Looking at 2019 Seneca question vs 2020...

[jeffro01]

Good Morning,

Love our Greyhawk 30X but we're already looking at the Seneca 37RB for various reasons. My question here is related to the changes in the control panel from 2019 to 2020. It's my understanding Jayco updated the 2020 models to be able to control the panel from your phone via an app. Does anyone use this app and have any feedback on it? Also, does anyone have any feedback as to whether I should care about having to actually walk to the panel in a 2019 vs doing it from an app in the 2020 version? I'm already aware about the over the cab skylight change in 2020 but really don't see anything else different... Am I missing something else here? If I can get a good deal on a 2019 37RB then it makes more sense to me to go that route but I'm all ears at this point...

Thanks,
Jeff

[EA37TS]

We have a 2020 Accolade with the VegaTouch Mira (Firefly) system.

I downloaded the app to the DW's and my cell phones as well as to my iPad. It works great. Being able to control the. living area lights from the bedroom by using the cell phone has resulted in a little less use of profanity at night when someone forgot to turn off the lights before crawling into bed. Being able to turn lights on or off from outsider the coach is also nice when you are returning from someplace after dark.

Using the cell phone to keep track of the water level when filling the fresh tank is handy. I don't have to yell to get the DW to check the. level for the panel. Also I use the black tank flush to fill the black tank to 2/3 a couple of times during the dumping process. Having this tank level at the cell phone is handy.

I also use the app to extend and retract slides while being abl to observe them in the process.

Another separate app I downloaded is the EQ Smart app for the leveling system. This was great when I was installing my snap pads because I could do everything from outside the coach.

Overall, we are very happy with the control system.

[Jagiven]

This winter while at the local camping show. I was speaking to a Jayco rep that was onsite. He stated, there are no wires to any light switch. They use a button battery, some type of bluetooth meshed network, to communicate to the control board. He stated the batteries are only good for about 3 years.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

This winter while at the local camping show. I was speaking to a Jayco rep that was onsite. He stated, there are no wires to any light switch. They use a button battery, some type of bluetooth meshed network, to communicate to the control board. He stated the batteries are only good for about 3 years.

Based on your post I broke out my electrical schematics and there are some light switches that are specifically called out on the harness. These include bathroom, vanity and bedroom. Other switches are not specifically called out.

I'll have to ask my service advisor about this when I take the coach in to the factory service center in August.

[jeffro01]

The app sounds really appealing... We have a process now with the slide and tanks that involves banging on the side of the coach a certain number to indicate status...

It's so damn hard to find a 37RB close enough to actually see... I know some buy sight unseen but that's just not us...

Jeff

[jeffro01]

I'm now looking at a 2020 37K since those seem to be easier to come by than the 37RB... My only remaining concern here is in the SF Bay Area where's a good Freightliner shop to get the tuning done I've read about here and perform oil changes and the like... I've never owned a diesel so this is all new territory for me.

Thanks,
Jeff

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by jeffro01

I'm now looking at a 2020 37K since those seem to be easier to come by than the 37RB... My only remaining concern here is in the SF Bay Area where's a good Freightliner shop to get the tuning done I've read about here and perform oil changes and the like... I've never owned a diesel so this is all new territory for me.

Thanks,
Jeff

If you buy a 2020 you shouldn't need the tuning that has been discussed. You will already have the 360 HP and 800 ft lbs of torque. The power update is on the units that were 340 or 350 HP.

Most heavy trucks centers can service the Freightliner chassis. You can also go to the Freightliner web site and there is a dealer locator that can assist.

[jeffro01]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

If you buy a 2020 you shouldn't need the tuning that has been discussed. You will already have the 360 HP and 800 ft lbs of torque. The power update is on the units that were 340 or 350 HP.

Most heavy trucks centers can service the Freightliner chassis. You can also go to the Freightliner web site and there is a dealer locator that can assist.

My bad, that's good to know. Thanks! Hopefully I can find someone here locally who has feedback on which shops are better than others...

Thanks,
Jeff

[EA37TS]

One thing I will recommend is that you take the unit for a test drive and notice how the alignment and tire balance feel. If you buy new Jayco will have the coach aligned and balanced if an issue is found during the test drive. After the test drive and purchase the alignment and balancing is not covered under warranty. This tidbit of info is in a note on page 53 of my Accolade owner's manual. I imagine the same applies to the Seneca. When we took ours for the test drive I had the dealer send it to the Freightliner dealer for wheel balancing, steering wheel straigntening and front end alignment. The dealer had to provide me with the Freightliner shop invoice before I accepted delivery. Turns out they sent it to the sop that is 3 miles from my house.

[jeffro01]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

One thing I will recommend is that you take the unit for a test drive and notice how the alignment and tire balance feel. If you buy new Jayco will have the coach aligned and balanced if an issue is found during the test drive. After the test drive and purchase the alignment and balancing is not covered under warranty. This tidbit of info is in a note on page 53 of my Accolade owner's manual. I imagine the same applies to the Seneca. When we took ours for the test drive I had the dealer send it to the Freightliner dealer for wheel balancing, steering wheel straigntening and front end alignment. The dealer had to provide me with the Freightliner shop invoice before I accepted delivery. Turns out they sent it to the sop that is 3 miles from my house.

Awesome, thanks! Given the cost of these things, I wouldn't dream of buying without driving... There in lies the problem these days though... I reached out to my sales guy at the place we bought our 30X from and he's been laid off since things have really grinded to a halt...

Thanks,
Jeff

[jeffro01]

Any reason why there's no ladder on the 2020 models? How do you folks get up on the roof to do inspections and the like?

Thanks,
Jeff

[SloPoke]

Jayco did away with the roof ladder... I find that thing essential and terrifying.

In a sudden storm that came from nowhere - our Awning suddenly was at the mercy of being torn off and sent to the next state. I was on my belly on the top of the Seneca with Stacy at the controls of the Awning, All of the fabric was on the roof of the motorhome with the arms/roll-up-tube collapsed against the side of the motorhome. It took me 30 seconds to get up there and secure things in an emergency with the Ladder that Jayco installed on our earlier 2015 FK. While I hate using it... having it in an emergency is more important than not having it.

[Mnwelsh]

Here’s my solution to the removal of the ladder

[EA37TS]

X2 on the telescoping ladder. Never liked or trusted an RV ladder. I like the clean look of the back without a ladder.

For periodic roof inspections I use my drone and takes pics during the flyover. Works great.

Also, I have the dealer insp the roof as part of my annual safety inspection.

[Mnwelsh]

This is a test

[Mnwelsh]

I was trying to find out why some photos I post are 90 degrees off vertical. Still have not figured it out.

[RVermont]

What size are the two ladders. Is the shorter one long enough to get onto the roof?. Just deciding which size to get. I want to minimize the storage space needed. Thanks

[Rustynuts]

Originally Posted by Mnwelsh

I was trying to find out why some photos I post are 90 degrees off vertical. Still have not figured it out.

It happens a lot with pics taken with phones. I found that just a simple minor crop will take care of it.

[Mnwelsh]

The big ladder is 16.4 feet tall. The shorter one is 12.6 feet. Yes, I can get in the roof with the short one.

[RVermont]

Originally Posted by Mnwelsh

The big ladder is 16.4 feet tall. The shorter one is 12.6 feet. Yes, I can get in the roof with the short one.

Thanks. That should be easily stowed in one of the bays.