Dutchmen Astoria Fifth Wheel 230ML vs Jayco Eagle HT 31QCD
2026 Fifth Wheel comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These two Fifth Wheel layouts split on size and configuration. The Dutchmen Astoria 230ML is 28.2 ft long, 7,514 lbs dry, 9,680 lb GVWR with 1,293 lb hitch weight. Sleeps 6, with 44 gal fresh, 78 gal grey, 39 gal black. No listed solar, four-season rating, residential fridge or outdoor kitchen. MSRP $68,600.
The Jayco Eagle HT 31QCD is 36.5 ft long, 9,835 lbs dry, 11,700 lb GVWR with 2,080 lb hitch. It's a half-ton-targeted mid-bath plan with Olympic mattress, MORryde suspension, 200W solar, residential fridge, theater seating, outdoor kitchen, 60 gal LP and Climate Shield four-season insulation. Sleeps 7. MSRP $66,750.
Directional verdict: pick the Jayco Eagle HT 31QCD for $1,850 less. It's longer, packs more features, sleeps one more, includes solar, Climate Shield, residential fridge and outdoor kitchen. The Astoria 230ML's only structural advantage is being 8.3 ft shorter and 2,321 lbs lighter dry for tight campsites and lighter tow vehicles.
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Astoria Fifth Wheel 230ML | Jayco Eagle HT 31QCD | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $68,600 | $66,750 |
| Length | 28'2" | 36'6" |
| Dry weight | 7,514 lbs | 9,835 lbs |
| GVWR | 9,680 lbs | 11,700 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 7 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 44 gal | 52 gal |
| Grey tank | 78 gal | 82 gal |
| Black tank | 39 gal | 45 gal |
| LP | — | 60 gal |
| Solar | — | 200W |
| Inverter | — | — |
| Generator | — | — |
| Bath | — | full |
| Bed | — | queen |
| 4-season | No | Yes |
| Off-road | No | No |
| Outdoor kitchen | No | Yes |
| Washer/dryer | none | none |
| Residential fridge | No | Yes |
Where Dutchmen Astoria Fifth Wheel 230ML wins
- 8.3 ft shorter (28.2 vs 36.5 ft) for tight campsites
- 2,321 lbs lighter dry (7,514 vs 9,835 lbs)
- 787 lbs less hitch weight (1,293 vs 2,080 lbs)
- 301 lbs more cargo capacity (2,166 vs 1,865 lbs)
- Truly half-ton-friendly tow envelope
Where Jayco Eagle HT 31QCD wins
- $1,850 cheaper at $66,750 MSRP
- Sleeps 7 vs 6
- 200W solar plus residential fridge plus outdoor kitchen
- Climate Shield four-season construction
- 8 gal more fresh (52 vs 44 gal); 60 gal LP capacity
Pick the Dutchmen Astoria Fifth Wheel 230ML if…
Owners with smaller tow vehicles, tighter campsites or older travel-trailer parks with shorter spaces. The Dutchmen Astoria 230ML's 28.2 ft length, 7,514 lb dry weight and 1,293 lb hitch weight make it the easier-towing Fifth Wheel for half-ton owners running short on payload margin. Skip it if you need four-season insulation, solar, residential fridge or outdoor kitchen.
Pick the Jayco Eagle HT 31QCD if…
Families of 5-7 who want a feature-packed half-ton Fifth Wheel with four-season Climate Shield, 200W solar, residential fridge and outdoor kitchen at $66,750. The Eagle HT 31QCD's MORryde suspension, Olympic mattress and 60 gal LP support extended-stay use. Skip it if you tow with a half-ton that's already near its 11,700 lb max towing limit.
Frequently asked
Why is the Eagle HT 31QCD heavier but $1,850 cheaper?
Jayco's volume pricing on the Eagle HT line makes more length and content cheaper. The Astoria 230ML's price reflects Dutchmen's positioning rather than a feature gap; spec-for-spec, the Eagle delivers more for less.
Is the Astoria 230ML easier for a half-ton truck?
Yes. At 1,293 lb hitch weight (vs 2,080 lb on the Eagle) and 9,680 lb GVWR, the Astoria sits comfortably inside half-ton payload. The Eagle HT 31QCD pushes against half-ton limits.
Which is better for cold weather?
The Jayco Eagle HT 31QCD with Climate Shield four-season insulation and 60 gal LP. The Astoria 230ML has no four-season rating listed and no LP capacity in its spec sheet.