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Jayco Precept Wheel Shields Falling Off!!
On my 2017 Jayco Precept there are four flaps, one in front and one in back of each of the two dual wheel wells. I am calling them wheel well shields since they seem to have more purpose than just deflecting mud and rocks.
These shields are made up of sheet metal panels with iron angle-iron stiffening frames. They are also lined with large synthetic fiber pads. They are attached to the cabin metal frame with self-tapping screws.
After I had been operating my Precept for about a year, I noticed that the shield at the rear of the driver-side duals had come loose and was dangling. Some of the self-tapping screws were missing and it was hanging by a single screw. So I replaced the missing screws.
Then, last week, I was traveling on the freeway in Orlando and heard a very loud bang under the Precept and saw a couple of black objects sliding along the freeway behind me. When I pulled over, I found that my tow car had some pretty significant right front fender damage but the tire was OK. I waved off oncoming cars and retrieved the objects. They were the steel shield and fiber pad from the front of the right dual wheel well. When they detached luckily the big duals slammed them down on the pavement and only the fiber pad bounced to hit my car.
I have notified Jayco and they requested photos which I emailed them. I now have my Precept at the shop to repair and re-attach the shield that fell off as well as to reinforce the attachments of the other three shields since I now don't trust them to be secure. Shop cost estimate is $1500.
These steel components of the shields have the potential to cause severe damage to my tow car and to other cars following me. Here are some photos...
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