Member - Peter (WA) replied:

Hi also try this question at Yahoo groups wa_campertrailers Born to drive a 4x4 , not a keyboard
Peter York 4x4

Member - GOPE replied:

Howdy Geoff & Karen,
I would say it all depends on what you plan to do and or go with your c/van.
I purchased a Coromal Magnum Off Road Pop-top. One reason stood out for me & that was that the fridge had no inside vent. This meant, that no extra heat was introduced into the living area of the van. Also very good suspension.
Cheers"Happy" :)>

Member - Greg replied:

Hi Geoff and Karen,

I looked at the outback eagle about 10 months ago then settled on the outback swan. I just felt that as I am a tall bloke that the swan was a bit more roomy. The swan was also a little more in price but I am really pleased that I went for that extra internal spavce. The Jayco van is very good and I couldn't really find too many faults with it, and the couple of minor problems I had Jayco fixed straight away. I had little problems like a cupboard door that was slightly warped, they replaced it with no fuss at all. That was the biggest fault I found. The Swan has a wardrobe in it which i converted into extra storage be putting shelves into for storing the clothes. I am sure that once you get the van you will love it , they tow well and are strongly built. Let me know what you decide. Enjoy the timesout in the bush with the van we do. Regards Greg

Member - Greg replied:

Hi Karen,
Glad I could help, I am 6ft 7in tall, must just like my space. I am sure that you will enjoy the van. Where do you hail from? How is it that Geoff has you in the kitchen, I might have to use his technique on Meralin and see if I can get outside the van and enjoy the scenery too.

Best wishes Greg

oznnz replied:

Hi Geof & Karen,
We have a current model Jayco Hawk Outback camper which as yet we not put to the test. We traded a 2000 model Swan (conventional not Outback). We have had a good run out of both campers but found that the 2wd Swan took a bit of a hammering on unsealed / and corrogated roads and hence decision to trade for offroad Hawk. We head off (July 14th)for 14 Weeks from Ballarat up the centre to Darwin and back down the West coast via Gibb River Rd. This will be the first real test and opportunity to compare how the Swan and Hawk compare. I don't believe the 'Outback' range to be a serious offroad camper but the creature comforts of this style of camper impress the wife and daughters aged 12 & 10. They are a reasonably heavy outfit to tow but highway towing is a breeze. The greater ground clearance should help for some obstacles and water crossings but the wide track of the camper (in my opinion) certainly limit it's offroad abilities. The Swan was far from dust proof and I have no doubt that the Hawk will be similiar. I would suggest you ensure that the door vent and fridge vents are covered if travelling in dusty conditions. Don't get me wrong we love our Jayco and are looking to testing it out a bit more on our forth comming trip.
I am sure you will have many of great trips with your new Eagle and wish you all the best for forth coming camping adventures.
Cheers OZnNZ

mark replied:

hi Geoff
we purchased an eagle off road new in 1999 we had a few minor problems nothing major ,the paint inside the roof started to peel off fixed under warranty has started to peel again,and also the cut out push button switch for the inside lights which is situated on r h side just inside the roof wasn"t coming into contact with camper body to activate switch as one light was accidently left on nearly burnt a hole through roof section of bed end ,now we just take globes out before
lowering roof down just in case , but still a pretty good camper , also we taped the door up and fridge vents up to keep bull dust out but make sure the fridge is off ,went up through centre and out to roper bar and around the gulf and only one broken spring pack for the trip

Member - Peter (WA) replied:

wa campertrailers is a web site you have to gointo yahoo groups and type in campertrailersBorn to drive a 4x4 , not a keyboard
Peter York 4x4

Alby replied:

Karen & Geoff,

I have a 2002 Jayco Finch outback which my wife & I recently completed a trip from Melbourne to Cairns.

A great camper, a couple of things I would recommend:

The entry steps ( 2 ) are very high & get slippery when wet especially when you are wearing thongs, I know because I slipped off the top step in rain at Hervey Bay, I recommend painting them with non skid coating.

Consider getting your bed end flys put into zip up bags mounted on the roof ends, this saves your storage room trying to carry them in your car or boot of the van & also feeding the fly rope through the roof can get annoying when setting up the van every night on longer trips.

As your Jayco dealer about how to protect your bedding & mattress from getting wet when water draws through the bottom part of the canvas (just below the flywire window). This only happens in heavy rain & when the bedding is touching the canvas over an extended period. I have spoken to other Jayco owners on our travels & they also report the same problem.

Remember to check & tighten your suspension spring U bolts after your first week end away as they do pull up a little tighter after they have settled in.

Hope you enjoy your camper.

Stuart replied:

Hi Geof & Karen

I purchased an outback eagle 2002 model, have found it great for the price :-)
I had a few extras fitted. - All awnings in zip up bags, also awning fitted to kitchen side of van found it cooler if your facing the western sun you can adjust it up and down and it also rolles up into fitted zip bag, had a 12 volt battery system fitted and charge wire to trailer plug so it will charge battery while driving. we rarley camp in van parks so the use of 12 volt lighting is great. We have not had any trouble with it.

Hope it helps

Stuart