2011 Jayco Jay Series Camping Trailers Review
Let’s be honest here. I like tent trailers, or camping trailers, as they’re being called now. They have all the advantages that low towing heights and low weights give you in fuel mileage. They’re extremely maneuverable, are quite easy to back into a campsite, getting easier to “pop up” with each model year.
They also have a few disadvantages, but just a few. If you pack up and head for home during a rainstorm or while it’s snowing, you’ll have to set it up for a drying-out period after returning home. And if you’re going to pack or unpack before and after each trip, it will necessitate raising the center section for access to the interior (however, you may not need to deploy the fore and aft bed extensions).
In the meantime, you can cruise the highways and byways with negligible nibbling on your tow vehicle’s fuel miles-per-gallon figures. The Jay’s reduced weight will hardly be noticed in the price window of the fuel pumps along the way, unless, of course, you have an active and heavy foot on the accelerator. Ease away from traffic signals and stop signs and you’ll probably notice less than a one-mile-per-gallon drop.
Offering a wide assortment of floorplans and feature options, the Jayco Jay Series camping trailers continue to be pleasing camping trailers for families of all sizes. They are available in a variety of floorplans ranging from 11 feet to just over 18 feet, offering sufficient storage and sleeping space for families large and small. Each camping trailer can be designed to fit the needs and preferences of each individual family because of the numerous standards and options to choose from ranging from basic to deluxe. With five different lengths and floorplans of camping trailers, each with a unique personality, every family is sure to find a Jayco Jay Series camping trailer to fit their camping needs. A new option this year on all Jayco camping trailers is a Yakima bike rack that includes two high-strength crossbars boasting 150-pound capacity, two high roller premier upright bike racks, and security locks.
The Jay Series, Jayco’s affordable, entry-level, and most popular camping trailer, has space to sleep up to eight people. The Jay Series is designed for easy setup and maintenance. The beds feature sectionalized DuraTek material with a unique Velcro tent-to-bunk attachment system. New standard equipment in the Jay Series for 2011 includes ball-bearing drawer guides with full-drawer extension, new floor color and design, and a new countertop design and color (Milano Quartz). Other standard equipment include a carry-out dinette table, stainless steel carry-out stove, J-Steel sofa in select models, silver wheel rims, and TorFlex independent torsion axle suspension. Upgrades for the new model year include upgraded Filon pebble grain sidewall material and new exterior graphics. The Customer Value Package includes a refrigerator, awning, multi-media sound system AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 and iPod input jack and two speakers, water purification system, and prep for solar power.
With Jayco, you get more amenities, a two-year warranty, more home-like features and excellent construction for better durability and greater resale value. Simply put, you won’t find another RV packed with more true value—from the time of purchase to the time you sell.
Packed with high-quality amenities and low-maintenance features—including an advanced lifter system that makes setting up fast and easy—Jayco camping trailers are easier to maneuver, easier to store, and easier to tow than larger units (as I said earlier). And compared to a ground-mounted tent, they’re way more comfortable and weather-resistant, making them the perfect place to spend time with your friends and family, without spending a fortune to do so.
Some of the reasons Jayco camping trailers are among the easiest to tow are the E-Z Lube axles and TorFlex independent torsion axle suspensions. They are also convenient with innovative storage options, low-maintenance vinyl flooring, a full kitchen with hot and cold-running water, an outside shower, and optional heated bed mats are just a few special touches. The Jay Series’ tastefully designed dining area boasts hinged plywood dinette seat bases with extra storage. The Customer Value Package adds a 2 cu. ft. refrigerator, two bunk-end fan lights, water purification system, and self-storing awning.
The Jay Series’ patented lifter system is fully enclosed to protect against rust and road debris, and uses strong, flexible push-rods to guide the roof up as you crank, while tubular lift posts with nylon bushings have no edges to chafe the DuraTek tent.
Nearly perfect for family getaways and friendly get-togethers alike, the Jay Series is Jayco’s most popular and affordable camping trailer, with a range of family-friendly floorplans and plenty of room for all your stuff.
