Jayco SLX trailers - how are they holding up?

CSG wrote:


My comment about the single axle was wondering how it bounced along the road. My towing experience is limited to two fifth wheels which both had two axles.

Thanks for the clarification. Good question, I don't believe the SLX has the Torflex axle. The Torflex is very smooth and that's what our single axle trailer had.

Thanks for the responses! I'll check into the Coachman. The Nano 185BH is a possible but no sofa and the bunks are shorter. There's really no place for the family to sit together.

My comment about the single axle was wondering how it bounced along the road. My towing experience is limited to two fifth wheels which both had two axles.

Other than the overpriced (for our budget) Airstream, I'm completely open to other bunkhouse small trailers if anyone has other recommendations.

I camp with friends that have a 185 RB and they really like it. They did have the A/C leaking issue, the dealer they bought it from rebuilt the pan the A/C sits in and the problem seems to be resolved. The small tanks do give them problems from time to time but only if they stay in one place more than a few days. The quality seems good, as good as if not better than my Coachmen.

Edited to add: I don't understand the apprehension about single axle trailers as well, I have put many miles on mine with no issues. Just watch air pressures and condition of the tires.

This brings up another point, my friends Jayco has 14" tires, my Coachmen has 13" tires.

You might consider joining the Jayco Owners Group. Lots of SLX owners there that may be able to give you their actual experiences instead of someone's perceived idea of what the SLX is.

CSG wrote:

The single axle is a bit of a concern

Never understood that concern. We towed a single axle hybrid for 10 years. Twice on cross country road trips. Many others do also.

I have a Starcraft AR-ONE 14RB, a division of Jayco. and I agree with campinia. The 5k a/c keeps up okay with shades drawn and silver car shades put between the windows and shades, but the fridge doesn't keep up in hot weather, even after adjusting the probe further up the fin. We had to have to have the couch frame rebuilt and reinforced before it caved in (improperly installed at factory and with no bracing) - done under warranty by our dealer. I wouldn't buy ours again, given the choice. We'll likely sell it in the next couple of years. Right now, it's stationed down where our son lives, and we use it as a hotel room.

I like the Coachmen Apex. Still light, more durable, bigger tanks.

I had a 2012 184BH and had to sell it last year. The side A/C was only 5000 BTU and could not keep up when over 80 outside, jayco put a bigger A/C (8000 BTU) in the newer models, so that problem should be solved. I was told that I could not put a bigger A/C in mine as the wall was structured around the A/C and could not be changed. The other problem was that the refrigerator would not stay in the safe cool zone if above 80 degrees outside. I did fan mods and it helped but not enough. Some had Jayco take them back to the factory, the last I knew, they had not figured it out. Go to Jayco owners forum and search there for posts by myself and others. I was sad to have to sell it, the rest of the trailer was good quality, loved the floor plan and size, just could not use two important things, the A/C and the fridge.

we bought our 2012 Jayco 184bh new in 2011. it has been a great unit. AC leaking
issue was corrected early in production. the 5000 AC unit on these models has been upgraded to a 8000 unit. cooling is no longer an issue. suggest you go to the Jayco Owners Forum and address any concerns or questions you may have.
great bunch of folks there... good luck w/your search.

The 18bh coachman nano is a great option too..

http://www.coachmenrv.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=62&ModelID=1593#Main

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6jTNRZLH8I

I dont think the quality is there in that jayco model. There are other options out there.

Are you just trying to stay under the 3500 GVWR of the trailer and have bunkc for the boys???

Plus the jayco only has small black tanks... 9 gallons..

You would be best off with a coachmen 18bh apex..... two queen beds and a bunk.. 30 gallon black, grey and fresh...

http://www.coachmenrv.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=62&ModelID=279

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGRJQgcD2mc#t=270

This would be a replacement. I get your point but many places we'd like to take the 5th wheel, we can't. I'd get it in addition but that would be nuts! ;o)