Winnebago 29VE vs Jayco Greyhawk 29W , new

[oldsarge]

Torn between the two, Anyone have these RV's and feedback you can share. The new floor plans for both have great things going for them and they are both about the same price range. Just looking for long range quality and ride. Anything else I should be looking at. Thanks!

[rider1520]

Glad to hear of your experience with the Jayco 29W. I really liked the Jayco as well. It seemed like you got more for your money, with that said you really need to check things out because nothing is free so they must do something in order to offer what they do at a lower price point than the competition. But like I said I really liked them and would probably have gone with them had I not went with a class A (I like Winnebago's Class A better)

[oldsarge]

We took another 31 Foot Jayco Greyhawk for a test drive this past weekend. Since they didn't have the 29W model in stock we looked for the same size and weight to feel if the ride was smooth, quiet and aligned up and balanced like my last ride in a Jayco was a bit out of align and tires seemed to not balanced. The ride was excellent. Although it had two slides they say the weight was the same but the extra slide I feel was a bit heavier but handled real well for the highway with winds that day and back roads. So easy to drive and fun. We got a great price with the full body paint which was the summer bliss. Although a bit darker for summer months and AC involved and to consider, we went with the Aluminum rims and with two 11k BTU AC's for that extra incase we needed it. We still have a few more to look at before we order one in late January but we are pretty much sold on the 2017 Jayco Greyhawk 29W. We still want to give the minnie winnie ago and the 29VE style also. They did a great article in Motorhome magazine Dec issue 2017 on the vista and minnie. We look forward to the other rides too. Note, we like the keyless entry on coach door, 4 door frig and the 7500 towing , with new plush ceiling and upgraded plush leather power seats. The passenger is not power or they swivel but I can get the non swivel seat on the passenger to swivel with a kit. Just need one to open to coach.

[rider1520]

One other thing of note, I know that the front seats on the 29VE are able to be turned around and used as part of the living room, but that only works when the loft bed (if you get that option) is in the raised posiition, which,once my kids get settled in, is never!!!

[rider1520]

During our maiden trip out west this past July it was hot and the lone A.C. seem to be OK up front but I could not figure out how to direct enough air flow to the bedroom area to make it comfortable. I thought there was something blocking some of the vents so when I got back I took it to the dealership. They figured out the right combo of closed to open vents and I now believe things would be better (I thought I tried all possible combinations but apparently I did not). That said I would still opt for a 2nd A.C. If that were an option but I am not sure that it is. I had a Class C (Itasca Impulse 32ft) prior to getting the 29VE and it too only had one 15,000 BTU A.C which was ducted and I felt that was fine. Like you point out I guess there are things you could do to help if needed but one shouldn't have to in my opinion. Again, if available I would opt for a second A.C. Just to have it if needed....what would it add 1-2 thousand?....worth it when you need it.....my opinion

[oldsarge]

It might be a bit before I get to the 29 VE but will drive one soon. One question for the group here. Is the 15K BTU air conditioner unit strong enough for the 32 foot Jayco class C coach. Its the same in the Winnebago so I was wandering how that cooled you down in the hot summer months. I read both yes and no on this issue. I remember I use to drive my 32 foot Class A and would only run the dash air in hot areas and we made it ok. It was only at the campground we cranked it up with both AC units. I guess I can close the overhead bunk area to cool things off if not in use. I figure with an open floor plan like the ones I have been looking at should be ok. Just curious on this.

[Clay_L]

oldsarge wrote:
SNIP
The sales guy said you should align and balance any motorhome when you get it home after its filled up with your normal stuff. I never heard that before. SNIP.

It's in the Winnebago manual. I think most manufacturers recommend that for new motor homes.

[rider1520]

Glad to hear you had a good experience oldsarge, let me know what you think of the 29VE !

[Bumpyroad]

oldsarge wrote:
I looked at and drove the 2017 Jayco Greyhawk 29W. Awesome floor plan with great storage .

couldn't find the specs but from its picture it looks to me like the roof is either rubber or TPO, not fiberglass.
bumpy

[oldsarge]

I looked at and drove the 2017 Jayco Greyhawk 29W. Awesome floor plan with great storage. Drove fantastic on the highway and back roads. Very easy to handle on the back roads too. Although a nice ride I felt it could use a tire balance and front end alignment. 99 % great ride though. The sales guy said you should align and balance any motorhome when you get it home after its filled up with your normal stuff. I never heard that before. By the way, jayco coach was so quiet in the coach part. Nothing rattled at all. Very tight. It had basic graphics , although off white and very nice I like the full body paint with the price I got was very good. Anyway, off to compare to the Winnebago 29VE.

[jharrell]

I have the 31BE, it's been great, no major issues 12,000 miles. You can access bunks while the slide is in, just a narrow opening but and adult can still get in, and the kids have no problem. Bunks are a huge plus with the kids.

Preferred over the class c for fuel and holding tank size and much more basement storage.

[rider1520]

Prior to getting the 29VE we had an Istaca 31C which was a class C with the overhead bunk and the fuel mileage was about the same at 8-9mpg. I liked that the Jayco overhang is strengthen to support up to 700lbs compared to the 300lb rating of the Itasca. I really liked our class C and was interested in getting another and the choice was difficult to make. After having the 29VE for about a year I am happy with the choice for the reason listed above, also i will mention that I REALLY like having the dinette on the passenger side of the house as it allows for us to sit anc watch the kids while working rather than look at out our neighbors, but either way I think you will be Ok. Good luck and let me know if I can be of any further help!

[oldsarge]

Right, you can see the bunks but no access. The layout is to much lefts and rights and walking around things. I like a straight wide path to back to front with a very open feel while slides closed. Thats what the New Jayco Greyhawk 29W floor plan is like, Extreme open floor plan with slides closed. Very nice with the layout. I know it has a longer wheel base than the 29VE. but we do like it. I hear it has a great ride but I just don't like that cab overhang. Seems like it would just kill fuel mileage and attract to much wind. We had a Allegro 32BA class A for years. It measured out at 33'10". The Jayco is 32'6' and the Winnebago is 30' We like the smaller class A and the turning radius is awesome compared to Class C's. Anyway , still doing research on them all.

[rider1520]

FYI on the 31BE....be sure to check it with the slides in, I do not believe you will be a bale to access the bunks and in order to get to the rear bed you need to go through the bathroom

[oldsarge]

Thanks rider 1520 and all other responses on the 29VE with 5500 mile trip, WOW!, I look for things like wardrobe for two, big bathroom space like home, under carry massive storage, big frig and sociability in the cab area with room to chat and talk while being on the road with adults but also have room for the grand kids. Nothing too big or too small. We did look first at the winnebago 31BE , nice but we just thought the walls and finish looked to entry level. To get the upgrade you have to jump to the 35 sunstar LX and a lot more money. We just looked at the 29ve near us and the 2017 looks very nice. Still torn between the a few but will make a decision soon. The feedback is awesome on rv.net. We still like the cambria 30J too. All being in the running. Our biggest theme in our new RV lifestyle is cruise and move, be anywhere anytime and be able to park mostly everywhere with friends and families driveways.