A motorhome’s driving and handling performance is often related to its
cost. As a rule — but not always — the more expensive the coach, the
better it’s going to behave on the road. Jayco’s new Seneca Class C
motorhome, based on the Chevrolet Kodiak cab and chassis, is a fun
exception to that dictum.
At $137,023 msrp as tested, the Seneca HD 35GS isn’t the cheapest coach
on the road, although it’s in the ballpark for many popular models these
days. However, its ride and handling place it in a much higher category
— and may impress even the most diehard motorhome driving enthusiasts.
Quite apart from the motorhome’s on-road attributes, it looks
great. The cab is heavy duty but has pleasing lines, and the coach
graphics extend to the cab to visually tie the two together. We heard
more than a few enthusiastic viewer comments about the Seneca’s
appearance.
The motorhome’s three standard-equipment slideouts — a large
pair up front and the more-compact island-style bed slider out back —
add welcome extra room to the interior.
A long 6-foot 10-inch by 2-foot 4-inch bunk bed with a 27-inch
television/entertainment center and storage areas occupies the cabover
space. That one-person bed, which slides away like a big drawer when not
in use and allows easy cab-to-coach access, works fine since the main
sleeping space is the aft master bedroom. Buyers have an optional “RV
Queen” bed available that fills the cabover area.
As in many other motorhomes, we had to use the dinette table to
hold stray containers and other kitchen hardware while in the midst of
heavy meal prep. The cooks liked the bit of view provided by the window.
Close-by storage and a refrigerator that’s just across the aisle keep
all the important stuff within easy reach, and the Corian-edged
countertop adds a touch of class.
A new chassis can make for exciting motorhome-design
developments, and the increasing use of the Chevrolet Kodiak and its GMC
cousin, the Top Kick, for motorhomes has some intriguing possibilities.
The Jayco Seneca is among the first such motorhomes to demonstrate how
to build a coach with a new twist, and do so in a practical, functional
manner. It’s a good choice for those who need to haul a slightly larger
dinghy or trailer, or for those who simply want a fine-driving machine.
For complete details and full test impressions on the Seneca
HD, pick up the January 2006 issue of MotorHome magazine on the
newsstand — then subscribe to MotorHome
so you can stay informed on the latest motorhome tests, previews,
technical information, products, travel destinations and more.
