Is Jayco better than Forest River?

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Is Jayco better than Forest River? We will review both Jayco and the Forest River motorhomes, and help you decide which one is the best.

Is Jayco better than Forest River?

It is difficult to say whether Jayco is better than Forest River or vice versa, as both companies make good quality RVs, with a striking design and many, many happy customers. 

To make more clear any differences between Jayco and Forest River, we have created the table below.

CriteriaJaycoForest River
ProsFloor plan layout, decorated with taste and prompt warranty work.
Magnum Truss Roof System, Climate Shield, solid foundations and JRide.
The floorplan and general RV layout, more spacious.

Connection for WiFi/phone/ cable/satellite/up to four TVs.
ConsPoor quality of construction and poor quality materials in some models. Customer service and product quality could improve (according to customer reviews)
Quality and reputationOverall high-quality trailers and a great exterior design.Among the highest amount of complaints from customers (about 1 in 10 compared to Jayco)
Model variety and PriceTravel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up trailers,  Class C and Class A motorhomes.
Price: under the $50,000  mark
Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up trailers,  Class C and Class A motorhomes.
Price: under the $30,000  mark

Next, we will discuss the main reasons for Jayco and Forest River RVs recalls and the solutions that both companies have come with to the main complaints of their customers. Because what better way to know if Jayco is better than Forest River if not knowing what went wrong with some models!

Jayco RVs recalls

While no one is happy to have a visit to the garage or dealership, prevention is sometimes better than repairs. Here are three common recalls for Jayco models:

Case #1

Manufacturer: Jayco

Models: Embark Class C 2019-202

Problem: On some motorhomes, the electronic control centre does not have adequate circuit protection. Therefore, its circuit board could be damaged by high voltage. If this happens, the circuit board could overheat. 

Safety Risks: This overheating could create a fire hazard.

Solution: Jayco will notify owners by mail and ask them to take their motorhome to a dealership to add additional overcurrent protection to the electronic control centre.

Case #2

Manufacturer: Jayco

Models: Jayco Motorhomes: Envoy 2017; Esteem 2018-2019; Greyhawk 2016-2019; Greyhawk Prestige 2018-2019; Odyssey 2018-2019; Redhawk 2016-2019; Seneca 2016-2018

Problem: On certain motorhomes, the bracket that holds the hydraulic levelling system pump and reservoir in place may fail. If this happens, the pump and tank could come into contact with the ground. Doing so could cause hydraulic fluid to leak and parts could separate from the motorhome. 

Safety risk: A hydraulic fluid leak or parts falling from the motor home could create a danger to other road users and increase the risk of an accident.

Solution: Jayco will notify owners by mail and ask them to take their motorhome to a dealership to add backup support to the hydraulic levelling system pump and reservoir.

Case #3

Manufacturer: Jayco

Models: Jayco Motorhomes: Anthem 2020-2021; Aspire 2019-2021; Cornerstone 2020-2021; Embark Class C 2021

Problem: On certain motor homes with Villa 6-way power seats for driver and passenger, the seat rocker switch wiring may not be the correct size and may not have been routed correctly. This could damage the switch cables on the seat frame, which could cause a short circuit. In addition, if the seat rocker switch were left stuck in the open (ON) position, the cables could overheat and melt. 

Safety Risks: A short circuit or an overheating cable could create a fire hazard.

Solution: Jayco should notify owners by mail and ask them to take their motorhome to a dealership for a temporary repair. The dealer will install an insulating sleeve and cable ties to secure the wire harness in place until final repairs are available. During this time, owners should ensure that the seat rocker switch is not stuck in the open (ON) position to prevent overheating of the cables.

Forest River recalls

Now, let’s see some Forest River recalls and the safety risks that they pose:

Case #1

Manufacturer: Forest River

Models: Riverstone 2021

Problem: On some classic caravans, the wiring to the electrical distribution panel may have been plugged in incorrectly. As a result, there may be electrical power back through the power cord when the generator is operating. 

Note: This problem only affects caravans equipped with the generator preparation option. 

Safety Risks: Backflow of electrical power through the power cord could pose a risk of electric shock or fire.

Solution: Forest River should notify owners by mail and ask them to take their trailer to a dealership to have the wiring corrected at the power transfer switch. Forest River recommends that the generator not be operated until repairs under this recall have been made.

Case #2

Manufacturer: Forest River

Models: Palomino 2020-2021

Problem: On some classic caravans, the roof-mounted antenna wing may not be attached properly. As a result, the antenna could become detached from the trailer while driving. 

Safety risks: An antenna that falls from the trailer can create a danger to others and increase the risk of an accident.

Solution: Forest River will notify owners by mail. Affected owners will need to take their trailer to a dealership to have the roof-mounted antenna wing repaired or replaced.

 Case #3

Manufacturer: Forest River

Models: Cardinal 2021

Problem: In some classic caravans it is possible that an inadequate fresh air intake sleeve has been installed for the oven. This could cause oven exhaust vapours to enter the trailer through the fresh air intake. If this happens, there could be a build-up of carbon monoxide inside the trailer when the oven is in use. 

Safety Risks: A build-up of carbon monoxide inside the trailer could cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which could cause bodily harm or death.

Solution: Forest River will notify owners by mail. Affected owners will need to take their trailer to a dealership to have the fresh air intake sleeve replaced.

Why choose Forest River RVs

When looking for a recreational vehicle it is very important not to make mistakes and therefore to seek sound advice on the vehicle that interests us. This purchase is in many cases a vehicle to keep for several years in order to fully benefit from it. 

This is the reason why it is essential to observe the quality of the product we acquire and this quality can be observed by simple facts such as the material used for the roof or the thickness of the manufacture of the walls etc.

The best-selling Forest River vehicles are the very popular Georgetown or the C-Class Sunseeker are vehicles that are built with an arched fibreglass monocoque roof having an R-18 insulation ratio. The advantages of this choice of construction are numerous and important for a future buyer:

  • Longer lifespan;
  • Greater weather resistance;
  • Does not require annual maintenance (roof);
  • Fewer joints creating possible water infiltration in the future;
  • Double windows for better insulation and therefore a longer period of use;
  • Greater soundproofing in the vehicle;
  • Higher resale value of the vehicle;
  • 2-inch Vacuum-Bond Laminated exterior walls;
  • Block foam insulation;
  • Superlite composite named AZDEL;
  • Plastic-coated fibreglass exterior;
  • One-piece Beauflor coating in certain vehicles;
  • Aluminum frame. 

Why choose Jayco Rvs

The quality of Jayco products is what makes them particularly reliable. The materials and technology used in the design of their products are of the highest quality. Their products are equipped with:

  • Magnum Truss Roof System: This manufacturing system allows Jayco product roofs to support over 2000 kg – 50% more than other recreational vehicles.
  • Climate Shield: Rest assured that your Jayco can protect you against extreme climates with protection from advanced technology.
  • Solid Foundations: Other RV manufacturers use stump frames that they alter slightly, but Jayco RV frames and foundations are made by Jayco themselves for superior durability.
  • JRide: Jayco products are designed by engineers who know the road is just as important as the destination; thus you are guaranteed optimal comfort.
  • Jayco products are, however, also known for their environmental attributes which reduce waste rates as well as lower energy and fuel consumption.

Jayco RVs are completely designed for fast, efficient and safe family use. Jayco promises, indeed, arduous attention to plans and models that consider the use of a family with children. For this reason, many families who enjoy camping are definitely heading to Jayco for an RV.

The bottom line

We hope that after reading carefully the benefits, disadvantages, quality reviews and reports of both Jayco models and Forest River models, you will be able to make the right decision for you.

There is no perfect RV model because everyone will have an advantage but also a disadvantage that can be a deal-breaker for someone. Which RV would you choose? Leave us a comment!

FAQ on Is Jayco better than Forest River?

Are Forest River trailers any good?

Forest River trailers are a good deal for their price and a popular choice in the United States, sometimes due to the huge number and models that there is on the market.

Are Jayco caravans good?

According to many travel enthusiasts, Jayco caravans are indeed good motorhomes. The quality of Jayco products is what makes them particularly reliable. The materials and technology used in the design of their products are of the highest quality.

What are the worst RV brands?

The worst RV brands are considered the Forest River, Fleetwood, Winnebago, Gulfstream brands. 

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