vasselta
Colorado
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Joined: 05/06/2008
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First of all let me start by saying that we like our 36fs but we've had too many problems to chalk them up to "new rig syndrome." We purchased our Seneca in May of this year.
Pros:
1) Power (we live in the rockies, this is important for us)
2) Handling is good for a rig this size. Maneuvering & parking this rig is very easy.
3) Mileage is not bad for the size and weight (approx 8.5-10mpg depending on towing/terrain)
4) The features and layout fit us perfectly, of course this is subjective. Plenty of storage.
Cons:
1) Quality control in manufacture is horrible (at least this has been our experience)
a) pinched harness at drivers side kick panel and sill protector. Dealer had the rig for 3
days and couldn't find it. Slides, micro, fridge, gas detector, etc, all on the same circuit....seriously. I gave up on the dealer and Diag/repair myself. Took 20 minutes to find and repair with the help of a friend. Jayco pinched the harness at time of manufacture. It had to be relocated.
b) Obstruction in range fan caused fan parts to blow out of outside vent.
c) Microwave was inop (wouldn't you test after install?)
d) Roof line at rear was badly scratched (right through the paint) This was clearly by a hose or something and was done before the ladder was installed.
e) improper storage door installation at water closet. Loud snapping sound and damaged parts also leading to paint chipping.
f) The driver's side kick panel clips all broken probably due to trying to shove a mass of wiring behind it. The installer used a factory screw to screw the panel into the rubber molding of the door to secure it. That, of course, ripped out in short order.
g) I had to reroute the battery compartment cables as they were rubbing badly and one was almost rubbed through. (this is not a recall on this model)
h) oh and btw the "surround sound hi end setup" is anything but. They used some cheap-o computer speakers and wired the whole thing up improperly. If your watching a movie you can't even hear some of the characters talking.
There are some more little things but they aren't worth mentioning as they were trivial and easily fixed. Many were direct results of really poor quality at the factory. Door misalignments, dripped roof sealant all over the place, and such. I am a former technician and was able to repair the problems the dealer can't seem to handle. After a couple of months they finally got the new microwave/fan in and are currently installing it. I expect that most of our problems with the unit have been dealt with at this point.
On the flip side we really enjoyed our trips this summer and otherwise really like the rig. I was able to fix most all little problems on the road so other then the constantly blowing fuses and lack of a mirco we we're ok. Now that that is taken care of, I'm hoping for smooth sailing. This is our first rig and I think when the time comes we are going to look at something more akin to a dynamax. At least we'll try and up then anti and find a manufacturer that actually has some kind of quality control. Disappointing because we researched rigs for 2 years before buying this one.
08 Jayco Seneca 36fs
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fordsooperdootydieselsmoker
OrangeCountyCalifornia
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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Sorry for your problems, I hope you enjoy your (hopefully now trouble free!) Jayco in the future! We've has 7 Jayco's so far, and since they were all TT's and are current 5er, I can say they have been great, trouble free and well made. But then again, none of them were as complex as your Seneca. We are in fact waiting for the new Embark to show up, and have researched the Seneca and the Melborne as well as our potential next Jayco. Thanks for your helpful input. Please forward your post to Jayco, I'm sure they would be very interested in your experience. In my experience, they value customer input greatly. I've been invited several times for focus groups for Jayco in the interest in improving their customer satisfaction. Since Jayco is a family owned company, we met the original owners sons and family. They are very driven and show genuine concern as far as keeping their customers happy. And you guys have many miles of safe, fun and happy experiences in your Jayco Seneca! 
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paulin
No. CA
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Joined: 08/28/2003
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vasselta,
We have had similar experiences with our Seneca 34SS which we bought 11 months ago. It has been in the shop for almost half the time we have owned it. All of the problems could have been caught by a good quality control department before leaving the factory.
And, Jayco's supposed great customer service must have evaporated. We have had rather snooty replies to emails and we have found they usually just don't return promised phone calls. We would sure think twice before buying another Jayco product.
Paul & Linda
2007 Jayco Seneca HD 34SS Duramax
2005 Saturn VUE
"Monty", "Maggie" & "Murphy" the mighty Shih Tzus
FMCA #F375077
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msredneck84
Southeastern U S (habitually)
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Joined: 10/09/2006
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My brother in law has '07 Senaca and has had very few coach or drive problems.
However, he certainly has had some kind of bad luck with unit. He was heading home after a week long trip several months ago and a fool just pulled right out in front of him on I-20 Longveiw TX area. almost $50,000 damage to coach. would you believe he got a ticket a week later (in mail) for failure to have vehicle under control.
Caught low hanging limb $2,500 damage. Pet dog (huge, as in big as a cow, rottweiler) walked around and around beautiful '07 toad (Ford Explorer PU) and his steel choke collar just dug into truck body all way around $1,800 damage.
Lastly he was having unit serviced @ chevy dealer and they wrecked it (side dented & scratched badly)last week while moving to service bay (crushed front cap on one of their new PU) don't know $ amt. but dealer will cover this one.
All of this has happened in last 18 mos.
Kinda makes you want to just sorta sit back and start counting your blessings don't it?
Drinking out of my saucer!
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az99
N.Y.
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Joined: 12/26/2006
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paulin wrote:vasselta,
We have had similar experiences with our Seneca 34SS which we bought 11 months ago. It has been in the shop for almost half the time we have owned it. All of the problems could have been caught by a good quality control department before leaving the factory.
And, Jayco's supposed great customer service must have evaporated. We have had rather snooty replies to emails and we have found they usually just don't return promised phone calls. We would sure think twice before buying another Jayco product. I'll second that. Mine would have been in the shop that much also except I fixed most of the issues myself. Although I do like my Seneca, their quality control is pitiful.
I found Jayco's customer service motto to be- If we never answer or return calls they will stop calling.
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bones67
Kentucky
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Joined: 04/30/2005
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Hi All
I have had a similar experience with my 35GS. I would not trade this rig for anything as of yet. My dealer and Jayco have been very helpful in resolving issues. The delima I have is most of the issues have been so petty I fix them myself. I had most minor problems resolved before I could even get to the dealer. Not to mention the cost of fuel. There have been a few things where the unit had to go back to the RV dealer and the Chevy dealer to fix.
Bottom line is this - There needs to be tighter quality control at the factory. There should be quality inspectors test EVERY mechanical function for operation. Not to mention check Fit and finish. I am sure that Jayco could pay these peoples wages just in warranty savings alone. I have been in the manufacturing world for over 20 years and it can be done.
2008 Jayco Seneca 35GS
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super_camper
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 08/22/2006
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bones67 wrote:Hi All
I have had a similar experience with my 35GS. I would not trade this rig for anything as of yet. My dealer and Jayco have been very helpful in resolving issues. The delima I have is most of the issues have been so petty I fix them myself. I had most minor problems resolved before I could even get to the dealer. Not to mention the cost of fuel. There have been a few things where the unit had to go back to the RV dealer and the Chevy dealer to fix.
Bottom line is this - There needs to be tighter quality control at the factory. There should be quality inspectors test EVERY mechanical function for operation. Not to mention check Fit and finish. I am sure that Jayco could pay these peoples wages just in warranty savings alone. I have been in the manufacturing world for over 20 years and it can be done.
I bought a new Jayco a couple of years ago (greyhawk) and have had very few probems in the last 2 years and 20,000 miles. You have a good point on quality from manufacturing but don't forget the dealer network. The dealer PDI is an important part of the quality process that is often overlooked. I think the dealer makes a really big difference in the overall owner satisfaction of RV's.
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bones67
Kentucky
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Excellent Point!! - My dealer fell short here. I really got the impression it never saw a PDI. Dealer actually delivered unit to my home.
super_camper wrote:bones67 wrote:Hi All
I have had a similar experience with my 35GS. I would not trade this rig for anything as of yet. My dealer and Jayco have been very helpful in resolving issues. The delima I have is most of the issues have been so petty I fix them myself. I had most minor problems resolved before I could even get to the dealer. Not to mention the cost of fuel. There have been a few things where the unit had to go back to the RV dealer and the Chevy dealer to fix.
Bottom line is this - There needs to be tighter quality control at the factory. There should be quality inspectors test EVERY mechanical function for operation. Not to mention check Fit and finish. I am sure that Jayco could pay these peoples wages just in warranty savings alone. I have been in the manufacturing world for over 20 years and it can be done.
I bought a new Jayco a couple of years ago (greyhawk) and have had very few probems in the last 2 years and 20,000 miles. You have a good point on quality from manufacturing but don't forget the dealer network. The dealer PDI is an important part of the quality process that is often overlooked. I think the dealer makes a really big difference in the overall owner satisfaction of RV's.
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vasselta
Colorado
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Joined: 05/06/2008
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Well I've been informed by my service manager that Jayco is actually laying off a significant portion of their work force. This is the reason he gave me for parts taking so long to arrive. If this is indeed the case then I don't see quality or customer service improving.
Then again, who knows. I've been through a few layoffs myself and usually what happens is the "expensive" people get let go first. Those being the people who got the promotions and know what they are doing. Maybe Jayco will do the opposite and we'll have less problems? Probably unlikely.
I think before we buy our next rig that I'm going to use the current one to visit factories. I'd like to buy from a company that takes pride in their products and their people next time around. Even if I have to pay more. I'd like to hear from my MH manufacturer "We'd never let something like that happen with our product, we'll take care of it right away."
Vic
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vasselta
Colorado
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For those of you are interested, here's Jayco's reply. They replied in short order and it's nice to see that, at the very least superficially, they are concerned about their product. We'll see how things work out but this is a good start.
Clearly they aren't all that happy about the post on this forum. In my response I told them that I'd be posting another review, in another 10,000 miles, and that I would hope it to be nothing but positive. In fact I'd hope that more people can do mileage reviews. I know it would help myself make an informed decision on whatever the next rig may be.
Thank You for taking the time to email Jayco Customer Service. Your
comments and questions are important to us.
I am sorry to hear of your frustrations. Obviously you have the right
to express them in any form. I cannot stop you from posting on RV.NET. I
do want you to know that Jayco Inc. is a committed company dedicated to
building a quality unit and providing the industries longest warranty.
It is with that warranty that errors can be corrected. And we want to do
this for you.
You indicate that these concerns have been corrected and that you hope
to enjoy the unit for many years to come. Please let me know if there
are outstanding issues that I can assist our Jayco dealers to resolve.
Again, your comments are important to us. They help Jayco in providing
our customers with the quality and service they expect and deserve.
Thanks for the opportunity to be of assistance. Your unit file will be
noted and your concerns will be shared with the motorized quality
manager.
Sincerely,
Craig Newcomer
Customer Service
Jayco Inc.
* This post was
edited 08/20/08 04:09pm by vasselta *
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