Last updated on September 26th, 2023 at 05:41 am
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There are a wide variety of RV manufacturers on the market today, but have you read any Jayco RV reviews recently? What are some of the pros and cons of this particular RV manufacturer, and what sets them apart from all the others?
You may also be wondering why a particular RV company might be gathering negative or positive reviews, and Jayco is a good representation of the discourse that comes with RV brands.
In this article, we’ll address all the things you need to know about Jayco and how they produce their RVs. We’ll also go over all of the different travel trailers and motorhomes produced by Jayco so you can get an idea of their products and product quality. Let’s get started and talk all about Jayco and Jayco RV reviews now!
Jayco RV Company Overview
The Jayco brand name is renowned throughout the United States, given it was founded by a single owner in 1968. Lloyd Bontrager created one of the first-ever pop-up travel trailer systems on his home farm, using an innovative array of products and manufacturing techniques. From there, the rest is history!
Nowadays, Jayco is well-known for its fantastic owner warranty program, their dedication to new ideas and RV innovation, as well as their high-quality building materials and standards. Plus, Jayco has received countless awards for their RVs over the decades, and they’ve racked up nearly 100 of them for a variety of different RVs and innovations.
While Lloyd Bontrager died in a tragic plane accident in 1985, this didn’t stop Jayco from continuing onward. The company swiftly grew and developed beyond a simple pop-up and a travel trailer model that would eventually become the top-selling travel trailer in North America for 15 consecutive years!
Jayco prides itself on its quality construction and ability to make both their workers and customers feel like extended family. The company itself extends beyond Jayco’s product line, as the company has purchased many other RV brands in the previous decades. Some of the brands that fall under the Jayco company umbrella include:
- Starcraft RV
- Highland Ridge RV
- Entegra Coach
Located in the heart of RV country in Indiana, Jayco continues to produce stunning and family-friendly RVs, year after year. They consistently incorporate real wooden cabinetry throughout their rigs, as well as four-season capabilities and reinforced roofs.
What Do Customers Have To Say About Jayco?
At the end of the day, a product is only as good as the reviews it gets, so what do customers have to say about Jayco RVs? While there are a great deal of reviews and comments surrounding Jayco, there are a few different things we’ll focus on today. Let’s begin with an overview of what customers have to say!
Positive Reviews
Considering the fact Jayco has been a reliable RV brand for decades, it has garnered a number of positive reviews from its customers over the years. In fact, Jayco has a large customer base that continues to buy their travel trailers and motorhomes year after year, upgrading and purchasing new Jayco RVs when the time is right.
High-Quality Build
The build quality of Jayco RVs has always been admired by a variety of customers and consumers. Many reviews mention Jayco RVs feeling solid in their construction as well as reliable depending on the season and how old the RV is. However, the majority of positive reviews regarding Jayco construction were posted pre-pandemic and refer to a variety of older Jayco models.
Homely Interior
One of the most positive things people have to say about Jayco RVs is that the interior living area feels homely and welcoming. It’s easy to enjoy the inside of your Jayco RV while camping, as the layouts are ideal for a variety of families and groups of people. Depending on the size of the RV you purchase, you can expect everyone to be comfortable and content.
In fact, as a full-time RVer, I see a great number of other full-timers living in their Jayco RVs. Many of these full-timers enjoy the luxurious interior features as well as the well-thought-out living areas in a number of floor plans. This means you should have little to no issues enjoying your RV, whether you plan on living in it full-time or not!
Great Warranty Program
A final positive that often gets mentioned by Jayco RV owners is Jayco’s fantastic warranty program. They offer one of the most comprehensive and complete warranties in the RV business, covering a variety of structural and cosmetic issues.
Negative Reviews
Even the most positive of reviews has its downside. Let’s take some time and discuss the most common negative reviews associated with Jayco RVs.
Issues Redeeming Warranty
No matter the year in which customers purchased their Jayco RV, one negative review pops up year after year. The most negative comments surrounding Jayco RVs have to do with redeeming or utilizing the warranty. Many customers mention it takes a great deal of time and effort to have their warranty recognized and to initiate repairs. But why might this be?
The trouble with utilizing and redeeming any type of RV warranty is that you often have to do this in a facility that recognizes the warranty in the first place. These facilities are limited, including ones offered by Jayco, and you may find the amount of time it takes for you to get an appointment and get your RV fixed is longer than you may have anticipated or wanted.
Customers who have taken the time to get an appointment for their warranted items complain about waiting months with their RV in the shop. This is an unfortunate fact of RV ownership, especially if you purchase a brand-new RV with a warranty. While it’s fantastic to have things covered by the RV manufacturer, it doesn’t mean these things don’t take time.
Questionable Reliability
Another negative review surrounds the reliability of Jayco RVs and the build quality. Jayco recommends anticipating an average of 3 to 5 repairs during the first few years of RV ownership, which is why they offer such a comprehensive warranty program. However, many customers mention they still experience issues with their RV once their warranty has expired or lapsed.
Having an RV that requires repairs is like saying water is wet. However, this is no excuse for a shoddy product or cutting corners- which is something that some Jayco customers report. Jayco has a lot to offer in terms of its budget-friendly RVs, but purchasing something less expensive may result in a less durable product overall.
Considerations
One of the primary things all new RV owners should consider is the way the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the RV industry. Not only has the RV business taken off in recent years due to an inability to travel, but demand has skyrocketed beyond what any RV manufacturer could ever anticipate. But what does this mean for you as a consumer?
It means many RV manufacturers are doing everything they can to move RVs out of the door and to your home so they can continue to meet demand. However, this can mean things fall through the cracks and mistakes get made. The amount of product needed to satisfy consumers is something the RV industry simply wasn’t ready for and this includes Jayco-branded RVs.
This isn’t enough of an excuse to justify mistakes or loose ends. However, Jayco consistently makes a product that fits a variety of budgets and lifestyles, and they may be manufactured quickly and inexpensively to meet these demands. When you think of the different price points of RVs, you may be surprised at the quality of the RVs found at the lower or more budget-friendly end of the list!
All of this said, let’s take a look at some of Jayco’s reviews in more depth.
Jayco 5 Factor Review
If you want to know about all of Jayco’s reviews in more detail, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a five-factor review of everything you need to know surrounding Jayco RVs.
These topics include the build quality of Jayco’s RVs, the customer service and warranty options, the layout and design elements, the budget-friendliness and price points of the RVs, and finally the boondocking and off-grid capabilities of these rigs.
Let’s get started and go over all of these reviews in more detail!
Jayco RV Reviews: Build Quality
While their good name may have declined in recent years, Jayco has a lot to offer in terms of its build quality and construction. They do many things differently from other RV manufacturers including custom metal frames for each individual make and model.
One of the reasons Jayco has typically high marks for its build quality is likely due to the fact they offer a reinforced roof as well as vacuum-bonded and sealed walls. These have proven to withstand the test of time and a variety of road conditions. When it comes to purchasing a motorhome, specifically a Class C RV, Jayco offers a laminated and single, seamless piece for their front caps or section above the cab area.
Jayco also offers different handling packages along with ride assistance technology, trademarked as JRide. Depending on the type of RV you purchase, it will have many additional safety features, including durable shocks, state-of-the-art electronic brakes, and pin connections, as well as rubberized suspension and a balanced drive shaft.
However, as many negative reviews mention, the build quality of Jayco RVs seems to have gone down in recent years. Many of these reviews surround the more budget-friendly or affordable RVs rather than campers built for a more luxurious price point.
Jayco RV Reviews: Customer Service And Warranties
One of the main issues plaguing Jayco RVs in terms of reviews is their customer service and warranty options. Jayco offers an extremely comprehensive and valuable warranty program, with a 2-year limited warranty, a 3-year structural warranty, and an additional 15 other warranties depending on what products you opt for inside the RV.
These warranty programs last far longer than the average RV, and Jayco prides itself as a family brand, both in ownership and in the way it respects its customer base. The customer service is as good as any large company, but many customers complain their warranties aren’t honored in a reasonable amount of time.
You may speak to a perfectly pleasant Jayco representative on the phone, but when it comes time to bring in your RV for any warranty-based repairs, the process seems to be long and arduous. Many reviews mention the fact there aren’t very many shops they can bring their RVs into, and the shops that do take Jayco RVs are booked and busy.
However, having a warranty option that’s nearly double what any other RV company is currently offering is important to mention, and Jayco includes a comprehensive maintenance and repair guide with every travel trailer or RV owner’s manual. They also offer a fantastic owners’ club and forum should you have any basic questions or concerns with your new rig. Just keep in mind that if you need any extensive warranty repairs, it may take some time for that to happen!
Jayco RV Reviews: Layouts And Design Elements
One of the most positive aspects of Jayco RV reviews surrounds their layouts and design element choices. Jayco is consistently thoughtful in their interior design and storage solutions, as well as their ability to make you feel at home while on the road. But why does Jayco rate so highly in terms of its design choices and layout options? Let’s take a closer look.
One of the main positives of a Jayco RV interior is that every square inch has a purpose. Given how long Jayco has been in the RV business, they have a clear understanding of what matters to RVers, of any experience and price point. They offer a wide variety of unique layout solutions so more people can sleep, relax, and enjoy their camping experience indoors as well as outdoors.
Depending on the size of the RV you purchase, Jayco offers a variety of simplistic solutions along with luxurious features. Some larger RVs feature walk-around powerlift king beds, theater seating, as well as residential-sized refrigerators and washer and dryer hookups. However, Jayco really shines when it comes to their smaller rigs, as every bit of it is used in a thoughtful and useful way, something only the very experienced RV manufacturer understands.
This isn’t to say that Jayco only builds one specific RV for one specific type of family. They have a wide variety of layouts and floor plans for an even wider variety of people and customers, which means you should have little to no trouble finding something you truly enjoy on the inside. It’s harder than you think to choose an RV layout that works well for you, but Jayco makes this process a dream!
Jayco RV Reviews: Price Point And Budget Friendliness
In the grand scheme of RV brands and the cost of some of these rigs, Jayco seems to offer an RV to fit every budget. However, they are a more expensive brand compared to Coachmen and Forest River. Depending on what you are looking for, you may or may not find what you are looking for in Jayco, and this often comes down to the amount of RVs they have available.
Just like Jayco advertises they want to make an RV for every family, the same could be said for their desire to manufacture RVs to fit every price point. For example, one of their most popular travel trailers starts at $20,000, which is incredibly reasonable for a brand-new towable rig.
On the other end of the spectrum, some of their fifth wheels start at over $120,000, and their luxury motorhomes and Class Cs start at over $200,000. This may sound expensive, but even this price point isn’t out of the ordinary or unexpected when you look at the wide variety of RVs for sale. Given the fact they seem to price their luxury rigs accordingly, you should be getting enough bang for your buck.
However, the cost of the less expensive rigs Jayco offers may leave something to be desired. Many negative reviews mention the average Jayco RV tends to fall apart sooner than expected, despite warranty repairs and expert evaluations. However, most of these negative reviews are in conjunction with an RV at a budget-friendly or low price point.
Jayco RV Reviews: Boondocking and Off-Grid Capabilities
One of the things many new RVers are looking for is the ability to go off-grid or otherwise boondock. Boondocking, also known as dry camping, is the ability to camp without hookups or other utility resources such as electricity and water. Having large holding tanks, solar panels, and a generator are some of the things in high demand right now, but does Jayco deliver?
Jayco offers a variety of off-grid perks and features, but rarely do these features come as standard or included in the initial purchase price. Additionally, there are many different travel trailers and motorhomes that don’t have the option of adding solar capabilities or other boondocking luxuries. Jayco has a few specific RV models that offer boondocking capabilities as well as solar panels and solar prep as a primary feature.
It feels as if Jayco has taken the time to build RVs specifically with boondocking in mind, though many other RV manufacturers offer a more casual approach to off-grid camping. This typically means that solar is available on just about any make and model of RV, rather than Jayco’s approach of keeping it exclusive and only available on certain models.
The reviews mentioning off-grid camping and boondocking confirm Jayco goes above and beyond with these features. From ensuring your RV has adequate solar as well as large enough tanks to accomplish a weekend in the woods, Jayco has you covered. They just don’t choose to cover every single make and model that they manufacture.
5 Top Rated Jayco RVs
Now that we’ve gone over all of the reviews surrounding Jayco RVs and Jayco manufacturing, what are some of the top-rated RVs offered by Jayco? Here are five of their top-selling rigs across a variety of types, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, and all three types of motorhomes! Let’s take a closer look now.
Jayco Travel Trailer: Jay Flight
Pro:
- Diverse floorplans
- Range of lengths
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not great for large travel groups
- Not suitable for extensive off-grid living
Originally manufactured in 2001, the Jay Flight is consistently sold year after year and is considered the most popular travel trailer purchased over the last 15 consecutive years. It’s easy to see why this particular travel trailer is a star and extremely popular among a wide variety of RV consumers.
Built on a sturdy and lightweight frame, the Jay Flight is available in a number of lengths, ranging from 28 ft to 40ft. There are also numerous floorplans to choose from which is the choice I need as a full-timer! The layout of a rig can make or break a vacation, so having an array of options allows more people to find the one best suited to them.
The floorplans of the Jayco Jay Flight are appealing to pretty much every RVer. Between the standard features and optional extras, I can build a travel trailer that’s perfect for me and my partner, and our furry companion too! An example of this impressive ingenuity is the double bunk bed set up available with certain floorplans while others are equipped with a cozy electric fireplace in the living area.
This Jayco travel trailer is a fantastic option for couples or small families adventuring in the wilderness, but with only 200W of solar available, I’d find it hard to stay powdered up, especially in winter with low sun! Aside from this, the Jay Flight is a popular, quality, and affordable trailer, with prices starting at $32k. It has everything needed for a successful trip on the open road, including residential appliances, and even wardrobe and washer-dryer prep options!
Jayco Fifth Wheel: North Point
Pros:
- Unique layout
- Sleeps up to 11 people
- Luxurious
Cons:
- Might be too long for beginners
- Less affordable than smaller trailers
I live full-time in my RV, and I know a lot of other RVers who do the same! Since starting my RV journey, I’ve noticed an abundance of Jayco North Point fifth wheels on the road. This trailer is a go-to for many full-timers and is priced significantly lower than many other luxury fifth-wheel trailers. With 7 floorplans to choose from, starting at $107k, these trailers appeal to many RVers.
When the whole family wants to take an RV vacation, it can be stressful trying to accommodate space for everyone! The Jayco North Point takes this hassle away, with a top-length model measuring 44 feet long. In fact, North Point sleeps an average of 6 people, but up to 11 individuals can sleep cozy in the 377RLBH floorplan. I love the uniqueness of this rig, and the creative lofted area is a key feature in my eyes!
Most North Point trailers have an extremely interesting lofted area Jayco utilizes in a variety of ways. The master suite can be set atop the lofted platform, as well as an additional living room with reclining sofas. Jayco is a brand truly able to utilize just about every inch of space on board their rigs. Fifth-wheels are in no way small rigs, and since the North Point measures longer than 40 ft, it might not be the best option for beginner RVers.
With some practice, towing the North Point will become a dream, and with such a homely interior and functional space, everyone can join in on the fun too. These trailers have a bit of a hefty cost, but with so much packed into this Jayco trailer, it’s a worthwhile investment!
Jayco Class A RV: Precept
Pros:
- Modern exterior
- Shorter length means it’s easier to drive
Cons:
- Not the most luxury option
- Lacks boondocking features
Jayco recommends the Precept to anyone purchasing a Class A rig for the first time. It’s a smaller size Class A RV, ranging from 33ft – 38ft, making it less intimidating for newbies or those upgrading from smaller campers or travel trailers. Impressively, the Precpt sleeps up to 9 people, and with 5 floorplans, all equipped with walkaround beds, Jayco have ensured everyone gets a quality night’s sleep.
This is a gas-powered Class A, which may be considered a downside for those who prefer diesel-powered engines. Given the length and size of this Class A RV, however, its gas-powered engine should be more than capable of handling plenty of miles on the road. Along with having an attractive exterior aesthetic, the interior of the Precept is simple and clean, but not not hit the mark for travelers desiring luxury finishes across the board.
For a more luxurious option, I’d lean towards the Precept Prestige as it’s a step up from the standard Prestige and has a bit more to offer in terms of elegance. However, there’s a significant jump in price from the standard to the luxury version which is something to keep in mind.
Jayco Class C RV: Melbourne
Pros:
- Mercedes Benz chassis
- Powerful diesel engine
- Boondocking capability
Cons:
- Too compact for large families
- High price-point
- Solar panels are extra
One of the best-selling features of the Jayco Melbourne is its easy-to-drive nature! As a compact Class C RV with an abundance of features, including boondocking and off-grid capabilities, it’s an ideal rig for those not needing the mammoth space of a Class A RV. Plus, it has a classy and unique interior design that’s ready for personal touches and plenty of use from avid adventures.
There are only 3 floorplans to choose from which doesn’t provide the biggest range of options, but this 25ft-frame camper has a lot to offer. Each floorplan is as unique as the next, making this rig a great match for couples and small families looking to hit the road without all the hassle that typically comes along with RV camping. The Melbourne isn’t the cheapest diesel Class C RV on the market, but it’s priced fairly for all the features it offers.
As this Jayco RV comes prepped for solar panels, transforming it into a boondocking wagon is straightforward. It’s also easy to drive, capable of handling a variety of terrain, and looks good while doing it too! I’d also opt for the additional house battery to ensure power is less of a stress when winter comes and and power from solar starts to become less reliable.
Overall, the Melbourne is a compact rig with great boondocking capability, but it may not be suitable for larger travel groups or those who prefer a more spacious interior. This is a beginner-friendly RV that’s effortless to drive and can support plenty of miles of travel with its Mercedes Benz chassis and V6 turbo diesel engine.
Jayco Class B RV: Swift
Pros:
- Suitable for off-grid adventures
- Easy to drive
Cons:
- Limites sleeping options
- Wet bath option only
- Not as luxurious as other Class B RVs
The Swift from Jayco is a Class B camper van bursting with impressive features at a relatively affordable price for a Class B RV! With prices starting at $163k, I expect this rig to offer a lot, and it doesn’t disappoint. I love nothing more than parking up in nature and enjoying reconnecting with the environment. This is possible thanks to the boondocking abilities of the Swift.
Solar panels come standard, and the on-demand hot water heater, multiple house batteries, built-in gas generator, and creative storage solutions make this an off-grid gem. So much is packed into the standard model of the Swift, it’s hard to believe there’s more on offer, but there is! Since I’m a full-timer, I’d opt for the lithium battery for even more reliable power, and even explore the all-electric option offered by Jayco.
Big families won’t be able to take advantage of the Swift as the biggest floorplan only has the capability to sleep 4 people. There are only 3 layouts to choose from, with the biggest differences being the positioning of the bathroom and the bedroom location. Each floorplan has benefits and drawbacks, but the overall appeal will be personal to individual RVers.
What Kinds Of RVs Does Jayco Offer?
Given how large the Jayco brand is, they have the ability to offer a wide variety of RVs across all different types and sizes. Jayco offers travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels, motorhomes, and the original style of pop-up camper they became well-known for. Let’s take a look at some of their makes and models in more detail now.
List Of Jayco Travel Trailers
Jayco offers 7 different models of travel trailers, in various lengths and price points. Many of them are variations on a single model.
- Jay Feather Micro: 19ft – 23ft
- Jay Feather: 24ft – 33ft
- White Hawk: 30ft – 38ft
- Jay Flight SLX: 18ft – 22ft
- Jay Flight: 26ft – 38ft
- Jay Flight Bungalow: 40ft – 41ft
- Eagle Travel Trailer: 35ft – 39ft
List Of Jayco Fifth Wheels
While Jayco only offers 4 different fifth wheels, and are all unique and popular options for many RVers.
- Eagle HT: 29ft – 35ft
- Eagle: 33ft – 42ft
- North Point: 36ft – 44ft
- Pinnacle: 36ft – 44ft
List Of Jayco Toy Haulers
There are 2 different types of Jayco toy haulers, based on luxury finishes and features. The names of these toy hauler models are:
- Seismic: 41ft – 45ft
- Seismic Luxury Series: 42ft – 46ft
List Of Jayco Motorhomes
Jayco offers 17 different motorhomes, spanning a range of models, sizes, and capabilities.
Class A RVs
- Alante
- Precept
- Precept Prestige
Class B RVs
- Comet
- Swift
- Solstice
- Terrain
Class C RVs
- Redhawk SE
- Redhawk
- Greyhawk
- Melbourne
- Melbourne Prestige
- Granite Ridge
- Greyhawk XL
- Seneca XT
- Seneca
- Seneca Prestige
If you look hard enough, you can find versions of Jayco’s classic pop-up camper, but they don’t currently manufacture any new models. As you can see, Jayco offers a solid list of RVs to appeal to a wide variety of consumers and RV customers, depending on the size of the family and other needs. While Jayco doesn’t offer nearly as many RVs as Forest River, they still have plenty to offer and quality options at that!
Has Jayco Quality Gone Down?
I wish I could say all RVs are created perfect and you won’t ever encounter problems, but sadly this isn’t true. There are many RVers who have purchased Jayco RVs over the last few years, only to find the finish is below standard, and repairs need to happen after only a few weeks or months of mild to moderate use.
The quality of some Jayco rigs may be questionable for a number of reasons, not least the backlog the company are inevitably catching up with from the pandemic. There’s no excuse, however, for not taking pride in every stage of an RV build, after all, it could potentially be someone’s future home on wheels! There is a lack of quality control in the RV industry, and unfortunately, this means rigs slip through that haven’t been finished in the highest quality possible.
Some Jayco RVs are rated better than others, so do some research and make an educated choice if Jayco is the manufacturer for you! Regardless of the rig you choose, be sure to perform regular maintenance to keep it in the best position for longer.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a new RV takes a lot of time and consideration, which is why our handy guide for Jayco RV reviews is here to help!
After considering everything there is to know about Jayco and their line of products, hopefully, you’re feeling confident about what they have to offer, along with their honest and insightful customer reviews! There are always more brands to choose from, but perhaps Jayco offers the right amount of quality products for the right price.