Free RV manual

Jayco Designer Manual

The Jayco Designer is a fifth wheel built by Jayco. Federal safety records on it cover model years 2000 to 2018. This page shows how its systems work, every recall on file for it, and where to find the official owner's manual.

Built by	Jayco
Kind	Fifth wheel
Model years on record	2000 to 2018
Recalls on file	18

The official owner's manual

Jayco keeps owner's manuals online, free to read. Pick the model year of your rig. It is on the sticker by the entry door.

Jayco owner's manuals

Component manuals

Dometic · Fridges, air conditioners and awnings
Suburban · Furnaces and water heaters
Lippert · Slides, awnings, jacks and leveling
Thetford and Norcold · Norcold fridges and Thetford toilets
Dexter · Trailer axles, brakes and bearings

How its systems work

Our free manuals for every system on a fifth wheel. The ones its recalls touched come first.

3 recalls touch thisShore power and batteries30 amp and 50 amp shore power, the 12 volt battery side and the inverter. What runs on what, and how not to trip a breaker.2 recalls touch thisTires, wheels and bearingsTire age, pressure and load, lug nut torque and when to service trailer wheel bearings. The parts that cause the most trouble on the road.1 recall touches thisPropane, furnace and fridgeOpening the tanks, lighting the stove, running the furnace and fridge, and what to do if you smell gas.1 recall touches thisLeveling and jacksBlocks, tongue jacks, stabilizers and auto leveling. How to get level, why it matters and why stabilizers are not for lifting.Free manualFresh water and the water heaterCity water, the fresh tank, the pump and the water heater. How to fill it, turn it on and keep it clean.Free manualThe water heaterGas, electric or both. How to fill it, light it, drain it and care for the anode rod, plus what to do when there is no hot water.Free manualBlack and gray tanksThe order, the hose, the valves and what to put down the toilet. Dumping your tanks the right way, step by step.Free manualThe toiletHow to flush, what paper to use and how to keep the black tank from clogging or smelling.Free manualSolar and lithium batteriesHow solar charges your batteries, what lithium changes, and how to tell how much power you really have left.Free manualPropane, smoke and CO alarmsWhere each alarm is, what each one means, how to test them and why the propane alarm sometimes beeps on a low battery.Free manualThe refrigeratorGas and electric absorption fridges, 12 volt compressor fridges, how long they take to cool and how to keep food cold on the road.Free manualThe furnaceA propane furnace with a 12 volt fan. How it starts, why it drains the battery and what to check when it blows cold air.Free manualThe roof air conditionerHow much power it needs, why it freezes up, how to clean the filters and what to try before you call for help.Free manualRoof and sealsWater is the biggest enemy of an RV. How to check the roof and seams, which sealant to use and the signs of a leak.Free manualSlide outsWhen to open them, when not to, and what to check first. Slide outs are the most common repair on a rental, and most of it is avoidable.Free manualAwningsPower and manual awnings, how to set them, and why wind is the thing that breaks them.Free manualWinterizing and spring start upDrain it, bypass the water heater and fill the lines with RV antifreeze. Then how to undo it all in spring.Free manualHitching a trailerCoupler, safety chains, breakaway cable and lights. A simple routine to hitch up the same way every time.Free manualTrailer brakes and breakawayElectric brakes, the brake controller in your truck, how to set the gain and how to test the breakaway switch.Free manualWeight and payloadWhat GVWR, cargo capacity and tongue weight mean, how to weigh your rig, and why sway almost always starts with weight.

Recalls on file

NHTSA has 18 recalls on file for the Jayco Designer. The most common areas are labels (2), structure (2) and LPG systems (1). Each one is listed below as filed. A recall is fixed free at a dealer, even on a used rig, and even years later.

LPG systems · model years 2017 to 2018 · 21V425000, filed June 4, 2021

What is wrong. Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jayco Designer, 2017-2021 Eagle HT, Eagle, Jay Feather, Jay Flight SLX, Jay Flight, North Point, Octane Superlite, Pinnacle, White Hawk, 2017-2020 Eagle HT, 2018-2021 Jay Flight Bungalow, 2017-2019 Octane, and 2019-2020 Eagle HTX travel trailers and fifth wheels equipped with a Winntec model 6020 two-stage propane regulator. The regulator may fail, causing an increase in propane pressure.

What can happen. Increased propane pressure can enlarge the flames in gas appliances, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix. Dealers will replace the regulator and test the propane system for leaks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 3, 2021. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267.

Campaign 21V425000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our propane, furnace and fridge manual.

General RV equipment · model years 2002 to 2010 · 17V746000, filed November 21, 2017

What is wrong. Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling various 2002-2016 recreational vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V746-9524.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

What can happen. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

The fix. Jayco will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2018. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267, or Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.

Campaign 17V746000. See it on NHTSA

Rim · model year 2017 · 17V167000, filed March 14, 2017

What is wrong. Jayco Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain 2017 Designer fifth wheel recreational trailers equipped with the disk brake option. The steel rim of the spare tire may rub against the brake caliper.

What can happen. The interference may generate enough heat to cause the tire to fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix. Jayco will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spare wheel with an aluminum rim with a new spare, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco's number for the recall is 9901347.

Campaign 17V167000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our tires, wheels and bearings manual.

Electrical system · model years 2008 to 2010 · 12V347000, filed July 23, 2012

What is wrong. Jayco is recalling certain model year 2007 Greyhawk Class C motorhomes; model year 2008 and 2010 Seneca Class C motorhomes; model year 2009 and 2011 Eagle Fifth-wheel; 2010 Recon fifth-wheel; and model year 2008-2010 Designer fifth wheel vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2006, through August 13, 2010 for an improper electrical connection at the buss bar on the Iota-brand transfer switches installed in the vehicles.

What can happen. An improper electrical connection at the buss bar could lead to overheating and melting of the transfer switch, increasing the risk of a fire, injury or death.

The fix. Jayco will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 31, 2012. Owners may contact Jayco at 1-800-283-8267.

Campaign 12V347000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our shore power and batteries manual.

General RV equipment · model year 2005 · 10V424000, filed September 21, 2010

What is wrong. JAYCO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 LEGACY AND MODEL YEAR 2005 DESIGNER FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH DIMPLEX ELECTRAFLAME, SYMPHONY, OR OPTIFLAME BRANDED ELECTRIC FIREPLACES, STOVES, AND FIREPLACE INSERTS. THE PLUG IN REMOTE CONTROL RECEIVER FOR THE FIREPLACE CAN OVERHEAT.

What can happen. AN OVERHEATED RECEIVER COULD CAUSE A FIRE.

The fix. JAYCO IS WORKING WITH DIMPLEX AND DIMPLEX WILL PROVIDE OWNERS A FREE REPLACEMENT PLUG-IN REMOTE CONTROL KIT. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DIMPLEX NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-888-346-7539.

Campaign 10V424000. See it on NHTSA

Integrated jack/leveler/stabilizer · model year 2010 · 10V021000, filed January 26, 2010

What is wrong. JAYCO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 EAGLE AND MODEL YEAR 2010 DESIGNER FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS. IN THE PRESENCE OF MOISTURE, A REMOTE ACTIVATION MODULE FOR THE LEVELING JACK MAY ACTIVATE AUTONOMOUSLY WITHOUT THE USE OF THE REMOTE CONTROL.

What can happen. IF THE JACK WERE TO ACTIVATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED, IT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH LEADING TO PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH.

The fix. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY WHICH WILL PREVENT THE REMOTE MODULE FROM SELF-ACTIVATING IN THE PRESENCE OF MOISTURE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.

Campaign 10V021000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our leveling and jacks manual.

12v/24v/48v battery · model year 2008 · 08V300000, filed July 3, 2008

What is wrong. JAYCO IS RECALLING 156 MY 2009 RECON, EAGLE, AND DESIGNER FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR IF THE METAL TERMINAL RUBBER CRIMP CAP WAS NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY.

What can happen. IF THE CAP WAS TO FALL OFF THE BATTERY CHARGE LINE, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE, CRASH, INJURY, OR DEATH.

The fix. OWNERS WILL BE REQUESTED TO INSPECT THE RUBBER CAPS AND REINSTALL THE CAPS IF INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, A DEALER CAN PERFORM THIS INSPECTION FOR THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 14, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.

Campaign 08V300000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our shore power and batteries manual.

General RV equipment · model years 2000 to 2001 · 08V243000, filed June 3, 2008

What is wrong. JAYCO IS RECALLING 74 MY 1999-2001 DESIGNER FIFTH WHEEL MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH NORCOLD REFRIGERATORS. A FATIGUE FAILURE IN THE SECTION OF THE COOLING UNIT WHICH CONTAINS THE REFRIGERANT COULD ALLOW THE LIQUID SOLUTION TO SLOWLY LEAK.

What can happen. EXTENDED OPERATION OF A LEAKING COOLING UNIT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE FROM GAS WHICH MIGHT ESCAPE.

The fix. JAYCO IS WORKING WITH NORCOLD TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS. NORCOLD WILL PROVIDE THERMAL SWITCH KITS TO OWNERS ALONG WITH THE NECESSARY FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD AT 1-800-767-9101 OR JAYCO AT 1-574-825-5861.

Campaign 08V243000. See it on NHTSA

Labels · model year 2008 · 08V100000, filed March 5, 2008

What is wrong. JAYCO IS RECALLING 106 MY 2008 DESIGNER FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." A TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR WAS MADE STATING THE TIRE LOAD RANGE AND THE INFLATION PRESSURE ON THE FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION LABEL FOR THE REAR AXLE.

What can happen. A MISPRINTED LABEL WOULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

The fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FEDERAL ID LABEL WITH THE CORRECT TIRE LOAD RANGE AND INFLATION PRESSURE LISTED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 19, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.

Campaign 08V100000. See it on NHTSA

Labels · model year 2007 · 07V185000, filed April 27, 2007

What is wrong. CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS.' THE FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION LABEL CONTAINS THE INCORRECT TIRE LOAD RANGE AND INFLATION PRESSURES.

What can happen. THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES TIRE AND RIM SELECTION REQUIREMENTS AND RIM MARKING REQUIREMENTS.

The fix. THE INCORRECT LABEL WILL BE REMOVED AND A NEW CORRECT LABEL WILL BE INSTALLED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 15, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.

Campaign 07V185000. See it on NHTSA

Structure · model year 2007 · 07V118000, filed March 20, 2007

What is wrong. ON CERTAIN TRAVEL AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH HICKORY SPRINGS 'BIG EASY TRIPLE STEPS,' AN IMPROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE BOTTOM STEP PIVOT ARM WITH THE FORMED STOP EDGE OF THE MIDDLE STEP SUPPORT BRACKET CAN RESULT IN THE BOTTOM STEP ROTATING TO AN UNSAFE DOWNWARD ANGLE.

What can happen. A PERSON COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE STEP GIVE WAY WHILE BEING USED TO ENTER OR EXIT THE TRAILER.

The fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRAILERS FOR THE MANUFACTURING DATE STICKER TO VERIFY THE DATE OF PRODUCTION OF THE STEP AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL WELD STOCK TO EACH SIDE OF THE LOWER (TRIPLE) STEP STOP EDGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.

Campaign 07V118000. See it on NHTSA

Wiring · model year 2007 · 06V331000, filed August 31, 2006

What is wrong. ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS, A JUMPER WIRE BETWEEN THE TWO NEUTRAL BARS IS NOT OF ADEQUATE GAUGE.

What can happen. THIS CONDITION, IF NOT ADDRESSED, COULD RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.

The fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 12/14 GAUGE JUMPER WIRE WITH A 6 GAUGE JUMPER WIRE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.

Campaign 06V331000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our shore power and batteries manual.

Vehicle speed control · model years 2000 to 2002 · 06V320000, filed August 30, 2006

What is wrong. ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.

What can happen. OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURNING, AND IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

The fix. FORD IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06V286) AND WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332 OR JAYCO AT 1-800-283-8267.

Campaign 06V320000. See it on NHTSA

Wheels · model years 2002 to 2003 · 04V364000, filed July 21, 2004

What is wrong. ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS, DUE TO VARIOUS FACTORS, INCLUDING EXCESSIVE PAINT COATING ON THE BRAKE HUB, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS COULD EXHIBIT LESSENED CLAMPING PRESSURE BETWEEN THE ALUMINUM WHEEL AND THE AXLE HUB ASSEMBLY.

What can happen. THIS COULD LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

The fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL WHEELS, LUGS, STUDS AND MATING SURFACES, AND REMOVE PAINT FROM THE MATING SURFACES OF THE WHEEL AND HUB. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-219-825-5861.

Campaign 04V364000. See it on NHTSA

How this part works is in our tires, wheels and bearings manual.

General RV equipment · model year 2002 · 03V383000, filed October 9, 2003

What is wrong. ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH SAMSUNG MICROWAVE OVENS, THESE UNITS WERE PRODUCED WITH A DEFECTIVE PANEL. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN CIRCUIT PATTERNS ON THE MEMBRANE PANEL, ESPECIALLY OVERLAPPED BY A "JUMPER" OR JUMP WIRE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS.

What can happen. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR CAUSING THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, OR POSSIBLY A FIRE.

The fix. SAMSUNG WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. IN THE MEANTIME, CONSUMERS SHOULD UNPLUG THEIR MICROWAVE, IF POSSIBLE. IF THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO UNPLUG THE MICROWAVE, THEY SHOULD LEAVE THE DOOR AJAR UNTIL THE PANEL IS REPLACED. CONSUMERS SHOULD NEVER USE THE MICROWAVE OVEN FOR STORAGE OR LEAVE ANY TOWELS, PAPER, CLOTH OR OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE MICROWAVE AFTER USE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAMSUNG AT 800-932-3837 OR JAYCO AT 1-574-825-0608.

Campaign 03V383000. See it on NHTSA

Structure · model year 2000 · 01V251000, filed August 1, 2001

What is wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRAVEL AND FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS. THE FASTENERS USED ON THE UNDERFLOOR CAN EITHER COME LOOSE OR PULL THROUGH THE UNDERFLOOR CAUSING PORTIONS OR ALL OF A SECTION OF UNDERFLOOR TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE.

What can happen. IF THIS OCCURRED, THE SECTION COULD FALL TO THE PAVEMENT, POTENTIALLY CAUSING A CRASH FOR FOLLOWING VEHICLES.

The fix. DEALERS WILL ADD OR REPLACE FASTENERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-219-825-5861.

Campaign 01V251000. See it on NHTSA

Buckle assembly · model years 2000 to 2001 · 01V128001, filed April 10, 2001

What is wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES PRODUCED BY AM-SAFE. ON SOME SEAT BELTS, THE BUCKLE AND CONNECTOR MAY UNLATCH DURING A COLLISION.

What can happen. SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT IS NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

The fix. DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE SEAT BELTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 23, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT JAYCO AT 1-219-825-5861 OR AM-SAFE AT 1-219-266-8330.

Campaign 01V128001. See it on NHTSA

General RV equipment · model year 2000 · 00V089000, filed March 22, 2000

What is wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI MOTOR HOMES. CERTAIN PLEATED SHADES FAILED THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 302, "FLAMMABILITY OF INTERIOR MATERIALS."

What can happen. IF A FIRE OCCURRED IN THE MOTOR HOME, THE PLEATED SHADES WOULD BURN AT AN ACCELERATED RATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

The fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PLEATED SHADES ON THESE MOTOR HOMES.

Campaign 00V089000. See it on NHTSA

Check your own rig. Put your VIN into the NHTSA recall lookup. It shows any open recall on that exact rig, including the chassis.

Questions owners ask

Where can I find the Jayco Designer owner's manual?

Jayco keeps its owner's manuals online. Look up your model year there. Our free manuals on this page explain how each system works.

Does the Jayco Designer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 18 recalls for it. The most common area is labels. Check your own VIN on the NHTSA site to see if yours was fixed.

Is a recall repair free on a used RV?

Yes. A safety recall is fixed free by the maker's dealers no matter who owns the rig now or how old it is. Call the maker or any dealer for that brand with your VIN.

Where is the VIN on an RV?

Look for a sticker by the entry door, inside a cabinet near the door, or on the tongue or front frame of a trailer. The title and registration show it too.

Renting one from us? Call or text 909-259-RVDR before you try a fix. We would rather talk you through it than have you guess, and it is free.

Other Jayco manuals

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Every Jayco line we cover