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Topic: JAYCO TOUR (Read 735 times) previous topic - next topic

JAYCO TOUR

While in Shipshewana, we took the Jayco tour to see how they make their big, high end 5th wheelers. It was a good tour. The place is HUGH. In the building we were in, the DAILY quota for all systems was 14 units a day !! Total of 200 units a day for Jayco !!!
We have taken the Foretravel tour two times. The difference in quality of construction is evident. In it's heyday, Foretravel was putting out 30 units a month??? I forgot what we were told. Anyway......won't be buying any Jayco products  in our lifetime.
As Amy likes to say, " we bought our first AND LAST motorhome" when we bought our coach!!
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: JAYCO TOUR

Reply #1 –
Agree that Foretravel construction quality is outstanding.  I've been researchin new towables and frankly I don't see any that are what I'd consider "good" quality.  Which really amazes me.  What's a person to do if he wants to have a good quality travel trailer these days (and doesn't want to pay $100k for an Airstream)?

We have a 2002 K-Z, which has been great - but that company was acquired by one of the biggies, and now people report that the quality is terrible.  Seems that there are just few competitive options in that space, any more.
1996 U295 36' WTBI

Re: JAYCO TOUR

Reply #2 –
I saw a video on Airstream trailers under construction, and was appalled to see a plywood floor attached to the steel chassis and supports with screws, and then the house framing, aluminum channel, attached to the plywood with wood screws. Doesn't look very strong to me.

Then, after the skin was riveted on, fiberglass batting was placed as the inside walls were installed. Fiberglass will shift and settle over time.

On a side note, my daughter rented a near new Airstream trailer, and every window leaked in the rain.

And, although a Thor product, Airstream is considered high quality by most.

And by the way, Jayco was also considered high quality, at least before being another Thor product.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: JAYCO TOUR

Reply #3 –
I was told that in Fortravels best production years they were producing two units a day Monday thru Thursday, no construction on Friday which was a cleaning and restocking day.
David & Emma Roche
Dino (Golden Doodle)
1999 U270 WTFE 36' Build # 5534
Xtreme "Lights, Stripes & Roof"
Motorcade# 18321
Dayton, Ohio
Towd: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Two Townie Electra Bikes

Life is made to enjoy, the Foretravel helps!

Re: JAYCO TOUR

Reply #4 –
Airstream rivets are for " looks" only. Thor bought out LIvin' Lite, the trailer we owned before the FT. The bean counters came in, changed the things that the company was famous for ( no wood to rot , one piece aluminum roof, aluminum cabinets.....wonderful coach. They lowered quality....out of business. Buy a pre Thor LIvin' Lite......Thor Thucks.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: JAYCO TOUR

Reply #5 –
This photo shows how FT joins the house to the steel chassis on a Realm. Huck fasteners from the steel chassis to the steel box beams at the bottom of the sidewall. I prefer my monocoque, but this is better than screwing the walls to the wood floor. I've seen too many photos of wrecked motorhomes where everything above the floor is gone.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: JAYCO TOUR

Reply #6 –
 While shopping for our "new to us" we had TONS of wants/needs.
 We had a couple of hard NOs'.

"If you can flex an inside wall with your forefinger.....
NO!"
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: JAYCO TOUR

Reply #7 –
On one of our Habitat For Humanity RV-Care-A-Vanner builds we met a couple with a new Jayco fifth wheel. As we talked I asked if they were full-timers. They said they would like to be, but the trailer wasn't up to it.

We took the Airstream factory tour the year before we bought our Foretravel. At that time they said that every trailer went through the shower room. After the trailer body is fully assembled, with all windows, air conditioners, and door installed, it is taken into a large room and sprayed with water from every direction for several minutes. Then the water is turned off and someone goes inside to check for any leaks. If any are found, they are fixed and it is tested again. Only after it passes the water test is the interior installed. The problem, as is frequently discussed on airforums.com is that sometimes the installation process disturbs what was a marginal seal, and a leak is the result. Unfortunately, it doesn't get another trip through the water room after the interior is installed.

The rivets you see on the outside of an Airstream are real, structural rivets, installed the old-fashioned way - one person outside and one on the inside.
 

Re: JAYCO TOUR

Reply #8 –
I think you'll find that most of the trailer manufacturers specifically state that they are intended for occasional, vacation use and not full-timing.  Only a few are built well enough for full-time living - and they cost and weigh significantly more.
1996 U295 36' WTBI