Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS vs Jayco Eagle SLE 28RKS
2026 Fifth Wheel comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Both half-ton-friendly Fifth Wheels target sub-31-foot footprints with dry weights around 8,000 lb, but they take divergent layouts. The Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS measures 29.25 ft at 7,975 lb dry on a 9,500 lb GVWR with 1,495 lb tongue. It sleeps 6 with a bunkhouse layout, 52/82/45 gal fresh/grey/black tanks, 14.2 gal LP, 200W solar with solar prep, 1,800W inverter, theater seating, four-season insulation, and 101 in interior height. MSRP $49,575.
The Jayco Eagle SLE 28RKS runs 30.75 ft at 8,350 lb dry on a 9,995 lb GVWR with 1,695 lb tongue, sleeps 4 with queen rear kitchen layout, includes 51/82/45 gal tanks, 60 gal LP, 400W solar with solar prep, single slide, full bath, outdoor kitchen, theater seating, residential fridge, and four-season insulation. MSRP $55,643 vs $49,575, a $6,068 spread.
Directionally, the Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS is the bunkhouse family Fifth Wheel with 1,800W inverter and four-season standard, while the Jayco Eagle SLE 28RKS is the rear-kitchen couples coach with 400W solar, outdoor kitchen, and residential fridge.
Side-by-side specs
| Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS | Jayco Eagle SLE 28RKS | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $49,575 | $55,643 |
| Length | 29'3" | 30'9" |
| Dry weight | 7,975 lbs | 8,350 lbs |
| GVWR | 9,500 lbs | 9,995 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 4 |
| 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 | 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
- Sleeps 6 vs 4 with the bunkhouse layout
- 7,975 lb dry weight is 375 lb lighter than the Eagle SLE 28RKS
- 1,495 lb tongue is 200 lb lighter for hitch loading
- 1,800W inverter included; Eagle does not specify inverter wattage
- $49,575 MSRP saves $6,068 against the Eagle SLE 28RKS
Where Jayco Eagle SLE 28RKS wins
- 400W solar vs 200W doubles factory off-grid charging capacity
- 60 gal LP vs 14.2 gal supports extended winter heating
- Outdoor kitchen and residential refrigerator standard
- Rear kitchen layout for panoramic cooking views
- 9,995 lb GVWR vs 9,500 lb adds 495 lb of loaded headroom
Pick the Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS if your family of 5-6 needs the bunkhouse layout and you want the 1,800W inverter for off-grid AC, four-season insulation for shoulder-season trips, and the $6,068 savings vs the Eagle SLE 28RKS. The 29.25 ft length plus 7,975 lb dry weight and 1,495 lb tongue keep the rig within properly equipped half-ton tow ratings, and the 101 in interior height delivers a roomy bunkhouse atmosphere.
Pick the Jayco Eagle SLE 28RKS if…
Pick the Jayco Eagle SLE 28RKS if you camp as a couple and want the rear-kitchen layout with panoramic windows, the 400W of factory solar for doubled off-grid charging, residential refrigerator for grocery loads, outdoor kitchen for park-style cooking, and 60 gal LP for extended-stay winter heating. The HELIX Cooling and Climate Shield insulation packages back up the four-season rating, and the rear-kitchen orientation distinguishes the layout from typical front-kitchen Fifth Wheels.
Frequently asked
Which sleeps more?
The Roamer Light Duty 24MLDS sleeps 6 with a bunkhouse layout. The Eagle SLE 28RKS sleeps 4 with a queen bed and rear-kitchen orientation.
Solar capacity difference?
The Eagle SLE 28RKS has 400W of factory solar, the Roamer has 200W. The Eagle's 200W advantage roughly doubles daily off-grid battery recharge in good sun conditions.
How does the LP capacity affect operations?
The Eagle SLE 28RKS has 60 gal LP, the Roamer 14.2 gal. For winter heating or extended dry-camping, the Eagle runs roughly 4x longer between LP refills.