Jride, from what I read while researching all this last year is more hype than anything else. I was under the impression that all driveshafts were balanced. Many owners of Jride have to install aftermarket items just like any other brand.
Regarding your floorplan slide choice, I do not like a bedroom slide that extends out the side because we sleep in a lot of rest areas with limited space. In order to use the bed, you need to deploy the driver side slide into a possible lane of traffic. That's where most of us rest our heads and that worries me in a rest area with vehicles whizzing past me with distracted drivers.
None are built like tanks, all brands have issues . I really do not think there is enough differences between them to make a difference, good or bad. I would not spend thousands on something because it appeared nice or looked more polished . I would buy the floorplan I wanted from a good dealer that remembered my name at least.
I also went with a 24ft unit for the same reasons as you. My choice was the non-slide 2018, 2350LE Sunseeker on a E450 . If that interests you , I will be glad to offer you more detailed info why I passed up the J and W's.
It extended my season . Its the best heated rv I have ever owned because all the tanks, water lines, pump and valves are in heated areas like cabinets and sub floor with 2" of solid foam. Non of the water lines are run in outside walls and it had a full size pillowtop queen 60x80 not a 54x whatever .
