Ongoing Saga of My Delam on New Jayco Eagle

Having been into several plants in the Middlebury IN area I'll mention Jay Co and Coachman. Some companies use a vacuum method of laminating. That is where they put the wall unit into a big bag and suck all the air out and let the glue cure. Some use a hot press method they apply the glue put it in a press that has heated platens which cause the glue to cure. Of the two I would prefer the hot press method it forces the fiber glass and the substrate together. Also coming to a manufacture near you is newer substrates that are not wood fiber based these will not wick moisture. That will cause less delam problems. As with any new technology there are problems, that is why the vacuum is being phased out in favor of the hot press and the non-wood fiber substrates. I just finished a rehab on a 1996 JayCo Eagle stick and tin type the problems I found were owner related. The JayCo unit was well built, remember I said 1996. I did a new roof all new roof vents TV and Radio antenna's New 15,000 AC unit, Spare 20 Amp input, Dual signal satilite/cable wiring, XM Radio. Serviced all the appliances. Gutted the Bunk House we now have a dual queen bedroom non-slide 32.5 foot center kitchen TT for the DW and our four Bichon Frise pups. Any questions drop me a note.

Just a couple clarifications:

1. The unit isnt being sent back to Indiana. They are doing the wall replacement in oregon. This had me worried, but talking to the service manager she assured me they are a fully authorized Jayco repair shop and they do this all the time when units are rear-ended or when people back into things like tree branches.

2. The service manager brought up the fact that this was likely due to bad glue or moisture caught in the wall when it was created.

3. Finally...we'll just have to see how it goes.

From what I've read on here, when manufacturers do these kinds of repairs they tend to turn out very nice. I suspect it's because they have a different group of employee's working on it that aren't on time restrictions as much as the production people are. I also think they use more experienced people to do the work since the workmanship is always better.
Let them do their job and I think you'll get a good product back.

BurbMan wrote:
Could have been a bad batch of adhesive when the made the wall sandwiches, not necessarily something that happened while you owned it....not delamination is caused by water leaks (granted most are). I would send it back to the factory and let them fix whatever needs to be fixed, Jayco is a quality company and they will make it right.

I don't trust laminated walls one bit. Seen to many delaminate and Jayco isn't alone. To be honest, I see more delamination that I do not.

As far as the glue failing, that not as uncommon as you may think. I remember when I went looking new in 2006 and late 2008 and found many brand new campers on the lot delaminating. They weren't on the lot long enough to have water leaks.

When I bought my 2008 Jay flight, that dealer had a 2009 Jay Feather Sport 165 on their lot with the back wall delaminating. I brought it up to them and they said sometimes it happens. They were a few minutes from the factory but didn't send it back which was puzzling to me. I certainly wouldn't buy any Jay Feather trailer if I seen this is what I had to expect!

I'd get the Eagle fixed at the Factory. I had them fix something on the 2008 and while they didn't get it fixed right the first time, they made sure it was done right eventually. That was at the time everyone was being laid off and Obama made Elkhart county his promotional tool.

I have noticed that the 2012 is a completely different animal. The build quality is worlds better.

Could have been a bad batch of adhesive when the made the wall sandwiches, not necessarily something that happened while you owned it....not delamination is caused by water leaks (granted most are). I would send it back to the factory and let them fix whatever needs to be fixed, Jayco is a quality company and they will make it right.

Be sure to let us know how it works out...

I know you are in Oregon but IF YOU COULD, take your unit back to the plant in Indiana. That is the place to have your unit fixed properly. They can do a wonderful job. We had a complete slide out wall replaced due to delam and you couldn't tell from the outside or inside. I would call Randy Zonker at the plant service dept and ask him about it. He would most likely ask for pictures. He will know the proper way to fix it and IF the techs at your dealership are qualified to do the work properly. Contact Randy and go from there.

Kampfirekid
In hindsight, How would you get your trailer to the Jayco factory for them to fix? Would you tow it yourself or do you think they would have paid for the transport? Or am I reading it wrong and your dealer did the repair work. I am not familiar with their warranty. Thanks.

Good to hear two examples of Jayco standing behind the warranty.

Good luck with getting a new trailer. I tried when my rear of the trailer sagged over 3-1/2 inches in 8 feet. Jayco said they were pulling it off the frame and puttingit on a new one. How can you put an obtuse angle on a straight frame, pull it down to fasten it, and prevent caulk joints from cracking snd being compromised?

When I asked the smart alec in customer service he said "why should you care? We are the experts". We traded, and fell into a bigger pile of garbage trailer.

Hind sight is 20/20. I should have put faith in my dealer and let Jayco fix it. I always said Id own a Jayco again, and thats what I have... three trailers later.

Let your dealer work with Jayco. Do a good walkthrough, and document everything. I have since heard several times Jayco will stand behind their product.... well after the warranty expires.

Good luck.