Space requirements And furniture. - ppt download

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Presentation on theme: "Space requirements And furniture."— Presentation transcript:

1Space requirements And furniture

2Symbols for furniture and the real space requirement
Bed Work place Sofa and easy chairs Cupboard

3Symbols for furniture, fixed furniture and sanitary appliances
Kitchen equipment Single & double sink Bed Cooker & oven Sofa Refrigerator Storage closet for broom etc. Easy chair Ordinary chair Table top with wall cupboards Wheel Chair Bathroom equipment Dining table WC Bidet Hand wash Basin Working table Shower place Entrance wardrobe with racks Bath tub Clothes & linen cupboard Laundry equipment Chest Washing machine Cabinet Drying space/closet Bookcase TV Washing table top with wall cabinet

4Space requirements for furniture
The usefulness of a dwelling highly depends on the way it is furnished. Well organised furniture will increase the usefulness of the dwelling. The following outline with measurements of furniture can be of help to make useful furniture planning. The outline will provide measurement on commonly used furniture and the required free space around the furniture, when they are used and space required for cleaning. Hall way / Entrance A wardrobe or a rack with hangers for 4 persons requires min. 600 x 1200 mm, and a chest of drawers approx. 400 x 800 mm plus free space in front approx. 900 mm. The hall should have a free floor area of at least 1300 x 1300 mm. Bedrooms The size of a bed is approx x 900 mm. Besides that a free space of 700mm along the bed is required. Space required in total 2100 x 1600 mm. 700mm as free floorspace along the bed is not much for cleaning. With 1000 x 1200 mm cleaning becomes much easier. A combined bed- and living room for one person should have a width om min. 2400mm and a floor area of at least 10m2 to give reasonable possibilities for organising furniture in the room. There should be at least 900mm free space in front of wardrobes/cabinets and table to allow space for cleaning and movement.

double bed requires approx. 2100 x 1800 mm, and with free space approx. 2700 x 3200mm including passage at one end og the bed." class="image_link uk-text-large uk-margin-small-left uk-margin-small-right"> 5Bedrooms continued A double bed requires approx x 1800 mm, and with free space approx x 3200mm including passage at one end og the bed. A bedroom furnished with a double bed, should have a floor area of at least 12m2 and one full wall lenght of at least 3200mm. (without windows or doors) Placed parallel two beds including free space occupy at least 2700 x 2100 mm. Two beds placed at an angle should be spaced with a distance of at least 600mm toallow space for cleaning and doing the bed. Total space required for such two beds is approx x 2100mm.

6Arrangement of bedroom
Here are 3 examples of room for one person. The floor area is 8, 10 and 12 m2 The examples illustrate how much can be achieved by increasing the floor area with a few m2.

7Living rooms A sofa and two easy chairs require approx x 3000mm, with three chairs approx x 3000mm and with four chairs approx x 3000mm. In a common living room there should be at leat 3000mm wall space for chest of drawers, bookscase and shelves etc., where books, papers,tv, radio and taperecorder can be placed. An ordinary office desk requires approx. 800 x 1600mm plus space for a chair 900mm, in total 1700 x 1600 mm. A small desk requires approx. 600 x 1200mm plus space for a chair 900mm, in total approx x 1200mm

8Dining area A dining area for 4 persons require approx x 2400mm and for 8 persons approx x 2400mm. Additionally 600mm space for passage should be included at one table end. A dining area with a round table for 4 – 6 persons require approx x 2800mm. If extended for 8 persons the space required is approx x 3400mm. Additional space should be included for passage on at least one side of the table.

9How the individual rooms can be arranged
The possibilities of arranging furniture in a room depends on the size and shape of the room as well as the placement of windows and doors. A room with sizes of approx. 3 x 4 m kan be utilised in a number of ways. For example as bedroom, living room or dinning room.

10Kitchen equipment Kitchen
In a dwelling for persons there should be approx. 4 m work top including cooker and refrigerator, and in an dwelling for 4 – 6 persons the length shuold be approx. 4 – 5 m. Regardless of the kitchen type and shape the best working sequence is aquired when the individual workplaces and work tops in principal are arranged as shown on fig. 1, with dish washing area at the left side. The closet for broom can be placed outside the kitchen, for example in the scullery or entrance room. Also the fridge can be placed outside the kitchen. Dish wash Preparation Cooking Fig. 1 Kitchen Work tops and fixtures for dwelling with 2 – 3 persons Kitchen Work tops and fixtures for dwelling with persons

Dish washing area. Preparation. Cooking." class="image_link uk-text-large uk-margin-small-left uk-margin-small-right"> 11Arranging the Kitchen Dish washing area Preparation Cooking For convenience the cooking place should be placed to the right and the dish washing area to the left side.

12Distances and heights in kitchens

1340m2 utilised in 3 different ways

14Bathroom equipment and arrangement
Bathrooms To ensure a reasonable free floor space and space for cleaning in the bathroom, there should be a free distance of at least 1100mm in front of sanitary equipment. In an extra WC – room a free distance of 600 – 800 mm could be acceptable, but the space is limited and cleaning difficult. Passage With a free area of 600mm one can pass between two pieces of furniture or between a piece of furniture and wall. If 900mm is available one can pass carrying a tray or a bucket and a broom. Areas with intensive traffic, for example between two doors, or between a sofa and a dining place or along a staircase, should be at least 1000mm wide.

15Examples on how bathrooms can be arranged

16Placing of Doors The way a door is placed and the space it occupies when opened, has great influence on the way the room can be furnished and arranged. A door placed close to the corner of a room can be left open without interupting anything. With a distance of 400mm from the corner there is space for a bookcase or shelf behind the door. With 700mm distance a wardrobe or closet can be fixed behind the door. If the distance is 1000mm between door and a corner, it will be possible to place a bed next to the door and if there is 1500mm there could also be room for a bed table. A distance of 2200mm between door and corner allows a bed or sofa to be placed along the wall.

17User requirement check list
Entrances is protection from weather provided at entrances? is there space in hall for receiving visitors? is there convenient storage for outdoor clothing & pram? can meters be read without entering living area Living area is there space for required furniture in sensible arrangement? is there sufficient space to seat guests in dinning area? does living room face private garden? Kitchen is there direct access, on same level, from kitchen to dinning area? is work surface adequate, free from interruption & obstruction? is work triangle (sink, cooker – refrigerator) compact and free from cross – circulation? has possible use of kitchen by elderly or disabled people been considered? is there space for additional equipment or large items likely to be used in future? has kitchen view of outside world – for callers, toddlers play etc.? Bedroom is there space for required furniture in sensible arrangements – consider use of beds? can bedroom be used for child’s homework, entertaining friends & hobbies? Bathroom is bathroom convenient for bathing baby? has use of bathroom by elderly people, invalids, been considered? is there space for appropriate bathroom equipment hanging towels etc.? Storage & accessibility are refuse bine & fuel storage accessible, conveniently placed for collection & delivery? can bicycles be taken outside, pram put in garden & garden refuse removed, without passing through living area?

Some Assembly Required

Read article : Some Assembly Required

The Open Range 3X349RLS by Highland Ridge RV takes longer to set up than most fifth-wheels, but the extra effort is worth the time

When we were kids, the best gifts underneath the Christmas tree always required some sort of assembly, be they bicycles, wagons or dollhouses. The anticipation of the finished product, patiently assembled by Mom or Dad, bordered on excruciating. And though we were always delighted when the moment of completion arrived and we could finally enjoy our special gift, there seemed to be just a tinge of disappointment when we realized that moment was now over, not to be relived again until next year, if we were lucky. Happily, the Open Range 3X349RLS by Highland Ridge RV recaptures some of that Christmas morning excitement, and the good news is, you can reassemble this toy again and again.

The living area is well laid out with a large flat-screen television, electric fireplace and audio system. Space between the dinette
and sliding door is a bit tight but manageable.

Certainly, all fifth-wheels require some setup, which most of us look forward to as a sort of ceremony leading up to a weekend, or several weeks, of relaxation with friends and family. But this particular floorplan offers an optional exterior deck that folds down from the curbside slideout, which not only adds to the entertainment space but provides a feeling of openness few RVs can match.

The idea of an outdoor deck is not a new one, but as with all RV components, the success of a feature depends on its overall execution, how well it complements the floorplan as a whole, and in general, if it is truly useful or just a gimmick. In the case of the 3X349RLS, the concept works whether you’re enjoying it in the summer or winter months. The residential-style sliding-glass door admits welcome light from the outdoors, which prevents feelings of claustrophobia on rainy or snowy days. And in the summer, the door can be opened and the screen left shut to bring the fresh breeze inside. Of course, the deck itself would be essentially worthless if it couldn’t support the weight of a few guests, so Highland Ridge built it to hold up to 1,500 pounds — more than enough capacity for a few revelers.

handsome vessel sink highlight the roomy bathroom." width="200" height="300" />A residential-size shower and handsome vessel sink highlight the roomy bathroom.

As you might expect, a trailer as unique as this one requires some consideration when planning trips. The Open Range 3X349RLS starts out with a wide, 102-inch exterior, then adds two giant opposing slides. This alone makes the 3X349RLS big enough to fill most RV park sites, but add the deck, and the width roughly equals one-and-a-half fifth-wheels. For our test, we reached out to our friends at Pechanga RV Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, who set us up with a large deluxe site bordered by a grassy area featuring a picnic table. By moving the table and folding down the deck, we had just enough space to fully deploy the slides and deck but not much more. So, make sure wherever you plan to stay has adequate space. If there isn’t enough room, you can still enjoy this floorplan, but you’ll have a windowless curbside slideout, as the deck floor will cover the glass slider.

Once we leveled the fifth-wheel with the automatic jack system and deployed the slides, the extra work began. The deck floor unlatches easily from the side and lowers without much effort, thanks to spring assist. Once down, the integrated stab jacks are lowered and adjusted; it takes some practice to guess how long the jacks need to be to provide a level deck surface, not to mention crawling under the deck a few times to make sure the jacks are properly placed. This could become messy if the ground is wet or muddy, so you may consider carrying a plastic tarp with you to crawl onto if necessary. If the ground is dry and comfortable, it’s just a matter of a few adjustments that shouldn’t be a problem for those with a good back and knees.

decorative backsplash add upscale flair." width="375" height="250" />The kitchen features a movable island with a matching solid-surface countertop. Stainless-steel appliances, a dual-bowl sink with pull-out sprayer and a decorative backsplash add upscale flair.

Once this step is completed, it’s time to put up the railing. Open Range cleverly provides an extra bin underneath the forward storage compartment in which to store the railing sections and pins. It slides out like a large utility drawer and is secured during transit with a pin. Made of black plastic, the drawer is not the prettiest thing, but it’s a far better solution than having the railings tangled with your other belongings in the main storage area. The railings are marked so you know which side they go on, but even then it takes a bit of time to organize, install and secure them. We recommend you complete this step before the sun goes down.

Once set up, this fifth-wheel is quite a spectacle and drew more than its fair share of interested RVers at the park. The white, gray and blue exterior graphic scheme with frameless windows is handsome, and both power awnings feature LED lighting, which makes for a cool-looking party pad in the evenings. The unit seemed well-constructed and offered nice features, such as a heated and enclosed underbelly, a Trailair pin box and landing jacks featuring JT’s Strong Arm jack stabilizers for a solid, shake-free foundation. We also appreciated the small details, like TV prep on the exterior wall adjacent to the deck area, which allows you to mount a small TV once the deck is deployed.

Stepping inside, the living area feels massive and is a treat for the eyes with Stone decor (one of three available) featuring light wood cabinetry and faux wood-plank Beauflor vinyl flooring that seemed durable and was easy to clean. Providing visual contrast were the rear couch and streetside theater seating, which were finished in embossed black upholstery with white stitching. Both were very comfortable and perfectly placed for watching the flat-screen television, mounted in an entertainment hutch in the corner of the curbside slideout. The hutch also offers an electric fireplace, making for a cozy environment ideal for kicking back and relaxing during the evening.

The forward kitchen is somewhat unorthodox, in that it offers an optional island with casters that can be located wherever it’s convenient for you, although overhead pendant lighting suggests it should be placed in the center of the floor space. The island features a dark brown finish, complemented by a solid-surface countertop, and cabinets and drawers with brushed-nickel pulls. During travel, the island stows on the backside of the dinette and is secured with straps (there are anchors in the floor), and the dinette chairs reside upside down on the theater seats so they don’t interfere with slideout operation. It’s a little extra work, but once you get used to it, setup goes pretty quickly.

A 12-cubic-foot RV refrigerator with wood-panel fronts is located in the streetside slideout, and next to it is a stainless-steel three-burner stove with an oven and a residential-size microwave mounted overhead. We found that the corner-mounted stove was rather confining when cooking meals, but the reality is that cooking is only a small portion of meal prep. The bulk of your time is spent chopping and slicing, and the forward wall, with its large solid-surface countertop and dual-bowl stainless-steel sink provide plenty of space. There’s also an abundance of cabinet and drawer space, and a nice-size pantry on the curbside slideout, next to the entertainment hutch. Moreover, we found little to complain about, though everyone who walked through the Open Range had negative comments about the floor register located dead center in the living area floor. This is something Highland Ridge should consider locating in a less conspicuous area.

Next to the forward cabinets are a small coat closet and angled stairs that lead up to the bath and bedroom. The entry door has an obscured glass treatment that makes the area feel more open and is just more pleasing to look at than a solid door. The bath area is well executed with plenty of space where you need it most. There’s lots of elbowroom around the toilet, and the opposing vanity, with its glass-vessel sink, is an elegant touch. We particularly enjoyed the residential-size 48-inch x 30-inch shower with molded seat and appreciated the drawer space between the shower and bedroom entry. Above the drawers are a mirror and a pull-out counter for extra space, which allows two people to get ready for a night out at the same time.

mirrored wardrobe features large drawers beneath to store folded items." width="400" height="266" />he bedroom has plenty of walk-around space, and the mirrored wardrobe features large drawers beneath to store folded items.

The bedroom features a 72-inch x 80-inch bed, bordered by shelves that are perfectly sized for books, water glasses, etc. There is plenty of walk-around room and enough space near the headboard on either side, so making the bed in the morning is not a struggle. A mirrored wardrobe up front easily accommodated our travel essentials, and a cabinet on the curb side offered washer/dryerprep. At the foot of the bed are a chest of drawers for more folded items and space for an optional TV.

Make no mistake about it — the Open Range 3X349RLS isn’t for everyone, particularly those who just want to press a few buttons and kick back once they get to their campsite. But for those willing to do a little extra work, this fifth-wheel rewards with a lot of entertaining space and a fun factor that will make you the talk of any RV park.

Highland Ridge RV Open Range
260-768-7771 | www.openrangerv.com

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My Minimalist Bathroom « miss minimalist

Read article : My Minimalist Bathroom « miss minimalist

Earlier this year, when we were living in a hotel, we had a TV for the first time in two years. We rarely turned it on, except for a few days when sidelined with the flu—at which time we managed to catch some episodes of House Hunters on HGTV.

I’m always amused when buyers on such shows complain that a bathroom doesn’t have double sinks or a Jacuzzi tub. As a renter, I’m just happy if it’s clean, the toilet flushes, and hot water comes out of the taps. It’s a special bonus if it’s not covered in garish-colored tiles, or sporting fake wood cabinets.

So anyway, I thought I’d share photos of my minimalist bathroom with you today. Not because it’s particularly special, but because it isn’t particularly ugly—and I know you guys always like pictures. Few of us will ever have the kind of spa-like retreats pictured in design magazines, so I thought it’d be fun to show a real life example. A minimalist bathroom doesn’t have to have marble tile, fancy fixtures, or an orchid on the countertop. By keeping things simple and clutter-free, even a basic bathroom can be serene and soothing.

I know someone will add “sterile”—but hey, it’s a rental! :) We’re forbidden to paint or hang stuff on the walls, so there’s little opportunity for personalization. Looking at these photos, I think a small bowl of flowers on top of the cabinet would look lovely; however, it’s the only work surface in the entire room, and a decorative object would compete with more practical things (like hairbrushes, toothbrushes, etc.) when the space is in use. In my opinion, a bathroom is first and foremost a functional space, so bare it shall likely remain.

Since I’ve been moving around so much, this is my fifth bathroom in less than a year. Here’s a few things I commonly do in my quick and cheap makeovers:

1. Pretty shower curtain. Actually, this is our first place in the past year that didn’t have a glass screen. In this case we replaced a dingy yellow curtain, and it’s amazing how this simple aesthetic change makes me smile every morning. My personal preference is something white or translucent, and PVC-free.

2. Adequate storage. We have a small cabinet to keep things off the floor and sink. Inside, there are two shelves: one for my toiletries, the other for my husband’s.

3. White towels. They’re not visible in the above shots, but they’re there.

4. Little touch of color. I chose an aqua bath rug because I love the color (it also matches my Dr. Bronner’s over there in the tub!). Alternatively, you may choose to add color with your towels or shower curtain.

5. Multi-purpose products. I became accustomed to using soap/shampoo combos while traveling, and love how they prevent a hodgepodge of items from gathering in the bath.

6. Clutter-free surfaces.Keeping things tucked away means more maneuverability in a small space—in other words, no worries about knocking a bottle onto the floor or a toothbrush into the toilet. Clear surfaces are also more hygienic, and easier to clean.

7. Clean, clean, clean. In my opinion, fresh and sparkling trumps fancy and expensive any day. Consider using natural cleansers like baking soda and vinegar—they’re kinder to the environment, and save you from having to buy (and store) a variety of specialty products.

Certainly, my humble bathroom will never grace the pages of a shelter magazine. However, I hope it provides a little inspiration to clear out the clutter, and make the best of what you have!

What are your techniques for keeping clutter out of the bathroom?

{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or subscribing to my RSS feed.}

2013 Jayco Seneca 37FS - RV Magazine

Read article : 2013 Jayco Seneca 37FS - RV Magazine

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• 2013 Jayco Seneca 37FS

Reviewing Jayco’s Spacious Super C

Jayco discontinued the Seneca after the 2010 model year absence when Chevrolet discontinued the Kodiak medium-duty truck chassis. Reborn in 2012, the Seneca now features a Freightliner M2 Business Class chassis. The 2013 Seneca offers a host of upgrades and improvements and really raises the bar. While it’s available in four different floor plans, including a 37RB rear bath model and a 36FK model with fireplace and large mid-coach entertainment center, the particular floor plan we reviewed was the popular 37FS bunk bed model that can sleep up to eight people.

Photo 2/18   |   2013 Jayco Seneca 37fs front Three Quarter

Construction
For 2013, the Freightliner Business Class chassis features a front leaf spring suspension and a new fully automatic air-ride rear suspension system that gives this Super C a smooth ride reminiscent of a diesel pusher Class A motorhome. A 55-degree wheel cut allows for excellent maneuverability in tight spots.

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Polished aluminum rims help set off the stunning full-body paint. Our particular coach came with the Espresso exterior paint décor and was protected against stone chips by a Diamond Shield paint-protection film.

Exterior
The massive three-piece chrome bumper gives the Freightliner chassis a real “big rig” look, plus you won’t need to replace the entire unit if you damage it when parking. Chrome heated and powered mirrors are augmented with rear and automatic side view cameras, which will display on the entertainment/navigation system by selecting that option on its touchscreen. A Carefree power patio awning provides plenty of shade in your patio area, and a keyless entry pad conveniently located near the entry door controls both the cab and entry power door locks. Deep tinted flush-mounted dual-pane windows give the motorhome a clean look and minimize wind noise. The front and rear fiberglass caps have a unique molded design with no corner seams to cause any leaks. Dual slide-outs are fitted with enclosed awning toppers for protection against debris and the elements.

optional exterior entertainment center includes a 32-inch LCD TV, AM/FM radio, and DVD player and is located behind a weatherproof cover in the patio area."> Photo 3/18   |   An optional exterior entertainment center includes a 32-inch LCD TV, AM/FM radio, and DVD player and is located behind a weatherproof cover in the patio area.

Living Area
Our Seneca was outfitted with the Mocha décor, which is one of three available décor packages. The wood floors and Washington Glazed Maple cabinetry with hidden hinges adds a warm look to the attractive interior and attention to detail, and the quality construction exceeds the fit and finish of some Class A motorhomes we’ve seen. The dual slide-outs in the 37FS open up the living and bedroom areas to provide plenty of floor space, and an 84-inch ceiling height ensures that you won’t be bumping your head. The soft-touch vinyl ceiling contains recessed halogen lighting throughout and a network of adjustable ceiling vents duct air from the dual 15,000 BTU air conditioners with heat pumps.

Photo 4/18   |   2013 Jayco Seneca 37fs living Area

The large front cap area sports a queen-size bed with a 32-inch LCD TV mounted on a powered swivel mechanism on the passenger side of that area. A rocker switch effortlessly allows the TV to swing out for whole-coach viewing or remain flat against the wall for bunk-area viewing or when not in use. A removable ladder affords easy access to the overhead bunk, and curtains can be used to separate that area from the rest of the motorhome. One optional feature, not included on this particular RV, replaces the overhead sleeping area with an entertainment center complete with 32-inch LCD TV and large storage cabinets to each side of the TV.

The driver-side Hide-a-Bed sofa located in the main slide-out makes into a bed for additional sleeping capacity. The Dream Dinette features a legless table that also makes into a bed by releasing a lever to effortlessly raise or lower the table. The comfortable booth seats are hinged to expose storage area beneath while a swivel recliner chair is located opposite the couch. The Flexsteel furniture features attractive UltraLeather upholstery, and seatbelts are provided at all locations, including the booth dinette.

The bathroom is equipped with a Thetford porcelain stool with foot flush and the shower is fitted with a circular enclosure with sliding frosted glass doors that prevent water from dripping on the floor when open. An overhead skylight provides warm, ambient lighting and additional height in the shower stall. The bathroom vanity also features a Corian top and a sink with an overhead medicine cabinet.

The bunk bed area is what separates this motorhome from the rest. The two stacked bunk beds are bound to be a big hit with young RVers. Each sleeping area has individual lighting, windows, and privacy curtains. A pair of optional entertainment centers is mounted in the ceiling above each bunk. Each flip-down display has an integral DVD player so that each occupant can view his or her own movie. External jacks for those all-important game consoles and headphones are provided as well as a storage pouch to place any auxiliary equipment to keep them out of the way. A cavernous drawer fitted with ball-bearing slides is located beneath the bunk beds and offers plenty of storage space for bedding or other large items.

The rear bedroom is equipped with a king bed with a comfortable pillow-top mattress. A large mirrored wardrobe complemented by a number of huge drawers in the bedroom slide-out at the foot of the bed provides tons of room for clothing. A 26-inch LCD TV is also placed there and is mounted on hinges to expose a deep storage area behind the flat screen. A large window located in the rear cap also serves as an emergency exit if needed.

Cockpit Area
The cockpit area is the typical Freightliner business class layout. The switches operating the cruise control are found on the dash. We would have preferred if they were mounted on the steering column for easier access because it was a bit inconvenient to reach. The Allison transmission’s T-handle shift lever is dash-mounted to the right of the steering column. The center dash area contains an entertainment and navigation system that uses a touchscreen to control the GPS navigation functions, radio, DVD, iPod, or rear-view camera functions. Immediately beneath this is the control panel for the Power Gear leveling jacks. A side cabinet located above the recliner contains the various controls used for the coach accessories, such as the Onan EC-30 automatic generator start module and a control panel for a Xantrex 1,800-watt true sine wave inverter that supplies power for the microwave oven and the RV’s entertainment systems. A holding tank monitoring panel and the slide-out operation switch are also placed here. Six-way power seats provide comfortable seating for both the driver and copilot. Power windows are also standard.

instrument panel includes a T-handle shift control for the Allison transmission as well as a radio/DVD/GPS system and controls for the Power Gear automatic leveling jacks."> Photo 5/18   |   The instrument panel includes a T-handle shift control for the Allison transmission as well as a radio/DVD/GPS system and controls for the Power Gear automatic leveling jacks.

Basement Area and Utilities
The basement storage space on the Seneca is nothing less than amazing. Every time I opened one of the side-hinged compartment doors, a spacious compartment made of tough, leak-proof Rotocast composite material was displayed. If you are one of those RVers who never has enough room to store your cargo, you’ll be very pleased with the Seneca. Excellent compartment height and wide swinging doors made it an easy task to load or unload cargo.

Photo 15/18   |   2013 Jayco Seneca 37fs basment Storage

A bank of four batteries is located in a forward driver-side compartment. These batteries are mounted on a slide-out tray for easy access when performing battery maintenance. The rearmost driver-side compartment houses an 8,000-watt Onan Quiet Diesel generator while a power cord reel makes quick work of rewinding the 50-amp power cord. A 10-gallon propane/electric hot water heater is located at the driver-side rear of the coach, while the 40,000 BTU propane furnace is located on the passenger side. A 56-pound chassis-mounted LP tank provides fuel for the water heater, furnace, and cooktop.

The plumbing service bay is spacious, offering plenty of room to store sewer hoses, fresh-water hoses, or a macerator pump. A whole-house water filter feeds the coach’s fresh-water system and an array of valves and controls offers access to operations such as filling the fresh-water tank, bypassing the water heater during winterizing, or operating the water pump. A paper towel holder, outside handheld shower attachment, black-tank flush attachment, and dump valves for the black and gray tanks complete that area.

storage bay features a long pass-through area that reaches to the far side of the RV for storing ladders or other tall items."> Photo 16/18   |   Basement storage space is cavernous in a Seneca. This particular storage bay features a long pass-through area that reaches to the far side of the RV for storing ladders or other tall items.

Driving the Seneca
Driving the Seneca imparted more of a big-rig feeling than in your typical Class C motorhome. The aerodynamically sculptured fiberglass hood tapers down at the front, which makes it easy to judge distances. The 340-horsepower Cummins diesel brought us up to speed rapidly, and the crisp handling of this chassis made the Seneca feel quite sporty for an RV. The hydraulic brakes were adequate to bring this 21,000-pound vehicle to a stop in short order, although it does take a bit more pedal pressure than the air brakes I am used to from driving Class A diesel pushers. This is a front-engine diesel chassis, so you won’t get the quiet sound of a rear engine diesel pusher, but I didn’t find the noise to be objectionable at highway speeds.

Photo 17/18   |   2013 Jayco Seneca 37fs floorplan

The change to the air-ride suspension that Jayco made during the 2013 model year is a welcome improvement. The fully automatic air-ride rear suspension system provided a much smoother ride. This is a big step forward for the Seneca and will probably make for an enticing upgrade to owners of earlier models with rear leaf spring suspensions.

The Seneca fills a sweet spot between typical Class C motorhomes and their more expensive Class A cousins. The Seneca is a great choice for Class A owners who want to downsize but don’t want to lose the quality, amenities, and storage that they are accustomed to. From its solid surface countertops, to its wood floor, to hardwood cabinetry with screwed stile construction, they may even find it exceeds what they were accustomed to. While large in size, most Class A motor-home floor plans aren’t designed to sleep many people. The 37FS Seneca can easily sleep eight, so large families will find this particular floor plan very desirable. For a couple who travels alone, the rear bath 37RB floor plan is another popular choice.

The torque and power of the Cummins diesel combined with a 10,000-pound trailer hitch means you won’t have any trouble hauling anything you need. Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the Seneca is its huge amount of storage space. With a generous cargo-carrying capacity in excess of 4,000 pounds, you can feel free to load it up.

Jayco has equipped the Seneca with a ton of upgrades as standard equipment. In fact, our well-appointed Seneca only had two options—a larger 8kW generator and the DVD players in the bunk beds. The only other available options that were not selected were a choice of combo or stackable washer-dryer and a front entertainment center to replace the overhead bunk. This pricing method is a plus at resale time because RV dealers generally look at base price without options when determining a trade-in value, so the Seneca should fare well when it’s time to trade up. Jayco backs the Seneca with a two-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is also a plus when comparing it to other motorhomes and does add a testament to the quality they put into this unit. With all these features packed into an attractive motorhome, the Seneca will be a tough act to beat.

Photo 18/18   |   2013 Jayco Seneca 37fs onan Generator

At a Glance
Base Price: $216,720 (MSRP)

Standard Features:
• Full-body paint
• Accuride aluminum wheels
• 32-inch exterior LCD TV in galley slide
• 1,800-watt true sine wave inverter
• 32-inch LCD TV in main living area
• 26-inch bedroom LCD TV
• 40,000 BTU LP furnace
• 10-gallon gas/electric DSI water heater
• King bed with pillow-top mattress

Customer Value Package
Includes:
• 12-cubic-feet refrigerator with ice maker
• Two 15,000 BTU ducted air conditioners with heat pumps
• Backup and side view cameras and monitor
• Convection microwave oven
• Power electric cord reel
• In-motion Minimax satellite dome
• Touch screen in-dash CD/DVD/MP3 sound system with GPS navigation
• Flexsteel UltraLeather driver (powered) and passenger (no power) seats

Optional Features:
• Onan 8,000kW Quiet Diesel generator (6kW standard)
• Dual CD/DVD players in bunk beds
Price as Tested $218,779 (MSRP)

Specifications
2013 Jayco Seneca 37FS
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR): 26,000 lbs
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): 33,000 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 4,639 lbs
Wheelbase: 275 in
Overall Length: 39 ft, 1 in
Overall Width: 102 in
Overall Height: 151 in
Interior Height: 84 in
Fresh Water: 81.5 gallons
Gray Water: 41 gallons
Black Water: 52 gallons
Chassis: Freightliner M2 Business Class front-engine diesel
Tires: Michelin XZE2 275/80R22.5 14 Ply Load Range G
Front Suspension: 8,000lb Taperleaf leaf springs
Rear Suspension: 18,000lb Airliner fully automatic air-ride suspension
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear
Fuel Tank: 30- and 40-gallon saddle tanks (74-gallon total), plus 6-gallon DEF tank
Trailer Hitch Capacity: 10,000 lbs
Engine: Cummins 6.7L ISB with exhaust brake
Horsepower: 340 hp @ 2,800 rpm
Torque: 660 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Allison 2500 six-speed automatic