Forum Discussion

borz's avatar
borz
Explorer
Aug 22, 2013

2012 Jayco Seneca 36FK

Wondering if anyone has the 2012 Jayco Seneca built on the M2 Chassis. And can give me a review. Looking at a used 2012 with very low miles. Upgrading from a gas burner Class C, 32 foot Coachmen. I am going to be upgrading to the diesel no matter what for the additional towing power and the ease of getting into and out of truck stops vs. having to fight for the gas pumps. I'm comparing this to the new 2014 Four Winds, which has the Ford diesel, or a 2009 Embark. In addition to general comments, i'm particularly interested in whether the M2 gets blown all over the road like my gas burner does.

Thanks
Class C
  • GrumpyandGrandm's avatar
    GrumpyandGrandm
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2013
    Can't address all your questions, but we have an 08 35GS on the KIODIAK chassis and it "holds it own" on the road. Since the 2012 is on an even larger chassis you should not have any problems.
  • borz's avatar
    borz
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2013
    Thanks G and G. Wonder if anyone has an opinion on how big a difference the 22" wheels make vs the 19.5" ??
  • moose888's avatar
    moose888
    Explorer
    Aug 23, 2013
    We have a 2007 Dynamax 35 foot (350SL) on a heavy duty M-2 frame . Dynamax has 350hp Cat diesel with 3000-mh Allison trans. We have never had a problem being pushed around on the road. The Dynamax weighs in at 33,000 so Im not sure what your rig weighs.
  • az99's avatar
    az99
    Explorer
    Aug 23, 2013
    Beware that the 2012 does not have air ride and has the small 19.5 tires. The 2013 has the air ride and correct tires.

    The Seneca also has a smaller engine than the Embark and of course less towing capacity and ability.

    I have the Embark and it does not get blown around at all.
    The M2 with the 350HP 8.2L Cummins is a great truck for a Super C. The rest of it that Jayco does is another story.
  • borz's avatar
    borz
    Explorer
    Aug 23, 2013
    Sorry no that 25k is weight responding to previous post. Thx though I was wondering if it had the 19" tires. Can u upgrade to 22.5s? How much of a difference does the air ride make?
  • az99's avatar
    az99
    Explorer
    Aug 23, 2013
    borz wrote:
    Sorry no that 25k is weight responding to previous post. Thx though I was wondering if it had the 19" tires. Can u upgrade to 22.5s? How much of a difference does the air ride make?
    I reread your post and was in the process of editing mine when you posted.:)
  • az99's avatar
    az99
    Explorer
    Aug 23, 2013
    The air ride makes a huge difference. That is why Jayco changed to it in 2013.

    You would have to do more checking on the tire change. It would be very costly and you would also need speedo recalibration and they also probably have a different rear gear ratio for the 22.5's.

    Quite honestly I would stay away from the first year (2012) Seneca. They made a lot of improvements in 2013.

    Have you looked at a Renegade Explorer?
  • borz's avatar
    borz
    Explorer
    Aug 23, 2013
    Yes, I have, but the Renegades are a tad out of my price range unfortunately. But I hear you about the 2012, the more i'm reading, the more i'm looking at 2013 or slightly older Embark. DW likes the 2012 b/c of the fireplace.

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