooktop, in the microwave, or in the RV-size gas oven. I love the innovative long flexible rubber spout on the kitchen faucet as an alternative to the pull-down faucets used in most RVs. 

Food, dishes, utensils, and cooking tools could all be stored within easy reach in plenty of solid hardwood cabinets and drawers. 

 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

The Precept 31UL is definitely four-season capable. Having said that, a Class A would not be my first choice of RV for navigating challenging surfaces like snowy mountain roads. This RV has lots of all-weather amenities to get you through the heat of summer and chilly winter temperatures. Jayco responded to customer suggestions by adding extra insulation to keep both hot and cold weather out of the RV. Inside, two ducted air conditioners with heat strips move cool or warm air around inside. The heat strip is especially handy for quickly taking the chill off on fall or winter mornings. If it’s really chilly you can use the 30,000-Btu gas furnace to get the interior of the Precept 31UL nice and cozy. 

Outside, tank valves are in an enclosed compartment and heating pads on holding tanks help to keep everything flowing when temperatures drop below 32 degrees.

 

Storage Space

This little Class A boasts an impressive amount of storage. Storage starts with lots of exterior passthrough storage. Outside, cabinet storage bays open with hassle-free, side-mounted doors with keyed alike locks. Side-mounted doors let you store and access everything in the cabinets easily. 

Inside, the Precept 31UL has storage throughout. Both the living area and cockpit get overhead cabinets that could allow easy access to board games or road trip snacks. There’s also lots of cabinet and drawer space in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Lift up the king bed, and you’ll find a respectable amount of storage underneath. I was surprised that there aren’t any struts under the bed to keep it in place while items are stored or removed. Having to lift and hold a bed to access stored items can be pretty annoying.

The dinette bench seats also provide storage for bedding or other items underneath. Other than the lack of struts under the king bed, I was really impressed with how Jayco fit so much storage into this mid-size Class A.

 

 

Closing Notes on the Precept 31UL

The Jayco Precept 31UL is a fun RV that’s clearly designed for carefree road trips or extended camping vacations. Inside and outside, the aesthetic is fun, lighthearted, and ready for adventure. Jayco’s kept everything in the cockpit convenient and within easy reach and given this RV features like easy handling, sway control, and beefy 22-inch tires. All of this adds up to an RV that promises to be so intuitive and fun to drive that you just might have a hard time going back home. 

 

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Precept 31UL

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

According to several studies, many RVs only get out a few times a year. What’s more, many of those road trips don’t average over 75 miles from home. Needless to say, if you’re one of those typical RV campers, a high-end RV might not make sense. For those models, the price connects to the amount of time you plant to use it. But if you simply like the occasional RV trip, you need a different kind of RV model. And the 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Conventional 22MLS just might be it. 

Why exactly is that? Keep reading.  

 

At a Glance: Open Range Conventional 22MLS

I rated the Open Range Conventional 22MLS as a three out of five. This is a popular floor plan for a reason. But while many details really were good, there were also a few things that I believe could have been done better — all without creating a much more expensive RV. 

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 4
• Hitch weight: 500 pounds
• UVW: 5,265 pounds 
• CCC: 1,435 pounds
• Exterior length: 27 feet 5 inches
• Exterior height 10 feet 7 inches
• Exterior width: 8 feet
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 42/40/40 gallons
• Propane: 2 x 20 pounds
• Awning: 18 feet

 

Features We Love

• PVC roof membrane
• 3-year structural warranty
• Kitchen storage
• Furnace vents relocated to cabinets

 

Benefits

• Many towable RVs use a membrane-style roof, but the PVC roof on this trailer has the advantage of carrying a lifetime warranty. Further, if you do happen to damage the membrane, you can repair it with things you can get at any local hardware store. 
• Despite being on the more affordable side, this trailer still carries a three-year structural warranty. 
• There’s a lot of storage in the kitchen on this for a smaller trailer, including drawers, cabinets, and even a pantry. 
• It’s a common practice in the RV industry to have furnace vents in the floor of the RV, but that means you’re kicking dust and pet dander into the space all year. (And then smelling them as they get heated as the weather gets colder.) Highland Ridge has moved the vents up into the cabinets instead, so this won’t be the case in the Open Range Conventional 22MLS. (This is a pretty significant change that’s much appreciated.)

 

 

 

Challenges

• This is a pretty simple entry-level trailer. And while it’s decently equipped, you should know that the basic leaf-spring suspension and budget-brand tires are something to keep an eye on. These less elaborate suspension systems tend to transmit more road irregularities to the trailer itself. That makes them less well suited for those who plan to do extensive towing. 
• Some of the details inside, including exposed fasteners on the dinette, really stated quite obviously that this trailer was built to a budget. 
• The low-grade vent fan in the bathroom isn’t going to do much to clear steam or odors. Which means it might be something to update early on. I wish the manufacturer would just put in a better fan from the factory. 

 

 

Best For

• The Open Range Conventional 22MLS provides an affordable way to enjoy the RV lifestyle. With many RVers only traveling relatively short distances and not getting many uses in a year out of their RVs, this could be a great choice. It’s especially suited for the wide majority of couples who want to step into an RV to get away — without camping on the ground.
• If you’re able to store this on your own property, this would be a great alternative to a guest room for visiting family and friends. 

 

Key Areas of RV Trader Reviews

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Tony Barthel, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Conventional 22MLS.

 

Sleeping Space

The Highland Ridge Open Range Conventional 22MLS is essentially a one-room RV. In short, the sleeping space is in the same area as the rest of the interior. This is fine if you and your travel companions are on a similar sleep schedule. There is also a booth dinette that might accommodate a guest for a night or two but, really, this is a couples’ camper at heart.

 

 

Bathroom

There is actually a relatively decent amount of counter space in this bathroom. (Which is not typical.) Additionally, there is a cabinet at the back as well as a cubby space plus a proper medicine cabinet. 

As I’ve mentioned in a lot of other reviews, I’m not a fan of the low-performance vent fan in the bathroom. In my estimation, these do little more than make noise. 

The shower is a rectangular unit with a shower curtain, which I prefer over a glass shower enclosure — especially because it provides a little privacy in this one-room floorplan. Lastly, the toilet has enough room to even be friendly toward bigger campers who might be described by comedian Gabriel Iglesias as … fluffy. 

 

Living Area

I can see that Open Range Conventional 22MLS owners would likely appreciate the reclining theater seats on the road side of this RV. Those seats feature a power reclining function. They also have USB power outlets in them to keep your devices in top form. 

Across from the recliners is a TV flanked by storage and below that, a four-place dinette that makes into a bed. This floorplan offers decent camp-side window coverage so you can watch the goings on at camp from the dinette. 

 

 

Kitchen

The kitchen in the Open Range Conventional 22MLS is an L-shaped unit with a larger 12-volt refrigerator, three-burner propane stove, oven, and microwave. There are enough cabinets and drawers in this along with a pantry that even cooks who like cooking gadgets might be happy that they can find a place for their stuff. Much of the back wall of this model has counter space for the camp chef to utilize. And there’s also a larger sink. 

However, one big challenge in this kitchen is the 17-inch (vertical) oven. I talk about this in almost every RV where I find it. But this kind of oven really doesn’t have much room for anything more than pizza or cookies. And even these tend to have significant hot spots. So, with this oven, frequent rotation is the word of the day. 

 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

While the underbelly of this is enclosed and heated, four-season campers should note that the gate valve for the sewer is exposed. That could limit how low the temps could go to retain full usability of this RV. However, the Open Range Conventional 22MLS might be well-suited for three of four seasons. (Depending on where you live in the country, course.) 

Concerning off-grid capability, many buyers simply camp in RV parks or places with full hook-ups. So, the fact that this RV has no solar may not be a big deal. There are decently large holding tanks at 40 gallons for fresh, gray, and black, but the 12-volt fridge will easily consume the equivalent of one 100 amp-hour battery over a 24-hour period. You could certainly install solar charging or use a generator, but that’s not installed from the factory. (Which is still fairly common.)

 

 

Storage Space

Storage on the Open Range Conventional 22MLS is not bad at all. There is a good passthrough storage compartment in the front. There’s also pretty good storage inside this rig. As mentioned, the kitchen surprises and surpasses expectations with plenty of overhead cabinets, drawers, and even decent counter space. There’s also a pantry closet — and even a cabinet and a cubby in the bathroom. 

Beside the bed is hanging storage on either side, but there are no drawers specifically for the bedroom. There is open storage above the bed. Plus, the bed lifts up to reveal a storage compartment, but drawers aren’t here specifically for the bedroom. 

 

 

Closing Notes on the Open Range Conventional 22MLS

These stick-and-tin campers use traditional building materials, which are easy to deal with from a manufacturing standpoint. The big advantage here for buyers is that it makes models like the Open Range Conventional 22MLS more affordable. Overall, this model’s build quality was good, but some buyers are wary of the Schwintek slide mechanism. There were a few minor details, like mismatched screws on the dinette, but nothing extraordinarily bad. This is pretty common for an affordable camper. 

 

Suspension and Tires

This features a simple leaf spring suspension and import-brand tires. This is very much a cost-focused system and could be just fine if you do shorter trips closer to home a few times a year. But if you travel more, these simple suspensions transfer more vibration and road surface issues into the trailer, which doesn’t help with longevity. There are also no maintenance points on these suspensions, so it is smart to inspect them regularly. 

 

 

An Affordable, Entry-Level Trailer

I get to see a lot of RVs. These range from simple, basic models to elaborate units that might be something a celebrity would own. The Open Range Conventional 22MLS is more on the affordable end of that equation, but the layout is effective. There’s good storage inside. And the interior is pretty pleasant with those power recliners. For a vast majority of RV buyers hoping to get into a travel trailer, this is likely going to make their shopping list with its combination of affordability and functionality.  

 

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Open Range Conventional 22MLS

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

For those looking for a very large toy hauler, it would be hard to beat this Jayco Seismic 399, a new model for 2025. With 13 feet 6 inches of garage space and enough sleeping capacity for nine people (along with two bathrooms), this toy hauler certainly looks great on the stat sheet. But what’s even better is that the attention to details and a number of features you’ll discover in the Seismic 399 make it a great choice in real life. 

 

At a Glance: Seismic 399

While this is truly an enormous toy hauler, that works for some people. (Specifically, people who have toys and love fifth wheels.) If this is what you’re looking for, I would say the 2025 Jayco Seismic 399 is a four out of five. There is so much attention to detail in here and so many things Jayco has done right that it’s hard to find fault with it in this size range. However, there is one thing that may lead to swearing, if you’re parked and have the slides out. 

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 9
• Hitch weight: 3,370 pounds
• UVW: 14,950 pounds 
• CCC: 5,540 pounds
• Exterior length: 45 feet 11 inches
• Exterior height: 12 feet 8 inches
• Exterior width: 7 feet 2 inches
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 106/87/87 gallons
• Propane: 60 pounds (in two tanks)
• Awnings: 2 x 11 feet, plus a full-width awning over the patio deck

 

Features We Love

• Dexter Tow Assist system
• JaySMART lighting system
• High-quality suspension and tires
• Rear service panel for the refrigerator
• Fueling station with standard fuel handle
• Rear patio deck with three season patio doors
• Kitchen design and appliances
• Premium interior feel
• Jayco moved the furnace vents off the floor for 2025
• Cargo area with additional sleeping capacity and separate bathroom
• Norco Exact Slide mechanism on main slide room
• Observation camera in the cargo bay

 

 

Benefits

On the Outside

• Dexter’s Tow Assist system uses technology from Bosch to provide anti-lock braking and sway mitigation on this trailer, a significant safety advance in towable RVs. While newer vehicles all incorporate anti-lock braking, this is a newer feature in towables. (And it can make for much safer towing.) Another feature is the ability to track mileage with this system which can help with routine maintenance. 
• Jayco pioneered their JaySMART lighting. (The acronym stands for Safety Markers and Reverse Travel.) This system flashes upper and side marker lights when you activate the turn signal. It visually notifies other drivers to the fact that this big beast is about to make a turn or change lanes. 
• The suspension on this RV Rota-Flex King Pin Box, Dexter Axles with ABS and sway mitigation, Dexter heavy-duty shackles with wet bolt fasteners and bronze bushings and 17.5-inch Uniroyal H-rated 16-ply tires. (Got all that?) The Dexter heavy-duty shackles with wet bolt fasteners and bronze bushings help resist the wear and tear of towing. The Uniroyal tires provide a safer ride, far fewer repairs and much less sway. Further, the cushioned shackles reduce vibration and road irregularities that transmit into the RV itself thereby improving longevity. 
• The service panel behind the refrigerator enables you to access the back of the fridge for service or winterization without having to take the whole thing out. 
• The fuel station in this allows you to fuel-up your toys in the field and also provides fuel for the built-in generator. There’s a proper fuel handle like at a gas station and a fuel pump. 
• Out back the ramp that you would use to drive in your toys can also double as a patio deck complete with side railings. There is also a three-season glass patio door with windows that open. That way, you can leave the deck down the entire trip and still block off Mother Nature. 

On the Inside

• With the design of the kitchen, it would be possible to create nice meals even if you brought eight of your closest friends. 
• Many toy haulers have a very stark or industrial feel to the interiors. That’s not true at all here with upscale touches in the main living space, bathroom and bedroom. These spaces are a very pleasant place to spend time. 
• For 2025, Jayco moved the furnace vents to the cabinets, off the floors. This means you won’t be kicking in dust and debris all season for that very special odor when the furnace kicks on as the temps go down. 
• Like most fifth wheels, this one features an upper deck with a private bedroom. But there are also two drop-down beds in the cargo area on a power lift mechanism. One of those can go from opposing couches to a bed quite easily. This cargo area bedroom/living space also has a half bath. So, it’s a great place for kids.
• Norco’s newer Exact Slide mechanism is unique. The system is designed to support using the space even when the slide is in. This is unusual as almost all towable RVs specifically recommend not going into the slide when it’s retracted. 
• There is a provision to install both rear- and side-view cameras in this rig, but another spot for an observation camera in the cargo bay. You could use this to keep tabs on the things you’ve loaded as you travel down the road. Or you could also use it to keep an eye on rambunctious hooligans sleeping in the cargo hold. You know, the “quit teasing your sibling” kind of hooligans.

 

Challenges

• There is a sewer dump port right under the main slide room on the road side. This will require you to undergo a bit of contortion to get to the gate valve. (It’s also could potentially cause an abundance of foul language — prompting you to have to buy one of those “I’m sorry for what I said in the campground” shirts.)
• Common to a lot of fifth wheels, the vent for the stove is so high on the wall I doubt most people will open it. I would like to see the return of the type of vent where you can open/close it from the inside of the trailer. Leaving this open will likely cause the flap inside to eventually blow off. 

 

 

Best For

• Travelers who want to bring large toys like side-by-sides, dirt bikes and that sort of thing will love this. The Seismic 399 offers storage space and cargo carrying capacity to accommodate those types of things. But there are also plenty of places to bed down for the night and great off-grid functionality. So, this would be a great accomplice for those who love off-roading or trail riding. 
• RVers who travel extensively with a work or hobby that needs a lot of space will love the amount of space the Seismic 399 provides. For example, we have a friend who does chainsaw wood carving. (Yes, that’s a real thing.) The Seismic 399’s large cargo bay would be a great place to work his trade and stash his tools, while the rest of the trailer would still provide nice accommodations. 

 

Key Areas of RV Trader Reviews

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Tony Barthel, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Jayco Seismic 399.

 

Sleeping Space

The bedroom on the upper deck (common with many fifth wheels) features a queen-size bed in a bed slide. The nose of the Jayco Seismic 399, at the front of the bedroom, features a full closet. There is also a secondary closet that is plumbed to accommodate a stacking washer and dryer. 

On top of all of that (literally), there’s a loft in the living space that a younger traveler would probably absolutely love. (It would likely be a fort by day, bedroom by night.) If you don’t have such a youthful camper with you, it’s easy to use this to store things as well. If you have more people and need more beds in the living area, there is also a fold-out bed as part of the large L-shaped sofa. But you may not need, because there’s more sleeping space in the garage.

About That Garage (Photos Under Storage Space)

In addition to the bedroom, loft, and foldout sofa, there are two larger beds in the cargo area that drop down by power-lift mechanisms. One of those are two couches by day and a bed by night; the other is a large proper bed. That last bed would be a good spot for a couple of adults to sleep comfortably. The folding couch/bed below does have some padding design that serves as a better couch surface, but it could provide a lumpy sleeping surface. (Which may be fine for younger campers, but adults might not be so thrilled with this.) 

Overall, there are beds for nine individuals, and I could see at least four of those places being quite accommodating for full-sized adults.

 

 

Bathroom

The Jayco Seismic 399 follows the pattern found in most fifth wheels with a bathroom upstairs that incorporates a large, pleasant walk-in shower. There’s plenty of space around the toilet, and the bathroom is large enough that you could close the two doors that access it and change clothes. The two doors in this bathroom have one entry point into the upstairs bedroom and a second one into the hallway. 

There’s a second half bath downstairs in the cargo area that features a toilet and sink. Additionally, there is secondary plumbing in this area to accommodate a washer-dryer, which means there are two washer-dryer hook-ups. Perhaps one job possibility is a laundry service at RV parks, although the intention is probably to only hook up one laundry pair, not two. 

 

 

Living Area

This is another area this trailer really shines in the Jayco Seismic 399 with a plush-feeling L-shaped sofa. That sofa has two reclining positions which face the entertainment center and electric fireplace. On the road side, the portion of the sofa that faces directly into the camper is the one that folds out to a bed. The upholstery on this has a really nice feel. Jayco has assured us that it’s safe for this kind of RV being treated to minimize the chance of staining. 

I really like the reconfigurable table system in this trailer. It can go from a short two-person table to a longer one able to easily accommodate five people. Rather than having leaves it has hinged sections that pull out with the table, which is an easy process. 

 

 

Kitchen

Like the rest of the living space, the kitchen in the Seismic 399 portrays an upscale vibe. The kitchen itself is a U-shaped affair which results in a lot of usable counter space. There’s a three-burner propane oven and plenty of drawers and cabinets. For 2025, Jayco has upgraded the drawer builds on these trailers to a tongue-and-groove style build which is a much higher-quality way to put drawers together than what is common in most RVs. 

I also really like the sink they chose, which features an integrated glass washer and a number of drop-in pieces that can be used to dry or clean dishes more easily. Further, one of these drop-in pieces is designed to work with a waterfall-like sprayer to wash veggies. Of course, the faucet incorporates a sprayer and pull-out head as well. This is quite literally more useful than the kitchen in my own house (and gives me ideas for remodeling). 

I really enjoy these pull-out pantries like the one in here. This increases the amount of storage by using the depth of the pantry.

There’s a large 17-cubic-foot, 12-volt refrigerator in here, which is as large as many residential units. But it has an additional advantage: It’s able to run without kicking on an inverter. 

Something unique to Jayco products is called the JayPort, which is a two-inch receiver hitch but in the side of the trailer. Jayco includes a flat-top propane griddle with this trailer that mounts in this place. This is nice and sturdy but also positions the griddle away from the body of the camper. Nice. 

 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

The Seismic 399 has undergone zero-degree testing in the Dometic freeze chamber, proving you can camp safely and comfortably all year round, even in snowy conditions. Taking it one step further, the Seismic also undergoes weather chamber testing from zero to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. With Climate Shield zero-degree tested weather protection, the Seismic 399 has a fully-enclosed and heated underbelly, double-layered fiberglass batt insulation, and double-sided, bubble-foil radiant barrier insulation for best-in-class results. 

 

Storage Space

One of the biggest reasons to get something like this is because of the huge garage in the back, which is absolutely a component of storage space. But Jayco has added a decent-sized front passthrough space in here as well. Other than that, there isn’t much exterior storage. 

Inside there are plenty of cabinets and drawers for the kitchen and the front bedroom. There is a loft accessible above the kitchen which could be a great sleeping spot for a younger traveler but could also be used for a lot of storage if you don’t have such a person with you. 

 

 

Closing Notes on the Seismic 399

It seems pretty clear to me that Jayco has really been paying attention to what customers are saying with the attention to detail and number of improvements to the Seismic line for 2025. While some of these changes, like the dovetail drawer construction, might seem minor they will make a difference in the long run on this RV. 

As a professional looker-atter of RVs, I see a lot of companies just plodding along, but it’s clear that Jayco is making investments in improving the quality and usability of RVs like this. 

Now, this is way too large an RV for many campgrounds, particularly on public lands. And this is a very heavy rig. So, something like this won’t serve all campers, but if a large toy hauler is what you want, I think you’d be mistaken not to consider this one. 

 

 

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What Other Campers Are Saying

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Want to dip your toes into the fifth wheel pool, but not sure that you’re ready to make a full commitment? (You know, the buy-a-larger-truck kind of commitment.) The 2025 Jayco Eagle HT 28CRT is a half-ton fifth wheel that just might be the right depth. Fifth wheels, with all their amenities and features, can be a rabbit hole of excessive cost and weight. But unlike most of its class, the Eagle HT offers only a little less and a huge advantage — increased towability. 

The Jayco Eagle HT 28CRT means you won’t have to go all in with your assets — or driveway space. For future owners with half-ton or three-quarter-ton trucks, you may even be able to tow it with what you already have. 

This unit, from the Jayco Eagle HT fifth wheel line, is perfect for full time RVers who love hosting friends. Or who just want to bring the grandkids along for the weekend. The spacious living and warm elegant light fixtures offer an attractive ambiance to entertain friends or family for dinner— or an extended weekend. A tri-fold sofa pulls out for when the kids or grandkids are visiting. 

There’s so much more, so let’s dive in.

 

At a Glance: Eagle HT 28CRT

I gave this RV a rating of four out of five. The 2025 Jayco Eagle HT 28CRT has many of the great features that only fifth wheels can offer. But naturally, a few sacrifices were made in the process. The floorplan is among my favorites, with a spacious well-lit interior, additional sleeping space, and a gorgeous kitchen. But some lightweight construction elements felt a little flimsy. I’ll detail a few of these more fully below.

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 4
• Hitch weight: 1,960 pounds
• UVW: 9,515 pounds
• CCC: 1,835 pounds
• Exterior length: 32 feet 11 inches (overall length); 31 feet 10 inches (pin to bumper)
• Exterior height: 12 feet 4 inches (no A/C) ;12 feet 6 inches (with one A/C); 13 feet 1 inch (with two A/Cs)
• Exterior width: 8 feet 1 inch (no slide-outs); 13 feet 1 inch (with slide-outs)
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 52/82/45
• Propane: 2 x 30 pounds
• Awning length: 15 feet

 

Features We Love

• Helix-ducted, whisper-quiet 15,000 Btu A/C (with option for second A/C)
• Tows up to 3,000 pounds to bring along your toys or car (in states that allow it; most of them only allow one tow per vehicle) 
• 12-volt USB ports throughout the unit
• Thicker and wider Olympic mattress in master bed 
• Flush Floor slide-outs 
• Hot-cold, quick-connect sink outside for cooking outside
• NuvoH2O high-end water filtration system 
• Lippert Ground Control 3.0 automatic-leveling system 
• MORryde Step Above entrance steps with blue led lights
• CPAP-prepped bedroom
• 3,000-pound tow rating for towing motorcycles or other toys along behind you (if your state allows a 2nd tow; most don’t)
• 5-inch Magnum Truss roofing (walkable!)
• 35,000-Btu heater 
• Tankless water heater 

 

 

Benefits

• Outdoor kitchen with JayPort Quick Connect
• Quiet interior with whisper-quiet A/C technology
• Safe entry/exit with MORyde entry steps 
• Space and luxury that only fifth wheels can offer, but without the excessive weight
• Beautifully arranged kitchen with residential appliances and adequate countertop space 

 

Challenges

• This rig is technically towable with a half-ton, but it would be better towed by a three-quart-ton or full-ton vehicle. (Because you don’t want to be traversing a steep mountain pass wondering if you’ve pushed the limit too far.) 
• Master bedroom is cramped and contains little storage.
• Some aspects of the unit seemed flimsy on account of opting for lighter materials.

 

 

Best For

• Full-time RV couples who want the space and luxury of a fifth wheel, without the weight and cost that most fifth wheels come with
• Weekend warriors with kids that don’t want to commit to a more heavy-duty tow vehicle 

 

Key Areas That RV Trader Reviews

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Olivia de Soria, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Jayco Eagle HT 28CRT.

 

Sleeping Space

The bedroom in the Eagle HT 28CRT is beautifully lit, with a picture window above the bed blanketing the space in natural light. The butcher block accent here is handsome, adding an attractive sophistication to the bedroom. The room is also CPAP-ready, a convenient feature for many that need it. You can rest well on the Olympic bed which is eight inches thicker and six inches wider than most RV mattresses. 

The floorplan in this room, however, takes a small hit. Honestly, it feels somewhat cramped. There is a place to attach a TV across from the queen walkaround bed, but if you do attach one, there will be absolutely no space to walk around the bed. The dresser/drawers next to the bed are also cramped. You will need to be standing next to the drawers to get anything out of them, as they pull out directly into the bed. 

Additionally, when I pulled the closet door open, the magnet strength almost broke the small wooden strip that the doors adhere to. Some elements of this camper feel like they lack durable construction. For example, the drawers are constructed with unfinished plywood. So, while you are shopping for a surprisingly light fifth wheel, it doesn’t hurt to ask yourself why it might be so light — and what amenities or structural components were sacrificed in the process. Overall, the storage and floorplan in the master bedroom feels a bit inadequate and clumsily placed. There is, however, hefty amounts of storage underneath the queen bed, made easy to access with a gas assist hinging mechanism.

 

 

Bathroom

In alignment with the bedroom, the bathroom in the Jayco Eagle HT 28CRT has a stunning butcher block countertop. Striking black accents are found throughout. The large, mirrored vanity has storage behind it. Additionally, the sink has plenty of space in the cabinet and drawer beneath it. There is an additional closet flanking the shower, with room for all your towels. The shower feels large and luxurious, with a residential-style glass door and faux marbled tile. 

 

 

Living Area

Inside, the living area and kitchen are bathed in the natural light that pours through the of many oversized windows of the Jayco Eagle HT 28CRT. The kitchen feels open and inviting — exactly like a kitchen I would want to cook in. 

Where the bedroom area feels somewhat cramped, the living and kitchen area more than make up for it with a commodious lounge area. There are plenty of seating areas for friends or family. You can easily seat eight people, with six of them eating at a table or rotating TV table inside. A tri-fold pull-out couch, two theater seats, and a dinette all feel comfortably integrated within the space. USB 12-volt charging ports are sprinkled throughout the living space. (Even better, they’re all in discreet, cleverly arranged areas.) 

The sleek and artful light fixtures above the dinette are one of my all-time favorites. The system is built in with JAYCOMMAND, giving you full access to key operations within your unit, without even getting up off the couch. The functionality of this communal area checks all the boxes. 

 

 

Kitchen

The kitchen is cleverly laid out. (Again with plenty of light to bask in.) The unit comes with a standard 10-cubic-foot, 12-volt fridge. The fridge is 10 to 13 percent  more efficient on battery and has a freezer that is five degrees colder than the competition. The stove is equipped with three burners with a microwave above it, and an easy-to-clean oven beneath it. A knife rack is cleverly installed behind the range. A tasteful island sink sits in the middle of the kitchen/living space extending the countertop space available in the kitchen. It offers a plethora of storage and ties the space together with an inviting feel. 

The sink itself is a thing of beauty. It houses a large farmhouse basin equipped with a glass washer, a sleek and discreet pull-down sink sprayer, rinse station, and a drain adjustor button. It also has a multitude of uses with a variety of drop-in sink basins. There’s a rinse sink basin and a solid-bottom sink basin (to give you the option of a divided sink). Or you could just use the giant rectangular basin as is. Having the option of different sink functions is so much nicer than a permanently divided sink. The island exemplifies beauty and function, with plenty of cabinet space and drawers underneath the stunning white marbled countertops. 

 

 

Four Season Capabilities

The heated underbelly and tank heaters in all modern Jayco fifth wheels, are one of many features that will help extend your camping season. The Stronghold VBL vacuum-bonded, laminate-wall construction offers a lighter build with high-density, block-foam insulation to help extend your RV camping season. Enjoy double-layer, batt insulation in ceiling and floor, and double-sided, radiant-barrier insulation in the roof floor and behind the cap. The Magnum Truss roof system is the toughest. Its walkable roof is made from PVC material, and is prepped and ready for an Overlander Solar Package. Withstanding 4,500 pounds, you can walk on the roof with confidence, and feel safer in snow and hailstorms. 

If you are planning on taking some extensive dry camping trips, this unit has an option for an extreme weather package. This includes heat tape and heating pads, but it is an added feature. The solar package is also an added feature. Without it, the Jayco Eagle HT 28CRT does not come solar-ready.

 

 

Storage Space 

As a whole, I think the Eagle HT 28CRT has enough storage for a full-time traveling couple. As mentioned earlier, the bedroom is ultimately lacking in storage, and some of the storage areas seem flimsily built and clumsily arranged. There is, however, that large storage compartment underneath the bed, with gas assist struts for ease of access. 

The bathroom has an additional closet that is quite large, helping to make up for any deficit in the bedroom storage capacity. The living and kitchen area have a good amount of storage with plentiful cabinets and drawers and added storage under the kitchen sink and dinette seating. A convenient shoe closet is also located near the entryway of the entry unit. There is also a large and convenient passthrough storage compartment underneath the unit. 

 

 

Closing Notes on the Jayco Eagle HT 28CRT 

The NuvoH2O water filtration system is a feature that Jayco recently came out with. It’s a triple-cartridge system with a salt-free, citrus-filter softener that prevents and removes scale build up. With this new system, you can enjoy tastier, healthier, and safer drinking water — whether you are dry camping or connected to city water. 

The JayPort is also a new feature that I feel is worth mentioning. An outdoor kitchen isn’t always included inside a unit, but with the JayPort, you can enjoy the use of an outdoor kitchen without having one fully installed in the underbelly of your unit. The JayPort is compatible with a propane stove and can be easily connected with the LP quick connect. 

 

 

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What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

Today’s RV review is of the 2025 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 26BHS. This travel trailer can sleep up to ten people, with two of those getting the privacy of their own bedroom. While this floorplan is rather common, there are a few details that set what the Autumn Ridge 26BHS offers apart. 

 

At a Glance: Autumn Ridge 26BHS

The Autumn Ridge 26BHS is built in the most affordable way travel trailers are constructed. This style is referred to as stick-and-tin, which means that it uses wood framing and an aluminum skin. This is how traditional travel trailers have been built for decades. 

Starcraft’s Autumn Ridge 26BHS would be a trailer that I could see families with children preferring. And one big reason for that is all of the sleeping opportunities. This build also has certain benefits, since Starcraft’s parent company, Jayco conducts an extensive predelivery inspection. (Which is pretty unique in the industry.) Starcraft RV also provides a three-year structural warranty, which is longer than that of most companies. 

Overall, I gave this a three out of a possible five rating. There are a few things I wish Starcraft had done on the chassis, suspension, kitchen, and bathroom that would be worthwhile upgrades, but all of these are very common components in this price category.

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 10
• Dry hitch weight: 750 pounds
• Unloaded weight: 5,730 pounds
• Cargo carrying: 1,770 pounds
• Gross weight: 7,500 pounds
• Exterior length: 30 feet 8 inches
• Exterior width: 8 feet
• Exterior height: 11 feet 1 inch
• Interior height: 6 feet 9 inches
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 42/32.5/32.5 gallons
• Awning length: 16 feet

 

Features We Love

• Stick-and-tin build method makes this an affordable option
• Leaf-spring suspension and entry-grade tires
• Sleeping for up to 10 individuals
• Front bedroom separate from main living space
• Double-over-double bunks with privacy curtains and operable windows
• USB charging ports at almost all sleeping positions
• PVC roof membrane
• Taller 6-foot, 9-inch interior height
• Shower curtain (instead of a glass door)

 

Benefits

• Simplicity in repair. The aluminum skin with wood framing used in the build of this trailer is not only the most affordable way to build an RV but is also the simplest to repair if there is ever damage from an impact.
• PVC roofing. The PVC roof membrane has the advantage of lasting a long time but can also be easily repaired with just simple repair tools available at any hardware store. 
• Room for a crowd. The double-over-double bunks in the back can mean even adults might be candidates for sleeping in this space so if you bring in-laws (or little outlaws), this could be the place for them. 
• A little privacy. The front bedroom is built with a sliding door on either side of a permanent wall, so you can close-off the rest of the trailer which might be especially essential with ten people occupying the space by day. 
• Function over fashion. The shower curtain, as opposed to a glass shower door can also help add a little privacy. Further, with 10 people in one trailer, it’s much easier to replace a damaged shower curtain than it would be a glass shower door. 
• Great heights. The taller 6-foot, 9-inch interior ceiling height not only offers a more spacious feel to the trailer, but that also translates into greater height in the shower. That makes this model something some taller campers might find more usable. 
• USBs galore. All these USB charging ports are going to come in handy, particularly if you have younger people traveling with you, as everyone will have a spot to charge their devices overnight. 

 

Challenges 

• Small oven. This trailer is equipped with an oven but the smaller 17-inch (vertical) oven has a lot of hot spots and very limited space. While you might be able to bake cookies or a pizza (if you’re attentive), that’s about it. 
• Extra attention to maintenance. Trailers built with aluminum sides and wood framing can last a very long time if properly maintained, but the uneven surfaces of this type of build means that an owner should pay particular attention to the seals around things like windows, doors and other breaches in the exterior. With proper maintenance many of this style of trailer can last decades, but maintenance makes an especially big difference this type of build. 
• Plastic toilet. The toilet in the model I saw was plastic which means your visit to the bathroom will be a sonic treasure for all the other occupants of the trailer. These toilets also more difficult to keep clean. If you have 12-year-old boys camping with you, they may love it — which could be good or bad depending on your sense of humor. 
• Vent fan. One the same subject the small vent fan in the bathroom’s greatest accomplishment will be making noise, not eliminating shower steam or odors. 
• Tires. The entry-grade tires and simple leaf-spring suspension may be fine if you don’t put a lot of miles on this trailer. But I would consider an upgrade of at least the tires if you plan on doing a lot of towing. 

 

Best for

• This type of trailer would be great for a larger family that travels within shorter distances. With the affordable, wood-framed aluminum-skinned construction and entry-level tires and suspension, you’ll find the price of these to be quite budget-friendly. With sleeping for up to ten people, this could also accommodate the whole crew. 
• This might also work for friends going camping as the double-over-double bunks in this can accommodate an adult. So hunting buddies could find this a good choice for a base camp.
• Another group who might like this are seasonal campers who have a permanent spot and want something that can accommodate a greater number of people but aren’t as concerned about towing long distances. 

 

Key Areas of RV Trader Reviews

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Tony Barthel, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 26BHS.

 

Sleeping Space

Even without folding a couch or converting a dinette, the Autumn Ridge 26BHS has double-over-double bunks in the back. This would certainly be sufficient for one adult and each bunk offers privacy curtains along with household power outlets, a net bag and a window that can open for air flow. This size is intended for two people but, of course, that depends on the people.  You could easily sleep a mother-in-law in one of the bunks. And the lower bunk is pretty easy to get in to if she wants to come along for the adventure. 

The booth dinette features a table that mounts on two poles which can drop down into a bed and the sofa, too, can jackknife into a bed. Neither of these are going to win awards for comfort. But if your younger campers wish to bring along friends, that might be good enough. 

Whomever is making the payments on this is likely going to get the front bedroom. This space features a center wall divider between the chaos in the main living space and the bedroom. There is also a sliding door on either side. So, if you desired, you could close-off the bedroom entirely.

 

 

Bathroom 

The bathroom in the Autumn Ridge 26BHS has decent space inside, enough that modest people on your camping adventure can dry off and change clothes in here. As mentioned, I like the shower curtain instead of the more common glass shower door just because this is easier to change if it gets damaged. It also doesn’t feel as confining, and you could even change it based on your decor. 

There is some storage in the bathroom here but not a lot. We use microfiber towels, which take very little space and dry very quickly. So, that might be the way to go for owners of this rig. 

Something unusual here, too: There’s actually a lock on the bathroom door. 

 

 

Living Area

By my count, the Autumn Ridge 26BHS has sleeping for up to ten, but there’s only seating for six to seven. (Of course, that could depend on how wide the occupants of the jackknife sofa are.) At that, there’s dining space for just four. So, celebrating the great outdoors might be as much necessity as desire. 

If your plans are to watch a lot of TV, this might not be the RV for you. The TV faces the middle of the rig, and, as stated, there isn’t enough seating if you fill up every sleeping space. The Autumn Ridge 26BHS doesn’t come with a TV, but I’ve found that lots of people commonly upgrade the TV in their RVs. Usually in pretty short order, too. So, with this model, at least you’re not donating a TV you just got to get a bigger/better version. 

 

 

Kitchen

The advantage of the 12-volt, DC fridge, as opposed to the propane-electric models of yesteryear, is that these fridges have more storage space for the given cabinet size. They’re also more tolerant of junior. You can see him now — standing there with the door open while he decides which color of magic soda pop he wants this time. 

As mentioned, the smaller 17-inch (vertical) oven is not one of my favorites. They cook with a lot of hot spots and offer very limited space. 

One standout is that there is an outdoor kitchen in the Autumn Ridge 26BHS. It has a bar-sized mini fridge that also has a rather large drawer. There’s also a mount for a griddle on the bumper, and I suspect that much of the food prep might take place out here. 

 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

This camper is a relatively simple model. So, things like a heated and enclosed underbelly, tank heaters, and other items that might extend the camping season aren’t present here. Basically, once it starts to get where there are more than a few hours a day of freezing temperatures, the Autumn Ridge 26BHS is likely going to in storage for a seasonal hibernation. 

 

Storage 

One of the advantages of the Autumn Ridge 26BHS may actually be a disadvantage when it comes to storage. Considering how many people can sleep in this model, storage might be a bit tight. While there is a pantry right next to the 12-volt, DC fridge, that could be taken-up with spare clothing, towels, or what not for the people on the adventure. 

Under the sink, there are some drawers and a bit of space. But I can imagine that space for stuff is going to be at a premium if you load this fully.

A single front passthrough compartment provides the majority of the outside storage. There is a larger drawer in the outside kitchen, but exterior storage isn’t the strongest suit of this trailer. However, it is configured to sleep a lot of people, so that’s what you get this for. 

 

 

Closing Notes on the Autumn Ridge 26BHS

If you’re a family that gets away a few times a year (pretty common according to KOA’s camping survey) and much of that time is spent fewer than 100 miles from home, this could be a great choice. The price of trailers like the Autumn Ridge 26BHS can be very affordable and many dealerships cut the margins pretty thin. That way, they can sell them affordably because these trailers appeal to families whose RVing addiction is just getting started. 

This is also a floorplan that many, many RV companies make. So shopping around might get you some features that might work better for you. I do like Starcraft RV’s warranty and roof build. Also, there are no glaring challenges with this trailer, other than the lousy 17-inch (vertical) oven and noise maker vent fan. But both of those are very common in this price category. 

I would say with some attention to seals around windows and doors (and just basic maintenance) that this is a relatively simple trailer. It should hold up for years of use. With all the sleeping space here, it could certainly accommodate larger families. Overall, it’s a decent choice for camping season when the kids want to bring their friends. 

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Autumn Ridge 26BHS

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

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It’s a common question that many RV buyers face: fifth wheel or travel trailer? And behind that question are other questions. Do you want the conveniences, layout, and premium feel of a fifth wheel? Or do you prefer the fact that a travel trailer leaves the bed of your truck free for other things? The interesting thing about to the 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range 322RLS is that it gives you an answer to both questions. And the answer in both cases is yes.

If you find it hard to believe that there’s a travel trailer blends perfectly with the best fifth wheels selling points, get ready. In that area, the Open Range 322RLS really hits a home run.

 

At a Glance: Open Range 322RLS

I gave the 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range 322MLS three and a half out of five stars. When I first walked in my impression was, “Wow!” And I was continually wowed by features and attention to detail in this travel trailer.

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 4–6 (depending on seating choices made)
• Hitch weight: 1,280 pounds
• UVW: 9,370 pounds 
• CCC: 2,130 pounds.
• Exterior length: 37 feet 7 inches
• Exterior height 11 feet
• Exterior width: 8 feet 4 inches
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 50/114/31 gallons
• Propane: 60 pounds
• Awnings: 14 feet and 11 feet 6 inches (two awnings)

 

Features We Love

• High-quality suspension
• Motorhome-style roof construction
• Frameless windows
• Wide-body stance
• Pet-friendly features
• Two desks
• Cup holder-mounted trays on the theater seat
• Reversible mattress
• Metal tray on tongue

 

Benefits

On the Exterior

• Great suspension. One of the things I encourage any RV shopper to do is start at the road and work your way up. While most RV companies are good at making pretty cabinets, the caliber of suspension can really change how much vibration is transmitted to the RV. And that can affect its lifespan. The Open Range 322RLS uses a cushioned Road Armor suspension that has greaseable bolts, which provides better long-term wear when properly maintained. It’s also shod with American-made Rainier tires. 
• Roof construction. There are a lot of first-rate build features in this trailer including the roof construction, where the roofing material rolls over the roof and onto the side. This protects the edge where the wall and roof come together. It also tends to result in a longer-lasting RV. The sidewalls in this are vacuum bonded which tends to result in a longer lifespan. 
• Pret-friendly. There were a few items on here specifically to address pets who travel with you. These include a leash latch on the outside to keep them at bay outside. But the best feature might be the Lippert Screen Defender. This is a reinforced mesh over the lower portion of the screen door. It keeps pets from damaging the screen but can also keep them from going through it. 
• Tongue tray. The tongue of this trailer has a metal tray that can hold things like a portable generator or firewood. (Or whatever you like, really.) That tray flips up, and there is accommodation for two standard RV batteries beneath it. This transforms the tongue of this RV into an unusually useful space. 

 

On the Interior 

• Wonderful windows. The frameless windows are a premium feature. They use the glass to protect the seals from UV radiation. This reduces the amount of maintenance required. (And they also have a smoother appearance.)
• Extra room. Most travel trailers are 96 inches in width (8 feet). But the Open Range 322RLS is 100 inches wide. It might seem like a small number, but this additional width really makes a big difference in how open and spacious this trailer feels. Combine that with the large windows and you have a winner. This also really plays-out in the sofa at the back of this rig. 
• Two desks. More and more RV companies are recognizing how many of us are working from the road. Even so, this is the first RV I’ve seen with two desks — one in the bedroom and one in the main living space. Each had power outlets close by. 
• Nifty tables. The Jayco family of companies have exclusivity on these nifty tables that just drop into the cup holders in their RVs. These allow you to lounge in the theater seats while your meal is in front. They also have a cup holder so whatever beverage you’re enjoying is still able to stay safely put. 
• Mattress upgrades. When I was at Jayco, I was told that the company has made a significant investment in upgrading mattresses. And that was quite evident in this RV. The included mattress is very likely worth keeping and sports two sides: one firmer and one softer. I wanted to test it for an extended period of time … but was told that I had to leave when the facility closed. (Talk about sleeping on the job!)

 

 

Challenges

• This is a big and heavy travel trailer. That means whatever you’re towing with will also be big and heavy — and probably pricey. However, the Open Range 322RLS has all the comforts of a premium fifth wheel without having to navigate a set of steps to go to the bathroom. For those who might want to simply park this at a seasonal site, many RV dealers offer transport services. That way, you wouldn’t have to bring your own big pickup. 
• For all the premium features on this trailer, I was really surprised to see the cheap vent fan in the bathroom. These frameless windows don’t open as far as the sliding kind, so many builders who employ this style of window also put a high-performance vent fan in their trailers. Not here. The bathroom has the dollar store-quality vent fan that really does little more than make noise. 

 

Best For

• Although the couch in the Open Range 322RLS folds into a bed (and you can swap the theater seats for another jackknife sofa), this really is a couples’ trailer. This model is especially great if the owners or passengers have any mobility issues. Unlike a fifth wheel, there are no steps to climb when heading to the bathroom or bedroom. 
• For RVers who might be working from the road, the fact that the Open Range 322RLS has two desks — including one in the private front bedroom — means that you could use this as both a home base and a place to … write RV reviews. (Wink!) Or, you know, whatever work takes you on the road. 

 

Key Areas of RV Trader Reviews

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Tony Barthel, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range 322RLS.

 

Sleeping Space

The front bedroom on the Open Range 322RLS truly feels separated from the rest of the trailer. It has a premium feel. The bed itself is in a road-side slide room with little nightstand tables on either side. Each has both household and USB outlets within reach. 

The entire nose of the space is a very large closet, and there’s a wardrobe on the camp side with several drawers. Next to that is a space that could be a desk for work — or just a place to write how awesome RVing is in your diary. 

A queen-size bed is standard but can be swapped for a king-size bed. Either mattress is a new model for 2025 and is a two-sided affair. It has a softer side and a firmer side that you can flip to match your preference. While it’s almost a joke how RV mattresses are just decorative, I would say many owners will likely keep this one. It felt quite comfortable — which is not typical in the RV space. 

In the main living space is a couch that folds out to be a bed. But you don’t necessarily have to fold it out to take a cat nap. Taking advantage of the width of this trailer, there is a wide armrest on either side of the couch. These armrests have varying positions that they can tilt up and stay in. So, you could easily use this couch for naps or even for the night. 

 

 

Bathroom

The bathroom in the Open Range 322RLS might not immediately seem unusual. But when you start pulling things open, there are a few surprises. The space is certainly sufficient to change clothes or make world-shattering decisions while seated on the throne of honor. There is also a door from the bedroom and another from the hallway. 

In the bathroom, there is also a cabinet with multiple drawers. (So, this has more storage than many RV bathrooms.) There’s also a surprise pull-out shelf, which could be very useful if you’re doing makeup or doing your own dental work. (Maybe not that.) But the space is truly useful. Plus, there’s a bit of counter space and a medicine cabinet. The shower is more like what you’d expect in a fifth wheel with a seat and some shelves for soaps and such. 

 

 

Living Area

As an RV reviewer, I see a lot of RVs. So, trust me, it’s not typical that I say “wow” when walking into an RV. But I did when I came in here. The few extra inches of width really opened this space up along with a large slide room on either side. There’s the couch I mentioned (see Sleeping Space), which, if there were an RV couch award, it might get first place. The theater seats directly face the large TV and fireplace. And there’s a table with free-standing chairs for dining. 

But you can snag one of those chairs as there’s a desk near the entrance of this RV. While some RVers nowadays are working full-time from the road, not all are but many will still want a place to pop open a laptop. (Some to tweak an RV review or share that review with all their friends on social media.) However you use it, the desk in the living space is a really nice touch. 

 

 

Kitchen

Likewise, the kitchen is equally nice. The Open Range 322RLS model I saw featured an optional residential refrigerator with water filtration. (Plus, an ice maker and water dispenser in the drawer.) Something I did not expect was a hatch on the outside of this rig to help with winterization or servicing. Smart. 

There’s a large oven and three-burner propane stove, as well as a residential-sized microwave and a decently large island. On either side of the stove is a good-size counter. Combine that with the island and prep space is a strong suit here.

In addition to the good indoor kitchen, there’s a good one outside as well with an included flat-top griddle and bar-sized fridge. This has a spray port with hot-and-cold water faucets, although there is no sink. But a bowl or small tote will solve that problem quickly enough. 

 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

While this trailer shines in a lot of places, it really glows when the weather turns cold. The baggage doors are thicker than average and sealed to keep winter out. There is heat ducted to the underbelly and better-than-average insulation in the ceiling and underbelly to boot. Importantly, the sewer (gate) valves are also contained in the heated underbelly and the whole water docking station is enclosed and protected. 

 

 

Storage Space

At first glance, storage might not seem all that great when you only look in the front storage bay. But then you realize there is a second smaller storage compartment on the road side. There’s another one in the slide, effectively under the bed. 

I already mentioned that tray on the tongue of this RV, which is an unusual and pretty great way to maximize storage for things you might not want inside — like a generator. 

Inside, storage abounds with a closet in the front bedroom that spans the width of the trailer. This closet is also outfitted for a washer and dryer. There’s also some storage under the bed and a chest of drawers on the camp side wall of the bedroom. I mentioned the drawers in the bathroom which are an unexpected plus. The main living space is really chock full of storage with larger cabinets over the couch along the back, a large pantry with a motion-sensing light in it and plenty of cabinets and drawers in the kitchen. It may not seem apparent at first, but storage is a strong suit in this rig. 

 

 

Closing Notes on the Open Range 322RLS

If you can’t tell, I really like the attention to detail in this. With so many little surprises inside that will add-up to a better experience over the life of this trailer, I think this might be one that may not be on your radar, but it should be. Especially if you’re looking for a large travel trailer that you can spend a lot of time in. In fact, it might also be worth putting on your shopping list if you’re considering a fifth wheel. The Open Range 322RLS has much of what makes a fifth wheel great without the steps to the upper deck. 

I have to admit I wasn’t expecting to find so many first-rate details in this trailer, and it makes me wonder why there isn’t more awareness of this brand. Compared to some others I’ve seen in this class, this one certainly has a lot of class but also a good number of class-leading features. 

 

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Open Range 322RLS

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

If you’ve been keeping your eyes open for a road-trip-ready Class C that can do it all, you’ll want to check out the new 2025 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV. This luxurious and versatile Greyhawk 29MV offers a floorplan with loads of amenities and lots of sleeping space. Beneath the cabin, there’s great chassis with an upgraded suspension. All of which adds up to an Class C that’s perfect for both road trips and family camping adventures. 

The Greyhawk 29MV is built on a Ford E450 chassis with a sturdy TorqShift transmission, making it a powerful road trip machine. It also boasts plenty of sleeping space for kids or grandkids on the bunk over the cab and convertible dinette. At just under 33 feet long, the Greyhawk 29MV is short enough for camping in state parks and nimble enough to navigate grocery store parking lots when it’s time to restock. Also, its 7,500-pound towing capacity gives this Greyhawk the ability to tow a smaller vehicle for sightseeing or running errands. 

I can’t wait to tell you more about this agile Class C, so let’s get rolling with this review. 

 

At a Glance: 2025 Greyhawk 29MV

While he Greyhawk is a well-appointed Class C, it’s not really designed for off-road use. Even so, its powerful chassis (with an excellent suspension system) does give it the ability to handle a light amount of off-road use. 

In the kitchen, I also felt that the sink deserved a pull-down faucet. As far as appliances go, I’d love to see the small gas oven and microwave in this RV replaced with a more practical microwave/convection/air fryer. This would free up even more cabinet space. (Because there can never be too much cabinet space in any RV.) 

Altogether, this 2025 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV offers pretty good value for an MSRP of $173,168.

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 6
• GVWR: 14,500 pounds
• Exterior length: 32 feet 6 inches
• Exterior height: 11 feet 8 inches
• Exterior width: 8 feet 4 inches
• Towing capacity: 7,500 pounds
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 47/41/32 gallons
• Fuel: 55 gallons 
• Propane (onboard): 56 pounds
• Awning: 16 feet
• Slide-outs: 2 
• Chassis: Ford E450 (7.3L V8)
• Transmission: TorqShift
• Off-grid power: 4,000-watt generator and 200-watt solar panel 

 

Features We Love

• Backup and side-view cameras (the latter being heated and remote-controlled)
• Big camera/GPS monitor swivels so the navigator in the passenger seat can also easily see it as needed 
• Comfy, power-adjustable captain’s chairs for driver and passenger 
• Catalytic converter theft deterrent
• Power entry step
• Heated holding tanks
• 32-inch LED smart TV in main living area
• 24-inch LED smart TV in master bedroom
• Power-reclining theater seats with armrest console (USB ports and built-in cup holders)
• Queen overhead bunk has 750-pound weight capacity
• Built-in roof ladder
• Bumper storage for sewer hose
• Two 15000-Btu air conditioners
• 30-amp electrical service
• Three-burner gas cooktop
• Small oven
• 10-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer
• Large microwave oven
• Legless convertible dinette
• Car seat tether in dinette seat
• Outside shower
• CPAP ready nightstands
• USB port and wireless charging in master bedroom nightstands
• USB ports and 110-volt power in overhead bunk
• Pop up charging station with 120-volt power outlet and USB ports
• 30,000-Btu furnace with auto ignition 

 

 

Benefits

• Small enough to navigate campgrounds easily but big enough to give you everything you need
• Short enough to fit in smaller state park campsite
• Boondocking ready with power options and 56 pounds of onboard propane
• Front seats swivel to provide additional seating 
• Living area TV is easily viewable from all seating areas
• Queen overhead bunk with 750-pound capacity could easily fit 2 adults
• Access to basement storage under queen bed
• Convertible dinette adds sleeping space for two kids or one adult
• Lots of kitchen counter space
• Double bowl kitchen sink
• Big refrigerator/freezer
• Lots of storage for extended road trips or camping
• 7500-pound towing capacity allows you to bring a trailer full of toys or a second vehicle for sightseeing or running errands.
• Removable section of over cab bunk helps to keep the cockpit from feeling claustrophobic
• Outside shower makes it easy to wash the dog 
• Pet friendly surfaces
• Separate powder room door creates privacy for shower
• Queen bed in slide is usable when the slide is in
• Underbed storage space in the master bedroom has basement access and could be used as a laundry chute.
• Loads of storage everywhere
• Lots of places to recharge devices
• 200-watt solar panel keeps things charged when it’s sunny and the generator keeps you powered up when it’s cloudy
• Comfortable cockpit with lots of visibility
• Automotive glass window in the front cap offers a fantastic view to people sleeping in the overcab bunk
• Power shade helps keep the top bunk from getting too hot
• Big awning with LED lights adds lots of sheltered outdoor living space.
• Hellwig helper springs will help body roll

 

Challenges

• Onboard propane tank should make it easy to refill propane, but, unfortunately, refueling stations for onboard propane are becoming hard to find these days, even though portable propane cylinders are easy to refill (for this reason, it would make more sense to have either two 30 pound propane or three-20 pound propane cylinders instead)
• Privacy might be challenged in the shower when someone uses the half bath (especially if kids are involved)

 

Best For

• Two- to four-person families who want to take extended road trips or camping vacations and might occasionally have friends or family with them
• Grandparents who want to visit grandchildren who live far away and have a self-contained guest house that doubles as a vehicle for camping adventures

 

Key Areas That RV Trader Reviews

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV.

 

Sleeping Space

The Greyhawk 29MV has a comfortable queen bed in the master bedroom. Both sides of the bed have their own CPAP-ready nightstand complete with wireless charging, USB ports and a 120-volt power outlet. This in-the-slide, walkaround bed is completely accessible when the slide is in. So, if you need to pull into a rest area or a Cracker Barrel for a nap, you can do so without putting the slide out. (It’s always great to have options.)

Nestled into the massive wardrobe on the wall opposite the bed, there’s an LED smart TV, so that you can unwind and relax with your favorite shows. The wardrobe itself contains lots of space for hanging clothes. But it also has plenty of storage for folded or smaller clothing with a multitude of drawers. 

Above the bed, there’s even more cabinet space. This area is perfect for storing books, craft supplies, or whatever else you want to keep handy. Not only that, but under the bed, there’s what I can only describe as a laundry chute that goes into the basement cabinet below. Simply put a laundry basket in the basement, and hauling laundry through the RV on laundry day will be a thing of the past. (More on this later, but there is an impressive amount of storage in this fun Class C.)

 

 

Bathroom

The bathroom in the Greyhawk 29MV is divided into two separate areas — across a hallway from one another. In one area, there’s a powder room with a toilet and vanity with loads of cabinet space and a modern-looking, stainless-steel sink. This little powder room offers storage in the vanity and medicine cabinet. On the opposite side of the hall is a glass walled shower. However, once the powder room door opens up across the hallway it secures on magnetic clasp. In that instant, it makes the whole area into one large bathroom and provides privacy for the shower. (Although that magnet certainly isn’t going to stop a kid from charging in.)

By the way, it’s good to know this: The shower has enough space and headroom that big people won’t feel cramped and tall people won’t need to squat to get under the shower.

 

 

Living Area

The Greyhawk is Jayco’s top-of-the-line Class C. So, I expected that the furniture would be well laid out and comfortable in the living area. Although Jayco also offers the Greyhawk 29MV with a sofa, the model I had access to for this review had twin power reclining theater seats. It also had a legless, convertible dinette that quickly transforms into a comfortable double bed. 

Most of the seating in the living area gets a good view of the 32-inch TV that’s mounted in the over-the-cab bunk. The exception is the rear-facing dining seat. However, this could be overcome by simply transforming the dinette into a bed and adding some throw cushions for family movie nights. Upholstery in the living area is stain-resistant, durable and pet friendly. 

The swivel driver and passenger captain’s chairs make additional seating to the living area a snap. Outside, a 16-foot awning with an LED light strip helps to create a sheltered outdoor living space. An LP quick connect adds versatility to the space by allowing you to quickly hook up a grill for outdoor cooking. 

 

 

Kitchen

The kitchen in the Greyhawk 29MV is one of the nicest kitchens I’ve seen in a Class C motorhome. The unusually spacious countertop is punctuated by a double bowl sink with a modern looking black faucet and a three-burner gas cooktop with LED lights. The sink has a stainless-steel dish dryer and a handy fitted cutting board too. Loads of cabinets and drawers provide plenty of places to store food, kitchen tools, plates, and cutlery. The 10-cubic-foot, 12-volt refrigerator/freezer offers lots of cold storage space for beverages and food. 

 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

Equipped with heated tanks, enclosed tank valves, two 15,000-Btu air conditioners/ heat pumps and a 30,000-Btu furnace, the Greyhawk 29MV is equipped to take you on winter camping adventures in all but the coldest places.

 

Storage Space

Class Cs don’t typically have a lot of exterior storage. The Greyhawk 29MV is no exception to this. There are two basement cabinets on this model that could be used to stow sporting equipment or other gear. Indoors, the Greyhawk makes up for its lack of outdoor storage with oodles of cabinet storage. There’s storage in the kitchen. Storage in the bathroom. And, as mentioned before, great storage in the bedroom area. In addition, both dinette benches flip up to reveal storage underneath that could be handy for items like bedding or board games.

 

 

Closing Notes on the Greyhawk 29MV

The Greyhawk 29MV is one of the most versatile Class Cs in its class. Jayco has designed and built this RV to meet the needs of families or couples who want a luxurious, roomy camper they can go exploring in. One of the Greyhawk’s biggest strengths is its ability to fit into state park campsites or go off grid for extended periods. If you’re looking for a fantastic RV for road trips or boondocking, throughout the year, you won’t want to miss this one.

 

 

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Greyhawk 29MV

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

Packed with luxurious amenities, this fifth wheel is one of the nicest I’ve ever seen. Outside, sleek, elegant lines and beautiful exterior paint hint at an interior full of wonderful surprises. Inside the 2025 Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK, you’ll find jaw-dropping decor and amenities throughout. 

The Pinnacle 38FBRK offers a fantastic floorplan. It contains a well-appointed kitchen, sumptuous living area, spacious master bedroom, and two bathrooms — all of which add up to what may well be the perfect home on wheels. (In this reviewer’s eyes anyway.) 

Therefore, I’m pretty excited to share what makes this particular fifth wheel so fantastic. Now, let’s get rolling with this review and get into all the wonderful details. 

 

At a Glance: Pinnacle 38FBRK 

The 2025 Pinnacle 38FBRK is one of my favorite RVs from Jayco. (If you’ve read my other RV reviews, you know I don’t say this often. But I really love this RV.) Let’s talk about why. The Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK meets the needs of its intended users with sumptuous style. For the most part, it’s a very towable RV — but only if you have the right vehicle to tow it. It’s a really heavy RV when it’s loaded up with water, propane, et cetera. So, the best truck for hauling it will be a one-ton or better pick-up truck. The majority of storage is on the inside, but there is a massive passthrough storage area at front. Having power drawers in this storage compartment would help keep stored items easy to access. 

As mentioned, for me this fifth wheel began as something of a case of love at first sight. The Pinnacle 38FBRK’s exterior is gorgeous, sleek, and very classy. However, like true love, it’s what’s inside that really counts. How livable is this RV? Well, one step inside provides all the enlightenment you need. This model has a fantastic build and floorplan, filled with thoughtfully planned luxury amenities and quality features that make it full-time ready. 

If you’re looking for a fifth wheel to use as either a full- or part-time residence, the Pinnacle is loaded with great value for $120,243 MSRP.

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 4
• UVW: 14,995 pounds 
• CCC: 3,005 pounds
• GVWR: 18,000 pounds
• Exterior length: 43 feet 10 inches
• Exterior height: 13 feet 5 inches
• Exterior width (with slides in): 8 feet 6 inches
• Exterior width (with slides out): 16 feet 4 inches
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 75/87/50/ gallons
• Propane: 120 pounds (3 x 40 pounds) 
• Awnings: 2 x 15 feet
• Water heater 16-gallon DSI
• Number of slide-outs: 4 

 

Features We Love

Exterior Features

• Rated and warranted for full-time use 
• Elegant exterior and beautiful paint with sparkly gloss finish
• Aluminum framing
• Six-point automatic hydraulic leveling
• LED lighting on cap
• Color-changing LED lights under awning
• Thetford Sani-Con® Turbo waste evacuation system 
• MORryde pin box
• MORryde CRV4000 suspension system
• Back-up camera and side cameras
• 50-amp cord wheel
• JayPort connection for table with outdoor grill
• 3,000-pound towing package with a 300-pound hitch rating for towing an additional trailer with a small boat or other toys.
• Built-in ladder to access walkable roof
• Tow-vehicle-controlled LED signal and marker lights.
• 42-inch outdoor TV under awning
• Massive passthrough storage at the front with GFCI outlet and cable connections for TV 
• Big storage area under front of RV
• Central built-in vacuum
• Battery disconnect switch
• Satellite antenna with 5G Wi-Fi extender
• Dexter axles with ABS and tow assist
• Prepped for solar
• Built-in sewer hose carrier
• Enclosed and heated underbelly
• Fully enclosed docking station with quick-connect outside shower port

Interior Features

• JayVoice voice-activated interior lights, exterior lights, A/C, and heat 
• Plush power-reclining, sectional couch with snack trays, USB Ports, and beverage holders
• 42-inch, 12-volt TV and soundbar 
• Electric fireplace
• Propeller style ceiling fan in living room
• Residential-style, 12-volt refrigerator/freezer with French doors and water/ice dispenser
• Four-burner residential style range with a full-size oven
• Microwave convection oven
• Dishwasher
• Pull-out kitchen pantry
• Integrated laptop desk in living room area
• Free-standing dinette with table that expands to seat five
• Pop-up power/USB Port towers throughout
• Privacy screens on windows
• Two bathrooms (one half and one full bath)
• King bed prepped for CPAP on both sides
• Big walk-in closet access through French doors at rear of RV
• Prepped for a washer and dryer
• 40,000 Btu Furnace
• 5,000 Btu electric fireplace
• Two whisper-quiet air conditioners

 

 

Benefits

• Very stylish and elegant exterior and interior design
• Cavernous basement storage area has an outlet that could be used to plug in a portable refrigerator
• Loads of storage throughout this RV
• King pull-out bed on the sectional sofa provides comfortable guest sleeping for two
• JayVoice lets you turn light, A/C, or heating on or off from bed or when your hands are full
• MORryde suspension system protects the RV and its contents by allowing maximum wheel travel when going over bumpy road surfaces
• Built-in desk with storage for laptops makes it easy to work from the road
• Residential GE oven and cooktop, kitchen counter space with power towers, and dishwasher, let you prepare fantastic meals 
• Loads of storage space in multiple kitchen pantries
• Coat rack and shoe garage in the hallway
• Cozy atmosphere in the living room
• Half bath/powder room gives restroom options for guests or multiple users.
• Huge spa-like shower with fold down wood bench allows plenty of room for movement
• Big-people-friendly with high ceilings throughout, big interior areas, and furniture that allows them to stretch out
• Thetford Sani-Con® Turbo waste macerating evacuation system eliminates the mess and hassle of emptying tanks (Thetford says it’s so clean that you won’t need gloves)
• Large tank capacities and optional 5,500W Onan® Microquiet generator could make the Pinnacle boondocking ready
• Beautiful hardwood cabinets with dovetail joints
• Pet-friendly stain resistant fabrics
• Residential-style light fixtures 
• Massive cedar-lined, walk-in closet with motion sensor lights
• Dual-pane awning style privacy glass windows can be left open when it rains
• 16-gallon DSI water heater with Water Miser conserves water and weight (since there’s no hot water tank) 
• Both 15-foot awnings have color-changing LED light strips to create inviting outdoor living space on warm summer evenings

 

Challenges

• At nearly 44 feet long and 13 feet 6 inches high, this is a very big RV that might be challenging for an RVer without a lot of towing experience 
• Definitely requires a minimum of a one-ton truck for towing

 

Best For

• Singles or couples who want to live and travel in their RV full time while enjoying luxurious amenities
• People who want a luxurious RV they can park at the lake for the summer as a cottage 

 

Key Areas That RV Trader Reviews

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK.

 

Sleeping Space

This spacious RV has sleeping space for up to four people in the master bedroom and on a king-size, fold-out sofa. With that being said, the sectional sofa is so big and comfortable that a single sleeper could snooze away a night very comfortably without deploying the sofa bed. That makes it a perfect spot for a quick afternoon nap. But let’s have a look at what the luxuriously appointed master bedroom offers in this RV. 

A Masterful Master Suite

As you head toward the back of the Pinnacle 38FBRK, you’ll find the spacious master bedroom replete with a sumptuously comfortable king bed. Each side of the bed has a shelf with USB ports and plugins that could be used for either CPAP machines or charging devices overnight. Windows on either side of the bed open, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of fresh air while you sleep. In addition, there’s a handy built-in nook for books right beside the bed to keep bedtime reading materials within easy reach. 

Across from the bed is a dresser with four roomy drawers and a secret storage tray beneath the top. Over the dresser is a 32-inch TV which has a storage cabinet on either side. But that’s not all the storage in the master bedroom. Lift the bed on its easy glide struts to reveal a meticulously crafted under bed storage cabinet that’s perfect for storing bedding or whatever else you need to store.

 

 

Bathroom

There are two roomy bathrooms in the Pinnacle 38FBRK floorplan. The centrally located half bath is across from the entry door. Inside, it has a beautiful vanity, ceramic toilet, and plenty of storage space in beautifully made country-white cabinets. This bathroom provides a spot to wash dirty hands when you enter the RV, and also provides guests with an alternative to going through the master bedroom to use the facilities there. 

The master bathroom is frankly larger than ones found in many homes. This full bathroom has a big vanity with lots of storage and a modern looking sink. A porcelain toilet helps to preserve the very residential vibe of this fifth wheel. However, the real showstopper here is the spacious glass enclosed shower that’s tiled in appealingly neutral colored porcelain. A beautiful, flip-up wooden bench adds to the spa-like atmosphere here. A skylight over the shower adds height and provides lots of natural light. 

A Second Kind of Beauty: Function

The shower also features a Water Miser freshwater conservation system that recycles the freshwater that would otherwise drain into the gray tank while you wait for the shower to warm up. Instead of allowing the cool water that enters the hot water shower pipe to drain, the Water Miser recycles it back to the freshwater tank. Along with conserving water, this results in a much better shower experience. 

Beyond an elegant pair of French doors at the rear of the bathroom is an amazing cedar-lined, walk in closet. This closet is (of course) replete with lots of shelves and closet rods to keep clothes and linens neat and well organized. Washer/dryer hookups are conveniently tucked into this closet. So it’s easy to just take items from the dryer and put them directly away.

 

 

Living Area

The living area of the Pinnacle 38 BRK is dominated by a sumptuous and comfy sectional couch that has an integrated power recliner and sofa bed. Upholstered in durable, yet ultrasoft fabric, the sectional is long and comfy enough to stretch out on for a midafternoon siesta. But it also has removable snack trays and cup holders at either end for when you’re not napping on it. 

The entertainment center here is beautiful. A 5,000-Btu electric fireplace with a live edge wood mantle above it helps maintain the residential atmosphere. Over the mantle, a 60-inch TV with a sound bar is perfectly positioned to be viewed from anywhere in the living, dining or kitchen areas. It’s the little things that count too though. Overhead, a propeller ceiling fan and elegant residential style lights help to create the feeling of a real home on wheels. 

A Place of Connection

One of the coolest features of the living area is a pull-out laptop desk in front of expansive windows. It’s really well made, with dovetailed joinery and a beautiful built in storage area for laptops and other office essentials. A pop-up power tower keeps USB charging ports and 110-volt outlets handy too. It’s a great setup for both remote workers or just for catching up with family and friends via email or social media. 

The dining table adjacent to the living room expands from a buffet-style hutch to seat from two to five people. The table is very easy to expand or retract as needed. While the dinette includes two upholstered chairs, Jayco also includes two additional folding chairs with this RV in case you need them. 

 

 

Kitchen

Jayco knows how important the kitchen is for many RV buyers. (Perhaps especially for those buyers who are looking at RVs they could potentially move into full-time.) As a result, the company has done some obvious work here designing a kitchen that people will fall in love with. The kitchen in the Pinnacle 38FBRK leaves absolutely nothing to be desired in terms of space and luxurious amenities. Fully-appointed with five appliances, lots of counter space, a big farmhouse-style sink, loads of storage. and a whole host of other goodies, the kitchen in this fifth wheel is ready for any chef. 

The appliances in the Pinnacle 38FBRK include a residential-size, French-door refrigerator/freezer with a dispenser for filtered water or ice in the door. There’s also a residential-size GE gas oven with a four-burner gas cooktop. For more cooking options, there’s also a large convection microwave that is big enough to bake a pizza, cookies, and most casseroles. (Or anything else that strikes your fancy.)

Plug-Ins, Prep, and Clean Up

If you need to plug in an instant pot, rice cooker or other electric appliances there are 3 power towers in this kitchen that allow you to do so conveniently. With so many cooking options, there’s going to be dishes to wash. However, Jayco’s made this easy by providing a small but efficient dishwasher, located conveniently under the kitchen sink. 

I loved that the oversized farmhouse sink has a window over it. While a lot of RVs these days have these big sinks, this one has multiple features that make it stand out. The features include a high-arching, pull-down faucet. (Perfect for filling big pots for soup or pasta.) They also include a glass rinser and a vegetable rinser. Not only that, but this sink comes with racks that fit in for drying dishes or rinsed veggies too.

Cabinets and Pantries (Yes, Intentionally Plural)

Storage space in the Pinnacle 38FRBK kitchen is found in hand-crafted, solid-wood cabinets and drawers with dovetail joints. There’s even a butler’s pantry — a tall cabinet filled with drawers and its own slide-out tray with handy access to the refrigerator. On the other side of the fridge are large pantry shelves to keep canned goods or snacks at hand. Next to that is a huge pull-out pantry that’s perfect for storing dry goods. 

In this kitchen you’ll find banks of drawers with features like set ins and storage trays for cooking utensils and food wraps. A cabinet over the stove contains a unique hidden spice rack that keeps spices within easy reach. One feature I loved was the pull-out cutting board with a hole in it right over the pull-out waste bin. That way, food scraps can be scraped directly into the trash. (I wish all RVs had this because it makes life so much simpler.) Everything in the Pinnacle 38FRBK’s kitchen is done with such finesse and craftsmanship. Honestly, it left me … well … a little awestruck. 

 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

Jayco’s has a zero-degree-tested climate protection system. It starts with double-batt insulation. And it features an enclosed, heated underbelly. As well as a 40,000 Btu furnace. And dual-pane windows and two heat pump air conditioners. So, yes, the Pinnacle 38FBRK is ready for four-season use. 

 

Storage Space

Even after downsizing, many full-time RVers wish they had a little more storage space. The Pinnacle 38FBRK was designed and built with so much storage space, that it’s unlikely you’ll feel this way. From the massive luggage bay and storage cabinet under this RV to oodles of interior cabinet storage, there is no shortage of places to put things in this RV. Upon entering the RV is a handy cabinet to hang jackets and store shoes. Above, there are even smaller cabinets for keeping hats and smaller items organized. The bathrooms have vanity cabinets and linen closets for storing toilet paper, towels, and other necessities. 

The spacious walk-in wardrobe has enough space on shelving and hanging rods. So, most owners won’t be left making choices as to what they have to purge in order to fit their favorite outfits in. The master bedroom itself has cabinets, shelves along with a very organized under bed storage area.

As already mentioned, the kitchen and living areas have storage thoughtfully integrated throughout inside cabinets and drawers. 

 

Closing Notes on the Pinnacle 38FBRK

Whether you’re considering hitting the road full-time or need a luxurious cottage to park at the lake, the Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK should be on your list of possibilities. It has everything most full-time RVers want in a home on wheels. Not only that, but the build quality here is phenomenal. Jayco is clearly putting every effort into building RVs that will reach the market ready to enjoy. I love that every Jayco RV is inspected at their dedicated inspection facility to help ensure that customers don’t wind up with buyers’ remorse due to deficiencies in their new RVs. 

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Pinnacle 38FBRK

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

For those who dream of a life on the road but may be hesitant to leave the protection and luxury of your residential abode, get ready. This Entegra Coach diesel pusher embodies mobile TLC — that’s “tender loving care” — packaged into a tight and insulated rig. Built with a specific owner in mind, the 2025 Aspire 44W is made for full-time RV couples that don’t want to skimp on a single ounce of comfort. 

Indeed, in the Aspire 44W, luxury takes on a whole new meaning — from genuine Italian leather furniture to hand-laid, porcelain-tiled flooring. Your countertops won’t even take a hit here. With 450 horsepower, the Entegra Coach Aspire 44W can haul your granite countertops up a steep mountain pass (with plenty of cavalry to spare). 

Off the road, a good night’s sleep is the key to a happy life for lots of full-time RVers. And here, this Class A has few peers. The Aspire 44W includes noise-eliminating insulation. Which makes it easy to rest assured and rest well in its walkaround king-size bed. Comfort, comfort, and comfort! All in the foreground of an untamed, rugged landscape. What more could you ask for? 

 

At a Glance: Aspire 44W

The 2025 Entegra Coach Aspire 44W gets four and a quarter stars out of five. The layout is stunning, modern, and chic. Plus, it has more storage than my residential basement. Entegra Coach has gone above and beyond to provide residential creature comforts to its buyers. But in doing so, one or two elements of functionality and safety took a hit. (I’ll talk about those under Challenges below.)

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 4
• GVWR: 49,000 pounds
• GCWR: 64,000 pounds
• Front GAWR: 17,000 pounds
• Rear GAWR: 20,000 pounds
• Tag axle gross weight rating: 12,000 pounds
• Exterior length: 44 feet 11 inches
• Exterior width: 8 feet 5 inches
• Exterior height (with A/C and satellite): 12 feet 8 inches
• Interior height: 7 feet
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 100/62/41 gallons
• Fuel tank capacity: 150 gallons
• Furnace: 65,600 Btu (Aqua-Hot)
• Wheel base: 320 inches

 

Features We Love

• Valid air-leveling system with auxiliary air compressor
• Safe View dash with 15-inch digital dash and 15-inch center console info-tainment center
• Triple-layered insulation 
• 5-inch thick floors with in floor heat (TLC for your toes on cold winter mornings)
• Aqua-Hot 400D water and heating system
• City and tank water-filtration system 
• Onan® 10,000W diesel generator, with automatic start, on slide-out tray
• Extensive solar capacity and functionality
• 3 x 15,000 Btu A/C units 
• Winegard WifiRanger Wi-Fi extender 
• Starlink satellite internet system 
• Motion-sensor security lights 
• LED accent lights under all slide-out rooms
• Outdoor 43-inch TV with tilt, swivel, and extendable arm (plus JBL radio) 
• Window awning, slide awnings, door awnings, and patio awnings (awnings galore!)
• Blind-spot monitoring indicators in chrome, heated, remote-control side-view mirror
• Solar day shades and blackout night shades 
• The Firefly multiplex system integrates your coach controls with mobile app connection available 
• Valid 15-inch digital dash with quad core graphics processor, onboard diagnostics and ability to display traditional instrument cluster, 360-degree camera system or GPS navigation 
• 15,000-pound towing capacity 
• Portable Shark central vacuum system 
• Ramco 360 HD digital camera system 

 

 

Benefits

• Peace of mind traversing steep mountains passes with Entegra’s side mounted radiators improving air flow to the engine (plus, the 3-stage engine brakes make going back down that pass easy and safe)
• Decreased drive fatigue with EZ-Steer adjustable power steering assist 
• Less stops during travel with a 150 gallon fuel tank
• Driving in crosswinds made easier with EZ-Steer adjuster  
• Host friends and family with two bathrooms, and elegant living quarters
• Easy tank dumping with TECMA’s porcelain macerating toilets 

 

Challenges

• Porcelain tile in this unit could pose a safety hazard if any water or mud is introduced (slippery)
• Placement of a television in the cockpit seems like it could pose a serious safety hazard to the driver (as a distraction); its position is directly in front of the driver’s vision
• No oven (dishwasher provided instead)
• Only two burners on the stove (seems odd for a unit this large)
• Outdoor storage compartments are difficult to close

 

Best For

• Full-time or seasonal RVing couples that don’t want to sacrifice residential luxuries to live on the road
• Single traveler that wants the luxury and space of home, all in a safe and comfortable ride

 

Key Areas That RV Trader Reviews

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Olivia de Soria, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Entegra Coach Aspire 44W.

 

Sleeping Space

The master bedroom in the Aspire 44W is a thing of beauty. A walkaround, king-size bed and gel memory-foam mattress are the embodiment of restful slumber. Solid top nightstands with outlets and charging ports on either side of the bed make this unit CPAP ready. The adjustable reading lights over each side of the bed means you can read that page turner well into the wee hours of the night without disrupting your partner.

The storage in this room is definitely not lacking. There are three large cabinets above the bed and cabinets below each nightstand. Two vertical shelving units with pull-out drawers beneath them sit across from the bed, with a large TV nestled in the middle. A shelf sits below the TV with two wide drawers beneath it. 

The 74-inch hide-a-bed in the living space will offer a good-sized sleeping option for visitors. After setting up the bed, I did find the extra couch cushions to be a bit awkward and cumbersome, with no good place to put them. Once the spare bed is set up, there isn’t much space to walk through the living area. With the only entrance being on the far end of the sleeper sofa, that could present some annoying moments while entering and exiting the unit if the bed is pulled out. 

 

 

Bathroom

This unit flaunts two bathrooms: one for guests and one jaw-dropping master bedroom on the far end of the rig. The spare bathroom has a lovely solid top counter with an integrated sink and accent lighting. Two mirrored vanities offer storage above the sink, with a cupboard and drawer below. Both bathrooms have porcelain TECMA macerating toilets, making your tank dumping ordeal that much easier. 

Jaw-Dropping Details

The master bathroom in the Entegra Coach Aspire 44W Class A is a showstopper. The stand-up shower has crystal clear glass sliding doors. With two sleek shower heads. And a teak folding bench! That still leaves my favorite feature in the entire 44-foot unit: a stackable washer and dryer unit discreetly placed behind a sliding door near the entry of the bathroom. 

A large, mirrored vanity offers loads of storage in addition to drawers and cupboards below the sink. The sink has plenty of counter space on either side, which may arguably be better utilized as two sinks, so two people can brush their teeth at once. 

Just icing the cake, there’s also a walk-in closet that sits at the far end of the bathroom with a sliding door fixture that mirrors the elegant ceiling light in the living space. Consistent with the rest of this unit, the master bathroom embodies artful elegance with functional elements.  

 

 

Living Area 

Luxury drips from every corner of this delectable rig. The furniture is creamy white, genuine Italian leather. (Whenever I hear the words “white Italian leather,” I immediately put all visions of dogs and kids aside. But ultimately, whether or not you want to combine such creamy white finery with kids or dogs, is up to you.) The cabinets are hand-sanded and stained maple. Upon opening some of the drawers in the living space, I was pleased to see dovetail connections, a small detail demonstrating refined craftsmanship. The elegant centerpiece light fixture on the ceiling is another reminder that you don’t have to leave indulgence behind to live on the road. 

For entertainment, a sizable 50-inch Samsung television rises up from a pedestal across from the tri-fold couch at the push of a button. Having the option to lower the TV behind the sleeper sofa while not in use is really nice. 

The Other Side of Luxury

But even luxury has its challenges. If you value your hips, do not step onto this unit’s floors with wet or muddy feet. The impeccable hand-laid porcelain tile is smooth. Perhaps too smooth. And it could easily stage a slippery slope — falling straight into foul language. 

Similarly, I suggest you make sure you leave the evidence of nature outside. Because if you bring it inside, your white, Italian leather interiors will be … not as white. Practical? Maybe not, but luxury follows its own rules.

 

 

Kitchen

The kitchen in the Entegra Coach Aspire 44W comes with a multitude of indulgent appliances. These include a residential style fridge with a water and ice (crushed or cubed) dispenser. But for a rig of this size (and cost), I was surprised to find only two burners, and no oven. (There’s a dishwasher instead.) The countertop space feels a little crowded, with the counter on the right of the stove being tight up against the wall. 

The storage space, however, is not lacking in the kitchen area. Even the drawers have drawers inside them. The overhead storage in the kitchen has two clever slide-out storage trays on sturdy tracks perfect for outdoor picnic gear. A dishwasher lives where I would prefer an oven, but having the option to wash dishes may be preferable to some. The cupboard below the sink pulls out with a trash can receptacle. The sink is perfectly simple with a large farmhouse basin, and a sleek faucet with a discreet pull-down sprayer.  

 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

Dry camping in the Entegra Coach Aspire 44W will be a breeze. You may even forget you are boondocking in the middle of nowhere, with no electrical or water hookup. Want to park in Death Valley in the middle of summer? No problem. The 10,000-watt diesel generator will power all three of your 15,000 Btu A/C units. And the patio awnings, door awnings, window awnings. and slide-out awnings will offer plenty of shade. With two 200-watt solar panels and two L16 AGM batteries with a 3,000-watt Victron inverter, you don’t have to rely entirely on your diesel generator for powering your rig while boondocking. 

Cold? No problem. The heated floors, heated storage units underneath the RV, and heated tanks will extend your camping season into the winter months. This rig is triple-insulated, with Aqua-Hot 400D hydronic heating using tubing to run hot liquid into heat exchangers that disperse heated air into living areas. Even your toes will stay warm on these 5-inch thick heated floors. Check and check.   

 

 

Storage Space 

This Class A diesel pusher has seemingly infinite storage capacity. I think a modest family could fit almost all of their possessions in this motorhome if they tried. A storage tray rolls out seamlessly from the belly of the beast, to easily access rows of Tupperware filled with your things. And the storage compartments are heated with Aqua-Hot 600 hydronic heating. The outdoor storage compartments open with push-button, power-unlatching baggage doors with LED indicator lights. They are a delight to open, but not so fun to close. You will need to put all your body weight into it. (Or deliver a full-bodied, Chuck-Norris-style kick.)

Inside, you will find more storage capabilities than you will have a use for. Even the dinette has clever storage that rolls out from beneath the Italian leather seats. And if the storage in the master bedroom isn’t sufficient, the walk-in closet in the master bathroom should fill any deficit of space.

 

 

Closing Notes on the Aspire 44W 

A 15,000-pound towing capacity is nothing to shake a stick at. You could arguably tow another RV behind you. But the more obvious choice will be to tow your car with you. With a 450-horsepower engine and the engine coolant system in this rig, you should have an easy time towing a vehicle behind you. This is a really important feature if you plan to go out West, where the roads aren’t just steep in grade, but isolated in scope. (And often without cell service.) Speaking from experience, you don’t want your radiator blowing up in the middle of a steep mountain pass without cell service. It is not fun. The side-mounted radiators increasing air flow to your engines is going to give you peace of mind while you drive across the American landscape.  

The on-road features of this unit quite possibly make it the easiest handling and quietest rig in its price point. The three-stage engine brake and powerful axle rating with independent front suspension and EZ-Steer adjuster are only a few of a plethora of features integrated with the chassis for a safe and comfortable driving experience.

 

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Aspire 44W

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

If you’re looking for an amenity-packed fifth wheel — that you can tow with a half-ton — you owe it to yourself to check out the 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS. Even though it’s incredibly light, this RV doesn’t skimp on amenities or quality construction. The Roamer Light Duty is built on a rugged chassis with a great suspension system that is built to last for its lifetime. The roof is protected with durable, low maintenance PVC. Inside, it has all the luxurious features you expect to find in a fifth wheel. 

So, let’s get rolling with this review of the lightweight, amenity-loaded Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS.

 

At a Glance: Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS

The Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS is one of four available floorplans in the Open Range Roamer lineup. All of the floorplans are designed to make practical use of space in a shorter fifth wheel. But the Roamer Light Duty 244RLS achieves this by combining a kitchen island into the living area. The island provides separation for the kitchen area, but its counter seating invites interaction with the camp chef too. It all works together to provide a functional and enjoyable space. 

The biggest tradeoff here is in a loss of potential sleeping spaces for kids or grandkids. S, this 244RLS floorplan lost some points on versatility. Even so, it’s still a great fifth wheel that packs a surprising number of features into an lightweight fifth wheel. 

Overall, this easy-towing 2025 Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS is an outstanding value. It has a comfortable, intelligently designed floorplan that includes plenty of storage space and comfortable furniture. It’s well worth its $61,230 MSRP.

 

Check the Specs

• Sleeping capacity: 4
• UVW: 7,750 pounds 
• Dry hitch weight: 1,390 pounds
• GVWR: 9,600 pounds
• CCC: 1,850 pounds
• Exterior length: 28 feet 7 inches
• Exterior height: 13 feet 2 inches
• Exterior width: 8 feet 4 inches
• Fresh/Gray/Black: 55/60/30 gallons
• Propane: 60 pounds (3 x 20-pound bottles)
• Awning: 13 feet

 

Features We Love

• PVC roofing membrane
• Automatic leveling with JT’s Strong Arms
• Expandable 200-watt solar package
• Power theater seats with central armrest with beverage holders and big removable snack trays 
• Easy-to-deploy sofa bed
• Tough, easy-to-clean upholstery and floors
• 40-inch LED smart TV and entertainment center
• Open underbed storage area
• 10-cubic-foot, 12-volt refrigerator
• Three-burner gas stove 
• TravelLINK® Bluetooth® RV control system that lets you control awning, lighting, slide-outs, and climate control from a smartphone
• 2-inch, 3,000-pound receiver hitch at back
• Basement storage
• Efficient 30,000 Btu furnace
• Tuffshell vacuum bond laminated walls
• 6 foot 4 inch shower 
• Pantry
• Lots of kitchen storage
• Hidden storage behind TV
• Huge farmhouse-style sink with pull down faucet
• Heated basement compartments 
• Backup camera prepped
• Prepped for a second TV in master bedroom
• Exterior speakers
• Two 15,000 Btu Air conditioners
• Screen door guard to keep pets safe
• Towel bars and toilet tissue holder are included in the bathroom
• Solid step entry stairs

 

Benefits

• Half-ton towable 
• Enough basement storage area to stow a generator for more power options
• Basement storage could easily stow camping necessities like camping chairs, a screenhouse, golf clubs, and fishing gear
• Exterior locks that are keyed alike means no more fumbling to find the right key
• Compact but efficient floorplan
• Fridge can be opened from either side
• Pet friendly!
• A great place for dog beds under the queen bed 
• Tall cabinet under TV would be a great place to store bigger items like a cordless vacuum cleaner or bag of dog food
• High capacity underbed storage area saves weight 
• Having 20-pound propane bottles on slide-out trays in the basement makes propane refills easier
• Pull-out trash under the kitchen sink keeps it handy yet out of the way
• Sofa is long enough for most people to relax comfortably on while watching TV
• Strong Arm Jack supports provide stability and reduce bounce/rocking when someone walks in the trailer

 

 

Challenges

• Half-ton towability will depend on both the payload capacity and the towing capacity of your pickup truck
• Sleeping space is limited
• Floorplan doesn’t lend itself to big family camping getaways
• In order to cut back on weight, toilet is plastic instead of ceramic

 

Best For

• Empty nesters who want the stable towing experience added space, and extensive amenities of a fifth wheel without having to upgrade their pickup to a larger one 
• Two- to three-person families that want to go camping while enjoying lots of creature comforts without having to upgrade their pickup truck to a larger one

 

Key Areas That RV Trader Reviews

RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS.

 

Sleeping Space

The master bedroom of the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS holds a residential-size queen bed with a two-drawer nightstand on either side. Both nightstands are big enough to hold a CPAP machine with room to spare. Aside from the 110-volt plugin on each of them, there’s a very cool pop-up USB charger that also doubles as a wireless charging pad. The bed itself is so comfortable that I could have easily fallen asleep on it. A duo of overhead tap-style reading lights over the bed invite it to be used as a presleep reading lounge. Beneath the bed is a big open area that’s perfect for either dog beds or storage totes.

The master bedroom has loads of handy storage options. To start with, easy-to-access, over-the-bed cabinets make a great place to stash books, extra blankets and bed linens. (Or anything else you want to bring with you.) Each nightstand has two decent sized drawers too — a great place to stow TV remotes, magazines or other items you want to keep handy. The wall at the foot of the bed holds a mirrored wardrobe cabinet with drawers underneath. The same wall is prepped to add an additional TV too. 

 

 

Bathroom

The spacious bathroom of the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244 RLS has a wood-look vanity countertop and a step-in, plastic shower. The latter has enough room that bigger people will be able to enjoy a shower without feeling cramped. The plastic toilet here is tucked into a corner of the bathroom to save space, while still providing enough elbow room to sit comfortably. I love that Highland Ridge includes a towel bar, towel ring, and toilet paper dispenser. Little touches like these add up in this value-packed RV.

 

 

Living Area

The Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS has an open plan with shared space for the living room and the kitchen areas. With that being said, the living room gets twin power theater seats. Both with in-arm cup holders and a shared power station across from the entertainment center. Each theater seat also has a removable snack tray. But the snack tray doesn’t have to be just a snack tray. It could also easily hold a laptop to blend digital work or other activities. All with extreme comfort.

A supremely comfortable sofa bed stretches along the rear wall of the fifth wheel — a spot that’s perfect for taking naps or watching TV. Both the theater seats and the sofa bed are upholstered in soft, stainproof fabric that’s ideal for camping. Conveniently, it is also pet-friendly, since it won’t attract pet hair or odors. 

The entertainment center consists of a well-placed 40-inch LED smart TV with a built-in soundbar. Beneath the TV is a cabinet that could easily house a portable, electric fireplace. It could store tall items, like a stick vacuum cleaner, a bag of dog food, or dog toys. (If you haven’t figured it out, I have dogs.)

Outside, a 13-foot power awning creates additional living space outdoors.

 

 

Kitchen

Highland Ridge has done a great job of utilizing every possible space to maximize storage space in the kitchen. Cabinets and drawers throughout the kitchen area help to ensure you don’t need to store the food processor in some weird location (like basement storage). Aside from oodles of cabinet and drawer storage, there’s a big pantry with spill protected shelves. But storage isn’t everything this RV kitchen offers. 

White, marble-style laminate counters compliment a designer backsplash that stretches across the wall behind the three-burner gas cooktop. This area has plugins for appliances like a coffee maker or electric skillet to make it efficient for cooking. Beneath the stovetop is a gas oven that’s perfect for baking pizza or cookies. Above the stove a small microwave can be called into service when you need to reheat food.

The Galley’s Efficient Geometry 

The work triangle in this kitchen is very well-thought-out. That means minimal steps have to be taken to distribute food. Movement from the pantry or fridge to the sink or food prep area, and then to the stove, is all easy. The kitchen island with its big farmhouse-style sink helps to keep everything central. In addition, a neat feature is the sink cover/cutting board that fits over half the sink, creating more counter space in close proximity to the pull-out waste bin. 

I also love that the 10-cubic-foot refrigerator opens from either side. This both helps maximize kitchen efficiency and keeps beverages within easy reach of couch occupants.

 

 

Four-Season Capabilities

The Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS has a number of features that allow it to be enjoyed throughout the year. Four-season capability starts with construction. The Roamer Light Duty gets a respectable insulation package, ranging from R-9 in the side walls to R-38 in the ceiling and floors. The 30,000 Btu furnace is ducted into basement areas, which are double-insulated. This creates heated space that helps to keep the enclosed gate valves and freshwater system protected from freezing. 

 

Storage Space

There’s no shortage of storage space in the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS. Outside, two passthrough basement storage bays provide loads of storage space for sports and camping gear. Under the front section of this RV, another basement cabinet between the propane cylinder cabinets would be a perfect place to stash a smaller generator, perhaps especially one that operates on propane. A 2-inch, 3,000-pound hitch receiver complete with a four-pin connector could be used to haul a trailer full of toys or a boat. 

Inside the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS, there’s oodles of storage space in cabinets and drawers throughout the RV. In addition to the storage mentioned earlier in this article, there’s storage space beneath the sofa bed that could be used for bedding, and there’s also lots of storage in the bathroom inside the two-door medicine cabinet and in the cabinet and single shelf beneath the vanity. 

 

 

Closing Notes on the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS

Let me admit something. When I found out how light the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS was, I was prepared to be underwhelmed. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised and very impressed with the fit and finish of this model. With 16-inch wheels and an above average suspension system, a great floorplan, and lots of storage space, this RV is a great choice for either camping getaways or extended road trips. 

 

 

Make Your Move

Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Open Range Roamer Lite Duty

 

What Other Campers Are Saying

Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model