Choosing the perfect small family camper can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, especially when you’re looking for something that’s easy to tow.
The hundreds of campers to choose from can make it hard to decide which is the best travel trailer for your family.
Bish’s RV has been selling campers for nearly 40 years, and there’s a new RV from Jayco RV we think you’ll probably love — the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 197MB travel trailer.
Keep reading to discover why the Jay Flight SLX 197MB might just be the perfect travel trailer for your next family adventure.
The “MB” in 197MB stands for Murphey Bed- adding more space during the day and cozy sleeping at night.
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Thinking of Buying a Jayco Jay Flight 197MB?
See Pricing and Financing Options.
Jayco’s Jay Flight 197MB/197MBW: The Small Camper with the Big Personality
The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 197MB/197MBW is a small family camper that packs a lot of features into its compact frame.
One of the 197MB’s big standout features is the Murphy Bed, which maximizes its 8′-wide living space during the day and transforms into a comfortable sleeping area at night. This space-saving design gives you plenty of room to kick back and enjoy your time indoors without feeling like a sardine in a can.
In addition to the Murphy Bed, the 197MB includes double over double bunks, providing enough sleeping space for the whole family. Whether you have kids, friends, or simply need extra sleeping arrangements, this camper has you covered.
What truly sets the Jay Flight SLX 197MB apart is its sturdy construction. The durable A-frame and the Magnum Truss Roof System offer exceptional strength and durability, so you can be confident your camper will withstand all the bumps, jolts, and surprises the road throws at you.
You get a huge package of features and reliability, all within the confines of a small, easy-to-tow camper.
Jayco Jay Flight 175BH/175BHW Specifications
Jay Flight 197MB Weights and Measures
Sleeps: 8
- Empty Weight: 3,385 lbs
- Cargo Rating: 1,715 lbs
- Max Weight: 5,100 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 555 lbs
- Total Length: 23′ 5”
- Body Width: 8′ 0”
- Awnings: 13′
- Tires: 15″ Rims
- Fresh Water: 30 gal
- Gray Water: 39 gal
- Black Water: 39 gal
Weight may vary based on options.
If you want to learn more about floor Plans, check out our detailed Floor Plan Guide: What do the Numbers and Letters in an RV Model Number Mean?
What is the Price of a Jayco Jay Flight SLX 197MB Travel Trailer?
Average National Price Range for the Jayco Jay Flight 197MB:
$22,500 – $31,000
⚠️Buyer Tip: Watch out for hidden undisclosed fees
These fees can stack up to thousands of dollars. The most common undisclosed fees are freight and prep. This is so common in the RV industry that we put together a guide on how to avoid hidden fees.
Check Out Jay Flight 197MB Pricing and Availability.
A Camper’s Price Should Include More Than Just the Camper!
The price you pay for a Jay Flight shouldn’t just get you the camper itself; it should also buy you convenience and peace of mind. This means finding a dealer who offers more than just a good deal.
Dealers like Bish’s RV, will offer you a 3-day return policy, no questions asked, if you decide the 197MB isn’t for you.
Also make sure the camper you buy comes with a repair plan that provides NATIONWIDE REPAIR SERVICING — and make sure there are no hidden fees.
To learn more about the fastest way to get your RV repaired anywhere in the country, read RVFix: Faster, Easier RV Repair Service Starts Wherever You Are
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 197MB/197MBW Interior
The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 197MB may be a small camper, but its 8-foot width makes it feel BIG.
Got a large family? No problem — the double over double bunks provide plenty of sleeping space for Mom, Dad, the kids — and this camper is pet-friendly, so bring your fuzzy family members too!
The dinette in the slide-out dramatically expands your living space, giving you plenty of room to stretch out and whip up a feast in the kitchen without bumping elbows!
Main Living Area
- 8′ width for a spacious feel
- Dinette provide additional seating and a table for meals or game nights.
Kitchen
- High rise kitchen faucet for easy use
- 8 cu. ft. 12V refrigerator for plenty of food storage
Jackknife Sofa with Murphy Bed
- Murphy Bed adds to the room, maximizing daytime living space
- Sofa provides a comfortable seating area
Double Over Double Bunks
- 600 lb. rated bunk beds for added safety and durability
- Air-Flow windows for better ventilation
Bathroom
- Marine-grade toilet with foot flush for convenience
- Under-sink cabinet for storing bathroom essentials
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 197MB/197MBW Exterior
The single-slide Jayco Jay Flight SLX 197MB is a small, lightweight single-axle travel trailer designed for easy towing.
With it’s 13′ power awning, you can enjoy being outside your camper as much as you like being inside — even if it’s raining or the sun’s shining brightly. And at night, you can still see around the campsite with the awning’s LED lights.
This compact camper is perfect for those who love to see the country’s most beautiful landscapes, as its small size allows it to access many national and state parks that larger campers can’t reach.
Exterior Build
- Fully-integrated A-frame for added durability
- Magnum Truss™ Roof System for strength and stability
Towing and Mobility
- Lightweight and easy to tow
- Compact length allows access to more parks and campgrounds
Outdoor Comfort
- 13′ power awning with LED lights for a comfortable outdoor living space
- LP quick connect for easy grill setup
Hitch and Stability
- Power tongue jack for easy hitching
- Stabilizer jacks for a stable setup
Want to trade in your old camper for a Jay Flight 197MB?
See what your current camper is worth!
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 197MB/197MBW PROS and CONS
Pros of the Jay Flight SLX 197MB:
- Price: The Jay Flight SLX 197MB offers great value for its price, making it an affordable option for families looking to enjoy the RV lifestyle without breaking the bank.
- Mobility: Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to tow, even with smaller vehicles. This mobility allows for greater access to a variety of national and state parks.
- Efficient Use of Space: Despite its compact size, the camper makes excellent use of space with features like the Murphy Bed and double over double bunks, providing comfortable living and sleeping areas.
- Family Friendly: The camper can comfortably sleep a large family of up to eight people, making it a practical choice for families with children.
Cons of the Jay Flight SLX 197MB
- Not a Luxury Camper: While functional and comfortable, the Jay Flight SLX 197MB lacks some of the high-end amenities and finishes found in more luxurious models.
- Limited Storage: The camper does not offer a lot of storage space, which can be a drawback for longer trips where more gear and supplies are needed.
- Capacity Limitations: It is not suitable for larger families or groups with more than 8 members..
- Limited Interior Space for Extended Stays: The compact interior may feel cramped during extended stays, especially if the weather requires everyone to stay inside for prolonged periods.
To discover more of the Big Changes Jayco made to the SLX line of travel trailers, check out our article: JAYCO JAY FLIGHT SLX: NEW FEATURES AND FLOOR PLANS UNVEILED.
Next Steps to Owning a Jayco Jay Flight SLX 197MB/197MBW
If you’re looking to buy an easy-to-tow camper for your family, the 197MB is a great choice.
So what’s next?
Your next step should be to compare prices from different dealers — and be sure the dealer promises you No hidden fees, has a 3-day return policy and can offer repair service anywhere in the country — like BishFix.
Have More Questions About Small Campers?
Bish’s RV has been selling compact campers for nearly 40 years. We know that despite their small size, it’s still a BIG purchase.
We want you to feel good about whichever camper you decide to buy, even if you don’t buy that camper from us.
Give us a call. Ask us your questions. We’re always happy to help families get outside and enjoy nature.
See More Jayco Travel Trailers
Not Sure if the Jay Flight 197MB is the right Jayco for You?
Want an even Smaller Family Camper?
Check out the Jay Flight SLX 175BH
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Greg Long
Bish’s RV Content Manager
Amateur adventurer; professional dreamer.
aka: The Bish-Blog-Guy