Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS vs Jayco Eagle SLE 24MLE
2026 Fifth Wheel comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Two nearly identical 29.25 ft light-duty Fifth Wheel layouts that diverge on feature mix. The Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS is 7,975 lbs dry, 9,500 lb GVWR with 1,495 lb hitch. It includes theater seating, 1,800W inverter, 200W solar, four-season construction and a 101-inch interior ceiling. Bunkhouse layout sleeps 6. MSRP $49,575.
The Jayco Eagle SLE 24MLE is 7,855 lbs dry (120 lbs lighter), 9,500 lb GVWR, 1,485 lb hitch. It's a couples-only queen plan that sleeps 4, but adds 400W solar (double the Roamer), outdoor kitchen, residential fridge, 60 gal LP and Climate Shield with HELIX Cooling. MSRP $51,143.
Directional verdict: pick the Roamer 24MLDS for $1,568 less if you need to sleep 6 in a bunkhouse and want the 1,800W inverter pre-installed. Pick the Eagle SLE 24MLE if you camp as a couple and value outdoor kitchen, residential fridge, doubled solar and 60 gal LP.
Side-by-side specs
| Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS | Jayco Eagle SLE 24MLE | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $49,575 | $51,143 |
| Length | 29'3" | 29'3" |
| Dry weight | 7,975 lbs | 7,855 lbs |
| GVWR | 9,500 lbs | 9,500 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 4 |
| Slides | — | 0 |
| Fresh tank | 52 gal | 52 gal |
| Grey tank | 82 gal | 82 gal |
| Black tank | 45 gal | 45 gal |
| LP | 14.2 gal | 60 gal |
| Solar | 200W | 400W |
| Inverter | 1800W | — |
| Generator | — | — |
| Bath | — | full |
| Bed | bunks | queen |
| 4-season | Yes | Yes |
| Off-road | No | No |
| Outdoor kitchen | No | Yes |
| Washer/dryer | none | none |
| Residential fridge | No | Yes |
Where Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS wins
- $1,568 cheaper at $49,575 MSRP
- Sleeps 6 with bunks (vs 4 couples-only)
- 1,800W inverter standard (Eagle SLE has none)
- 120 lbs heavier dry but functionally identical tow
- 10 lbs more hitch weight (1,495 vs 1,485 lbs - negligible)
Where Jayco Eagle SLE 24MLE wins
- 400W solar vs 200W (double off-grid charge rate)
- Outdoor kitchen plus residential fridge
- 120 lbs lighter dry (7,855 vs 7,975 lbs)
- 60 gal LP for extended cold-weather heat
- Climate Shield with HELIX Cooling system
Pick the Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS if…
Families of 4-6 who need bunks for kids in a 29.25 ft light-duty Fifth Wheel and want a pre-installed 1,800W inverter for off-grid stays. The Highland Ridge Roamer 24MLDS at $49,575 includes theater seating and four-season construction. Skip it if you camp as a couple or want an outdoor kitchen and residential fridge.
Pick the Jayco Eagle SLE 24MLE if…
Couples who want a queen-walkaround Fifth Wheel with the best off-grid solar package in this size class (400W), outdoor kitchen for tailgate cooking and a residential fridge inside. The Jayco Eagle SLE 24MLE's Climate Shield, HELIX Cooling and 60 gal LP support shoulder-season trips. Skip it if you need bunks for kids.
Frequently asked
Why are the dry weights almost identical?
Both are built as light-duty 29.25 ft Fifth Wheels on similar frame sizing. The 120 lb difference (7,855 vs 7,975 lbs) is content related: the Eagle SLE adds solar and outdoor kitchen but the Roamer adds the inverter, balancing roughly even.
Which solar package is better for boondocking?
The Jayco Eagle SLE 24MLE at 400W generates roughly twice the daily amp-hours of the Roamer's 200W. However, the Roamer 24MLDS includes a 1,800W inverter standard, so the Roamer's electrical system is more complete out of the box.
Can both be towed by a half-ton?
Both run 9,500 lb GVWR with ~1,500 lb hitch weights. A modern half-ton with proper towing package can handle both, but 3/4-ton trucks give comfortable payload margin.