Folks,
After writing about the truck I need to write about the new Hybrid. As you may know already it is a Jayco 23B EXP Jay Feather. With its first outing here is a list of problems I had with the trailer.
The first thing as we were setting up was the electric cord from the trailer, I could only pull it out about 10 feet. It is in a big knot in the storage location for it. Could not access the area.
The next item was the cover on the stove. I went to open it and the hinge broke.
The third this was the fan in the restroom did not work.
Fourth thing was water on the pop out canvas area INSIDE.
Next was the disconnection from the TV. I could not get the ball to drop out of the coupler. Not once but twice... Must be a easier way to disconnect?
Could not get the travel locks on the ref. to lock for the trip.
Things I did not like and why...............
Once you open the front bed you can not access the gas tanks with the Hard plastic cover. The unit comes with a gas monitoring device but you can not see it unless you take the cover off and then open the bed.
To drain the hot water tank, you have this big 3/4 inch plastic bolt you have to unscrew inside the heater compartment. Very hard to get at to open.
Nice radio/cd player no instructions..
The cushions that are use for the bed on the dinning table would not stay on the table.
Quote from: whitestar505Folks,
After writing about the truck I need to write about the new Hybrid. As you may know already it is a Jayco 23B EXP Jay Feather. With its first outing here is a list of problems I had with the trailer.
The first thing as we were setting up was the electric cord from the trailer, I could only pull it out about 10 feet. It is in a big knot in the storage location for it. Could not access the area.
The next item was the cover on the stove. I went to open it and the hinge broke.
The third this was the fan in the restroom did not work.
Fourth thing was water on the pop out canvas area INSIDE.
Next was the disconnection from the TV. I could not get the ball to drop out of the coupler. Not once but twice... Must be a easier way to disconnect?
Could not get the travel locks on the ref. to lock for the trip.
Things I did not like and why...............
Once you open the front bed you can not access the gas tanks with the Hard plastic cover. The unit comes with a gas monitoring device but you can not see it unless you take the cover off and then open the bed.
To drain the hot water tank, you have this big 3/4 inch plastic bolt you have to unscrew inside the heater compartment. Very hard to get at to open.
Nice radio/cd player no instructions..
The cushions that are use for the bed on the dinning table would not stay on the table.
We also own a Jayco camper and have experienced trouble with the ball dropping of the coupler.....
are these brand new rigs or new to you HTT
Hang in there. I'm sure you'll come to love your trailer.
Quote from: whitestar505Next was the disconnection from the TV. I could not get the ball to drop out of the coupler. Not once but twice... Must be a easier way to disconnect?
Maybe your trailer is in a bind, or maybe the tongue just has a good "bite." Sometimes when this happens, all I have to do is put the TV in reverse, and that little shift of the wheel going backwards a fraction of an inch makes the "bite" of the tongue release.
Quote from: whitestar505To drain the hot water tank, you have this big 3/4 inch plastic bolt you have to unscrew inside the heater compartment. Very hard to get at to open.
Same thing with our Starcraft. The compartment is easy to open, but I have to take out the 1" anode rod to drain it. A bit of a pain.
Quote from: whitestar505The cushions that are use for the bed on the dinning table would not stay on the table.
We had the same problem with this too. Spent just a buck or two for some velcro strips at the top of the cushions on the back (vinyl) side and now they stay in place perfectly!
Larry
Wow, I hope you'll give us a report on how your next trip goes... should be a doozie based on what you have experienced on the first outing.
Quote from: whitestar505Folks,
The first thing as we were setting up was the electric cord from the trailer, I could only pull it out about 10 feet. It is in a big knot in the storage location for it. Could not access the area.
Sometimes you have to feed it back in and then out again.
Fourth thing was water on the pop out canvas area INSIDE.
This one I would have the dealer check the seal on or if the latches secured the bed tight enough.
Next was the disconnection from the TV. I could not get the ball to drop out of the coupler. Not once but twice... Must be a easier way to disconnect?
Larry gave you a good idea on this one.
Could not get the travel locks on the ref. to lock for the trip.
If you mean those grey (?) tabs on the freezer and fridge doors, they are not door locks to keep the doors open. They slide over to keep the doors open while in storage so that mildew won't form.
Once you open the front bed you can not access the gas tanks with the Hard plastic cover. The unit comes with a gas monitoring device but you can not see it unless you take the cover off and then open the bed.
Agree that this is a pain but what I use to do was take the cover off before I put the bunk end down and stored the cover under the bunk.
Unless you are running the furnace constantly for a few days, I wouldn't worry about running out of propane. Those two tanks will last quite a while.
To drain the hot water tank, you have this big 3/4 inch plastic bolt you have to unscrew inside the heater compartment. Very hard to get at to open.
Yup, this is a pain.
The cushions that are use for the bed on the dining table would not stay on the table
Larry gave you a good idea on the velcroe but you also might try putting the cushions in a different configuration. I found putting them one way they stayed on pretty good and not very good another way.
Now, I will tell you that you have purchased one of the best htt on the market. The layout, storage, tv placement and size of the trailer are great. You will learn to really like it once you get the bugs taken care of.
We had our 03 23B for almost 4 years, camped in her for 300 nights. Great unit.
Happy Camping
PS Just went back and looked at your post again. This is an 07 so I assume that it is new. Seems like your dealer should have caught some of the stuff like the knotted cord and fan not working. You should have gotten some info on the radio. I think I would talk to the dealer.
Genef,
Yep! Some of these I have been solved already, but still blame the dealership for most of it including misinformation. The Door locks for the ref I was told was to keep the ref closed during travel. They way they were locking makes sense now that you have stated they were for keeping doors open while in storage. Some kid was showing me how to work all or the stuff.. I guess I can live with the hot water take drain. The Coleman popup had some nice valves under the trailer for the hot water drain.
As for the canvas the service department said there was a procedure to follow in the owners manual for it. Sold me a bottle of water repellant to spray on it.
The accessing of the gas, I found three ways that might work. 1. Take it on like you said and store it under the trailer. 2. Turn it around so the access hole is facing out. 3. Buy a dual tank cover that has a zipper to access.
The Knot in the cable I can not get free, look like a job for the dealership.
Question. if I use Velcro on the cushions, do I have to stick the other half on the table ????
Fan still not working...
The way I found that worked with the disconnect of the coupler was to move the TV forward. I tried backwards but did not work. Sure hope I don't have to do this all the time.
""Now, I will tell you that you have purchased one of the best htt on the market. The layout, storage, tv placement and size of the trailer are great. You will learn to really like it once you get the bugs taken care of.""
I agree, I do like this trailer, it is new and I have to work the bugs out. Gee, did we not all say that when we buying those new American cars in the 60's and 70s'.
Quote from: GeneFQuote from: whitestar505Folks,
The first thing as we were setting up was the electric cord from the trailer, I could only pull it out about 10 feet. It is in a big knot in the storage location for it. Could not access the area.
Sometimes you have to feed it back in and then out again.
Fourth thing was water on the pop out canvas area INSIDE.
This one I would have the dealer check the seal on or if the latches secured the bed tight enough.
Next was the disconnection from the TV. I could not get the ball to drop out of the coupler. Not once but twice... Must be a easier way to disconnect?
Larry gave you a good idea on this one.
Could not get the travel locks on the ref. to lock for the trip.
If you mean those grey (?) tabs on the freezer and fridge doors, they are not door locks to keep the doors open. They slide over to keep the doors open while in storage so that mildew won't form.
Once you open the front bed you can not access the gas tanks with the Hard plastic cover. The unit comes with a gas monitoring device but you can not see it unless you take the cover off and then open the bed.
Agree that this is a pain but what I use to do was take the cover off before I put the bunk end down and stored the cover under the bunk.
Unless you are running the furnace constantly for a few days, I wouldn't worry about running out of propane. Those two tanks will last quite a while.
To drain the hot water tank, you have this big 3/4 inch plastic bolt you have to unscrew inside the heater compartment. Very hard to get at to open.
Yup, this is a pain.
The cushions that are use for the bed on the dining table would not stay on the table
Larry gave you a good idea on the velcroe but you also might try putting the cushions in a different configuration. I found putting them one way they stayed on pretty good and not very good another way.
Now, I will tell you that you have purchased one of the best htt on the market. The layout, storage, tv placement and size of the trailer are great. You will learn to really like it once you get the bugs taken care of.
We had our 03 23B for almost 4 years, camped in her for 300 nights. Great unit.
Happy Camping
PS Just went back and looked at your post again. This is an 07 so I assume that it is new. Seems like your dealer should have caught some of the stuff like the knotted cord and fan not working. You should have gotten some info on the radio. I think I would talk to the dealer.
"3. Buy a dual tank cover that has a zipper to access."
Do not buy one of the vinyl ones with the zipper. Those are for storage only and will tear as you drive down the road.
Been there, done that, twice. Box does not sayl for storage only but I contacted the company after my second one ripped. They were very nice and refunded my money.
Got ya!!! Thanks.
Quote from: GeneF"3. Buy a dual tank cover that has a zipper to access."
Do not buy one of the vinyl ones with the zipper. Those are for storage only and will tear as you drive down the road.
Been there, done that, twice. Box does not sayl for storage only but I contacted the company after my second one ripped. They were very nice and refunded my money.
Gwenzilla,
I was looking at the TrialManner also. I see you have one. How do you likw it ?
I called our local dealer three or four times and received no return calls.. Of course our local dealer is in PA.
Quote from: GwenzillaWow, I hope you'll give us a report on how your next trip goes... should be a doozie based on what you have experienced on the first outing.
bathroom fan- on our Jayco there is an on/off switch on the fan AND an on/off switch on the sink cabinet. Are both in the "on" position? If not, the fan won't work.
kathybrj,
Yes, you are right but it still is not working. I have change all the fuses but no luck.. Thanks
Quote from: kathybrjbathroom fan- on our Jayco there is an on/off switch on the fan AND an on/off switch on the sink cabinet. Are both in the "on" position? If not, the fan won't work.
Is it only the fan that is not working?
In my 03 23B the GFI reset button was located on the electrical outlet.
Just a thought but have you tried resetting that? I believe you just push it in.
Does the fan not work either on the battery or shore power?
Quote from: whitestar505Question. if I use Velcro on the cushions, do I have to stick the other half on the table ????
We simply put the hooks on the back of the cushion, and the loops on the "front" of the "back", where the cushion rests while in the upright position. In other words, if you are sitting in the dinette, the velcro would be right in the middle of your back, but between the cushion and the wall or whatever the cushion rests against. Does this make sense?
Larry
GeneF,
Good question, I do know that I have reset the GFI outlet several times. But I have not plugged anything into the outlet to see it that is working.
Thanks
PS. The Fan is not working for either DC or AC..
Quote from: GeneFIs it only the fan that is not working?
In my 03 23B the GFI reset button was located on the electrical outlet.
Just a thought but have you tried resetting that? I believe you just push it in.
Does the fan not work either on the battery or shore power?
brainpause,
I think I have to stand inside of the trailer to see how that would work. I was thing about putting the velcro side to side on the cushion. Thanks
Quote from: brainpauseWe simply put the hooks on the back of the cushion, and the loops on the "front" of the "back", where the cushion rests while in the upright position. In other words, if you are sitting in the dinette, the velcro would be right in the middle of your back, but between the cushion and the wall or whatever the cushion rests against. Does this make sense?
Larry
Quote from: whitestar505Gwenzilla,
I was looking at the TrialManner also. I see you have one. How do you likw it ?
I called our local dealer three or four times and received no return calls.. Of course our local dealer is in PA.
We are very happy with the TrailManor. We did decide to have a 2" lift kit installed on ours to increase the ground clearance a bit as our driveway at the curb has a fairly good dip that would scrape if I approached at the wrong angle, but with the 2" lift that is no longer an issue.
Our TrailManor is the smallest (2619) they make so it fits in our driveway so we don't have to pay a storage fee. Their website explains all the features.
http://www.trailmanor.comI have never had a camp trailer that pulled better, we don't need sway control or a WD hitch, it tracks flawlessly.
Some positives:
Hardside bathroom walls; no wet canvas worries; set-up fast; tows very well; scissor jacks for stabilizers (not those fragile arm stabilizers).
Some negatives:
Expen$ive; Expen$ive; Expen$ive; like a regular pop-up the cabinets & drawers are set low.
PM me if you'd like more info.
I'm sorry to hear that your local dealer is dropping the ball on getting back to you. In Calif when we were buying ours there were only two dealers in the whole state. One was about 400 miles away the other was about 60 miles, luckily the closest dealer to us was very helpful, straightforward, and appreciative of our business...
Quote from: whitestar505The accessing of the gas, I found three ways that might work. 2. Turn it around so the access hole is facing out.
My dealer had done this. He'd also turned the gas pipes around (easy) so they faced forwards.
About a month after I got the camper, I noticed (from the Jayco manual) that the gas rigging was "backwards". I huffed in frustration at "the stupid dealer", and spent the time turning it around so it faced backwards with the access hole in the back -- JUST like the Jayco manual said.
After the first campout, I realized that this was dumb (I could not see the tank gauge)... and meekly turned it around again so it faced forwards - like the dealer had done :)
BALL: I changed the manual tongue jack to an electric with (I think) a 3,000 lb "break" force. When disconnecting, we crank the camper up, and it pulls the back end of my Explorer up several inches, and the motor groans, until the ball "breaks out" and the Explorer DROPS several inches. This is standard if the ball is pushing against either the front or back (tongue) of the hitch... which normally happens if as when you stop, the trailer either pushes forward onto the ball, or if it is a slight hill backwards, pulls back so the ball is resting over the tongue.
Lastly, the power cord. Inside the camper, on the back wall under the back bunk, is a small wood cover (8" x 10"?) held in by 2 screws. If you open this up, you'll see the converter in there. This is useful for another reason (see next paragraphs about converter add-ons). Anyhow, I believe you can access the power cord coiled up down there. I say I believe, because everytime I've opened the panel, my power cord was pulled all the way out - but I seem to recall seeing a bit of it while working on my converter.
Converter: You (probably) have the 45-amp Iota converter (DLS-45). This is a "dumb" 2-stage charger - it will charge your battery fast-ish until it is about 80%, then slow to a trickle (float charge, 13.6v, takes forever to "top up the battery"). This can, in the long run, harm your battery if it is ALWAYS plugged in.
You can purchase, for about $30, the Iota "IQ4" module that plugs into the little phone jack on the converter, and turns it into a "smart 3-stage" - the new third stage is a middle "absorption", and it will also automatically re-boost charge your battery every 7 days of being plugged in.
http://iotaengineering.com/iq.htmAdditionally, taped to your Iota manual, is a little 1" long phone-jack looking loop of wire (called "dual-voltage" plug). If you plug this loop into the jack on your converter, you will change it to a one-stage BULK charger that jams out 14.2V as long as it is plugged in. This will charge your battery much faster, but you must unplug the "shunt" to not harm the battery when done.
http://iotaengineering.com/pplib/dlsmanl.pdf
Wow! Good Stuff....!
Quote from: zamboniMy dealer had done this. He'd also turned the gas pipes around (easy) so they faced forwards.
About a month after I got the camper, I noticed (from the Jayco manual) that the gas rigging was "backwards". I huffed in frustration at "the stupid dealer", and spent the time turning it around so it faced backwards with the access hole in the back -- JUST like the Jayco manual said.
After the first campout, I realized that this was dumb (I could not see the tank gauge)... and meekly turned it around again so it faced forwards - like the dealer had done :)
BALL: I changed the manual tongue jack to an electric with (I think) a 3,000 lb "break" force. When disconnecting, we crank the camper up, and it pulls the back end of my Explorer up several inches, and the motor groans, until the ball "breaks out" and the Explorer DROPS several inches. This is standard if the ball is pushing against either the front or back (tongue) of the hitch... which normally happens if as when you stop, the trailer either pushes forward onto the ball, or if it is a slight hill backwards, pulls back so the ball is resting over the tongue.
Lastly, the power cord. Inside the camper, on the back wall under the back bunk, is a small wood cover (8" x 10"?) held in by 2 screws. If you open this up, you'll see the converter in there. This is useful for another reason (see next paragraphs about converter add-ons). Anyhow, I believe you can access the power cord coiled up down there. I say I believe, because everytime I've opened the panel, my power cord was pulled all the way out - but I seem to recall seeing a bit of it while working on my converter.
Converter: You (probably) have the 45-amp Iota converter (DLS-45). This is a "dumb" 2-stage charger - it will charge your battery fast-ish until it is about 80%, then slow to a trickle (float charge, 13.6v, takes forever to "top up the battery"). This can, in the long run, harm your battery if it is ALWAYS plugged in.
You can purchase, for about $30, the Iota "IQ4" module that plugs into the little phone jack on the converter, and turns it into a "smart 3-stage" - the new third stage is a middle "absorption", and it will also automatically re-boost charge your battery every 7 days of being plugged in.
http://iotaengineering.com/iq.htm
Additionally, taped to your Iota manual, is a little 1" long phone-jack looking loop of wire (called "dual-voltage" plug). If you plug this loop into the jack on your converter, you will change it to a one-stage BULK charger that jams out 14.2V as long as it is plugged in. This will charge your battery much faster, but you must unplug the "shunt" to not harm the battery when done.
http://iotaengineering.com/pplib/dlsmanl.pdf
Folks,
This is really getting old, went into the trailer last night to check the GFI switch on the wall and found the shower wall pulling away from the outside wall. It is open about 6 inches. I am sure that their is something that will take care of that but this is insane. I sure hope it starts to get better..
If it is the white tub surround, chances are it has popped one of the rivets or the doubleback tape came loose.
Had that problem on my new tt. Dealer retaped and put four more rivets in.
One thing you are going to need to have is patience while dealing with all that goes wrong with a new trailer. Hopefully, you will have a dealer that will work with you. Jayco will, at least from my experience with them.
Major drawback is that it sometimes takes Jayco a few weeks to send parts if needed. I just found out that the dealer recieved a couple of parts for my trailer that were ordered the end of July.
My current status is that I will bring the trailer over to them on Oct 5, after I get back from my last camping trip and they can keep the trailer until Dec 30 when I need it back to go to Florida.
Dealer was happy with this arrangement although I could have brought it in this week.
I guess I am sympathizing with you but also letting you know that your dealer has a lot to do with how well things get done. If it is under warrantee, don't sweat it.
If you have a block of time coming up when you won't be needing the trailer. just tell him you will bring it over and he can get a lot of the work done.
By the way, I am working on a three page typed list of things for the dealer to take care of. We are making headway. Some of the stuff I mentioned on the list, Jayco says that that is the way it is, so I go along with it. It has been noted on work orders if I do have a problem later on.
Gee willakers Mcghee!!! you all have had some problems...I guess I am blessed as my problems have been minimal with the Trail-lite and mine ('99) was only the second year that they were on the market.
i would be there worst nightmare.they should be taking care of everything,and making sure you understand your HTT
GeneF,
You are right on being patience with the dealer. They have told me everything I needed to fix it myself. This is working, over the weekend I did get the cable fixed so all 30' would come out. They suggested that I take of the outside cover and reach in and stringen out the cable. It worked! Still have the fan and the shower wall. The shower wall has not fasters showing so I guess it is sealed with some sort of sealer. Oh well thing are getting there...
Quote from: GeneFIf it is the white tub surround, chances are it has popped one of the rivets or the doubleback tape came loose.
Had that problem on my new tt. Dealer retaped and put four more rivets in.
One thing you are going to need to have is patience while dealing with all that goes wrong with a new trailer. Hopefully, you will have a dealer that will work with you. Jayco will, at least from my experience with them.
Major drawback is that it sometimes takes Jayco a few weeks to send parts if needed. I just found out that the dealer recieved a couple of parts for my trailer that were ordered the end of July.
My current status is that I will bring the trailer over to them on Oct 5, after I get back from my last camping trip and they can keep the trailer until Dec 30 when I need it back to go to Florida.
Dealer was happy with this arrangement although I could have brought it in this week.
I guess I am sympathizing with you but also letting you know that your dealer has a lot to do with how well things get done. If it is under warrantee, don't sweat it.
If you have a block of time coming up when you won't be needing the trailer. just tell him you will bring it over and he can get a lot of the work done.
By the way, I am working on a three page typed list of things for the dealer to take care of. We are making headway. Some of the stuff I mentioned on the list, Jayco says that that is the way it is, so I go along with it. It has been noted on work orders if I do have a problem later on.
Hello All,
With all the problems that I have had with the new Jayco, 2 1/2 months after bringing it it for warrenty repair, I just got it back in the driveway. They took care all of the problems and then some. I can say that I am ready for new summer....(http://www.arveeclub.com/images/icons/icon10.gif)
Quote from: whitestar505Folks,
After writing about the truck I need to write about the new Hybrid. As you may know already it is a Jayco 23B EXP Jay Feather. With its first outing here is a list of problems I had with the trailer.
The first thing as we were setting up was the electric cord from the trailer, I could only pull it out about 10 feet. It is in a big knot in the storage location for it. Could not access the area.
The next item was the cover on the stove. I went to open it and the hinge broke.
The third this was the fan in the restroom did not work.
Fourth thing was water on the pop out canvas area INSIDE.
Next was the disconnection from the TV. I could not get the ball to drop out of the coupler. Not once but twice... Must be a easier way to disconnect?
Could not get the travel locks on the ref. to lock for the trip.
Things I did not like and why...............
Once you open the front bed you can not access the gas tanks with the Hard plastic cover. The unit comes with a gas monitoring device but you can not see it unless you take the cover off and then open the bed.
To drain the hot water tank, you have this big 3/4 inch plastic bolt you have to unscrew inside the heater compartment. Very hard to get at to open.
Nice radio/cd player no instructions..
The cushions that are use for the bed on the dinning table would not stay on the table.