Jayco Finch alternatives

Submitted: Sunday, Apr 19, 2020 at 10:32
ThreadID: 139925 Views:17127 Replies:9 FollowUps:9
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Hi all,
Looking at upgrading from tent set up and buying a little Jayco Finch.

Finch will fit nice and compact on our small block and we are going to be towing with a 2013 Forester mainly (but do have a xr6 falcon too) so while the size of Dove would be nicer, the Finch just works well all round.

Budget around $8000.
We're looking from 1985 - 2001 I guess.

Just what other brands/models are in this compact size to widen the search?
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Reply By: Erad - Sunday, Apr 19, 2020 at 12:39

Sunday, Apr 19, 2020 at 12:39
When looking at any camper pf that age (or any age for that matter), a prime concern is how the canvas or fabric sides have been cared for. If they are folded up wet, they will soon get mould buildup and that is hard to clean up, if at all possible.

When you get one, the first thing to buy are some flysheets to go over the beds. They help with condensation on the ceilings of the bed areas, and also help keep the fabric dry when it is raining. Also, some plastic covers to go over the beds will help keep the bedding dry if it is wet when you are driving.
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Reply By: Outbackogre - Sunday, Apr 19, 2020 at 13:34

Sunday, Apr 19, 2020 at 13:34
You could also look at the Goldstream Link. It's about the same size as a Jayco Finch. The Link came in a couple of different bed configurations: double bed at front and at rear, or queen bed at front and a single at the rear.
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Reply By: Member -Pinko (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 19, 2020 at 17:41

Sunday, Apr 19, 2020 at 17:41
We started with an old, very old Swan with three kids. We travelled th e country in it and wore it out. We bought an offroad swan wore it out now have an Ultimate (14yo since new). and still going strong. If you buy a small Jayco as stated before get vinyl covers over the bed ends. They will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Frost and ice and hail will not do damage and like us you will probably wear it out.
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Reply By: Peacefrog83 - Sunday, Apr 19, 2020 at 19:03

Sunday, Apr 19, 2020 at 19:03
Thanks all, will look into a fly sheet as one of the first things.

Slim pickings at the moment maybe with everything going on. Can't see any of the Goldstreams at all but I'll set up alerts.

Looking more this afternoon, I see there seem to be a few similiar small Jaycos - Finch, Flight and Swift? But I can't find any size information or difference between them? Does anybody know?
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Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 09:05

Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 09:05
Here is a snip from a 2010 brochure. This should give you the weights of the other models for that age. Earlier models will be a tad lighter, they seem to grow heavier each revision.

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Reply By: Peacefrog83 - Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 18:02

Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 18:02
Thanks for that Peter, that has been very helpful. We've decided to go smaller with the Flight, it's going to fit and manoeuvre best in our tiny carport area.

Where does the Swift fall in? Has it superseded something- The Finch?? All so confusing.
AnswerID: 631140

Follow Up By: OzzieCruiser - Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 18:23

Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 18:23
I have a 98 Jayco JayFlight (Outback).

Is great - just a bit slow to put up and pull down but works well. The stove and sink is a bit low so gives a bit of a sore back being bent over cooking dinner and washing up. Can be modified so it is raised and folds down when not in use. Get those bed flys if not already fitted.

Ball weight is high (higher than the listing above) - caused by axle at the rear of the unit.

Over a nice small unit.

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Follow Up By: Peacefrog83 - Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 18:47

Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 18:47
That looks a beaut ozzie - definitely the perfect size all round for us.

Is there anything else to be aware of when buying? Chassis wise, bearings etc. Is all of that looked at for RWC?

Are they bouncy at all when set up? We looked at a cheap Coleman one last year which was in immaculate condition but just hated the bounce. Just wondering if this is something normal that we'll learn to live with.
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Follow Up By: OzzieCruiser - Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 19:52

Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 19:52
There is nothing different to look at to any other trailer. As mentioned - need to check the quality of the canvas etc.

You can see the stabilizers - two at the front and two at the rear, as well as the jockey wheel - I have never noticed any bounce - with the stabilizers down it is not possible for it to bounce.
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Follow Up By: Sigmund - Wednesday, Apr 22, 2020 at 11:14

Wednesday, Apr 22, 2020 at 11:14
Be prepared to replace the wheel bearings and shocks on a unit of the age you're considering. Ditto if it has a battery.
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Reply By: eaglefree - Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 19:18

Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 19:18
Hi
I’m sorry but having had camper trailers of various designs I’m really over it.

My choice is the Avan. Fast becoming a cult status.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Avan-Aliner-Super-light-to-tow-and-Awesome-Caravan-with-12-months-rego/333578204764?hash=item4daacf765c:g:iBwAAOSwb71edbdS
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Follow Up By: Frank P (NSW) - Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 20:06

Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 20:06
Yes, Eagle, we had one of those in 2007, well a Cruiseliner, a bit bigger. Loved it, but it wasn't tough enough for what we wanted to do, like GRR, GCR, abandoned section of the Gunbarrel Hwy and lots of corrugated outback roads.

A great general camper that I would heartily recommend but not for the tough stuff.

Speaking from experience.
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Follow Up By: Member - shane r1 - Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 20:28

Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 20:28
Not what the op is looking for.
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Follow Up By: Frank P (NSW) - Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 20:35

Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 20:35
From the opening post....

"Just what other brands/models are in this compact size to widen the search?"

I think it's exactly the comment he's looking for.
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Follow Up By: Peacefrog83 - Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 21:24

Monday, Apr 20, 2020 at 21:24
That would be a ripper for my parents who are looking to move on from their camper trailer, I'll have to show them that.

We will have 2 kids (3yo & newborn), so the other fold out bed on the other end of the Flight etc makes the difference for us.

We have no doubt we'll probably move from camper to caravan as we get more hooked and want things a bit easier but these campers are very suitable for our current situation.



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Reply By: Peacefrog83 - Saturday, Apr 25, 2020 at 09:17

Saturday, Apr 25, 2020 at 09:17
Somebody take my money!
I've contacted 2 sellers about coming to look at their trailers but no response, obviously they've sold already and they just haven't updated their ads but very frustrating all the same.

We've decided on the Jayco Flight now, and there are none about.

Well there is one, but my wife absolutely hates it. It's a 1998 and heavily made over from the original with exterior paint, heavily modified interior etc (is it allowed to post links or photos of items for sale for discussion/advice?) However it looks solid and I think a cosmetic change is all that is needed - and she'll love doing that.

Her argument is that she wanted either a mid-late 80's model to do her own makeover to, or something a bit newer at the top of the budget to just freshen with upholstery, curtains while keeping pretty original to appeal to more if we sell down the track etc.

She thinks this one looks de-valued and 80s-fied.

What do you all think?
Is there any future sellability in campers that have been enhanced (we would do it much more neutral and muted) or do people really prefer original?


AnswerID: 631184

Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Sunday, Apr 26, 2020 at 07:09

Sunday, Apr 26, 2020 at 07:09
Hi Peacefrog83,

So long as you realise that on something of that age, whatever you decide to do, you will never get your money back when it comes time to “upgrade” again.

Macca.
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Reply By: Peacefrog83 - Sunday, Apr 26, 2020 at 08:10

Sunday, Apr 26, 2020 at 08:10
We heard back about the one at the top of our list and put a deposit down yesterday, very tidy! We're stoked.

Macca, I probably worded it wrongly in my previous post. It was that in a comparable market which these 2 were being of similiar age and price, it felt that the customised one wasn't worth the same coin as the one kept original. Maybe just us, we're fussy.

We don't plan on doing too much to this one, maybe just updated lino. I'll get some photos when we camp out in the backyard next weekend! Itching to get on the road!!!

AnswerID: 631220

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