2011 Jayco Pinnacle 36 RETS Review

RVGuide.com
by RVGuide.com

When some people think of “roughing it,” they picture sleeping on the rocky ground, a thin layer of fabric protecting them from the elements and not-so-pleasant bathroom facilities. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Take the 2011 Jayco Pinnacle Fifth Wheel, for example.


Redesigned from the ground up, the 2011 Pinnacle offers RVers five different floorplans to choose from, but since we only have time to take you around one, we picked the 36RETS for your personally guided tour. It’s the largest in the series, measuring in with an exterior length of 40’, an exterior height of 155”, and interior height of 81” and an unloaded weight of 12,280 lbs.

One of the things we liked the most about the Jayco Pinnacle is that it has been Green certified by TRA Certification Inc. (an independent, third-party certification agency) and has earned gold certification through the use of sustainable materials, environmentally friendly production methods, energy-efficient components and reduction of waste. It makes you feel good about seeing the country in a vehicle that does its part to keep the country healthy and beautiful.


Even though it’s certified Green, that doesn’t the Pinnacle scrimps when it comes to durability. This fifth wheel is designed with an aerodynamic front and rear caps make towing easier, improving your fuel efficiency, and comes with Mor/ryde Cre 3000 rubberized suspension, to ensure the ride is a smooth one. Adding to the package is electric stabilizer jacks, Goodyear tires on aluminum rims, high-gloss gel-coated sidewalls, entry door and baggage doors, an enclosed, heated underbelly and a Carefree Travel’r electric awning with patio light convenience outlet.


In the way of construction, the Pinnacle backs up its durability claims with a 5/8″ tongue-and-groove plywood deck floor that comes equipped with 2″ x 3″ wooden floor joists, together with fiberglass and foil insulation and a Poly flex covering. To ensure the walls are tough, Jayco uses tuffshell vacuum-bonded lamination combined with welded aluminum frames, metal backers, decorative interior wall panels and fibreglass exterior siding. This not only makes it durable, but it also ensures that the Pinnacle’s structure will withstand use and travel. Finally, the roof is laminated, vacuum bonded and is topped off with ¼” plywood decking on 5″ arched aluminum trusses with bead-foam insulation and a seamless rubber shield that protects against moisture and resists aging.

Other exterior features that come in handy include an outdoor media center located in basement, prep for outside grill, rain guttering with extended downspouts, a roof ladder, Stor-Galore basement storage, a heated and enclosed uni-dock utility center and Expansi-View floor-to-ceiling windows.


It’s time to go inside and take a look around at what the living conditions will be like. Choose from four interior decors – Caramel, Espresso, Latte and Truffle – while the rest of the interior is decked out in accruements designed to make you feel at home. These include hammered-style wrought iron cabinetry hardware, residential trim and window treatments with a wrought iron curtain rod and a wallpaper border. Other features include hardwood ceiling features in select areas on main level, linoleum floor in entryway, pleated day/night shades throughout and vinyl flooring.


Chefs rejoice – you’re in for a treat with the Culinary Dream Kitchen. A blend of form and function, this is the kitchen of your dreams. Giving it a luxe look is decorative grooved base cabinet accent panels, a multi-tiered cabinetry design, upper and lower multi-beveled cabinetry crown molding, decorative mullion-style cabinet doors with accent glass, base cabinet toe kicks with rope accent lighting, a kitchen backsplash, built-in hardwood wine rack and pendant lighting over the island. To create your culinary masterpieces, it comes outfitted with a flush-mounted oven with range top and cover, an over-the-range microwave and an 8 cu. ft. Norcold refrigerator with raised-panel fronts. Other features include a pull-out kitchen faucet, a water filtration system, full-height pantry with adjustable shelves, a sliding trash receptacle storage cabinet, residential-grade, high-gloss Corian kitchen countertops and stainless-steel kitchen sink with dual Corian sink covers.

Everybody needs some down time, especially when you’re on vacation. Enjoy your TV time with the Pinnacle’s all-in-one stereo unit, complete with AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3 player and a toggle switch for outside speakers. The 40″ LCD HDTV sits on a hardwood entertainment center that features a remote drawer, and when you’re not sitting on it to watch the game, the hide-a-bed sofa offers extra sleeping arrangements with an air mattress, blanket drawer and hidden storage. The living area is where you’ll also find a free-standing table and chairs with table-top extension and hidden seat storage, perfect for eating dinner together as a family. If you really want to make this room cushy, choose to upgrade with the Ledge stone fireplace and ultra-leather rocker recliners options.


On to the Tranquility Bedroom Suite bedroom, where a great night’s sleep is aided by a 72″ x 80″ Cloud Ten king-sized mattress that’s outfitted with decorative pillows and bedding and hardwood headboard. For all your storage needs, it comes with full-trunk under-bed storage, full-width dresser drawers and aromatic cedar-lined front wardrobe closet. There’s even a hardwood media center cabinet with in-and-out TV compatibility. Other features include his and her nightstands and reading lights, hardwood framed front closet doors with mullion accents, vented washer/dryer prep cabinet with shelving unit, a decorative dresser lamp, dresser cabinet toe kicks, satellite receiver prep and a private bathroom entry.

The bathroom is found right off the bedroom suite and contributes to the Pinnacle’s residential feel. A porcelain foot-flush toilet and porcelain sink, radius shower surround with glass door and Corian-edged bath lavatory top will have you taking your time when you’re getting ready for the day ahead. Other features found in the bathroom include cabinet toe kicks, hardwood medicine cabinet with mirror, toilet paper holder, a towel holder and ring, vanity light fixture and vinyl flooring.


To lean more about the 2011 Pinnacle Fifth Wheel, visit the Jayco website at http://www.jayco.com/.


Related Reading


2011 Jayco Jay Series Camping Trailers Review


2010 Jayco Precept Review


2008 Jayco Seneca Review

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