premier vs pinnacle

[dougmaas]

We are whittling down our search for fifth wheel and have pretty much settled on Jayco. Hoping for some owner input on certain issues before we decide on model and extras

I am going through the brochures and for the life of me can't see much difference between the Premier and the Pinnacle.

When looking at retail pricing it looks like around a 10K difference between model lines

Can anyone enlighten me on the differences and whether the added features are work the investment?

[speckfisher]

The wood cabinets and other wood products inside are solid wood and stained to match each other where as the premier is solid wood but has venier over the wood ( not particle ) which in turn results in quicker building of the unit. The counters are corian vs a simulated corian on the premier and the the bathroom sink is a big fancy bowl vs a standard sink in the premier.
I went to look at them and based on what the salesman told me ordered the Premier over the Pinnacle for the price. Just picked it up 2 weeks ago.

[Rob_Fla]

We have a Pinnacle, did not do a lot of looking at the Premier since we got such a good deal on our Pinnacle.
As said before, the biggest difference is the cabinet and wood construction, all the wood is solid cherry in our Pinnacle, so the Pinnacle is heavy.
I had a barrel door come open on the rough roads in Louisiana about a year ago, the wood and hinge screws held strong, it tore the steel hinge in half.
I was impressed in how solid the construction was, simply went to Home Depot, got some new hinges and a better latch, problem solved.
After all our travels so far, we have not had any cabinets, doors, or trim come loose, screws pull out or break.

Things have changed, for example when we bought our Pinnacle, the 4 Door Refig was not available in the Eagle line, now it is.
Both 5ers are good solid units, since we fulltime and move every 2 to 4 weeks we have put our Pinnacle to the test and it has passed with flying colors.

[edatlanta]

When I was shopping 3 years ago I was interested in the differences in the Eagle vs Designer. I sent a request to Jayco for the differences in the build of each and they sent me a spreadsheet with the differences. There were a "lot" of differences that you might not even be aware of.

I full time and the differences and price was fine with me, but each of us would have to make that decision for ourselves.

[judgerr]

I bought a Designer in 03, Top of the line then was the "Designer Legacy" I looked at both and like the floor plan on the Premier better than the Pinnacle. I would say the Premier now is thh same as the quality of my Designer. Pinnacle would relate to the Legacy for 03. Anyhow we have spent over 1,200 nights in our Designer. It has held uip very well. I am ordering a Premier, got a price on an 13 from one dealer then found I can order a 14 for just a llittle more in price from another dealer. Plus ordering it our way like we did our Designer. I think you will be happy either way!

[Larry G.]

Like Rob said we did not look at the Eagle Premier because of the great deal on the Pinnacle but a big reason for choosing the Pinnacle was the floor plan. We love the KPTS, kitchen pantry triple slide, because of the storage in the pantry. Wife does a lot of crafting and has space now to store her stuff in an easy access place inside the rig. Photos in our signature.

Pinnacle is also top of the line for Jayco and the price difference, OP is saying 10k, may be closer depending on the dealer you find that will work with you. We traveled from Reno to So. Cal. but saved 7k.

Something to consider is how much time you will be using your rig. We leave again next week for another 4 month trip back for a couple of weeks then off again until next April. Our Pinnacle has been great on extended trips for being solid and comfortable with all the features we wanted.

Sorry I cannot comment on the Premier but hopefully more will come in with personal experience.

I'm sure you will make the right decision for your situation...have fun shopping.

[dougmaas]

good idea. I'll contact the dealer or Jayco and see if I can get similar spreadsheet

[Rob_Fla]

Originally Posted by dougmaas

good idea. I'll contact the dealer or Jayco and see if I can get similar spreadsheet

If you are able to get a comparison spreadsheet from Jayco, please share it here

[sailor]

Here is the data sheet that Jayco sent me.


Pinnacle UPGRADES OVER Eagle Premier

CHOCOLATE GLAZED REAR CAP
LED REAR TAILLIGHTS
UPGRADED GRAPHICS PACKAGE
TRUE GEL-360™
OVERSIZED DARK TINTED ENTRY DOOR WINDOW
EXPANSI-VIEW™ SLIDE WINDOWS
HARDWOOD ENT CTR AND DESK TOPS
DESK AREA (WHERE APPLICABLE)
8” INCREASED HEADROOM IN REAR OF UNIT
6’-9” (5” ADVANTAGE) SLIDE HEIGHTS IN MAIN LIVING AREA
UPGRADED SOFA DESIGN AND FABRIC
UPGRADED WINDOW TREATMENTS WITH WROUGHT IRON ACCENT
UPGRADED CABINETRY HARDWARE
CARAMEL GLAZED CABINET DOORS
HARDWOOD CABINETRY
SIGNATURE CULINARY DREAM™ KITCHEN
DECORATIVE MULLION STYLE CABINET DOOR
BUILT IN WINE RACK (WHERE APPLICABLE)
PENDANT LIGHTING OVER L-KITCHEN/ISLAND
HARDWOOD KITCHEN/LIVING CEILING FEATURES
HIGH RISE RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN FAUCET
FLUSH MOUNT RANGE
TRASH CAN RECEPTACLE (WHERE APPLICABLE)
30” OTR MICROWAVE
HIDDEN HALF BARELL STORAGE CABINET (WHERE APPLICABLE)
LOWER PULL OUT PANTRY (WHERE APPLICABLE)
ROPE ACCENT LIGHTS IN KITCHEN
UPGRADED FRIEZE STYLE CARPET
FLOOR LEVEL LIGHT SWITCH AT ENTRY
PULL SHADE AT ENTRY DOOR WINDOW
UPGRADED CRAFTSMAN STYLE FS CHAIR
GLASS VESSEL STYLE BATH SINK WITH HIGH RISE FAUCET
TRANQUILITY BEDROOM SUITE™
72”X80” KING BED MATTRESS
DAY/NIGHT SHADES IN BEDROOM
UPGRADED BEDDING PACKAGE
HARDWOOD HEADBOARD
HARDWOOD FRAMED MULLION STYLE FRON CLOSET DOORS
CEDAR LINED FRONT CLOSET
4/10/12

[sailor]

Here are Jayco's changes to the 2014 Eagle Premier.

Décor:

• Carryover decor: Brownstone

• Deleted décors: Amber and Cocoa

• New décors: Chestnut and Pewter

Exterior Changes/Enhancements:

• Enlarged graphics and added new color scheme

• Changed sidewalls from White Filon to Polar White high gloss Gel-coat

• Changed front cap from Chocolate to Russet Brown

• Bottom radius metal changes from Chocolate to Russet Brown

• Added frameless windows

• Changed from laminated roof structure to stamped steel rafters with plywood decking

• Improved front cap design with LED accent lights

• Improved slam latch design

• Changed 3-step entry to 4-step

• LED light added to Power Awning

Interior Changes/Enhancements:

• Hide a bed changed to new Denver Mattress™ sleep surface (3) cushion style ILO air bed

• New wallboard style and color

• Changed current mattress to Cloud Ten Advanced™ pillow top mattress - changed March 2013 (part of CVP)
• Added lighted control panel for switches

• Added entry light switch just inside entry door at floor level

• Redesigned bedroom TV cabinet and dresser area to incorporate larger TV and window

• Added 32” LED TV with DVD player in bedroom

• Replaced all halogen lights with LED’s

• Added arched interior ceiling with Whisper Quiet AC (part of CVP)

• Laminated tops changed from wood grain to decorative

Option Additions/Deletions:

• Deleted SAT kit

• All units now have a linoleum OPT

• New Powercord Reel OPT (manual reel)

• New Dyson cordless vacuum OPT

• Added 2nd power awning OPT (NA 375BHFS)
• Deleted Reese Rev pin box

• Bedroom TV OPT moved to STD – changed to 32”

• FS table and chairs moved to STD on all models except 375BHFS

• Added new Ivory Gel-coat sidewall color OPT







2014 Rev. 4/10/2013

Option Changes

• Changed Cloud Ten™ pillow top mattress to Cloud Ten Advanced (part of CVP)

• 5” Laminated roof with R-21 insulation changed to arched interior ceiling with Whisper Quiet AC (part of CVP)

• 2nd AC changed to low-profile

2014 Model Lineup:

• 321RLTS (LF)

• 343RKTS (LW)

• 351MKTS (LU)

• 351RLTS (LM)

• 361REQS (LX)

Model Deletion:

• 361MKQS (LV)

• 365BHS (LE)

Model Addition:

• 375BHFS (LY) – May production

Floor plan changes:

• Island raised bar top eliminated (361REQS)

[sailor]

Here are Jayco's changes to the 2014 Pinnacle.

Décor:

• Carryover decors: Caramel, Praline and Pecan

• Deleted décor: Toffee

• New décor: Cabernet

Exterior Changes/Enhancements:

• Enlarged graphics

• Added frameless windows

• Changed from laminated roof structure to stamped steel rafters with plywood decking

• AC changed to low-profile (part of CVP)

• Improved front cap design with LED accent lights

• Improved slam latch design

• Changed 3-step entry to 4-step

• LED light added to Power Awning (January 2013)

Interior Changes/Enhancements:

• Hide a bed changed to new Denver Mattress™ sleep surface (3) cushion style ILO air bed

• New wallboard style and color

• Changed current mattress to Cloud Ten Advanced™ pillow top mattress - changed March 2013 (part of CVP)
• Added lighted control panel for switches

• Added new backlit slide fascias in kitchen and living area

• Redesigned bedroom TV cabinet and dresser area to incorporate larger TV and window

• Added 32” LED TV with DVD player in bedroom

• Replaced all halogen lights with LED’s

• Added arched interior ceiling with Whisper Quiet AC (part of CVP)

• Bedroom slides changed from 22” to 30” deep

• Central vacuum replaced by new cordless Dyson vacuum

Option Additions/Deletions:

• Deleted SAT kit

• New linoleum in living area OPT for all models except 38FLFS

• New queen bed OPT (will include night stands)

• New Powercord Reel OPT (manual reel)

• Kitchen power vent moved to STD (excludes 36RSQS)

• Deleted desk chair OPT

• Deleted Select Comfort mattress OPT

• 12 cu. ft, refrigerator moved to STD

• Deleted Reese Rev pin box

• Bedroom TV OPT moved to STD – changed to 32”

• New premium paint OPT design

Option Changes

• Changed Cloud Ten pillow top mattress to Cloud Ten Advanced (part of CVP)

• Added arched interior ceiling with Whisper Quiet AC (part of CVP)

• AC changed to low-profile (part of CVP)

• New hardwood mantle surround for fireplace OPT (does not affect Ledgestone OPT)





2014 Rev. 4/10/2013

2014 Model Lineup:

• 35MKTS (RE)

• 36KPTS (RG)

• 36RETS (RC)

• 36REQS (RB)

• 36RSQS(RH)

• 38FLFS (RJ)

Model Deletion:

• 31RLTS (RF)

• 34RLTS (RD)

Model Addition:

• None

Floor plan changes:

• Raised bar top on island and OHC eliminated (36KPTS)

• Doorway to pantry room eliminated (36KPTS)

• Rear entertainment cabinet desk area eliminated and replaced with storage (36RETS, 36REQS)

[Larry G.]

Thanks Sailor for posting the information.

[judgerr]

I ordered the 2014 Premier yesterday. Here is what the outside looks like!

[imaynard]

Originally Posted by Rob_Fla

I had a barrel door come open on the rough roads in Louisiana about a year ago, the wood and hinge screws held strong, it tore the steel hinge in half.

"Rough Roads" in Louisiana is an understatement!!!

Glad to know that I ordered my Premier 365BHS before they discontinued it. Thanks everyone for sharing.

[Yamerhammer]

This is the Pinnacle upgrades over Eagle premier and Eagle premier upgrades over Eagle for 2014 models

[Rob_Fla]

Originally Posted by imaynard

"Rough Roads" in Louisiana is an understatement!!!

[JENNIFER7SUSAN]

Originally Posted by sailor

Here are Jayco's changes to the 2014 Pinnacle.

Décor:

• Carryover decors: Caramel, Praline and Pecan

• Deleted décor: Toffee

• New décor: Cabernet

Exterior Changes/Enhancements:

• Enlarged graphics

• Added frameless windows

• Changed from laminated roof structure to stamped steel rafters with plywood decking

• AC changed to low-profile (part of CVP)

• Improved front cap design with LED accent lights

• Improved slam latch design

• Changed 3-step entry to 4-step

• LED light added to Power Awning (January 2013)

Interior Changes/Enhancements:

• Hide a bed changed to new Denver Mattress™ sleep surface (3) cushion style ILO air bed

• New wallboard style and color

• Changed current mattress to Cloud Ten Advanced™ pillow top mattress - changed March 2013 (part of CVP)
• Added lighted control panel for switches

• Added new backlit slide fascias in kitchen and living area

• Redesigned bedroom TV cabinet and dresser area to incorporate larger TV and window

• Added 32” LED TV with DVD player in bedroom

• Replaced all halogen lights with LED’s

• Added arched interior ceiling with Whisper Quiet AC (part of CVP)

• Bedroom slides changed from 22” to 30” deep

• Central vacuum replaced by new cordless Dyson vacuum

Option Additions/Deletions:

• Deleted SAT kit

• New linoleum in living area OPT for all models except 38FLFS

• New queen bed OPT (will include night stands)

• New Powercord Reel OPT (manual reel)

• Kitchen power vent moved to STD (excludes 36RSQS)

• Deleted desk chair OPT

• Deleted Select Comfort mattress OPT

• 12 cu. ft, refrigerator moved to STD

• Deleted Reese Rev pin box

• Bedroom TV OPT moved to STD – changed to 32”

• New premium paint OPT design

Option Changes

• Changed Cloud Ten pillow top mattress to Cloud Ten Advanced (part of CVP)

• Added arched interior ceiling with Whisper Quiet AC (part of CVP)

• AC changed to low-profile (part of CVP)

• New hardwood mantle surround for fireplace OPT (does not affect Ledgestone OPT)





2014 Rev. 4/10/2013

2014 Model Lineup:

• 35MKTS (RE)

• 36KPTS (RG)

• 36RETS (RC)

• 36REQS (RB)

• 36RSQS(RH)

• 38FLFS (RJ)

Model Deletion:

• 31RLTS (RF)

• 34RLTS (RD)

Model Addition:

• None

Floor plan changes:

• Raised bar top on island and OHC eliminated (36KPTS)

• Doorway to pantry room eliminated (36KPTS)

• Rear entertainment cabinet desk area eliminated and replaced with storage (36RETS, 36REQS)

Thanks for very informative post. All Jayco product list at a same post. Great.

[dougmaas]

wow nice list. not sure I'm convinced that is worth 10 thousand dollars difference in retail list though and some of these items seem ?, like " tranquility bedroom suite. what is that and how is it different than premier?

[Merlin]

Is anyone pulling a pinnacle with a 3/4 ton? I see a lot of premiers being pulled by 3/4 tons but they are a few hundred pounds lighter on the hitch.

[Rob_Fla]

We pulled our Pinnacle with a Chevy 2500HD Duramax in the beginning, pulled it ok, Air Bagged it to help with the Pin Weight (3400 Lbs.) and it stopped ok.

When we were out in Western Louisiana and Texas we got pushed around quite a bit with the wind and we knew we were at the limits of the 2500HD so we stepped up to a GMC 3500HD DRW.

It was the right decision for us since we Fulltime and move every two weeks or so, the difference is like night and day.

We are sure glad we made the change.

I do see others pulling Pinnacle's and even larger Triple Axle Toy Haulers with a 3/4 Ton and we pulled our Pinnacle for few thousand miles with a 3/4 Ton so it is doable.