Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS vs Jayco Eagle SLE 28BHU
2026 Fifth Wheel comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Both 2026 Fifth Wheel light-duty plans target the 3/4-ton tow market with bunkhouses, but they aren't the same purchase. The Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS is 29.25 ft, 7,975 lb dry, 9,500 lb GVWR, 1,525 lb cargo, 1,495 lb hitch weight, bunkhouse, king bed, 200W solar, 1,800W inverter, four-season build, theater seating, 52-gal fresh. Sleeps 6. MSRP $49,575.
The Jayco Eagle SLE 28BHU is 5.25 ft longer at 34.5 ft, 510 lb heavier dry at 8,485 lb, with 9,995 lb GVWR, 1,575 lb cargo, 1,605 lb hitch. Adds 1 slide, full bath, bunkhouse, 400W solar (double the Roamer), residential fridge, outdoor kitchen, theater seating, Climate Shield four-season, 51-gal fresh, 60-gal LP. Sleeps 8. MSRP $55,628, a $6,053 premium.
For light-duty Fifth Wheel buyers wanting the lightest tow weight at the lowest price with king-bed bunkhouse layout, the Roamer LD 24MLDS is the value pick. For families needing the larger body, double solar, outdoor kitchen, slide, and sleep-8 capacity, the Eagle SLE 28BHU earns the $6K premium.
Side-by-side specs
| Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS | Jayco Eagle SLE 28BHU | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $49,575 | $55,628 |
| Length | 29'3" | 34'6" |
| Dry weight | 7,975 lbs | 8,485 lbs |
| GVWR | 9,500 lbs | 9,995 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 8 |
| Slides | — | 1 |
| Fresh tank | 52 gal | 51 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 | bunks |
| 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
- 29.25 ft length is more nimble for tight sites
- 7,975 lb dry weight is 510 lb lighter
- 1,495 lb hitch weight is 110 lb lower
- 9,500 lb GVWR fits more 3/4-ton trucks
- $6,053 cheaper at $49,575 MSRP
Where Jayco Eagle SLE 28BHU wins
- 34.5 ft length gives 5.25 ft more interior
- Sleeps 8 vs Roamer's 6
- 400W solar (double the Roamer's 200W)
- Outdoor kitchen and residential fridge
- 60 gal LP exceeds Roamer's 14.2 gal
Pick the Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS if you want the lightest 2026 Fifth Wheel bunkhouse at the lowest price. The 7,975 lb dry weight and 1,495 lb hitch weight fit a wider range of 3/4-ton trucks, the 200W solar and 1,800W inverter cover basic off-grid use, and the four-season insulation extends your season. Best fit: a family of 4-6 with a 3/4-ton truck (or capable half-ton) who values the lighter tow, the lower sticker, and the king bed plus bunks combination over the bigger body and feature density of the Eagle.
Pick the Jayco Eagle SLE 28BHU if…
Pick the Jayco Eagle SLE 28BHU if you want the bigger 5th-wheel bunkhouse with double the solar, an outdoor kitchen, residential fridge, a slide, and 8-person sleep capacity. The 34.5 ft length supports a bigger main living area, the 400W solar plus Climate Shield package handle shoulder-season boondocking, and the 60-gal LP runs the furnace through a long cold snap. Best fit: a family of 6-8 needing the larger floor, outdoor cooking, residential fridge, and the higher feature density, willing to pay $6,053 more and tow the extra 510 lb.
Frequently asked
Which has more solar?
The Jayco Eagle SLE 28BHU has 400W of solar (with prep), double the Roamer LD 24MLDS's 200W. Both are factory standard.
Which sleeps more people?
The Eagle SLE 28BHU sleeps 8 vs the Roamer LD 24MLDS at 6, a 2-person gap from the larger bunkhouse and slide configuration.
Which is lighter to tow?
The Roamer LD 24MLDS is 510 lb lighter dry (7,975 vs 8,485 lb) with 1,495 lb hitch weight, 110 lb less than the Eagle SLE 28BHU's 1,605 lb.