Picking an RV may seem easy, but it can be a little more complicated than expected with all the different manufacturers available. Before splurging on an RV, you’ll want to take into consideration the brand’s reputation, the RV’s model, and the price.
Two of the most popular brands are Rockwood and Jayco. They both have a wide selection for you to choose from. So, how do these two brands compare? In this article, we’ll help you decide by comparing the two brands.
In the Jayco vs Rockwood battle, who will come out on top? Let’s find out!
Jayco vs Rockwood Overview
Both Rockwood and Jayco RV have a similar level of reliability. However, Rockwood RVs are aimed at those looking for luxury. Jayco focuses more on comfort and sustainability for its users. Jayco RVs have more warranty options but are more expensive to rent than Rockwood RVs.
Comparing Jayco and Rockwood
Let’s break down exactly how these two manufacturers and their RVs compare to each other.
Price
RV prices tend to vary based on the class and safety features of the RV. Both Jayco and Rockwood tend to break the bank a little more than other RVs. The reason they’re more expensive is that they have a wide range of layouts in high-quality construction.
Despite being more luxurious, Rockwood RVs tend to be less expensive than Jayco RVs. For example, the 2021 Rockwood models cost around $10,000–$27,000. On the other hand, Jayco can reach up to $46,000.
Luckily, both brands have a vast range of models and designs. This means it’s almost certain that everyone will find an RV that is within their budget.
Wall Construction
Both Rockwood and Jayco use a wall construction method called vacuum bonding. Most other RVs use a cheaper method called pinch rolling, which has a higher risk of delamination.
Using vacuum bonding requires taking the walls into a room that is temperature and humidity controlled and applying extremely high pressure levels for many hours. This process makes delamination ten times less likely to occur.
Floor Construction
One of the best things about Rockwood is that they frame the floor around the heating ducts in their RVs. This ensures that the RV’s heating ducts are sealed more effectively. It also strengthens the floor so that there are no weak spots.
Jayco custom-builds its frames. The floor is usually made using a wooden frame that is then covered using tongue and groove plywood.
Warranty
Jayco is known for having some of the best warranties on the market. The company offers two types of warranties. The first type is a 2-year limited warranty that covers your trailer for 24 months of travel or 24,000 miles.
The second type is a 3-year structural warranty. It covers roofs, walls, and floors on the new 2020 models.
Forest River (the manufacturer of the Rockwood RV) has a variety of warranties for different models.
The most common type covers your RV for 24 months since the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship that the company itself may have caused. Some of the components in the RV might even come with their warranties.
Related comparisons:
– Jayco & Airstream
– Grand Design vs Jayco
Bathrooms
Tall travelers may suffer if the shower is too low. The Rockwood RVs have slightly higher sunroofs in the bathroom than the Jayco RVs. This might be something important to take into consideration.
Bedroom
Having a comfortable bed to sleep on is vital if you’re planning on traveling in your RV for long periods. Jayco has many types of beds available: double-sized bunk beds, queen beds, and Murphy beds.
Rockwood’s RVs have bunk beds. They have both twin and double-sized versions of the bed. In addition to the bunk beds, they also have queen beds and Murphy queen beds. The smaller RVs mostly have convertible dinettes—the dinette converts into dual twin beds or full-width king beds.
If you’re concerned about privacy, Jayco offers three different models of privacy curtains. Unfortunately, this is a feature that isn’t available with Rockwood. However, you could always install one yourself.
Kitchen
Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean you can’t whip up a delicious meal in your RV’s kitchen. For those who enjoy spending time in their kitchen, the quality can be a deal-breaker.
Jayco has many options for you to choose from when it comes to your RV’s kitchen. Some are more simple, coming equipped with just a convection microwave in place of an oven. Others come with both a stove and a convection microwave. On the other hand, Rockwood RVs are equipped with propane stoves and ovens.
Rockwood RVs mostly have 5-6 cubic feet three-way unit refrigerators. Meanwhile, the Jaycos come with a three-way 6-cubic foot refrigerator. And, the company offers the additional option of an 8-cubic foot 12-volt compressor refrigerator.
Both companies offer RVs with outdoor griddles.
Renting
Both Jayco and Rockwood offer RVs for rent. Jayco tends to be more expensive. However, rental prices vary based on the class and model of the RV. If your priority is luxury, Rockwood is the way to go. However, if you prioritize comfort and sustainability, Jayco is the better option.
Reputation
Rockwood is owned by a manufacturer called Forest River. Luckily, both Forest River and Jayco are very well-respected manufacturers that have a stellar reputation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Jayco and Rockwood RVs have similar reputations, prices, and qualities. Determining whether Jayco or Rockwood has a better reputation is almost impossible. It’s fair to say that they’re comparable in this regard.
However, Rockwood RVs tend to be more luxurious. They feature higher sunroofs, propane stoves and ovens, and more bedroom options.
On the other hand, Jayco has more warranty options, privacy curtains for the bedroom, and better refrigerator options. It’s worth noting that renting a Jayco RV tends to be more expensive, though.
Both RVs come from very well-respected manufacturers, and deciding between the two isn’t easy. It all comes down to personal preference and your budget.