2018 Jayco Redhawk 26XD Review
The 2018 Jayco Redhawk series is designed to offer families a reliable ride and camping experience for the family. There are six Redhawk floorplans available, including the Redhawk 26XD, which has safety belts in all the living area seating and can sleep up to seven.
Looking at the measurements, the Jayco Redhawk 26XD has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,500 lbs, a gross combined weight rating of 22,000 lbs, and a 7500 lb hitch. It measures 28’ 8” in length, 11” 6” high, and 100” wide. Fresh water capacity is 47 gallons, gray water capacity is 41 gallons, and black water capacity is 32 gallons. The water heater holds 6.0 gallons and propane tanks hold 42 lbs.
Built on a Ford E-450 chassis and, as a Jayco vehicle, the Redhawk 26XD comes equipped with the JRide system, which is designed to enhance your driving experience. It includes a computer-balanced driveshaft, standard front and rear stabilizer bars, Hellwig helper springs, and rubber isolation mounts.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Coachmen Concord 300DS
Redhawk 26XD features include a one-piece seamless front cap, vacuum-bonded laminated roof, floor and sidewalls, and tinted, frameless windows. There are several exterior storage compartments include pass-through and another compartment with drainage. There’s also a back-up camera, roof ladder, outside shower and 13’ electric awning, and leveling jack prep.
Stepping inside, you’ll notice that even with the slides closed, there is still ample walking space from the motorhome’s front to back.
Starting at the back of the motorhome, the bedroom has a walk-around Queen bed and each side has a nightstand and outlets. There’s storage space under the bed and two large wardrobes. The ensuite bathroom has a comfortably sized shower with built-in shelving, while a skylight, mirrored vanity, under-sink storage, and large window for natural light and ventilation complete the package.
Moving towards the front of the vehicle, there’s more storage including a set of drawers and a linen closet, as well as a sliding partition to close off the back section from the living area for privacy.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV
In the kitchen area, the eight-cubic-foot fridge has panels to match the cabinetry so it blends in seamlessly with the décor. The food prep zone includes a three-burner range with classic white subway tile backsplash, a hooded vent and light, and convection microwave oven. This floorplan has a generous double sink, which is a real plus for clean-up as well as having somewhere to stack dishes while still having a usable and accessible sink.
The booth dinette has safety belts for travel and a mechanism which easily lifts and lowers the table for easy conversion between dining and sleeping set-up. An expansive window above the table gives you a great view of your campsite and floods the space with natural light.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2018 Dynamax Isata 4 31DS
Behind the dinette and across from the entry, there’s a pull-out couch which also has safety belts and converts into a bed. There’s also a window above as well as overhead cabinets.
At the front of the motorcoach, there’s a cab-over bunk that’s rated for 750 lbs and can sleep two adults. The 32” LED HDTV is up in the bunk area and is mounted on an arm that swings out so viewing can also happen comfortably from the sofa and dinette booth.
Underneath the bunk, in the main cab area, tilt steering and remote-controlled sideview mirrors make driving a little easier and more comfortable.
The 2018 Jayco Redhawk 26XD starts at $95,948. For more information, visit http://www.jayco.com/.
