Suitability of Jay Flight SLX for long distance trips??

OregonPerson · 07-30-2017, 09:25 AM

Hello,

Recently we purchased a new Jay Flight SLX 175RD baja edition and have taken it out on about 4 trips of about 4 days duration each time. Traveling distance to the Oregon coast has only been about 80-100 miles each way. My DW and I are thinking of making a trip out to North Dakota from western Oregon circling down through Utah or Colorado coming back.

I have some concern about taking the unit on such a long trip and whether these units are built to handle traveling long distances. The service manager at my dealership described traveling trailers as "rolling earthquakes" leading to potential for leaks, loose wiring, etc. I'm not really a handy person or DYI person when it comes to the TT. Since the unit is new we do have road side assistance but we know that getting units repaired during peak rv season isn't always quick.

What is the experience of people who own Jay Flight SLX or similarly built trailers for long distance trips or is it best to stick to the close to home outings with this line??

ALJO · 07-30-2017, 09:59 AM

RV's are made for travelling. And yes things can happen to come loose but not likely.
The dealer is a poor salesman with his saying "rolling earth quakes".
So don't be paranoid, take it on a long distance trip and if you need help this forum is there for you.

oldmanAZ · 07-30-2017, 10:22 AM

What ALJO said.

You've made your 'shakedown' trips and you're comfortable with those so it's time to expand your horizons! The odds are really in your favor that you'll have a wonderful trip with no issues.

For many years, factory trailer tires were not safe at passenger car/truck highway speeds. Check what your tires are rated for and drive accordingly.

Be safe and have a great trip.

Campers & Fishers · 07-30-2017, 11:19 AM

I have a 195 RB and keep a careful eye on things. I've had it a year and so far, been all over UT with multiple trips to AZ, ID, OR. If short trips are going OK, you're good to go. Good luck.

Kim Gass · 07-30-2017, 12:12 PM

195 here. Based in Maine . Our shakedown trip was to New Mexico and Arizona lasting five weeks and over 10000 miles. Then some sort of local outings and then to Florida for another 5000 miles.
Now we are in Alaska in Fairbanks and have driven on many miles of gravel mining road. Thinking of the Dalton

The only thing that has shaken loose is the table leg which we fixed. Now we take the table down each day. Oh and a rock opened the freshwater drain but we stopped soon after and did not lose much. The Yukon is full of unsaved and permafrost heaved roads too
Even the road to Chaco Canton didn't shake the trailer apart. I suggest better tires than the OEM

Even though the unit is just a year old it's got nearly 30000 miles on it

We got this unit specifically for good mileage as gas stations are often 200 miles apart and the terrain mountainous. It's usual to ascend and descend a few thousand feet each day and have to negotiate hairpin turns that are hard for larger units

We do have roadside assistance plan but hope never to have to use it as we normally have no phone service or are not anywhere near a garage

I do expect if we were to sell the unit now it would classify as well used! And not being much resale
FYI. The earthquake thing. Probably accurate in our case but even bottles stay upright in the fridge and pantry

jmactootall · 07-30-2017, 12:14 PM

My "rolling earthquake" has been from central Illinois to Rhode Island going east and to Washington going west and Tennessee going south with many stops in all the crossover states. Trips lasting from 1 week to three months with lots of those short trips close to home. Had 1 time problem with water feed control to the toilet. I say let er roll. Just keep the speed down enough to enjoy the trip.

ttavasc · 07-30-2017, 10:32 PM

Another 195RB here - Baja edition. Into our 3rd season and have no worries about heading out for long trips with it. We make regular trips from the Seattle area to southern Utah and Arizona. Headed into Montana later this season. We've got about 12K miles on it so far with no major issues and only a couple minor items addressed before the warranty was up.

Keep up on your routine maintenance and regularly check your tires and hub temps while traveling and you should do fine. Regarding the hubs - if your unit has the fancy chrome covers over the hubs like ours did, lose them. You can't get an accurate reading on your hub temps with them on.

If you want a little bit of insurance sign up for a road-side assistance program. We've not had to use ours to date but it's there just in case. We also carry some basic tools and supplies for making temporary repairs.

I say plan your trip and get out there and enjoy your camper. You'll have a great time

OregonPerson · 07-30-2017, 10:46 PM

Thanks everybody !!

It was great to see all the positive experiences with long distance trips.

Seann45 · 07-31-2017, 06:56 AM

I do a 4000 mile round trip every year plus many 1500 mile round trips with not problem. Just keep the speed under 65 and slow down on rough roads.

Jake · 07-31-2017, 08:09 AM

I have only used my 2012 SLX 185RB for short distances (two hours one way) but if I were to go further I would change my tires to a higher load range , the ones the put on it at factory are barely within weights when you might need to carry water or grey water until you get to a dump fill station. I was always leary about buying a single axle trailer (many years ago I had a tandem) I had a blow out with my SLX last year at 62 mph , it stayed straight considering the tire was shreds . But change a tire while transport trucks going by fast with wind rocking the trailer on the jack , was a bit sketchy. Before I ever consider mine for longer trips I will buy higher rated tires. Also be super anal about having right pressure in your tires at all times.

OregonPerson · 08-02-2017, 11:35 AM

I posted a question to the Jayco tow, mechanical forum about replacing the Cordovan LT235/17r15 C load with either Maxxis ST225/75R15 load D or GY Endurance ST225/17r15 load E with no responses. Anybody see a problem replacing the LT235 with ST225?? Would a Load Range E tire be way to stiff for such a relatively light trailer?? With the D range I can use the same rims, not sure with the E range.

Jake · 08-02-2017, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OregonPerson

I posted a question to the Jayco tow, mechanical forum about replacing the Cordovan LT235/17r15 C load with either Maxxis ST225/75R15 load D or GY Endurance ST225/17r15 load E with no responses. Anybody see a problem replacing the LT235 with ST225?? Would a Load Range E tire be way to stiff for such a relatively light trailer?? With the D range I can use the same rims, not sure with the E range.

Good question , I would like to know myself, because bumping up to a "d" only adds maybe 300 lbs to overall weight capacity on a single axle trailer. I see from google search "d" is available for my 14 inch, and I think you have way more choices in the 15 inch you need. I myself would not be so worried about stiffness if it gave me the safety factor of weight capability , for me I would get used to the different feel when towing , and its not like someone is riding in the trailer to feel the bumps (smile)

JHerzog · 08-08-2017, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OregonPerson

I posted a question to the Jayco tow, mechanical forum about replacing the Cordovan LT235/17r15 C load with either Maxxis ST225/75R15 load D or GY Endurance ST225/17r15 load E with no responses. Anybody see a problem replacing the LT235 with ST225?? Would a Load Range E tire be way to stiff for such a relatively light trailer?? With the D range I can use the same rims, not sure with the E range.

IMO the D range would be plenty - I out the GY Endurance on my 27DSRL 6350 lbs. empty and what a difference. Really love the tire.

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