Precept J-Ride...

Arniesports60 · 03-24-2015, 02:41 PM

Hello Precept Owners.

I have shared emails with other owners about the mis-information on
the Jayco Website re: Precept J-Ride.

The J-Ride was developed to enhance the original chassis from Ford to
improve the ride. On the Class-Cs, they remove a bar and and ADD
the Hellwig spring to improve ride.

My Jacyo Sales Rep contact has stated Precepts have
the following "Enhancements" to Original Ford Chassis:

Jayco LEAVEs the existing rear suspension and ADDs and
Extra Stabilizer bar which is supposedly BETTER than the
process on the C-Class (remove, add Hellwig). So, NO Hellwig.

To Precepts Jayco ADDS:
Bilstein Shocks, 4" Jounce Bumpers, Added Stabilizer Bar(s), and....
they take the chassis to a MoRide Inc. to have the
entire Chassis BALANCED/SQUARED (within 1/8").

The MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION IS -HOW DOES YOUR PRECEPT
DRIVE AND HANDLE? SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Bobs A Class · 03-26-2015, 07:18 AM

I think it is a matter of perspective. I had a 2010 Greyhawk and traded for a 2013 Greyhawk. I thought the ride and handling was greatly improved. Now I have the 2015 Precept with the J Ride and I think it is, again, greatly improved. Could it be better? Maybe. But I'm very happy with it.

Arniesports60 · 03-26-2015, 10:05 AM

Thanks Bob for your reply.

Outside of the 'technical' stuff Jayco does to enhance the ride...
the only thing that really matters is - how does the owner feel.

and obviously jayco is doing something right...

thanks again.

Newbie31UL · 03-26-2015, 06:53 PM

I haven't picked mine up yet, PDI is scheduled for April 4th. But I was happy with the ride when I test drove the vehicle. I'm sure I'll have more of an opinion after a long trip.

Jacobsnc · 04-03-2015, 08:43 AM

Had a 2015 31UL. Terrible handling in wind or on interstates. I drove truck for 40 years so I know how a vehicle should handle. Traded out for a 35UM. Much better handling. Reason, longer wheelbase, larger wheels and tires. Heavier chassis also.

Greyhawk01 · 04-03-2015, 07:03 PM

I wouldnt be up set about not having the helper springs in my opnion they are just a cheap way to increase the leaf springs capacity. A better solition would be air bags or a new stronger leaf pack. Your class A frame package might come factory from Ford with leaf springs that have enough capacity.

Cycledoc675 · 04-08-2015, 09:51 PM

I have been quite impressed with the handling and ride of my Jayco Precept 29UM, built on the same chassis as the 31UL. I have found that it tracks smoothly and it is not adversely affected by passing 18 wheelers. The only thing that upsets it a bit is a few stretches of poor conditioned sections of I-55 between Jackson and New Orleans. The ride over these expansion joints is a bit rough, but it still tracks straight. I have to wonder if the issue with Jacobsnc's 31UL may have been an issue with his specific unit, because my 18,000 lb chassis seems quite stable. It also tows my 7x12 single axle Vnose trailer with ease.

JoeMazz · 04-09-2015, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cycledoc675

I have been quite impressed with the handling and ride of my Jayco Precept 29UM, built on the same chassis as the 31UL. I have found that it tracks smoothly and it is not adversely affected by passing 18 wheelers. The only thing that upsets it a bit is a few stretches of poor conditioned sections of I-55 between Jackson and New Orleans. The ride over these expansion joints is a bit rough, but it still tracks straight. I have to wonder if the issue with Jacobsnc's 31UL may have been an issue with his specific unit, because my 18,000 lb chassis seems quite stable. It also tows my 7x12 single axle Vnose trailer with ease.

Perhaps your right; but as someone who has also driven both the 31ul and the 35un & 35up on more than one occasion, the handling of the 18k vs. the 22k frame is night and day.

Stoneman · 04-29-2015, 01:23 PM

We just went from a Winnabego to a 31UL. We did extensive supension mods to the Winnabego and it was still had poor handling. The wife refused to drive the motorhome. We went on a three thousand mile trip in March/April this year. We both agreed the Winnabego had to go. We stopped by our Jayco dealer on the way home and purchased our Precept 31UL. We have about a thousand miles on it and have experienced severe winds and tough weather. Happy with the handling and the wife is a willing driver again.

JoeMazz · 04-29-2015, 03:56 PM

It was a tight race between the Precept and the Winnebago Vista we were looking at shopping last summer.

Which one did you have?

Stoneman · 04-29-2015, 08:33 PM

The Vista. We probably could have improved on it further but we liked the Prcecept coach better. Styling, interior, floor plan and ours has the front drop down bunk. So far we are happy with the change!

JoeMazz · 04-30-2015, 05:17 AM

We tried real hard to close on the Vista 36Y. It was the perfect floor plan for us, but their pricing on that unit and what they were willing to give me for my trade was no where near what we got for the deal on the Precept.

Harvard · 04-30-2015, 06:57 PM

If you have a Ford E350/E450 with questionable handling issues I would recommend the vehicle be checked to ensure it has at least + 5.25 and +5.5 Degrees of Caster. They ship from the assembly line with a fixed sleeve of +3.25 to +3.5 Degrees which is OK for city driving BUT not for highway driving.

Here are a couple of links on this subject.

E350/E450 Handling Problems are caused by too little + CASTER

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Adventures in alignment or wanderer no more

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