Community Forums

CraiginSD · 01-16-2017, 09:15 PM

Hi all,
Looking to pull the trigger on a Class A. Our budget is about $80k and we really like the layout of the Jayco Precept 3UL. We're not new to RV's as we have a smaller FR Sunseeker Class C, and we had a Jayco travel trailer as our first RV.

Question- Can anyone tell me the big F53 chassis differences? It looks as if some feel the 2015 has a lighter weight so is it the same in both years? I also see some felt the 2015 was tough to drive without suspension upgrades. Did Jayco get it right with their J-Ride in 2017 and the larger tires?

I really appreciate and and all thoughts that can be shared. Especially if there is anyone from Jayco that responds on this forum.
Thanks!
CraiginSD.

ajsfla · 01-20-2017, 12:46 PM

Hi, well i have a 31ul in the middle it's a 2016. We are real happy with ours and when people stop in to visit remark at all the things which are standard on the Precept compared to other coaches that it is optional on. So bottom line great "bang for your buck".

Driving and handling i think is pretty good even on the '16 model. They upped the GVW on the 31ul chassis and has the 22in tires both on the 2017. Here's what i found to make my life easier with the wife in shotgun seat. I increased tire pressure to 92 psi that helped out quite a bit. The 16 has a better suspension than the 15.

Where a lot of people say Jayco screwed up is they cite this ratio of overall length to wheelbase length which the critics claim it needs to be over .5. Basically the 31 precept is at .4922 so real close. I have driven other large vehicles previously and i found like other LARGE BOXES moving down the road with wind gusts and higher speed large trucks passing you by the it handles well. Last fall we went to the upper midwest (MN, ND SD IA ) whewre the wind blows all the time and a light breeze is 15-20 mph. Also had some 35+ mph winds with gusts and like driving anything that size you notice it especially is a cross wind. At no time did i feel that i did not have control of the coach.

Bottom line is a class A will handle different than the class c you have been driving, especially in the gas class a since they all are on F53 chassis for the most part.

Test drive one take it out on the interstate if you can see what you think.

We love ours

Steeljag · 01-20-2017, 12:57 PM

The 2017 will have the Six speed transmission as opposed to the five speed of the 2015.

StevL · 01-20-2017, 07:09 PM

The six speed is a must imo, some 2016 had the new transmission too. Wheelbase didn't change, tire size and payload changed big time in 17.

Good luck,
Steve

ajsfla · 01-21-2017, 05:07 AM

I agree on the 6 speed Our 2016 has it

Allen_C · 01-21-2017, 08:32 AM

With a budget of $80k I don't think you can get a new 2016 or 2017 Precept 31ul, but you could get a 2016 Alante 31v and for a little more $ you could get a 2017 that adds a stainless steel double sink inn the kitchen, cup holders, and a larger awning.

ajsfla · 01-21-2017, 03:39 PM

Well i know they went up about 10k from last year. Tampa store has pretty decent specials on both Precept 31ul and alante. Last year we bought ours it was a 2016 had 1200 miles couple bought it and wife couldnt deal with height of it so they traded it back in for a Greyhawk class C. We paid about 81 out the door with extended warranty

CraiginSD · 01-22-2017, 03:47 PM

Thanks everyone! I know I could find a 2015 for my budget but based on some comments here, I might increase the budget a bit. :-)

cyclinggirl · 03-08-2017, 02:18 PM

If you haven't pulled the trigger yet, I can highly recommend the 2017 Precept 2017 31UL, we bought in Tampa in late 2016 and paid under $100,000. We liked the 22 tires and the 2 year warranty, sometimes the service is a little frustrating but overall we love the RV.