Seneca Purchase Question

[erbblank]

I'm looking for a used Jayco Seneca. Can anyone tell me what years to stay away from? I heard there was an issue with the separation of the cab to the chassis (box) on the coach. What year did they fix that? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I am also looking at used Duramax's trying to make up my mind.

[Jeepin Jason]

Originally Posted by erbblank

I'm looking for a used Jayco Seneca. Can anyone tell me what years to stay away from? I heard there was an issue with the separation of the cab to the chassis (box) on the coach. What year did they fix that? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I am also looking at used Duramax's trying to make up my mind.

Regardless of the manufacture, I would stay away from anything built around COVID. My 2022 has had every issue out there. I believe the wing wall hits many years, but for some, it was fixed by the manufacture. Regardless of the year, I would check to see that fix has been performed. Not sure when the problem started. Maybe 2018? They knew about it and did not change their manufacturing process until mid 2023.

All rigs are going to have problems of some sort. If you are buying used, probably a good idea to get it inspected. Keep in mind that the Seneca warranty does not transfer to the second owner. Prices are coming down so it is a good time to buy.

[erbblank]

Thank you so much!

[Rustynuts]

The “Wing Wall” and side wall seam separation can happen pretty much on any year old Seneca. Not a very common issue on the Kodiak chassis but on the Freightliner I have seen the issue as far back as 2013. 2012 to 2018 come on the M2 chassis and starting mid year, 2018.5 they started using the S2 chassis which IMO has many advantages like 100 gallon single fuel tank, air dryer, rear sway bar, 12k towing, 360hp 6.7 Cummins, Allison 3000 trans with electronic shift panel, higher GCVW and most important, an Air Horn . If you like tech, starting mid 2019 they started using the touch screen controls for all switches, lighting and so on, this can be nice until it has issues, then you can’t turn anything on, no backup……I like tech but sometimes a simple switch is nice. Personally, if I was looking for a used unit for a mid range price, I would shoot for 2018.5- 2019, this gets you the advantages of the newer S2 chassis, pre-Covid and decent pricing. We bought ours in 2018 so I had the choice to go M2 or S2 chassis and went with the 2018.5 on the S2 chassis.

[erbblank]

Thank you so much! Very helpful.

[Rnagel951]

I have a 2021 Seneca Prestige 37K That year puts me square in middle of COVID. I don't think I have had any more STUPID problems than anyone else so far. Have I fixed many poor workmanship issues, yes. I also did not spend the $$$ to go to the next price point, and add several 100K more to the base cost. Would I purchase the same coach again, YES.

Good luck on you search.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by erbblank

I am also looking at used Duramax's trying to make up my mind.

If you're talking about the First Generation SENECA be mindful that cab & chassis parts will be hard, or impossible to find since 2009 was the last year the KODIAK was built. A friend had a wreck with theirs in 2012 and the insurance company totaled it for that reason.

[erbblank]

Thanks, I'm looking at 2nd generation. I had a 2006 Jayco Seneca on the kodiac chassis and loved it!

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by erbblank

Thanks, I'm looking at 2nd generation. I had a 2006 Jayco Seneca on the kodiac chassis and loved it!

You mean DYNAMAX MH?

We had a 2008 SENECA and wish I still had it

[erbblank]

LOL yes Dynamax. I realized it after I sent the thread. Don't know if the Dynamax is any better or have the same issues.

[Superseneca]

Here are a few things to consider when looking for a seneca. 2016 was the last year to have hydraulic brakes. In 2017 air brakes became standard equipment. If you don't have an air endorsement that might be a concern.
Freightliner changed the DEF system to monitor DEF quality in around 2017. In the original system Def fluid level was monitored, the new system was modified to also monitor DEF Quality and this has had all kinds of problems leaving people stranded in limp mode.

[erbblank]

Thank you for this info! I have a CDL.

[JAMTB]

I had a 2019 and had no issues. I upgraded to a 2023 Seneca Prestige and had some small issues, but really like it and it was a good upgrade, but the 2019 was built in Indiana and was really solid.

[erbblank]

So what are the differences with the Seneca and the Prestige? I'm not familiar with the Prestige.

[RVermont]

The prestige is a Seneca with several upgrades. Heated floors, Girard armless awning, aqua hot unit, it is an all electric coach and has several other small changes such as chrome latches. it is built on a different assembly line than the Seneca or Accolade but uses the same components. Interior and exterior colors are a little different.

[erbblank]

Thank you Paul!

[Wobzanka]

What year are you interested in?

[erbblank]

Well from the sounds of the suggestions on this thread, 2018 to 2019.

[Wobzanka]

We bought the 35’ model on the Ford F600 chassis. Although it is a 2023 model, we’ve not had any of the problems with coach separation. The Ford chassis is strong and I like that it has 4WD capability.

[erbblank]

Well wish me luck. I'm in the process of purchasing a 2019 Jayco Seneca in Florida. Thank you all for your help and advice!