Joined the SOB Ranks

[MRichaud]

After hearing the siren call and lots of deliberation, we pulled the trigger on a new 2020 Jayco Precept 31UL. We weren't really unhappy overall with the ACE, but more ready to move up a bit. More room, more storage, more niceties. And yes, more money spent! But we got what we feel is a good deal, and had a great buying experience at Lazy Days Knoxville. Walk-through was very extensive, and literally no pressure during the sales and signing processes.

One really neat feature is the auto leveling system that can be controlled by a smart phone. Which means you can stand outside during leveling and watch for any issues/problems. Probably a needless "geegaw", but pretty cool.

So, here we go!

Mickey

[coachray]

Congrats on your purchase. Getting a new RV is always an exciting time.

[Bob Denman]

From one S.O.B. to another: welcome to the "Dark Side"...

We have cookies!

[paulwadley]

A coach is a coach with a different name. Congrats on the new one.

[Travelin' Texans]

Technically it's a sister brand (SB) as Thor is the parent company of Jayco.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans

Technically it's a sister brand (SB) as Thor is the parent company of Jayco.

You beat me to it!

[Bob Denman]

It can still be an S.O.B.
Sister of Brand...

[Pete'sMH]

DW and I befriended a couple in the campsite next door one time and they invited us to dinner in their Precept. We liked it a lot and almost single handedly it got us to looking. We’ve been SOB for a while now and it really does take a while to figure out exactly what you want. Enjoy your new coach and please stick around on this forum. It’s one of the best.

[JamieGeek]

Not only is it a sister: there is a Jayco forum here.

Congratulations.

[dkoldman]

Congratulations being an SOB, it is not all bad. As I have never owned a Thor, I have had good practical experience as an SOB; so I was prepared for it

I think you auto leveling with phone is awesome. That is an upgrade I would buy, need to check with Powergear US. I would think it would have to be integrated with my existing keypad so it could use the same onboard controller? Currently it is a little of a beat down to go in and out of coach just to ensure all is well.

Congrats on the Jayco

[MRichaud]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

Congratulations being an SOB, it is not all bad. As I have never owned a Thor, I have had good practical experience as an SOB; so I was prepared for it

I think you auto leveling with phone is awesome. That is an upgrade I would buy, need to check with Powergear US. I would think it would have to be integrated with my existing keypad so it could use the same onboard controller? Currently it is a little of a beat down to go in and out of coach just to ensure all is well.

Congrats on the Jayco

Thanks. We almost bought a Vista 29VE - virtually the same as your Sunstar. Really liked the inside storage, but with the full wall slide, the floorplan is not all that different from the ACE. For us, the extra room in the Precept was a big deciding factor. Power cabin and theater seats were also a big plus. And I don't think we'll ever fill up the residential fridge - it's HUGE!


First short trip will be next week!

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by MRichaud

Thanks. We almost bought a Vista 29VE - virtually the same as your Sunstar. Really liked the inside storage, but with the full wall slide, the floorplan is not all that different from the ACE. For us, the extra room in the Precept was a big deciding factor. Power cabin and theater seats were also a big plus. And I don't think we'll ever fill up the residential fridge - it's HUGE!


First short trip will be next week!

This is funny because we almost bought a ACE 29.3 TWICE!!!! In fact it is why we joined this site. Neither of the units we were looking to buy could ever get past PDI. We simply did not wish to trust the dealer to fix later. Then Thor dropped making the ACE 29.3 and I knew then we were out. (Add in they were harder to find as we wanted two ACs). The Sunstar/Vista 29VE has 100 cuft more storage space than the ACE 29.3 But the layouts are identical and what we wanted. In hindsight, we feel we backed in lucky with Winnebago. The Coach, Winnebago, and the Dealers thus far have been awesome. When you live in it a little you start to see the details and upgrades that Winnebago installed. i.e. The MCD black out shades throughout coach (no curtains), the Bus like fasteners on compartment doors, power management system, location of batteries under steps etc. I did like and want the Residential Fridge some of ACE 29.3s; but after 6 months I am not so sure anymore. Our outside Fridge is on an inverter and when we boondock; we can run everything the full day and at 7:00 AM the next morning the AGS kicks on to recharge batteries. The main fridge is running off propane that seems to last forever and dirt cheap. We have yet to fill our main fridge in part because we load 80% of the drinks in the outside fridge.

But you went big with the Precept I am 100% certain that you picked the perfect coach for you and your family. Congratulations.. you SOB...

[The_Breeze]

Originally Posted by MRichaud

After hearing the siren call and lots of deliberation, we pulled the trigger on a new 2020 Jayco Precept 31UL. We weren't really unhappy overall with the ACE, but more ready to move up a bit. More room, more storage, more niceties. And yes, more money spent! But we got what we feel is a good deal, and had a great buying experience at Lazy Days Knoxville. Walk-through was very extensive, and literally no pressure during the sales and signing processes.

One really neat feature is the auto leveling system that can be controlled by a smart phone. Which means you can stand outside during leveling and watch for any issues/problems. Probably a needless "geegaw", but pretty cool.

So, here we go!

Mickey

Good luck with your new rig. I have rapid camp (separate remote), as do a few others here. I think you'll find it really useful in tight spots where you need to make sure a slide is fully extended and locked but doesn't make contact with a nearby obstruction (e.g. power pole).

Safe travels.

[MRichaud]

Originally Posted by dkoldman

This is funny because we almost bought a ACE 29.3 TWICE!!!! In fact it is why we joined this site. Neither of the units we were looking to buy could ever get past PDI. We simply did not wish to trust the dealer to fix later. Then Thor dropped making the ACE 29.3 and I knew then we were out. (Add in they were harder to find as we wanted two ACs). The Sunstar/Vista 29VE has 100 cuft more storage space than the ACE 29.3 But the layouts are identical and what we wanted. In hindsight, we feel we backed in lucky with Winnebago. The Coach, Winnebago, and the Dealers thus far have been awesome. When you live in it a little you start to see the details and upgrades that Winnebago installed. i.e. The MCD black out shades throughout coach (no curtains), the Bus like fasteners on compartment doors, power management system, location of batteries under steps etc. I did like and want the Residential Fridge some of ACE 29.3s; but after 6 months I am not so sure anymore. Our outside Fridge is on an inverter and when we boondock; we can run everything the full day and at 7:00 AM the next morning the AGS kicks on to recharge batteries. The main fridge is running off propane that seems to last forever and dirt cheap. We have yet to fill our main fridge in part because we load 80% of the drinks in the outside fridge.

But you went big with the Precept I am 100% certain that you picked the perfect coach for you and your family. Congratulations.. you SOB...

Yeah, the Vista/Sunstar is a nice step up from the ACE in fit and finish. Really nice cabinetry, and the storage is great. The wife really liked the pullout pantry next to the fridge, along with the wooden flip-top work station in front of the passenger seat. And the slam latch basement doors are a big plus as well.