My Jayco and Me...a short story :)

Glamper64

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2018
Messages
752
Location
Toronto
After owning a 2018 Keystone TT for the last 6 years and towing it around to many different campgrounds up here in Ontario, we sold it and purchased a Jayco. The experiance so far has been a positive one compared to the Keystone. We purchased this 2017 Jay Flight SLX 284BHSW at the end of this July and it has been parked at a permanent site since new. I love the fact that it has been towed just twice from the factory to the dealer and then to our favorite campground up here just north of Huntsville Ontario. I'm sure the many miles put on RV's can cause many issues. Everything works great on our 7 year old Jayco and I do like the old school look/solid feel of the dials on the AC unit and the separate switches by the door for the slide, awning, lights, HWT & water pump and gauges, none of this digital stuff thanks :) Also the single light fixture under the awning instead of the LED strip is a classic. The AC and furnace are so much quieter than the Keystone and everything feels solid and works good. We do like the layout especially the couch/TV area :) Of course like any RV it does have a few issues...the slide out is a long/heavy one with the dinette and couch and it's not level (low on the outside) and sagging lengthwise in the middle. I've u-tubed how to adjust/fix the slide for level, but with the sag I'm thinking to use two jacks and a 2pc. 2"x6" beam to try and take some of the sag out (without lifting the slide) then support it with jacks, a good idea? If the RV is level from side to side, the slide out floor should be level also when extended right? Another annoying thing, the outdoor kitchen sink drain leaks...it has that grey flexible pipe that goes into a weird white tube like fitting before into the ABS drain. I'm assuming that weird fitting is a smell preventer since there's no trap under the sink? Are these white tube like fittings notorious for leak problems? I can't see where it leaks. I will be removing/redoing the kitchen slide out cabinet next spring because of some wood swelling cause by that leak and fix the plumbing then as well. Thanks for any help/suggestions and thank God Jayco uses plywood on the floor instead of that awful flooring that turns to mush that Keystone used in my 2018 TT. I've done a lot of work on the trailer and our site so far like re-levelling the trailer and adjusting HD jacks along with the stabilizer jacks, extending and skirting the deck and new stairs, moving the fire pit, shelf in cabinet over kitchen sink, new removable metal access panel for front of shower, a new firm foam mattress for the single bunk and a shelf for that room where the upper bunk used to be, a good interior and exterior wash, landscaping and tree trimming, etc. The campground is truly awesome with a large pool, nice clean lake and beach, perfect for kayaking, endless amenities like a games room, disc golf (real golf nearby) mini putt, pickle ball/basketball court, volleyball, badminton, trails, playgrounds and of course horse shoes and shuffleboard. Our site is large with a view of a field and trees and located a short walk to the pool and beach...it was a no brainer to jump at this when the opportunity came up to really glamp :) We can't wait to head back up in May...will probably visit mid winter to check out the snow load...the previous owner said bring snow shoes. The purchase price included the deck, gazebo, shed, BBQ, table and chairs, winter cover, firewood and rack and all set up like a cottage :) The annual fee includes electricity, water and sewer and all the amenities. Worth every penny and comparable to towing around considering I was paying $900 a year for storage plus all the camping fees averaging $75 a night and no more towing! And bonus, you can spend everyday from mid May to mid Oct. Up at the trailer/cottage if you want to. Anyway, I thought I'd share my Jayco life story so far and go on and on about it :) Seriously though, we did get tired of towing, setting up, packing up and towing again. Most of the campgrounds we've stayed at have a permanent/seasonal section which always intrigued us with how nice these sites were when all set up and how easy it would be to glamp like that :) Maybe some of you are thinking it's time to find a sweet spot and park it too? Thanks for reading all that...I was debating to add pics or not onto this ridiculously already long post because I thought you guys/gals might not believe all the gibberish I just wrote so I just created an album under the Photos section to show you what I've been going on about :) Any comments/suggestions/help are appreciated. I guess I could've posted this in the campfire chatter section as well :)
 
Your story sound awesome and it sounds like a really great place and new adventure for you. I believe the Jayco brand, despite it shortcomings is still a better build as far as structure than some other brands. As far as WHO puts it together on any given day seems to be the problem.>> Quality Control<< I think it all sounds great. 'Handy' is the name of the game. :D
 
Thanks for that JKyle...you're making me want to write more :) Indeed, quality control and inspections during the building process would go along way towards a better built product not to mention keeping an eye on employees :)
 
I'll be honest, I was expecting a few more responses :) Btw there are some legit RV questions/concerns...maybe I should've shortened the Jayco story and forgot about posting a picture album. No, I had a story to tell and I told it with pics and soon I'll be adding a few more pics to the album. That's what a public forum with a photo/album section is all about no? Is it because I'm a Canadian with too many happy faces :) Or because I have a parked TT :) The campground is truly amazing, probably the best in Ontario...we lucked out to get the spot we did after glamping there for the last three years, it just happen to have a Jayco parked on it and why I'm here :) I spent most of my time up there working to make it more ours and a lot of time writing about it :) Let me know what you're thinking please and thanks :) I can take it all, criticism, praise, insults, jokes, you name it. Who wants to go first :)
 
Congratulations. Nice camper and the floorplan is ideal - 'roomy'
3749-284BHSW.png
 
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We've liked that floorplan but dislike giving up the rear and camp side windows of our current floorplan.

It was nice to read a positive story.
 
I'll be honest, I was expecting a few more responses :) Btw there are some legit RV questions/concerns...maybe I should've shortened the Jayco story and forgot about posting a picture album. No, I had a story to tell and I told it with pics and soon I'll be adding a few more pics to the album. That's what a public forum with a photo/album section is all about no? Is it because I'm a Canadian with too many happy faces :) Or because I have a parked TT :) The campground is truly amazing, probably the best in Ontario...we lucked out to get the spot we did after glamping there for the last three years, it just happen to have a Jayco parked on it and why I'm here :) I spent most of my time up there working to make it more ours and a lot of time writing about it :) Let me know what you're thinking please and thanks :) I can take it all, criticism, praise, insults, jokes, you name it. Who wants to go first :)
With all due respect some of us old folks do not have the best eye sight that can follow along lengthy and unspaced content. This is not just about one person, but across the board.

As it relates to being in Canada, I traveled the country many years ago, when life was simple, from my point of view. And adventures with rvs and the tales of their use and the need to fix crap or improve them increases the amount of stories that can be generated and responded to.

So this may reflect on the amount of replies that a person might receive in response to the effort one may put into posting. Of course cold weather is coming, which as I have personally observed can be a two edged sword, more repies as people sit inside or the the lack of replies from the lack of stories to share and not always following targeted forums dedicated to a certain topic.
 
I'll be honest, I was expecting a few more responses :) Btw there are some legit RV questions/concerns...maybe I should've shortened the Jayco story and forgot about posting a picture album. No, I had a story to tell and I told it with pics and soon I'll be adding a few more pics to the album. That's what a public forum with a photo/album section is all about no? Is it because I'm a Canadian with too many happy faces :) Or because I have a parked TT :) The campground is truly amazing, probably the best in Ontario...we lucked out to get the spot we did after glamping there for the last three years, it just happen to have a Jayco parked on it and why I'm here :) I spent most of my time up there working to make it more ours and a lot of time writing about it :) Let me know what you're thinking please and thanks :) I can take it all, criticism, praise, insults, jokes, you name it. Who wants to go first :)

I don't like to criticize anyone when I intend for my comment to be positive feedback as sometimes doing so comes out in a manner that I didn't intend, so consider this as more of a future suggestion.

I (and likely others) have a very hard time reading a long post that has different aspects that run into each other. The problem is to some extent with my vision and loosing my place with what I am reading. With that in mind, I would highly suggest breaking down independant thoughts into separate paragraphs, not that anything is really out of place in particular. If you feel that doing so would make your story overly long then perhaps two posts back to back would be easier to do.

I will add that your short story was for sure an interesting and enjoyable read for the content and Many Thanks for sharing it. ~CA
 
And that’s why I won’t trade in my 2010 Jayco as everything still works
I guess some folks, me included like to be in what a friend and I called an abusive relationship. This is described as owning something that actually is close to working and in good shape and then go and buy something new again. Then we start right back over to correct and improve a newer unit thats built worse than most of the older ones.
 
I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the responses :) Thanks for posting our layout in extra large Stan&Sharon :) See what I mean about the TV couch layout :)
I agree totally Jayhawk & Graig...I normally give up on the long post myself. I get I can be annoying, just ask the wife who rarely responds either btw :) I guess with the RV winterized and the season over, I felt the need to tell a long winded Jayco story :)
Nice TtT@ 8...a solid practical layout that never quits :)
 
And that’s why I won’t trade in my 2010 Jayco as everything still works

Tunce, I love your model and a similar that has/had the 3 beds. (Rockwood still makes it) I was so absolutely torn between a fully enclosed Jayco or a hybrid. Truly, the best part of camping for me is sleeping in a bed where you feel like you're sleeping outside. It is what I missed most this past season, as my first season in my new Jay Feather 22rb. A hybrid is truly the best of both worlds and the most bang for the buck when it comes to living/sleeping area and roominess, in a manageably sized camper.
 
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I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the responses :) Thanks for posting our layout in extra large Stan&Sharon :) See what I mean about the TV couch layout :)
I agree totally Jayhawk & Graig...I normally give up on the long post myself. I get I can be annoying, just ask the wife who rarely responds either btw :) I guess with the RV winterized and the season over, I felt the need to tell a long winded Jayco story :)
Nice TtT@ 8...a solid practical layout that never quits :)

Glamper, don't be. Many here reply with 'short and to the point.' I'm a 58 y/o woman who, not intentionally, will often write long winded posts (I'm a nurse and have to document stuff ALL DAY. Multiply that by 27 years and well, I can write/type.)

I know when I'm 'wordy' and do not expect replies. If I have an actual PROBLEM, I try to be as specific as possible, but as short as possible with my request for help. That way, I know the real experts here will give my post 'a look' and potentially a reply.

These folks on the forum LOVE to help. I will say that with 100% certainty. :)

This site actually helps me figure out my own problems, too. Sometimes, I post a long post about a problem, giving specifics. I will re-read my post and in it, almost find the answer myself! I will often ask for help before giving myself time to figure it out. When that happens, I like to write my experience in the forum, as it might help another person down the line...even years from now, when they are searching for a solution to a specific problem.
 
I guess some folks, me included like to be in what a friend and I called an abusive relationship. This is described as owning something that actually is close to working and in good shape and then go and buy something new again. Then we start right back over to correct and improve a newer unit thats built worse than most of the older ones.

Jay, it is what we do: improve, fix, tinker, modify. We get it PERFECT with no more to do, we control it...it stops abusing us. THEN, we start 'eyeing' replacements. -Let the abuse begin. :)
 
Thanks again JKyle :) I copied and pasted this from the original post...I guess it got overlooked with all the other stuff to read :)
"Of course like any RV it does have a few issues...the slide out is a long/heavy one with the dinette and couch and it's not level (low on the outside) and sagging lengthwise in the middle. I've u-tubed how to adjust/fix the slide for level, but with the sag I'm thinking to use two jacks and a 2pc. 2"x6" beam to try and take some of the sag out (without lifting the slide) then support it with jacks, a good idea? If the RV is level from side to side, the slide out floor should be level also when extended right? Another annoying thing, the outdoor kitchen sink drain leaks...it has that grey flexible pipe that goes into a weird white tube like fitting before into the ABS drain. I'm assuming that weird fitting is a smell preventer since there's no trap under the sink? Are these white tube like fittings notorious for leak problems? I can't see where it leaks. I will be removing/redoing the kitchen slide out cabinet next spring because of some wood swelling cause by that leak and fix the plumbing then as well. Thanks for any help/suggestions and thank God Jayco uses plywood on the floor instead of that awful flooring (subfloor) that turns to mush when wet that Keystone used in my 2018 TT".
 
Your spot sound terrific, and may you enjoy it often, and for many years to come with your new-to-you trailer. Ours is a 2012, and very simple and tech-less. We've loved it for 12 years now, and no immediate plans to trade it for something newer.....unless we can get a great deal on a 45' Liberty DP. ;);)
 
Thanks for that JFlightRisk...I like the handle btw :) Mind you, you're probably taking a risk buying anything made recently :) A 45 footer eh...now that's a cottage on wheels :)
 
Thanks a bunch! Just a long dream of mine. It might become a reality, if I can overcome the $2M shortage to buy one. Still working on that one.....
 
We have been looking, talking and considering like we were young chickens. In the end, we decided that our current rig has been the best one we ever owned and is better now than when we purchased it. We will continue to use it as long as our health permits and keep the $75 grand we were planning to spend for the kids and grand kids.

Now I can sleep better at night.
 
Sounds like a smart decision to me norty1...why spend a fortune on an RV that you will probably hate because of all the fancy digital stuff that you can operate from your phone :) Let's keep it simple and familiar as we get older...I mean making fries in a air fryer was quite the challenge at first :) Why change what works and is comfortable...it's also really nice to get more than your moneys worth out of an RV :)
 

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