Help Me Please... Jayco hummingbird

mrazndead · 06-12-2019, 03:19 PM

Hi,

I'm interested in buying a hummingbird 17bh.... anyone have reviews? not much on forums or youtube i can find. Hows the quality and issues? please school me as i am new to RVing... i've seen one in person and did a walk around. but didn't want to be suckered. need bunk beds.. and it was 15k. what can i expect as far as maintenance and repairs and issues? local dealer. help me decide!

**norty1** · 06-12-2019, 05:49 PM

Here is a post on that model:

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...7bh-62621.html

wiscampsin · 06-12-2019, 06:45 PM

Although not a 17BH we've had our 17RK for a year and have had no issues. No leaks, every component (AC, furnace, water heater, etc) works as it should. Easy to tow with DW's 2018 Tacoma. I have done a few mods like install exterior fridge vent screens, Maxxair fan covers, screens on water heater and furnace, hard wired PI EMS unit, puck lights in lower cabinets, and a few more. Maintenance in really no different than any other camper. Wash it a couple times a year. Check all roof seals around AC, antenna, roof vents, exterior lights, etc. Keep the tire pressure up. Lube stabilizer jacks a couple times a year, I think you get the idea.

EddieR · 06-13-2019, 09:08 AM

Can't speak to the BH, as we have an RK. I would second wiscampsin. Normal maintenance for ours as well. Any small issues I would rather take care of myself than tow to the dealer and wait. Not sure if you are looking at new or used, but if new, you do get a 2 year warranty, which gives some piece of mind. Just make sure you are comfortable with your dealer.

A few mods we have done include:
Build shelf over the bed area(I don't think you have that in the BH, just the convertible dinette).
Remove the sink in the wet bath to give more room.
Replaced the kitchen sink. It was leaking and wanted a higher faucet

We tow with a Chevy Colorado and it handles it just fine. I go back and forth on a WDH, but so far I haven't felt the need for it yet.

This being said, all TT makes will have their issues, unit to unit. Your best bet to is be very thorough on going through the TT when looking at it and make sure you have a good PDI with the dealer.

I fortunately came from a sailboat background, so I had a lot of familiarity with the systems used: Waterpump, H/C water etc.

I can tell you that my wife and I have enjoyed this trailer the last year, way more than we thought. We were looking for a change from the sailboat for a little while, and are happy we took this leap. We will go back to a boat at some point, but this little trailer has allowed us to go to places, just around our state, that we would have never experienced before. It's kind of neat.

EddieR · 06-13-2019, 09:09 AM

Also a lot of good and helpful information on the Jayco Hummingbird Facebook group.

Jagiven · 06-13-2019, 12:27 PM

I am not familiar with the Hummingbird line, but an RV is an RV. They are all hand made, so they tend to have some deficiency. Jayco does have a 2 year warranty on it, where most are 1 year.

1st off they all require regular maintenance. RVs are like a rolling earth quake every time you travel. If you do not do your annual maintenance, they WILL leak and have other issues. I probably spend a few hours a couple times a year checking things over. The older my TT gets, the more caulking I have to do every year, both on the roof seams and the walls. I got tired of touching up the roof, so I spent a few hours one day applying Eternabond to all the caulking. No more maintenance there, but I still need to check for damage (scraps from trees) a few times a year.

In my option, when looking for a camper, get in the unit you are seriously considering, ditch the sales person for 30 or more minutes. Dig through all the nooks and cubbies, determine were you will place your stuff, and how you will use it. Sit back for a bit and relax, you may have a lot of that on a cold wet weekend. So, is there enough room.

Another thing to consider is your Tow Vehicle (TV), does it have the ability to haul your new home? Remember in the calculation to add in all the weight of passengers, gear, fun and games.

distracto · 06-13-2019, 02:07 PM

to echo Jagiven's comments, if you have a family, bring them all along and hang out in the trailer as a family, that is how it will be used after all. Tell teh sales guy you want some time together to "try it out", if they are a good salesperson, they'll give you the space.

Everyone else is spot on though.

Jim Davis · 06-13-2019, 02:18 PM

The previous comments are right on the money. One other thing I can think of is to have your salesman do is to introduce you to the service manager and show you the shop. It doesn't hurt to develop a good relationship with the folks you will be working with after the sale.

Jack N Janet · 07-13-2019, 05:19 PM

I'm not sure if you purchased yet or not as this post is a month old. The BH is new for this year (2019) I believe. I have a 2018 17FD. I did look at the Bh and it is a really good idea for two twin size beds. The bunks are 36" vs 32" in some of the other trailers so that was a selling point. We have had ours for 1 1/2 years and love our little trailer. The fit and finish is good. We did have some minor repairs after delivery that the dealer took care of right away. If the floor plan fits your needs I wouldn't hesitate buying one. Try out the bunks and make sure you have enough room. If so, you're good to go.

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