The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 8 244BHS offers a spacious bunkhouse floorplan in a small footprint by sacrificing an enclosed master bedroom.
In a surprising floorplan, the queen bed is integrated into the living space in the 244BHS.
The 2019 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 8 244BHS promises to hit the sweet spot for many families, offering an open floorplan that feels roomy in a trailer that is lightweight and compact. After traveling for five years in our 2012 Jayco Jay Flight Swift 184BH, we are looking for an upgrade that provides more space for our family (which includes two teenage sons) in a relatively small footprint.
Upon touring the 244BHS, we were immediately struck by how open the space felt, thanks to the 6-foot, 9-inch ceilings, sizable windows and long slideout that runs the length of the living area. Light-colored decor, white countertops and ample LED lighting give the interior a bright, fresh feel.
The queen bed and bench dinette share a slideout in the 244BHS and are separated only when a privacy curtain is pulled.
Living Area
The interior feels larger than it is, thanks to the 6-foot, 9-inch ceiling height and abundant windows.
The 244BHS’s most striking feature is its integration of a queen bed into the living space. Thanks to the nightstands, a television mount and generous storage cabinetry, the rear of the trailer feels like a well-appointed master bedroom. While it is not a separate space, a curtain can be pulled to provide some privacy.
One clear downside of the 244BHS is the lack of a couch. However, families can gather around the dinette, located in the side slideout. The nearby master bed, also in the slideout, offers additional space for lounging. If desired, camp chairs can be popped up in the central floor space to provide more seating.
The 244BHS’s kitchen is a step up from many entry-level trailers, offering tons of storage cabinets and drawers, a dual-side sink and a 6-cubic-foot refrigerator. Though small, the bathroom also manages to feel both roomy and functional, forgoing the traditional shower-and-tub combo for a wide, square shower.
Although the 244BHS lacks a couch, the dinette provides a comfortable gathering place for families.
Bunks and Storage
When the lower bunk is latched up, a generous storage space that accommodates bulky gear is easily accessible through an exterior door.
In many entry-level trailers, the bunks seem to be designed for small children, which is a problem for us, as our older son will soon be 6 feet tall. However, the 244BHS copies the long-running Jayco Jay Feather X213 bunk design and provides ample headroom by dropping the bottom bunk almost to the floor. While not necessarily longer, the beds are broader, coming in at 9 inches wider than traditional bunks.
This bunkhouse also offers a pack-and-play gear door that opens from the exterior. Latch the bottom bunk in the upright position and slide bikes, chairs and other items through the gear door, creating what is essentially a miniature toy hauler. Ample storage space is also found throughout the 244BHS’s cabinetry and basement storage, with a huge area under the master bed that is accessible from inside or out of the trailer.
Family-Friendly Features
A large shower replaces the traditional shower-and-tub combo in the small but smartly designed bathroom.
Families will appreciate the 244BHS’s exterior features, including an outside shower, 16-foot awning, audio speakers and television mount. Jayco’s new JaySMART system increases visibility with additional roof and side lights that correspond to the tow vehicle’s signals. Additionally, the rig comes prepped for both a backup camera and solar panels, making it easier to add these functional upgrades.
Especially appealing to our family is the fact that this roomy double-axle trailer comes in at approximately 5,350 pounds (dry), with a GVWR of 7,500 pounds, making it towable by most half-ton pickups. At just 28 feet, 8 inches long, the 244BHS is also relatively nimble and can fit into coveted spaces at state and national parks with length restrictions.
With an affordable base price of $26,514, this compact bunkhouse is a serious contender in the search for our family’s next RV. The open living area provides plenty of room for us to gather together, while the sleeping spaces have just enough separation to offer some privacy. Each aspect of the 244BHS has been thoughtfully considered to provide space for people and gear, while keeping it at a comfortable weight and length. I predict this will be a hot seller for families like ours.
Manufacturer’s Specifications
2019 JAYCO JAY FLIGHT SLX 8 244BHS
Exterior Length: 28′ 8″
Exterior Width: 8′
Interior Height: 6′ 9″
Exterior Height: 10′ 7″
Freshwater Cap.: 38 gal.
Black-Water Cap.: 39 gal.
Gray-Water Cap.: 39 gal.
LP-Gas Cap.: 10 gal.
UVW: 5,350 lbs.
Hitch Weight: 695 lbs.
Axle Weight: 4,955 lbs.
GVWR: 7,500 lbs.
MSRP, Base: $26,514
With her small bunkhouse travel trailer in tow, Kerri Cox has traveled near and far with her husband and two teenage sons, documenting their adventures on her blog, Travels with Birdy. When not on the road, she spends her time teaching and writing. Her words and photographs can be found in print and digital publications, including Trailer Life and the Good Sam Club Blog.
