We're. Moving on...

WDW · 10-10-2015, 06:40 PM

We e been looking and negotiating for 2 months to buy a Precept. We even have factory pictures of the new S model from the factory demo unit. But while Jayco does so much right, there are a few things that pushed us to a Coachmem Mirada. Our dealer was not offering the best deal and wasn't offering us as much of a percent off as they did with our FK. No even close . Business is too good.

1. Poorly sized bathrooms. The showers are too small. Winnebago and Coachmen get it with huge showers. We're getting bath and a half in the same space of a UP and S -in a -37' coach.

2. Residential refrigerator. Pros and cons. But I'm told by other A owners it cools faster, stays cold longer and no open flames. We're going with the pros.

3. ELECTRICAL spaghetti -- under most beds in Jayco's are all of the power controls. I hate it on our FK. It makes the bed warm. It makes me nervous. If you haven't looked you should. Our new unit had a gallon bag of combustable rubbish that we cleaned up. We even found a nice utility knife in the bottom of the bathroom vanity once we pulled a drawer out.

There is so much that is right with the Precepts! But our needs are better met by moving on.

Thanks for a great ride with our first MH. Best wishes to all Jayco owners especially Greyhawk and Precept folks!

TCNashville · 10-10-2015, 08:19 PM

WDW, just because you're jumping ship doesn't mean you have to jump the Forum. We appreciate all your advice. Poke around here every now and then. Congrats on the new Coachman.

BigJohnD · 10-10-2015, 08:37 PM

Yep, I'd hang around. Heck I'm still on Tiffin's forum, Forest Rivers, and a few others due to previous rigs, and of course I still post there. Most rigs have too much in common not to poke around here and there. I take a bit from all of them really, and share stuff as well.

WDW · 10-11-2015, 02:19 AM

Thanks! I will stick around. And someone is going to get a nice 31 FK a with upgrades that has been tuned and pampered!

Greyhawk01 · 10-11-2015, 02:59 AM

WDW best of luck with the new rig. Let us know how it compares to the Jayco class c . My wife and i found a class A that we both like alot but ive never driven a class A and I think its too soon to trade up. But on other hand i dont want mine to depreciate too much. Ive gotta stop going to RV shows lol.

WDW · 10-11-2015, 03:20 AM

Well that's the point. We were on the cusp of the next depreciation hit. While we did not take a bath with our trade, it was "a light shower". LOL! Any longer it next spring would have meant a lower trade value.

As for driving, yep, it's a trade. Our GH is tuned and drives like an SUV. But I see so many other A's and think to myself, it can't be that hard. We're going in to this knowing $$ will be required to upgrade the ride.

Thanks and good luck to you!

DHH57 · 10-11-2015, 04:46 AM

A big selling point for the Coachman to me is no Luan. They use a plastic for the backing called Azdel.

BigJohnD · 10-11-2015, 05:00 PM

Downside to coachmen, pretty much mdf floors in the slides, or something similar. At least they were a few years ago. Didn't have the auto transfer switch on the genset then either. Hoping they've changed a little. Just something to keep an eye on. All in all, they are nice for the price point.

No doubt you'll need, or at least want the suspension upgrades. If money is no issue, Kelderman makes a nice air suspension for the F-53 chassis. And of course a track bar, better steering stabilizer, and then you'll love how it drives. The stock F-53 leaves a little to be desired, so the add ons are well worth the money if you're going to keep it.

BigJohnD · 10-11-2015, 05:05 PM

For the heck of it, here's the links to the kelderman front and rear air suspensions for that chassis. Expensive, but I have talked with an owner of one and it is definitely night and day. Best class A gas motorhome ride you'll ever experience.
2006+ Ford F53 Motorhome Chassis 2-Stage Front Air Suspension | Kelderman
1999+ Ford F53 Motorhome Chassis 2-Stage Rear Air Suspension | Kelderman

BigJohnD · 10-11-2015, 05:11 PM

For the heck of it, here's the links to the kelderman front and rear air suspensions for that chassis. Expensive, but I have talked with an owner of one and it is definitely night and day. Best class A gas motorhome ride you'll ever experience.
2006+ Ford F53 Motorhome Chassis 2-Stage Front Air Suspension | Kelderman
1999+ Ford F53 Motorhome Chassis 2-Stage Rear Air Suspension | Kelderman

NC Roamer · 10-11-2015, 06:19 PM

WDW, hope you do hang around. After you've used the Coachmen a year, I'd be curious as to how it compares with your old Greyhawk.

Best of luck in your travels.

McGarrett50 · 10-15-2015, 10:38 AM

Good luck! Got do what's right for you!

WDW · 10-15-2015, 10:44 AM

Thanks - spent time in Clearwater when there was just one high rise and 19 was a 2 lane road in Pasco!

Arniesports60 · 10-25-2015, 08:48 PM

Good luck WDW. We considered the Mirada in our final group before
Choosing the our Precept. We liked the many of the items on the Mirada.
But , liked the Precepta floor plan a little better, plus the price was lower too.
Keep us up to date on you adventures, offer insights on the pros and cons
Of your new beauty... We all belong to the same group regardless of model

WDW · 10-26-2015, 05:50 AM

I Thank you! - oh, I will continue to hang out. We really liked our Jayco and loved the Precept. But for us, it was about the floor plan, residential fridge and we cut a deal for $$$$ under what our Jayco dealer was willing to do for us. HERE IS THE KICKER --our 1 year old trade was so clean that our trading dealer listed it for more than we paid for it. LOL - that tells me what I already knew, that our Jayco dealer was really low balling us!

So far, things are good. We had a major realignment done ( same independent shop that did our Jayco) and added a Safe T Plus dampener.

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