We are moving up from ‘21 White Hawk 32mb to 5th wheel. After the initial issues we had with the TT, I thought I would never buy another Jayco. But after a couple of months of research, we came down to either Grand Design, Brinkley, Alliance, or Jayco. They all have their fans and critics. But it seems when you compare cabinetry, plumbing, countertops, HVAC, suspension, frame and roof, and slides that the 2024 Jayco Pinnacle and NorthPoint are as good or better.
Any thoughts before I take the leap to a Jayco 5th wheel?
Ours has been ok, some issues in the last couple of years. One hydraulic leg had to be replaced after leaking internally. The BMPRO tablet was replaced. One of the bedroom doors fell off the track, the locking mechanism on top was never locked! The camper, like most others, is built with the lightest, cheapest? materials? But not the two bedroom doors! they weigh almost as much as the darn camper lol. When it went down, on one side only, it wedged itself on the floor while we were traveling. It took us a good hour to get it unstuck so we could get in the bedroom. Had to replace one of the blinds and managed to repair another one. The main awning refused to open on its maiden voyage. The other awning lost one of its plastic caps on one end. One day it was there, and next it was gone. The furnace still doesn't work, never really has. The problem seems to be that water gets in the compartment and fries the board that is mounted flat on the floor of the compartment, very bad execution. Three boards and counting. One of the yellow safety lights slowly quit, it had three bulbs in it. It was never caulked properly, so it drowned. Go in the basement and open the slide door to the guts of the beast and prepare to be horrified at the mess of wires going everywhere. Having said this, we have a great dealer, 325 miles away, and we managed to get them fixed, most under warranty. The furnace I need to tackle, I keep forgetting since we don't use it. It is easier to run a couple of space heaters and the fireplace and save the propane. The main TV, dumb one I might add, which truly annoyed me at the time of purchase and spending so much money, dealer replaced the second day we had it as it was not talking to the speakers in the camper. A piece of trim was coming loose on the PDI and they stapled it on the spot. Our weather is seldom that cold I must add. After this rant I will say overall we are pleased with it. It has the perfect floor plan for us if you ask my wife. It is loaded with almost all you could add at the time, and it is very comfortable. What Grumpy said and others have as well, they mostly use the same equipment, HOWEVER, the devil is in the details. This is our first camper, yes we are COVID campers and loving it, but were totally clueless during the purchase. We were extremely lucky to run into JW Humphries at Charlie Obaugh car/ RV dealership in Staunton, VA. He guided us to say the least, and I still talk to him regularly. Now, back to the campers, and I disagree with some statements that they are all basically the same. Yes they are, but the execution is far more important. By that I mean the care that was taken in putting it all together means everything. I think Brinkley stands head and shoulders above the majority today. Watch the factory videos on how they build them, it will blow your mind. We have friends that bought one last year, and got to spend time with them and the camper. Truly impressive! How they put the electrical system together is worth the extra money in my opinion lol. They have had one small issue and the factory had it repaired in no time. I was so impressed I emailed inquiring about a 1 1/2 bedroom model in their future plans. I had a reply within 24 hours! No, I don't work for Brinkley, but would pay the extra money for piece of mind
