Jayco Jay Feather Micro 199MBS—Big things in little spaces

Today’s RV review is of the 2024 Jayco Jay Feather Micro 199MBS. This is the largest variant of one of Jayco’s smallest travel trailers. The Jay Feather Micro line of trailers are single-axle trailers that measure 6 1/2 feet wide. 

Jayco’s Jay Feather series is one of a growing number of smaller travel trailers that are “high content” models. It used to be that the little trailers were just stepping stones to the larger models with the ultimate goal of getting a giant RV of some sort for touring the country in retirement. 

Now an ever-increasing number of buyers are going down in size to more maneuverable, easier-towing trailers and looking at things that don’t require a heavy-duty pickup as the tow vehicle. 

Big on small

A few things really set this style of trailer apart. One of those is the higher-end features and finish inside. But the other is the adventure-focused styling and packaging. 

For example, today’s Jayco Jay Feather Micro 199MBS has things like a raised suspension system that incorporates a Goodyear Wrangler truck tire on a single axle. So you get both greater ground clearance and also a more capable tire. 

I feel compelled to clarify that I don’t usually advocate putting truck tires on a travel trailer. One of the principal reasons for this is that travel trailer tires are subject to “scrubbing”. That is what happens when you turn a tight corner and the tires literally get dragged sideways. Truck tires aren’t designed to accommodate this, but since this is a single-axle trailer that’s not an issue. Trailer tires also have very different tread patterns that are more optimized for towing. 

It’s okay here with a smaller, single-axle trailer. But I wouldn’t do this on a larger trailer with two axles. 

Other things that make this not just a low-end trailer include the build methodology which incorporates Jayco’s Magnum Truss roof build. Walls are constructed using welded aluminum framing. They are then vacuum bonded with Azdel substrate inside and out. Azdel is a man-made waterproof material that I prefer over the luan used in many RVs. 

But I find it interesting that there had been a brush guard all around the lower portion of this trailer on previous generations that has since disappeared. Or, perhaps, you could say it got the brush-off. 

There’s also a single key that locks all the doors and baggage compartments. Plus, there’s a nifty outdoor kitchen that incorporates a flat-top griddle along with a bar-sized fridge in a compartment. The mounting system for the griddle, dubbed the JayPort™, is particularly unique being almost like a receiver hitch and quite substantial. 

There is also a provision for a backup camera as well as side-view cameras. I think these little things make a giant difference in driving safety, personally. 

Jayco Jay Feather Micro 199MBS

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What’s inside

The interior of this trailer incorporates a couch at the front with side tables.  

On the camp side ahead of the entry door is a 12-volt TV. You can run this TV off the battery of the trailer, meaning it’ll work without being plugged into the park or having to run an inverter. Smart. 

However, I’m not sold on the position of this TV as I can see bonking my head on it when I get out of bed, especially if it’s left extended by someone else camping with me. 

This brings us to the Murphy bed, which is a split mattress model. Essentially, the bed platform is simply that, a platform, that is hinged and folds down over the couch. That means your mattress has to be split in the middle, which isn’t my favorite thing. 

But you can fold the Murphy bed down when the slide room is in, so you can use this for a mid-journey nap, which is really unusual in a smaller trailer. 

Also, under the couch are two drawers, and there’s also a slotted storage spot for an included portable folding table. Nice. 

The kitchen in the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 199MBS

The galley, on the camp side of the trailer, features a three-burner stovetop but no oven. There’s a microwave above this, and you can upgrade this to a convection model. That might be a good idea, considering the lack of an oven. It seems that Jayco also offers a propane oven option. If this is a larger 22” oven, that would be a good choice if you want such an appliance. If the option is a 17” model, just skip it and keep the drawer space. 

Refrigeration now comes in only one flavor—a 12-volt Magic Chef model, where the doors can open from either side. That’s kind of cool. And you betcha that pun was intended!

Opposite the galley is a U-shaped dinette in the slide room. Under one side is a bit of storage. Part of this is accessible from an outside compartment door, as well. 

Finally, at the back of this model are bunks, each rated for 600 lbs. The bottom bunk flips up revealing storage underneath. You could store longer items in this trailer even with the slide in. However, without an outside compartment door giving access to this, I don’t see how you’d get a kayak or another, longer item in the trailer itself. 

Boondocking and travel access

Very surprisingly, this Jayco offers complete usability with the slide in. You can even drop the Murphy bed and it doesn’t interfere with the slide room at all. That’s surprising. 

You can also get to the bathroom and the bunks, as well as the entirety of the kitchen. 

What I’ve found in my experience with boondocking is that water has become a bigger challenge for us than power. This has a 55-gallon fresh water tank, which is pretty sizable for a trailer of this dimension. 

There is also now a 200-watt solar panel on this rig as standard. But you can opt for double that capacity, which comes with a 1,800-watt inverter plus a 30-amp charge controller. 

In summary

There is a lot I like about this trailer, including the fact that Jayco has tested it from 0°–100°F. That’s why the gate valves are in the enclosed underbelly, for example. 

It’s also interesting to see what has changed on this since I looked at it last. As mentioned, the brush guards are now gone. But the biggest bummer, to me, is that the JaySMART™ lighting system is also gone. I think that the JaySMART lighting is one of the better safety features available. It’s sad that it went away to save a few bucks. 

But what we did get was the Lippert Quick Drop stabilizers, and those are a good thing, indeed. I also noticed that there is now a freestanding table on an x-brace type stand with the table top being removable. Nifty—and this might make up for the almost complete lack of counterspace in the kitchen. 

I also like the nifty fold-down ladder in the bunk area. If you don’t need it, it almost completely disappears. When you do need it, it’s a built-in sturdy ladder. 

Overall, I agree with Jayco that people who buy smaller RVs may still want the higher-quality features but not the large size of bigger rigs. I know that’s the way I shopped for our own trailer. What do you think? 

My thanks to Josh from Bish’s RV for the video and photos in this article.

More about these RV reviews

These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. They are based on information from a single unit and may not reflect your actual experience. Shop your RV and dealership carefully before making a buying decision. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.

Tony comes to RVtravel.com having worked at an RV dealership and been a life long RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. He also works closely with a number of RV manufacturers to get an inside look at how things are done and is a brand ambassador for Rockwood Mini Lite with his wife, Peggy.

You can also check out his RV podcast with his wife, Peggy. 

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