cmcdar

Rochester, NY

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Check out Retro RVs I saw a couple with one of these a few weeks ago and the one they had looked like a quality camper.
They did order theirs and had the style floor and fixtures they wanted built. Theirs did not look all retro inside.
They actually were living full time in the little camper. They towed it with a jeep.
http://www.riversidervs.net/retro-travel-trailers/floorplans.html
HTT: 2007 R-Vision Trail Cruiser c191
TV: 2010 Nissan Titan Pro4X Crew Cab
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ttavasc

Western Washington

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ggolds5 wrote:
It seems that the consences is that the Jayco JLX ultralights are "thrown together". Is this what most people think of these. Now I'm thinking steer clear of the cheaper anything ?.
We picked up a 2015 Jayco SLX 195RB and have put about 10,000 miles on it over the last two seasons. We have not had any significant issues during that time. Our situation sounds very similar - just the wife and I - so this floor plan works well for us.
A couple of things to point out. I saw a mention early on regarding the small holding tank sizes. For the 2017 model year both the black and grey tanks have been increased to 20g each. Prior to that they were 9g and 15g. Even so, the way that we use the trailer the small tank sizes don't pose any issues.
Regarding the cargo capacity - look at the Baja edition. The GVWR is increased to 3750 for that model. The Jayco web site doesn't list that on the summary specifications. As delivered ours was 3015lbs dry with a cargo capacity of 735lbs. We found that to be plenty for how we use the trailer. A couple of other nice features of the Baja edition are the factory flip axle which gives you several inches more ground clearance and upgraded LT load range C tires (LT235/75R15).
In general, the SLX line is an "entry-level" line with fewer standard options. As with all campers, there will be regular and routine maintenance that you will want to keep up with and various little modifications to make along the way. However, we found for the $$ this was a pretty good value.
TT: 2019 ORV Timber Ridge 23DBS, Blue Ox SwayPro 15K/1500
TV: 2019 F-250 XLT SuperCab LB, 6.2L, 4.30/e-locker, 164" WB, 4x4
TV - 2014 RAM 1500 Big Horn CC (Traded In)
TT - 2015 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 195RB Baja Edition, Andersen No-Sway hitch (Traded in)
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ggolds5

Hartford ct

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Joined: 01/23/2017

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ttavasc wrote: ggolds5 wrote:
It seems that the consences is that the Jayco JLX ultralights are "thrown together". Is this what most people think of these. Now I'm thinking steer clear of the cheaper anything ?.
We picked up a 2015 Jayco SLX 195RB and have put about 10,000 miles on it over the last two seasons. We have not had any significant issues during that time. Our situation sounds very similar - just the wife and I - so this floor plan works well for us.
A couple of things to point out. I saw a mention early on regarding the small holding tank sizes. For the 2017 model year both the black and grey tanks have been increased to 20g each. Prior to that they were 9g and 15g. Even so, the way that we use the trailer the small tank sizes don't pose any issues.
Regarding the cargo capacity - look at the Baja edition. The GVWR is increased to 3750 for that model. The Jayco web site doesn't list that on the summary specifications. As delivered ours was 3015lbs dry with a cargo capacity of 735lbs. We found that to be plenty for how we use the trailer. A couple of other nice features of the Baja edition are the factory flip axle which gives you several inches more ground clearance and upgraded LT load range C tires (LT235/75R15).
In general, the SLX line is an "entry-level" line with fewer standard options. As with all campers, there will be regular and routine maintenance that you will want to keep up with and various little modifications to make along the way. However, we found for the $$ this was a pretty good value.
Thats good to hear. When I go on YouTube there are 2 guys talking about their Jayco trailers and how many problems, primarily workmanship issues - lots of quality issues they have. Do you think those are just particular samples as in, the people most unhappy will complain and the most happy might night say anything syndrome?.
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ttavasc

Western Washington

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ggolds5 wrote: Thats good to hear. When I go on YouTube there are 2 guys talking about their Jayco trailers and how many problems, primarily workmanship issues - lots of quality issues they have. Do you think those are just particular samples as in, the people most unhappy will complain and the most happy might night say anything syndrome?.
My experience is that most of what is offered up on various forums are problems. Folks are looking for advice on how to resolve issues or just want to unload about a bad experience they've had. You'll find these posts for pretty much anything because every manufacturer has problems from time to time. Entry-level models such as the Jayco SLX line don't have the same fit & finish as a more expensive or better optioned models, but I also don't think they are any worse than other entry-level models.
Something else to consider is how well the manufacturer stands behind their product. Jayco and Starcraft both have 2 year warranty. I believe Lance also provides a second year of warranty on structural components.
If you are interested in more Jayco-specific input you can take a look at the Jayco Owners Forum at http://www.jaycoowners.com
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RPreeb

Colorado

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ggolds5 wrote: Thats good to hear. When I go on YouTube there are 2 guys talking about their Jayco trailers and how many problems, primarily workmanship issues - lots of quality issues they have. Do you think those are just particular samples as in, the people most unhappy will complain and the most happy might night say anything syndrome?.
Surely you don't think that someone who has had no problems is going to bother to put up a YouTube video? With the thousands of Jayco's sold, the fact that there are only a couple of guys doing a lot of the complaining should be a good sign, not a bad one.
Rick
2016 F-150 XLT 4x4 3.5 EB
2017 Jay Feather X213
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cmcdar

Rochester, NY

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To be fair - There is a plethora of reports on here - across the board - regarding poor workmanship on new RVs.
One main complaint is that when defects are spotted and noted on walk throughs, oftentimes they are NOT repaired by the dealer in a timely fashion.
Manufacturers have little to no quality control and dealers have little to no incentive to fix the shoddy workmanship.
IF you accept that there will be "Issues" with a new purchase and have it gone over by someone who does not work with the RV dealer. Plus do not PAY until all repairs are completed to your satisfaction. Then you may end up ahead of the game.
For every two who complain - how many remain silent? This is what online reviews are for - to give voice to those who use to have to suffer in silence and alone.
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bobndot

USA

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Joined: 08/21/2007

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Don't make yourself crazy reading into this stuff . As someone just said, don't let 3 people with bad experiences outweigh the hundreds of happy owners, the happy ones do not complain here.
Pick the floorplan that works for you well within your trucks specs. Lightweight trailers hold up as long as you don't go rock climbing with them and you MAINTAIN them regularly.
Don't worry so much about the brand. Having a good dealer to stand behind you in case you have an issue is important.
KZ as well as Jayco and Lance are good customer service companies and many people are very happy with their Coachmen trailers.
Also, look at livin lite (camplite) trailers, see if any of those floorplans will work for you. They do not use wood in the build, nothing to rot.
Yes a lighter trailer will have lighter components, therefore you have to be careful to not overload it.
Look at the tire as well as the axle rating of the trailer you choose. Make sure they math adds up to haul the gross weight . ( gross not dry weights) .
Regarding tires, heat is your enemy on any tire. Having the correct size tire in the first place , correct tire pressure, not overloading them and buy new ones every 3 years or so is my best advise. I have never had a TT tire issue .
Use common sense, if you bang into a curb, get out and check the tire...the whole tire. I have seen people run over curbs and scrap concert islands in gas stations and never stop to see if the trailer tire in still in one piece. I guess they think if its rolls and doesn't go flub flub flub, then its o.k.
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TomG2

Central Illinois

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Joined: 03/07/2004

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After several Forest River products, I recently purchased a Jayco 154 BH for quick and easy traveling while leaving my larger trailer sit. The Jayco is a very nice unit and well put together. It has its limitations, but those are exactly what I was looking for. Lightweight, small, simple, easy to use and maintain. The simplicity is a great relief compared to the Airstream motorhome we sold last year.
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