It’s amazing the technology we can pack into RVs these days--multiple HDTVs, stainless steel appliances, LED lighting, USB charging ports almost always within arm’s reach. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s no wonder shoppers are drawn to these bells and whistles; the idea of watching TV, doing laundry or keeping mobile devices cranking in the woods or at the foot of a mountain is pretty darn exciting.
There are, however, other things to consider as you narrow your search for the right RV, and they don’t have to be mutually exclusive from exciting technology (especially in a Jayco).
There’s also real value in things like the number of trips you can take in an RV, frequency of service and overall comfort; the characteristics of an RV that factor into those kinds of things often aren’t immediately apparent. Here are a few examples of those less obvious features that make a big difference in the long run.
The roof
No matter the RV you decide on, you’ll want to clean and maintain the roof’s surface—it’s just part of the deal. But what’s beneath the surface is even more important—and there’s a lot going on under there. The strength of an RV’s roof is critical because of the elements it’s exposed to as you venture. It’s also an indicator of a unit’s overall construction quality.
Jayco’s approach: We use screws instead of staples, oversized nail plates (and more of them), large vertical studs made of wood instead of weaker aluminum and thicker header beams. We call it the Magnum Truss™ Roof System and it’s twice as strong as competitors’ roofs. See the proof in this video.
Laminated sidewalls
Other than the graphics, laminated sidewalls generally look the same—shiny and smooth. But don’t let your eyes deceive you. Across the industry, there are two primary methods of forming fiberglass walls, pinch rolling and vacuum bonding, and they deliver starkly different results.
Jayco’s approach: Vacuum-bonding takes a bit more time, but delivers a higher quality result. That’s why we do it. We have an entire facility dedicated to it, in fact. The advanced process involves applying 144 tons of pressure to each wall for 16 minutes to ensure thorough bonding of the wall components. Then, we allow them to cure for at least 24 hours in a climate-controlled environment before being installed on the production line. 
Frame
Just like a brick and mortar home needs a strong foundation to last, so does an RV—especially since it’s going mobile. The frame acts as that foundation. At first glance, you’ll probably only be able see a very small percentage of the frame. But it’s important to understand what’s going on underneath the coach.
Jayco’s approach: The A-frames on our RVs are integrated into the structural steel I-beams under the body, as opposed to welded, helping to prevent the hitch from buckling. The outriggers are important too. Ours extend the full width of the trailer and are spaced closer together for more stability and support of the sidewalls. Meanwhile, our motorhomes sit on chassis built by some of the most respected companies in the world like Mercedes, Ford® and Chevrolet®.
Ducts
Having an A/C in an RV is pretty exciting in and of itself. So exciting that you may not stop to consider the importance of how the cool air is delivered. Truth is, the material and shape of duct work play a big role in how air travels through an RV and how clean it is.
Jayco’s approach: To help assist in the movement of cool air throughout the unit, we use the Jayco-exclusive HELIX Cooling System. There are no 90-degree angles for air to get stuck in, keeping air flowing fast and strong. What’s more, this system doesn’t use any Styrofoam, which can be a game changer for those with allergies; there are no pores for moisture to gather or mold to form.
Insulation
Mother Nature can be hard to predict. But, that unpredictability is part of the adventure and excitement of getting away from the daily and weekly routine. It’s also a reason insulation shouldn’t be overlooked. Better insulation means more of the calendar is available to you and yours for getting out.
Jayco’s approach: We put extra insulation in the areas where it matters most: roofs, floors, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. And since talk of R-factors can be confusing, we put our RVs through rigorous climate testing for results that show in a more tangible way how cozy and comfy you’ll feel. See for yourself in this Climate Shield video.
That’s just a taste…slam-eliminating friction-hinged doors, protective sealed underbellies, stain resistant carpet, we could go on and on. They may not be as enticing as the idea of watching your favorite movie under the stars or syncing up to your unit’s speakers via Bluetooth®, but more camping, fewer service visits and comfortable trips can be pretty exciting too.
May not apply to all Jayco models. Check most up-to-date information about your unit or speak with your Jayco dealer.
Additional Resources:
The Strongest RV Roof in the Business
