Heather Brewer and her family are proud owners of a Jayco Jay Flight. We caught up with them to ask some questions about their experiences with their Jayco RV, some of their favorite memories and advice they would give to new RVers or those thinking of joining the lifestyle.
Which Jayco RV do you own?
A 2015 Jay Flight 32BHDS Bunkhouse
Is this your first Jayco RV?
This is our second Jayco and our third RV. Our first Jayco was a 28ft bunkhouse, and before that (and before kids) we had a 16ft travel trailer. We’ve been Jayco owners for 11 years and have been RVers for 14 years.
Who travels with you when you take your Jayco out?
My husband Chad and our two kids, Sage and Bear.
How do you typically travel – long trips or weekend getaways?
Our typical camping year consists of weekend getaways and a two-week vacation. We always hit the summer bookend holidays Memorial & Labor Day. During spring and fall we’ll squeeze in a handful of one-night trips close to home.
Since owning your Jayco, what is your favorite memory, destination or trip?
The parents’ favorite is Copper Harbor, MI. It’s the northern-most tip of the Upper Peninsula. There are rocky bluffs for hiking, internationally-ranked mountain bike trails to ride, virgin forests for exploring, and no cell reception. It’s a magical place. We did a remote hike that took us over an hour of driving a bumpy, hilly, two-track before we found the trailhead. There was a handmade sign at the start that said “No rescue,” which added a layer of daring and adventure. We were rewarded with a view from the top of a 500-foot bluff over Lake Superior. It was stunning and epic, and I think the kids will remember it for a long, long time. The kids’ favorite place to visit is Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World.
What is your favorite thing about your Jayco?
Chad: The outdoor kitchen and the family living space—there’s room for everyone without being on top of each other.
Heather: The storage space is great, but I really like laying on the couch and reading a book—especially on rainy days.
Bear: The bunk beds and the J-Cubes because the J-Cubes are very soft and comfortable.
Sage: We have our own room.
What made you choose Jayco?
We window-shopped for a long time, and what sold us on this model is the kids’ room. They have their own space to hangout and relax when they need it. There’s also plenty of room for living and storage, but it’s still small enough that we can get into our favorite State Parks.
What is the one thing you won’t leave home without?
Chad: Cast Iron Cookware.
Heather: Kindle Paperwhite and coffee.
Bear: Kindle.
Sage: Ellie (the stuffed Elephant) & a book and our bikes.
If someone is on the fence about purchasing a Jayco, (or an RV) what would you tell them?
I always say that my favorite part of RVing is the flexibility and freedom. You’re on your own schedule, you can pull off anywhere to make lunch, take a nap, or go on a hike. You don’t have to look for recreation because its right outside your doorstep, and you can bring all of the comforts of home on the road with you.
Anything else you’d like to share with Jayco Journal readers?
Chad: Keep it simple.
Heather: I agree. It’s good to plan your “must-do’s”, but leave space in the schedule in case of poor weather and the family’s mood—allowing for down time can be vital to enjoying that big adventure you’ve planned. And when packing, be realistic. Do you really need to bring bikes and kayaks on EVERY trip? Probably not.
Bear: Grilling apples with cinnamon and sugar.
Sage: Favorite recipe is grilled cheese and pizza in the pie tins and I love going on scavenger hunts.
