Décor matters. Colour, design, materials and texture – make up what we call Décor. It’s something we create in our homes – so why not in our RVs? It’s what makes a box on wheels “homey”: a place you want to spend time, with a look that makes you smile.
Now, manufacturers understand the right décor is a strong selling point. At Jayco, it’s a constant in their products – something they have been doing for over 50 years now. This thought is what struck me as I scrolled through a gallery of images for the Jay Feather line. I was on the hunt for a mid-size family trailer, probably a bunkhouse model, and that’s how I found the Jay Feather 21 MBH. Features-wise, it had the design elements I wanted to write about, but then it struck me, and the décor captured my attention. This is a unit I would spend time in – with all five of my grandchildren. Have a look.
The Jay Feather line is meant to be lightweight – which in the case of this unit puts it at 6,995 lb GVWR – putting it squarely in ½-ton towing capacity. A lower weight, though, does not mean things are missing – instead, smart material choices keep the weight down. Nevertheless – important features like the Jayco Climate Shield are still available. The Climate Shield ultimate weather protection is tested from 0 -100° F. It’s made up of double-sided Azdel perimeter walls and a 2-inch vacuum-bond laminated floor. Radiant-barrier insulation is added to the floor, front wall and roof, and forced heat ducts run into the underbelly area where holding tanks are located. Climate Shield extends your camping season.
From outside you see smooth sidewalls and twin axles support a sleek, regular looking body. There is a single dinette slide out (or optional power recliners), one exterior storage location and an outside camp kitchen. Beyond what’s immediately visible, the Jay Feather also has a 13,500 BTU Coleman Mach Quiet Series A/C; said to be more efficient and 10% quieter than other brands. You can upgrade to a 15,000 BTU A/C.
Heading inside I’m reminded that this is still a relatively small unit at just 27-feet, but by utilizing a Murphy-bed setup and twin stacked bunkbeds there is a sense of more space than there is. The sleek furniture design along with the contrasting black and white colour scheme opens the space visually.
In the kitchen area, you’ll find seamless countertops, a stainless-steel sink with a high-rise faucet and pull-out sprayer. New this year is an InVision Suite appliance package that features an 11 cu-ft – 12V fridge, standard in all Jay Feather models. Storage is found behind oversized cabinet doors and drawers. The cabinet doors are attached with hidden hinges that gives each Jay Feather a residential look and feel.
Some other interior amenities include a 32 or 39-inch smart LED TV, a 60- by 80-inch queen bed (or Murphy bed) and a MaxxAir power roof vent.
The bathroom features a stainless-steel sink with a high-rise gooseneck faucet, new porcelain, foot-flush toilet and a smart roller-style shower enclosure that opens up the bathroom space. You never have to worry about running out of hot water in the Jay Feather, with the 60,000 BTU on-demand tankless water heater. Airflow in the Jay Feather is handled by a standard 14-inch 4-speed MaxxAir power roof vent in the main living area and power roof vents in the bathroom and master bedroom.
What follows are some of the standard features that Jayco provides – that I thought stood out.
On the EXTERIOR:
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- Aerodynamic, rounded front profile with aluminum framing
- Norco Z-frame with integrated A-frame
- Automotive-style aluminum rims
- Dark-tinted safety-glass windows
- Exterior TV bracket with 120V and cable hook-ups
- Factory installed rear roof ladder
- Keyed-Alike™ locking system
- Magnum Truss™ roof system
- Marine grade exterior speakers with blue LED accent
- Mounted camera bracket for pre-wired side and rear back-up prep
- Outdoor camp kitchen with galvanized steel bases (select models)
- PVC roofing membrane (limited lifetime warranty)
- Swing-out entry door assist handle
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Found in the INTERIOR:
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- High-density dinette cushions with vinyl backing
- Teddy Bear soft-touch bunk mats (4-inches)
- 60 x 76 in mattresses in Murphy bed models
- Bathroom skylight
- Decorative backsplash
- Decorative roller shades with reflective barrier
- Directional and closeable A/C vents
- Gas-strutted under bed storage (most models)
- High output auto-ignition propane gas furnace
- LED lighting throughout
- Powered roof vents in bathroom and main bedroom
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The CUSTOMER VALUE PACKAGE (MANDATORY) adds:
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- 13,500 BTU roof-mounted A/C 20 lb
- AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo with roof-mounted speakers
- Goodyear® radial tires with self-adjusting electric brakes
- Black tank flush
- Detachable power cord Inverter pre-wire (2-bedroom nightstand outlets, main TV and outlet for outside kitchen fridge)
- Max-length power awning with LED light
- On-demand water heater 60,000 BTU water heater
- Outside shower
- Power tongue jack
- Rock Solid Stabilizer System
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SPORT PACKAGE (MANDATORY) also adds:
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- Drying rack/sink cover
- Solid Step fold-down aluminum tread steps
- Modern graphics package with dual-colored sidewall
- Overlander 1 Solar Package: (1) 200W solar panel and 30-amp digital controller
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OPTIONS – that can be added:
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- 120V heated tank pads
- 15,000 BTU A/C
- 30 lb. propane gas bottles with auto-regulator and ABS cover
- 50-amp service with 2nd A/C prep Electric fireplace (select models
- JAYCOMMAND® Smart RV System with TPMS
- Overlander 2 Solar Package: (2) 200W solar panels, 30-amp digital controller and 1,800W inverter Second 15,000 BTU A/C (select models, must have 50-amp service)
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Everything about the Jay Feather is mid to upper level in value with the best features being the standard ones. This family trailer deserves a look.
Specifications for Jayco Jay Feather 21MBH:
Dry Hitch Weight (lbs) 587 lb
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs) 5,484 lb
Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs) 1,511 lb
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs) 6,995lb
Exterior Length (overall) 27′ 3″
Exterior Height 10′ 1″
Exterior Height (with A/C) 10′ 9″
Exterior Width 8′ 0″
Exterior Width (with slides out) 10′ 11″
Interior Height (main) 6′ 6″
Awning Length 19′ 0″
Fresh Water 55.0 gal
Gray Water 61.0 gal
Black Tank 30.5 gal
Propane Unit 40 lb