Xls 23 lde

[Robert Boyd]

Hi All
New member here. We have had different Jayco travel trailers for several years now and we are taking a close look at the GD XLS 23 LDE.
We have a Jay Feather 24BH and do not need the bunks anymore. Our grand kids are adults now.
So maybe more of a couple's camper but still with some luxury's so to speak. We would like to downsize a little.
We have a Chevy 1500 5.3 ltr10,000 lb equalizer hitch and firestone airbags. This rig has treated us well.
The feedback I'm looking for is from somebody with experience with the XLS 23 LDE including what you are using to pull it. etc.
Likes and dislikes.
Thanks
Regards
Bob

 

[Soundsailor]

Hi All
New member here. We have had different Jayco travel trailers for several years now and we are taking a close look at the GD XLS 23 LDE.
We have a Jay Feather 24BH and do not need the bunks anymore. Our grand kids are adults now.
So maybe more of a couple's camper but still with some luxury's so to speak. We would like to downsize a little.
We have a Chevy 1500 5.3 ltr10,000 lb equalizer hitch and firestone airbags. This rig has treated us well.
The feedback I'm looking for is from somebody with experience with the XLS 23 LDE including what you are using to pull it. etc.
Likes and dislikes.
Thanks
Regards
Bob

Welcome to the forum Bob, can't help with the 23LDE, but I can say that this is a great community that will give you support should you choose to go in the GD direction. The 23LDE has a great floor plan, so yes, some luxuries. I'd be a little concerned if your Chevy is enough truck though. What do your door stickers show for weight capacity?

 

[Robert Boyd]

Welcome to the forum Bob, can't help with the 23LDE, but I can say that this is a great community that will give you support should you choose to go in the GD direction. The 23LDE has a great floor plan, so yes, some luxuries. I'd be a little concerned if your Chevy is enough truck though. What do your door stickers show for weight capacity?

Thanks for the reply here is what I have on the door GVWR 7,000# GAWR FRT 3950# GAWR RR 3,950# Total cargo MAX 1630
The manual; 2013 Silverado 1500 4wd extended cab 5.3 V8 K5L
3.42 AXEL RATIO Max trailer wt 9,600 # GCWR 15,000#

Series 1500 with weight distribution hitch max tongue wt 1,100#

I would greatly appreciate your input on these numbers
Bob

 

[Eleven99]

I don't have a Chevy, but I tow an LDE. I will tell you that the white sticker numbers on the trailer will probably not be completely correct. On our shakedown trip, we were about 90% loaded (one battery, 2 propane tanks, gear and food) and we were sitting at 5,750 lbs (if I remember) from our CAT scale stop. I thought that something was wrong....How could I be just a couple hundred pounds over the posted empty weight?? So, I called GD and they explained to me that the white sticker weights were average weights for the model and recommended that I continue to do what I did....weigh it at a licensed scale center.

Two things to keep in mind.....at least in my case, I will run out of payload faster than the other weight limits. Also, your hitch weight will be much more than the posted hitch weight.

Finally, some owners travel with full water tanks.....not me, my set runs the best with about 1/4 fresh and 5 gallons in the black tank.

You will love this unit....we are a retired couple and this layout is absolutely perfect for us. By the way, be prepared to be frustrated with the sliding barn doors. It's a model thing. Good luck!

 

[Riverbug]

Hi Bob. We had the 22MLE before they released the 23LDE. The LDE is 2.5' longer and weighs about 600lbs more than the MLE. When we had the 22MLE we were pulling with a 2003 F150 5.3 Triton. It was not fun. It didn't have to do with sway issues (we always use equalizer hitch with sway bars), but it was terrible with pulling power. But that was a pretty old truck and new trucks have much more power. But as we keep our vehicles for many years (2003 to 2022 in this case), the replacement I wanted was going to be more truck than I needed and wouldn't have to be replaced if we decided to go a bit bigger.

Anyway, we upgraded to the 23LDE after I purchased the new truck (see signature). I don't have any issues now of course. I added lots of goodies for off-grid purposes. We generally do not load our trailers with a lot of extras, but we do like to carry full water when boondocking. Therefore, what I find is that we are always near or slightly above GVWR on the trailer. Unloaded the trailer had 1,200# cargo carrying capacity (compared to 1,800# on the MLE). Our CAT scale readings were less optimistic than the manufacturer's. Our hitch weight is right at 1,000# but I have 200# of batteries, about 150# of other equipment, hoses, electrical cords, etc., in the storage bay. Then the weight of the hitch, etc. The listed weight of the hitch from the factory is 574#.

I'm not sure how much that helps you but from the numbers, it looks like your truck can handle it. But the numbers can't tell everything about what the actual experience will be like. If you want a bit of a buffer, perhaps consider the 22MLE. We very much like both models, but the bathroom in the MLE is very small, and we did not like walking in the door at the foot of the bed. The LDE solves both of those problems, but comes at the cost of being longer and heavier. I would love it if they would have put 4,000# axles on the LDE and whatever other upgrades would be needed to give that extra 1,000# of cargo capacity. Happy to answer any other questions you might have regarding it.

 

[SkipRD]

We've got a 2024 XLS 23LDE and just completed our first medium-long trip (1000 miles) in it. So far, we love it! There are a few idiosyncrasies (like some of the switches are behind a cabinet door, and the on-demand water heater seems to me like a solution in search of a problem) and I'm still 50/50 on 12v compressor refrigerators. But in terms of layout and usability on the road, it's pretty much perfect. We do long trips in terms of 2- to 3-week segments and we've got more storage than we need, which is an amazing compliment given that we've transitioned from a Class A and thought storage would be a problem. It's not.

Fit and finish on our 23LDE were all excellent. There's a little bow in the rear door that makes it hard to close. We'll get that fixed on our next maintenance. But no other issues at all. I'm amazed at how good the unit is. Like all units, though, do a good pre-purchase inspection.

As to towing, we tow with a 2020 F150 Ecoboost with the max tow package. This trip has been in basically flat country, so we really haven't given the setup a good challenge.

As to the numbers, I did check the weights with the F-150 and 23LDE as loaded as they ever will be: frig is full, 2/3 full fresh water, 1/3 full in both grey tanks, 1/3 in black tank. Checking the weights, I got this:
Steer Axle: 3060 lbs (limit - 3450)
Drive Axle: 3440 lbs (limit - 3800)
Truck total: 6500 lbs (GVWR- 7000)
Trailer Axles: 6040 lbs (GVWR - 6995)
Combined Weight: 12,540 lbs (GCWR - 16,200)

So, all looks good to me and the F150 seems to have enough giddyup to handle those weights.

We're planning a 10,000 trip from here, to Utah, then Banff and Jasper, then Wyoming, then east to New York, and then back. Based on this trip, I have no hesitancy at all that the setup will work just fine.

Hope that helps. Let me know if I can provide any other info, or feel free to PM me if you want to take this off-line.

Good luck,
Skip

 

[Riverbug]

We've got a 2024 XLS 23LDE and just completed our first medium-long trip (1000 miles) in it. So far, we love it! There are a few idiosyncrasies (like some of the switches are behind a cabinet door, and the on-demand water heater seems to me like a solution in search of a problem) and I'm still 50/50 on 12v compressor refrigerators. But in terms of layout and usability on the road, it's pretty much perfect. We do long trips in terms of 2- to 3-week segments and we've got more storage than we need, which is an amazing compliment given that we've transitioned from a Class A and thought storage would be a problem. It's not.

Fit and finish on our 23LDE were all excellent. There's a little bow in the rear door that makes it hard to close. We'll get that fixed on our next maintenance. But no other issues at all. I'm amazed at how good the unit is. Like all units, though, do a good pre-purchase inspection.

As to towing, we tow with a 2020 F150 Ecoboost with the max tow package. This trip has been in basically flat country, so we really haven't given the setup a good challenge.

As to the numbers, I did check the weights with the F-150 and 23LDE as loaded as they ever will be: frig is full, 2/3 full fresh water, 1/3 full in both grey tanks, 1/3 in black tank. Checking the weights, I got this:
Steer Axle: 3060 lbs (limit - 3450)
Drive Axle: 3440 lbs (limit - 3800)
Truck total: 6500 lbs (GVWR- 7000)
Trailer Axles: 6040 lbs (GVWR - 6995)
Combined Weight: 12,540 lbs (GCWR - 16,200)

So, all looks good to me and the F150 seems to have enough giddyup to handle those weights.

We're planning a 10,000 trip from here, to Utah, then Banff and Jasper, then Wyoming, then east to New York, and then back. Based on this trip, I have no hesitancy at all that the setup will work just fine.

Hope that helps. Let me know if I can provide any other info, or feel free to PM me if you want to take this off-line.

Good luck,
Skip

Hi Skip. Just curious how much changed between the 2023 23LDE and 2024 23LDE; what is the cargo capacity according to your sticker or paperwork from the manufacturer? Or, the UWR?

 

[SkipRD]

Hi Skip. Just curious how much changed between the 2023 23LDE and 2024 23LDE; what is the cargo capacity according to your sticker or paperwork from the manufacturer? Or, the UWR?

The weights on GD's paperwork are:
GVWR: 6995 lbs
GAWR (per axle): 3500 lbs
GAWR (all axles): 7000 lbs
UVW: 5760 lbs
Hitch Weight: 656 lbs
Left (street side) weight: 2616 lbs
Right (curb) side weight: 2418 lbs
CCC: 1195 lbs, minus all the stuff not included (fresh water, water in holding tanks, LP gas, extra battery (see below), etc.)

And, in case you're interested, here are the listed capacities:
Fresh water: 37 gal
Grey: 82 gallons (two tanks)
Black: 37 gallons
LP: 40 lbs (two 4.5'ish gal tanks)

The rig came with one Group 24 battery; I added a second: about 30'ish lbs each.

Hope that helps,
Skip

 

[Riverbug]

Interesting, so they added 85# to the hitch and reduced the CCC by 155# compared to mine. I was thinking it must have increased because your previous post stated your trailer was at 6040# loaded with 2/3 fresh water and 1/3 in each of the other tanks. Perhaps there was a typo? The weight of the water alone would have to be over 500#, plus whatever else is in the trailer.

Anyway, was really curious to know if they found a way to provide more CCC compared to the 2023 as I need more. When I weighed ours last we had 30% fresh water, 35% grey, 25% galley, and 43% black. We were overweight. We had 6450# on the axles and 1000# on the hitch. Normally, we wouldn't have that much in the tanks unless we have been boondocking for a week or so (which was the case here), but still, I'd like more CCC so I wouldn't have to be concerned about it on trips such as to Alaska this year.

Appreciate the info!

 

[SkipRD]

Interesting, so they added 85# to the hitch and reduced the CCC by 155# compared to mine. I was thinking it must have increased because your previous post stated your trailer was at 6040# loaded with 2/3 fresh water and 1/3 in each of the other tanks. Perhaps there was a typo? The weight of the water alone would have to be over 500#, plus whatever else is in the trailer.

Anyway, was really curious to know if they found a way to provide more CCC compared to the 2023 as I need more. When I weighed ours last we had 30% fresh water, 35% grey, 25% galley, and 43% black. We were overweight. We had 6450# on the axles and 1000# on the hitch. Normally, we wouldn't have that much in the tanks unless we have been boondocking for a week or so (which was the case here), but still, I'd like more CCC so I wouldn't have to be concerned about it on trips such as to Alaska this year.

Appreciate the info!

Can't comment on changes from '23 to '24, but now that you point it out, I should have said "with the level monitors indicating tanks at ..." I have no idea how much water was actually in each of the tanks. I just dumped the fresh water tank this morning, which was indicating 1/3 on the monitor, and only a few gallons came out. It definitely wasn't 12 gallons. One of my planned improvements is to add SeeLevel gauges to the panel for just this reason.

Anyway, to the extent the Flying J scales are accurate, I'm pretty sure about the weights. So, I had 6040 lbs on the axles, and probably 800-850 (?) on the hitch, but some of which was distributed back to the axles. Next time I get it weighed, I'll get the axles and hitch without the WD and see where I am.

Skip

 

[Riverbug]

Can't comment on changes from '23 to '24, but now that you point it out, I should have said "with the level monitors indicating tanks at ..." I have no idea how much water was actually in each of the tanks. I just dumped the fresh water tank this morning, which was indicating 1/3 on the monitor, and only a few gallons came out. It definitely wasn't 12 gallons. One of my planned improvements is to add SeeLevel gauges to the panel for just this reason.

Anyway, to the extent the Flying J scales are accurate, I'm pretty sure about the weights. So, I had 6040 lbs on the axles, and probably 800-850 (?) on the hitch, but some of which was distributed back to the axles. Next time I get it weighed, I'll get the axles and hitch without the WD and see where I am.

Skip

The SeeLevel sensors are pretty great, especially if you boondock at all. They have been very reliable so far. Something else to consider if you do any cold weather camping; when I had everything open to add SeeLevel sensors, I also installed heat pads on each of the tanks. It's no fun pulling down the Coraplast and putting it back up. So if you plan ahead you can try to do everything at one time if possible.

Also, regarding my latest weights...there is another thread related to Smart Weigh and some discussion regarding the accuracy of Cat Scales vs Smart Weigh. The consensus has been that the Cat Scales may be considerably more accurate. But I'm not going to state that as fact, just based on what information that has been gathered. I meant to re-weigh on my way back from FL but weather and timing kept me from taking the time to do it. I noted our tank levels when we had it weighed at Smart Weigh in December so that I can put the same amounts in and weigh it again at a Cat Scale for comparison. Now I plan to do that after I inspect bearings and do some brake work before our Alaska trip.

 

[Riverbug]

Can't comment on changes from '23 to '24, but now that you point it out, I should have said "with the level monitors indicating tanks at ..." I have no idea how much water was actually in each of the tanks. I just dumped the fresh water tank this morning, which was indicating 1/3 on the monitor, and only a few gallons came out. It definitely wasn't 12 gallons. One of my planned improvements is to add SeeLevel gauges to the panel for just this reason.

Anyway, to the extent the Flying J scales are accurate, I'm pretty sure about the weights. So, I had 6040 lbs on the axles, and probably 800-850 (?) on the hitch, but some of which was distributed back to the axles. Next time I get it weighed, I'll get the axles and hitch without the WD and see where I am.

Skip

I just realized that I misunderstood your weights and that's what had me confused. I initially read the 6,040# as your total weight, but it was just the trailer axles and the hitch weight wasn't listed. Okay, so that makes more sense to me now. I was confused as to how you had all that water on board but still only at 6,040# so I thought wow they must have really reduced the unloaded weight for 2024!

 

[MFiller]

Hey Bob.
We have the XLS 23 LDE and pull it with a Chevy 2500 (gas, not diesel) and it pulls very smoothly and effortlessly. You could do it with a 1500 but there would be more of a strain on your engine and you will feel more of the weight behind you. We previously had a 2400bh (about 1,000 UVW lbs heavier than the LDE). Only pulled it twice before trading up to from a 1,500 to 2,500 truck because my husband said it felt more like the camper was pushing the truck rather than the truck pulling the camper. Couldn't believe the instant difference with upgrading to the 2500! So short answer is you can pull it, but you might want the better stability and handling by going with a 2,500 instead. Happy Camping!

 

[aschmidt23lde]

Hey Robert.
I'm pulling my 2023 23LDE with a 2014 Nissan Armada, 5.3 liter V8, with a factory tow package, added brake controller and an Weight and Sway control hitch.
So far so good. Some down shifting needed to maintain uphill speed at 65mph.
Alan

 

[MBtraveller]

F150

Hi All
New member here. We have had different Jayco travel trailers for several years now and we are taking a close look at the GD XLS 23 LDE.
We have a Jay Feather 24BH and do not need the bunks anymore. Our grand kids are adults now.
So maybe more of a couple's camper but still with some luxury's so to speak. We would like to downsize a little.
We have a Chevy 1500 5.3 ltr10,000 lb equalizer hitch and firestone airbags. This rig has treated us well.
The feedback I'm looking for is from somebody with experience with the XLS 23 LDE including what you are using to pull it. etc.
Likes and dislikes.
Thanks
Regards
Bob

Hi Bob and welcome. We have the 23LDE and are currently wintering in Brownsville, TX after hauling our trailer from near Winnipeg, Manitoba. We have an F150 with the V8 5.0 l. engine and tow package. Of course, we have the WDH and sway bar. The truck was great on the trip down even with moderate winds. We don't carry water. So, all was good.

We love the trailer for us.... a retired couple. Nice fit and finish. Very few issues so far.

 

[Second Chance]

Hey Robert.
I'm pulling my 2023 23LDE with a 2014 Nissan Armada, 5.3 liter V8, with a factory tow package, added brake controller and an Weight and Sway control hitch.
So far so good. Some down shifting needed to maintain uphill speed at 65mph.
Alan

[MENTION=59977]aschmidt23lde[/MENTION] -

Here are a few forum tips:

1) If you use "Reply With Quote" (to the right of "Reply") as I have here, folks will know to whom you are responding and that person will get a notification.

2) You can also tag folks using the "@" symbol and their user name (as I have done yours) - they'll also get a notification that way.

3) You can create a signature block with your RV and tow vehicle information (see mine below). That way you won't have to repeat that information whenever you post or ask a question - and others won't have to ask. You can create a signature by going to:

Forum Actions (on menu bar) -> Edit Profile -> Edit Signature (under My Settings on the left)

Note: you'll need to have a paid subscription to add an image to your signature.

Rob

 

[Eric Klock]

Not sure if I'll be of much help here after all of the above detailed comments. We tow our 2023 LDE with a 2016 F150 CC 4x4 5.5' bed. 3.5 EB V6. The truck is equipped the max tow package. We are very aware of the cargo capacity of the truck. We are really close to our GVWR of 7000 lbs. It can pull a lot more than it can haul. We have RAS springs to help with sag. We use an Andersen WDH.

Our home is at an elevation of 730'. One of our favorite campgrounds is at 5400'. It's 11 miles of a 7% grade. We tow at the legal speed limit with plenty of pedal left. Engine tachs 2800-3000.

 

[Robert Boyd]

Bob here. Thanks to everybody for replying to my post about the XLS 23 LDE you provided me with valuable information. We are definitely headed down the road so to speak towards that camper. Goodby bunks hello recliners etc.
We have twice pulled campers to Alaska and back to N.W. Wisconsin and another journey to the Maritimes.
Here is a link to our trips. Maybe the next one is with XLS 23 LDE
Bob https://bobandlorraineslatestadventure.blogspot.com/

 

[Crewdog135]

2024 23LDE/2019 Ram 1500 BigHorn with Tow Package

Hi Folks,

We purchased our 23LDE last February and had 5 trips last summer. One trip was from Vancouver Wa to Goldendale Wa that included a strech with a pretty good grade. The Ram pulled it just fine up the grade with power to spare. The Ram tows the trailer just fine in other conditions no problem passing when needed even going uphill. We did one dry camping trip up near Mt. St Helens and we had to take a full water tank as the only water at the campground were from old style hand pumps from wells. I definitley could tell the difference with the eight of the water as there was a uphill grade on that trip as well. Most of our trips last year and this year will be fairly short, under a 4hr drive.

Next year we plan on some longer trips to like Utah and Canada. I may consider upgrading to a 2500 with a Cummins then. This Ram was my first having a couple F-150's before and its been the best truck I've owned. It has got plenty of power, very quiet and very comfortable.

Note:
When the need comes where you HAVE to travel with a full freshwater tank and your trip includes roads that incudes twists and turns switchbacks most of the water nearly 2/3rds will slosh out from the overflow to me it's a Grand Design flaw (LOL) I need to install a valve to prevent this moving forward.

Just My Two Cents and Happy Travels!
Kevin

2024 23LDE
2019 Ram 1500 Bighorn
Washington State
Former SAC KC-135A Boom Operator

 

[Robert Boyd]

Hi Kevin. What engine is in the Bighorn?
Bob