Designer 35RLTS and Jayco Talk...Thanks Frank!!

[sanderson_66]

Since there does not currently seem to be a Jayco owners forum, Moderator Frank has graciously allowed this thread. It will be for discussing Jayco related questions and comments. Anything not Jayco related will be deleted. Sounds more than fair to me. Thank-you Frank!

[BScaff]

Hi all. We just got a great deal on a Jayco Designer 35rlt. Our first trip will be in two wks. We have owned two other Jayco's but nothing as nice as this. The only thing I have to fix is the broken shower head. So far I have not been able to locate the shower head in the dark color with black hose. I have looked at all the internet stores. DW says it must be exactly like tho original. Help

[L_MMusic]

Hi Ed,

We replaced our mattress early on with a Tempurpedic. Before we close the slide, we pull the mattress slightly away from the head of the bed and lift the bottom. Then, as we pull the slide in, Larry continues to hold the bed while I make sure the metal bars that support the bed frame during transit line up. We've installed a U-shaped piece of sheet metal to keep the bar on track. Prior to this, the wood was getting quite worn due to it not lining up quite right and I supppose from the bumps of travel.

Hope this helps.

[eaherrmann]

Hope everyone is doing well. Summer is here once again. Quick question for our group, has anyone replaced their mattress? Ours has a distinct settling in the center. Our biggest issue is weight.

Thanks,

[CHV_FRK]

We had problems with ours last year. I'm assuming that we will have to do something with ours this year. I've heard there is a way to service it, but I'm not sure how. I thought about soaking it in CLR.

[Travlingman]

Which valve are you having to replace? The mixing valve and the by-pass valve are 2 different things. The by-pass valve is the valve you turn to winterize the camper and is on the bottom of the water heater by the access door. The mixing valve is near the top of the water heater and has no adjutment. Our mixing valve went out after about 1 year of ownership, so warranty covered it. Talking to our dealer, this was a common occurance on this type of heater.

[CHV_FRK]

Headed to the storage lot last night. Some plywood, 2x4s and a few screws later. I am camping this weekend darn it! Cut a 4'x6" piece to cover the frame on each side. Made a 2x4 frame on it's side to fit in the upper window opening and screwed it to one piece. With the plywood just as big as the outer frame the 2x4's are just thick enough to not hit the window glass while setting in the opening. I put some foam weatherstripping around the outside outer frame and put the other sheet up and screwed it through to the 2x4's. Rock solid and weathertight.

Progressive is coming to meet me on Thursday to inspect it, and I'll get on the roof then and look around. Hopefully the membrane is not too bad. I don't really see any other damage to the sides though.

It's amazing....all that damage and 0 people were killed with a tornado that cut like an 80 mile path through the metro area. Mostly was a EF2 but in that area the topography changes and I think that helped, being higher. It was 1/2 mile wide at that point.

At least I can tell you that these thinks are made pretty well. It also tells me that I can now drive 170mph now. I can get there 3 times as fast and set up camp!

[AUWing]

CHV_FRK wrote:
Our trailer got to enjoy 170MPH winds.... 🙂 .

WOW - good to hear it's all OK. That would be a lot to deal with, especially the '49 (says someone with a '37 chev 3/4 ton)

[AUWing]

eaherrmann wrote:
Hey All,
OK..we finally de-winterized and lo and behold the bypass valve on the hot water tank has siezed. Atco calls the valve a mixing valve and it olny costs $199 plus shipping, oh joy. Has anyone else had a problem with theirs? I went ahead and "manufactured" one from lowes parts but now the meaning of HOT water is OMG :E We're talking jumping out of the shower hot.

OH Yea, hi all! 🙂 Welcome to Spring!!!!

Yep same issue and same phone discussion underway. I'm told you can remove the cap on the valve and turn the stem to clear anything that might be upsetting the flow. I plan on trying before opening the wallet that wide for something that should never fail under reasonable care.

[L_MMusic]

Holy cow, Dana! Didn't know you were so close to there. Glad you're OK -- and at least most of it is better off than it could be. See you on FB.

[whporwil]

I was thinking about you and hoped you didn't live by the airport. Thanks for letting us know your ok. If you ever make it to South Party Island make sure you bring the Dragon Wagon, there are lots of cool cars and trucks down there.

[CHV_FRK]

Our trailer got to enjoy 170MPH winds.... 🙂 an EF4 hit our storage lot. Or fifth wheel and my 48' Enclosed car trailer with 95 Roadmaster Wagon and 49 Chevy P/U. Had a bit of luck though. The 5ver just got the back window smashed and some roof membrance damage. Luckily the window tint held it together so no water damage as of right now. The car hauler got another enclosed trailer thrown against the side. A few holes and the rear ramp doesn't seal when it closes anymore. it's 15K, only 8ft tall, and it got moved 10 ft. For those that saw the blurb on the national news we have it by the St. Louis International airport.
Heading out after work to board the window so we can camp this weekend. I'm no quitter!!!
Other trailers and buildings were not so lucky. Several TT's picked up and thrown. Bridgeton, MO 4/22/11 for those that want to look it up.

[L_MMusic]

No problems here yet with the hot water heater except the pressure valve needing replacement last week.

Just removed the damaged rear stabilizing jacks. Driver's side got bent while negotiating a hill/turn and apparently occasionally bottoming out has worn away areas. $1,000 to replace. Removed and are now using a pair of 6,000 lb jacks for $20.

Drawer under couch broke (probably too much weight (limit 50lbs.) Since I've been covering the couch with a nice soft flannel sheet anyway (upholstery is fraying a bit and has always been rough/yucky feeling), we simply removed all of drawer except sliding hardware. Bought a plastic tub to hold contents and left 1/2 open as hiding place for dog. Sheet also reduced dog smell as is easily washed! 1/2 empty area works well on travel days for dog toys and printer.

The metal we added to the wood under the bed where it rests when slide is in has been working great. Just needs a little guidance by hand to get into the slot.

Got a Bissell upright vac to replace the central vac that died. What a diffrence!

DVD player died -- Larry found one that will fit and work with surround sound system -- Yamaha YMC-500BL.

Currently "enjoying" 50 - 60 MPH winds in Albuquereque!
Happy Trails!

[eaherrmann]

Hey All,
OK..we finally de-winterized and lo and behold the bypass valve on the hot water tank has siezed. Atco calls the valve a mixing valve and it olny costs $199 plus shipping, oh joy. Has anyone else had a problem with theirs? I went ahead and "manufactured" one from lowes parts but now the meaning of HOT water is OMG :E We're talking jumping out of the shower hot.

OH Yea, hi all! 🙂 Welcome to Spring!!!!

[double_clutch]

Happy New Year Everyone

Has anyone installed the Traveler Antenna on their Designer and if so have they found a sat cable buried under the rubber roof, maybe around the antenna


thanks
Don

[sirdrakejr]

And to all you Jayco owners, have a great year and save travels.
Frank