Dutchmen Kodiak S-Series 170BH vs Jayco Jay Flight SLX 295TBS
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These two Travel Trailer rigs target families at the same $39K price point but with very different footprints. The Dutchmen Kodiak S-Series 170BH is 21.7 ft long, 3,815 lbs dry, 5,500 lb GVWR with 510 lb hitch weight. It's a compact bunk layout sleeping 5 with 44 gal fresh, 39 gal grey, 28 gal black. No listed solar, four-season rating or theater seating. MSRP $38,648.
The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 295TBS is 36.83 ft long, 7,048 lbs dry, 9,200 lb GVWR with 805 lb hitch. Sleeps 7 in a single-slide bunk layout with theater seating, outdoor kitchen, queen plus bunks, 52 gal fresh, 40 gal LP and 200W solar. MSRP $39,893.
Directional verdict: pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 170BH for tight tow envelope and small-family use; pick the Jay Flight SLX 295TBS for a larger family or guest sleeping plus theater seating, with only a $1,245 price gap. Tow vehicle dictates the decision: SUV → Kodiak, half-ton truck → Jay Flight.
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Kodiak S-Series 170BH | Jayco Jay Flight SLX 295TBS | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,648 | $39,893 |
| Length | 21'8" | 36'10" |
| Dry weight | 3,815 lbs | 7,048 lbs |
| GVWR | 5,500 lbs | 9,200 lbs |
| Sleeps | 5 | 7 |
| Slides | — | 1 |
| Fresh tank | 44 gal | 52 gal |
| Grey tank | 39 gal | 39 gal |
| Black tank | 28 gal | 39 gal |
| LP | — | 40 gal |
| Solar | — | 200W |
| Inverter | — | — |
| Generator | — | — |
| Bath | — | full |
| Bed | — | mixed |
| 4-season | No | No |
| Off-road | No | No |
| Outdoor kitchen | No | Yes |
| Washer/dryer | none | none |
| Residential fridge | No | No |
Where Dutchmen Kodiak S-Series 170BH wins
- 15.13 ft shorter (21.7 vs 36.83 ft) for any campsite
- 3,233 lbs lighter dry (3,815 vs 7,048 lbs)
- 295 lbs less hitch weight (510 vs 805 lbs)
- Mid-size SUV friendly at 5,500 lb GVWR
- Tight maneuver radius for forest roads
Where Jayco Jay Flight SLX 295TBS wins
- Sleeps 7 vs 5 with dedicated bunks plus queen
- Theater seating plus outdoor kitchen plus single slide
- 200W solar plus solar prep (Kodiak has neither)
- 40 gal LP capacity for extended cold-weather heat
- 2,152 lbs cargo capacity vs 1,685 lbs
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak S-Series 170BH if…
Couples with one or two kids who tow with a mid-size SUV (Grand Cherokee, Highlander hybrid, 4Runner) and prefer a compact 21.7 ft rig for tight forest sites and national park loops. The Dutchmen Kodiak 170BH at 3,815 lbs dry fits easily inside 5,000-lb-rated tow vehicles. Skip it if you need theater seating, outdoor kitchen, solar, or to sleep more than 5.
Pick the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 295TBS if…
Larger families with 3-5 kids who need full bunks plus a queen plus theater seating and tow with a half-ton truck. The Jay Flight SLX 295TBS at $39,893 packs an outdoor kitchen, 200W solar, 40 gal LP and a single slide into a kid-focused layout. Skip it if you tow with anything smaller than a half-ton or want a compact footprint for tight sites.
Frequently asked
Can a Grand Cherokee tow either trailer?
The Dutchmen Kodiak 170BH at 5,500 lb GVWR fits standard Grand Cherokee tow ratings comfortably. The Jay Flight SLX 295TBS at 9,200 lb GVWR exceeds Grand Cherokee tow ratings and needs a half-ton truck.
Which has better cooking setup?
The Jay Flight SLX 295TBS has both an indoor kitchen and an outdoor kitchen. The Dutchmen Kodiak 170BH has only an indoor galley with no outdoor cooking station.
Is the price gap worth doubling the trailer length?
The Jay Flight SLX 295TBS is only $1,245 more for 15.13 ft of extra length, theater seating, outdoor kitchen and 200W solar. If your tow vehicle can handle 9,200 lbs, the Jay Flight is the better value.