Picked up our new 2015 16XRB today

astrowolf67 · 04-04-2016, 06:56 PM

Well, we went and traded our 03 pop up for a new old stock 16XRB today. I'm excited, and, dissapointed at the same time. We are towing with a 2012 Xterra, which had no issues pulling the 2200 lb pup. Along with the new 2800 lb hybrid, we got a weight distributing hitch, and sway control. It was a bit windy during the ride home, and I'm sure I'm not use to pulling a box camper, but, we were all over the road on the way home. Probably still need to play with the new hitch set up some to work that out.

On to the camper, there were a few minor issues during inspection that will be addressed by the dealer. After we got home, got it parked, and, went to set it up so we could start loading our stuff, another issue surfaced. As I was lowering the stabilizers, the left one just wouldn't go down over half way, and, seemed extremely loose. Upon inspection, the jack was about to fall off due to stripped mounting bolts, and, the jack frame itself was bent, not allowing the screw to make contact with the leg! So, it looks like it will be going right back to the dealer in the morning. Hoping to get it back up to speed in the next day or two, as, we already had plans this coming weekend!!

David

fielro · 04-04-2016, 07:06 PM

Welcome aboard. Hopefully the dealer will get everything working properly. Good luck!

SouthCo · 04-04-2016, 07:14 PM

Congrats on the new trailer.

Heady · 04-04-2016, 07:35 PM

Congrats David from Northeast Ohio. A box camper had a lot more side surface than a popup, so you will feel the effects of wind more. Once you get your stuff into the camper, the WDH will most likely need some tweaking.

Jm9301 · 04-05-2016, 09:45 AM

Congrats! we picked ours up last friday and spent the weekend setting stuff up and playing board games with the kids in it.

I too have found some stuff that has bothered me a bit in terms of quality so far, simple stuff that i can and likely will fix at home so far, but still issues that are there. Our PDI guy at the dealership was a very old fellow who thought the tv mounting bracket on the outside was for the awning (sigh). None the less i am curious as to what all you found other then the jack so i can look at mine more subjectively this weekend as well. I will take some pictures of the issues i have found so far and share them on here.

As for towing, its a large box in the wind. After towing around a 1207 for a couple years it was definetley a little more susceptible to wind on the way home i felt as well. Still i was surprised at how well my TV handled it with ease, these things really are incredibly light for what all is in them.

ddrueckh · 04-05-2016, 10:14 AM

Congratulation on the new trailer! No matter what others might say, you should not be "all over the road." Make sure the trailer is level or slightly nose down. You never want to be nose high. His can cause the back of your truck to be lifted when stopping. Also, check how your weight is distributed. A light tongue can cause sway. You might need to move some of the things in the trailer towards the tongue. Finally, make sure your hitch is set up properly. My dealer messed up the installation of my hitch. I had to take it apart and redo it. They had mounted some of the brackets upside down. Don't trust how your dealer installed yours! If you tell us what kind of hitch you purchased, maybe others with the same hitch can give you some pointers. Just going through the hitch assembly instructions should verify if it was installed properly or not.

I'm sure your dealer and Jayco can correct the stabilizer and other issues. Jayco trailers are some of the best. Just like a new house, a few issues are to be expected. It's how the trailers hold up in the long run that counts.

oldmanAZ · 04-05-2016, 10:22 AM

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the new trailer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrowolf67

Well, we went and traded our 03 pop up for a new old stock 16XRB today. I'm excited, and, dissapointed at the same time. We are towing with a 2012 Xterra, which had no issues pulling the 2200 lb pup. Along with the new 2800 lb hybrid, we got a weight distributing hitch, and sway control. It was a bit windy during the ride home, and I'm sure I'm not use to pulling a box camper, but, we were all over the road on the way home. Probably still need to play with the new hitch set up some to work that out.

On to the camper, there were a few minor issues during inspection that will be addressed by the dealer. After we got home, got it parked, and, went to set it up so we could start loading our stuff, another issue surfaced. As I was lowering the stabilizers, the left one just wouldn't go down over half way, and, seemed extremely loose. Upon inspection, the jack was about to fall off due to stripped mounting bolts, and, the jack frame itself was bent, not allowing the screw to make contact with the leg! So, it looks like it will be going right back to the dealer in the morning. Hoping to get it back up to speed in the next day or two, as, we already had plans this coming weekend!!

David

Hopefully the dealer has/will have all the jack issues squared away.

Regarding your hitch: Which weight distributing hitch (WDH) do you have? Be sure you get the manual and understand how your hitch should be setup. Sadly, trailer dealers don't always get it right!

Too little weight on your tow vehicle front suspension or having the trailer 'nose high' can result in poor handling; especially on windy days.

Also, increase your trailer and tow vehicle tire pressures to the maximum shown on the tire sidewall. This reduces the sidewall flex and frequently improves handling and reduces sway.

EDIT: I'm slow and see ddrueckh has posted similar points.

astrowolf67 · 04-05-2016, 06:29 PM

We returned to the dealer this morning, and, a single chain link on the hitch made all the difference in the world. It pulls much straighter, and, even seemed to struggle less at highway speeds (got the nose back down some). They repaired the stabilizer enough to get us through this weekend's trip, and, have ordered new jacks to be replaced under warranty. Plus, we are going ahead and having them install two more jacks on the front to help with the wobbles.

Issues we found during the PDI:
1. Loose corner wall board behind the toilet in the bathroom--fixed.

2. Inside plastic panel of the main door had a bent edge that stuck out at the bottom above the trim--fixed good enough for me, but, dealer order a new panel anyway.

3. The black vinyl insert around the trim at the bottom of the camper had a couple of "pinched" spots causing it not to seat properly--fixed, they replace all of the lower trim.

So far, that's it. I feel confident, if anything comes up, my dealer will take care of us. They've been great so far, our delivery PDI, and walk through yesterday took 4.5 hours, and, they spent another couple this morning teaching me the ins and outs of our hitch.

David

Jm9301 · 04-06-2016, 08:26 AM

David,

Good to hear everything worked out for you!

I have the same problem with the corner in the bathroom, i think i will be gluing it myself instead of the hassle of taking it back to the dealership.

We have only set it up in our driveway so far (Its snowing again today) but i already find myself thinking front stabilizer jacks may be a good investment.

astrowolf67 · 04-10-2016, 02:10 PM

We came across another issue on the new camper while on our maiden trip. Luckily, one of our camping group, was a plumber, even though it was a simple fix. The water line running into the back of the toilet was dripping, and, only needed tightening. When I take it in this week for the stabilizer fix, I'll mention it to them, and have them double check it. The only other issue, which is common with hybrids, was condensation under the bunk mattresses. The temps really dropped on us, and, we ended up running the furnace more than anticipated, but, forgot to add ventilation for the moisture. Nothing a bath towel couldn't handle.

David

astrowolf67 · 04-10-2016, 02:16 PM

I forgot to mention, after playing with the weight distributing hitch, and sway control, towing was much better. My Xterra still struggled a bit after 60 mph, but, that is likely my fault. It has a 2" suspension lift, and, instead of factory size 31" tires, I have 33" BFG All Terrains. The taller tires, with no regearing is likely what causes the higher speed struggles. I'm happy with it though, as I don't need to be speeding around everywhere with a single axle camper in tow anyway, lol. Fuel mileage over the four day trip averaged out at 13mpg. NO complaints there!

astrowolf67 · 04-17-2016, 07:46 PM

We opened it up again this weekend for a night at camp driveway. In doing so, we've discovered a few more issues that will need to be addressed. The cubby hole paneling for the rear bunk was never attached from the factory, and, has bowed out some. Should be easily fixed with some screws or staples. The vinyl flaps that cover the box to bunk hinges are pulling loose from the box. Not sure how they will fix that as it looks hard to get to, and, the staples are pulling out. Also, the plastic trim, that attaches the front bunk canvas to the box, is cracked where it is screwed in at the top corners. We had some moisture under that mattress after our first outing, in which we either had heavy condensation, or a leak from rain. This could be the source of that moisture since daylight can be seen through the cracks. The trim is sewn to the canvas, so, this might be a lengthy repair waiting on parts. One last issue that I'm concerned with, is some strange looking areas on the outside wall of the front bunk board. I've read of some delamination issues in the Jay Feather line, and, fear we may have some. It's not really bubbles, but, there is a raised ridge around the outer edges of the bunk board that extends from an inch, to a few inches in spots, from the metal trim. I'll post updates as we discuss the issues and repairs with our dealer.

David

Jm9301 · 04-18-2016, 07:44 AM

Sorry to hear about all your troubles, Hopefully your local dealership is quick to fix the problems.

I found a couple more myself this weekend, i decided to shimmy under the trailer, and i found the wiring for the tank sensors just handing down waiting to catch on something. After this i went inside and my Blind on the big window wouldn't go up. It seems the screw holding that white piece that keeps tension in the string flew out at some point, that was an easy fix with a new screw but now i am nervous about the other side and other window.

Getting closer and closer to our first campsite booking, cant wait to take it out of the driveway!

astrowolf67 · 07-24-2016, 08:13 AM

Well, it has been some time since I've posted any updates on our issues, so, here we are. It was discovered that there was in fact a leak, and not condensation at the front bunk end. Jayco decided to replace the whole front canvas, and bunk door, which was showing signs of delamination. We were scheduled to pick it up yesterday, but, upon inspection, and discovery of yet more issues, I told the dealer in a not so nice way, I wasn't accepting it until I had what I paid for, a new trouble free camper. I will list issues, and repairs seperately.

1. The front bunk leaked due to the canvas mounting trim being too tight, which lead to the seal splitting. The whole front bunk has been replaced, however, when we went to pick it up, there was a hole in the new canvas, dead center in the bunk roof. Not a pin hole either, at least a 1/8 inch hole that looks to be from a puncture, or pinch.

2. The wood shelf leading to the bunk now has scratches and gouges on it, that look as if tools have been dropped on it. Again, it's a new camper, I expect it to look and function as such.

3. The vinyl flap that covers the bunk door hinge on the rear bunk had seperated from the camper body. It was simply stapled in from the factory. Dealer added a hundred or more additional staples to reattach it. It's pulled out again, this time, with large chunks of the pressboard. The dealer accused us of not pulling the flap off before opening or closing the bunk doors. I informed him that we do remove them, and it was his service techs not removing them. His techs claim to have never heard of removing them. I showed them where it clearly stated to do so in the owners manual.

4. Toilet water supply line leaked where it attached to toilet, we fixed that during our first outing.

5. Storage cubby hole panel wasn't securely attached, dealer fixed with staples.

6. Small plastic panel on the entry door had a light crease, that was easily repaired by a service tech during PDI. WELL, when we went to pick it up yesterday, we discovered they put a whole new entry door on the camper!! Service manage told us, Jayco approved it, so they replaced it. What about all the caulk smeared on everything now?? And, the added bulk to the key ring?

7. One stabilizer jack nearly fell off on our first trip home from the dealer, due to a stripped mounting bolt. This was repaired without issue.

I know I sound frustrated, and, to be honest, I am, very much so, but, I will say, I feel Jayco is at least trying to make things right. I think the dealer is as well. The dealer's service manager has apologized, and informed me, they will make it right, and will make sure I'm taken care of. All I asked of him, was to inspect it before telling us it was ready again, and, if it didn't function, and look as new, not to call us until it was ready to go.

David

schmittychris · 07-26-2016, 01:19 PM

I'm sorry to hear about all of your troubles. It sounds like you have a good dealer so hopefully everything works out. We have recently been through a couple of rounds with our dealer so I know what it's like. We've had water leaks and panels separating in the shower that were fixed by the dealer and several wiring issues that I've had to fix myself.

I too tow with an xterra. We upgraded from a popup and it took a while to get used to it, and I don't know that I entirely am. There are some times where I'm definitely white nuckled with the winds. I top out at about 60mph too, so you're doing pretty good with your lift and tires. I had to adjust the WDH to an extra link down from what the dealer said as well. I love my xterra but I sure get jealous at the towing capacity of just a 1/2 ton compared to it. I am going to add airbags soon to help with. Good luck with your adventures!

astrowolf67 · 08-04-2016, 11:58 AM

Thanks for the words of encouragement Chris. However, the visit to the dealer today was discouraging. They told us it was ready, and, that they had a vinyl repair specialist come in and fix the bunk end. My heart sank before even opening it up to check it out. Once opened, looking at it from the outside, I was hopeful, the repair wasn't even visible. However, when we entered, the big dark spot on the canvas was clearly visible. I again refused to accept the camper in that condition. They did repair the wood that they had gouged and scratched. Upon further inspection, the rear bunk had been improperly closed, with some of the canvas pinched in the bunk seal, and, was full of water from recent rains. Luckily, by design, none of the water made it to the interior. Hopefully, the seal isn't damaged from the pressure. My wife says I got a little rude with him, when I told him to have his service techs read the owners manual on how to properly open and close the hybrids they sell, lol.

We also upgraded from a pop up, to this hybrid. The pop up weighed in just a couple hundred pounds lighter than what we currently have, but, pulled much better. I guess the higher profile of the hybrid is making the biggest difference. The camper we originally looked at, was the 174bh you have listed in your sig, and I kick my self over and over for picking this hybrid over that one. While the weights are very similar, I would have thought the more aerodynamic shape of the front of the 174bh would have made towing easier. Like you, I envy those pulling with more than capable pick ups, but, I love my Xterra too much to trade it off for one.

David

schmittychris · 08-04-2016, 03:09 PM

That really sucks. At this point I would probably be getting in touch with a lawyer. At the very least you should have new canvas, especially since the dealer messed it up. What were they thinking trying to fix it? It doesn't seem that the dealer wants to truly make it right. I don't think you were rude to them at all. Expecting the dealer to be able to be able to properly use any trailer they sell should be normal. The dealer should be ashamed.

We just got back from a 4 day trip. About 400 miles of trip and involved going I-80 over Donner Pass from Sacramento to Reno. I was worried since that pass is 75% uphill from 3-5%. At times up near 10%. However, the X did fine. I passed an F-250 pulling a 30 footer on the way up. We ended up with the 174BH after almost buying an x17z. What a **** show that would have been. I can't believe the dealer was going to let us off the lot with it. After doing a lot of research I didn't want the bunk ends at all. We've had too much issues with canvas with out popup.

I hope everything works out.

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