Jayco Flight and Subaru Forester

Submitted: Thursday, Sep 16, 2004 at 09:24

ThreadID: 16310 Views:5512 Replies:4 FollowUps:5

This Thread has been Archived

Vigilant

I am looking at purchasing a 2001 Anniversary Edition Flight camper, my vehicle is a 2000 Forester Limited. I suppose the first question is is this a reasonable combination (650kg tare seems ok) and is the asking price of $14990 reasonable? The unit is in very good condition, looks hardly used. I am looking at weekend trips with my teenage kids (just the three of us) and then a trip up the east coast some time next year.
Any one out there have one, or comments, it is not an outback model but looks very sturdy, would it be able to take Jayco's boat racks and a small tin dish or punt?

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: Member - Michael (NSW) - Thursday, Sep 16, 2004 at 09:34

Thursday, Sep 16, 2004 at 09:34

Hi there, I have had an earlier Flight and also a Dove over the years, both of them great, but i think now they have an aluminium frame which would be much better as mine both were Timber. I think the weight is ok, but i have always used a V8 sedan or 4wd to tow. The problem arise when you start adding all your gear, so then you are probably up around a tonne. Its a matter of if the vehicle is going to tow a tonne plus the family comfortably, the weight adds up really fast.. Jaycos are great if you look after them and dont leave them up if you are not using them,, Michael

AnswerID: 76595

Follow Up By: Vigilant - Thursday, Sep 16, 2004 at 09:45

Thursday, Sep 16, 2004 at 09:45

Thanks Michael, I have been thinking it may stress the Forester a little especially with uphill drags, mainly looking at weekends at the lakes in Tassie at the moment fishing, so not a lot of gear - but then with 16 & 17 year olds .... Galv chassis on this one and aluminium frame.

FollowupID: 336395

Follow Up By: Member - Michael (NSW) - Thursday, Sep 16, 2004 at 10:47

Thursday, Sep 16, 2004 at 10:47

Jayco's are really great, i personnally think they are better than a camper trailer, we have had some awful weather over the years and they are off the ground and plenty of room as the beds are at each end. also most of the camper trailers have cooking area outside. Jayco style campers have a lot of advantages. Michael

FollowupID: 336403

Reply By: Baz (NSW) - Thursday, Sep 16, 2004 at 11:41

Thursday, Sep 16, 2004 at 11:41

Hey Vigilant, this couple were at Newnes 2 weeks ago they are members of the campertrailers group on yahoo they might give you an idea of any probs if any.
Forrester & goldstream

Baz.

AnswerID: 76614

Follow Up By: Vigilant - Thursday, Sep 16, 2004 at 12:08

Thursday, Sep 16, 2004 at 12:08

Thanks Baz, the goldstream looks larger than the Flight so maybe not such a bad match after all, I will have a look at the yahoo site.

FollowupID: 336409

Reply By: DaveNJude - Friday, Sep 17, 2004 at 08:35

Friday, Sep 17, 2004 at 08:35

I am towing a small poptop behind a 2003 Forester auto:
http://home.iprimus.com.au/daveju/Caravan/Caravan.htm
It's tare is about 650kg and loaded is about 950kg so you should have no problems. There are heaps of A'vans being towed by Foresters as well:
http://www.aroundoz.com/

Dave

AnswerID: 76751

Follow Up By: Vigilant - Friday, Sep 17, 2004 at 11:39

Friday, Sep 17, 2004 at 11:39

Hey Dave

Thanks for the info, I am not sure but your Forester would be a 2.5lt? Mine is only a 2 litre, but drive a 2.5 at work, don't think there is a lot of difference tho. Thanks again.

FollowupID: 336534

Reply By: Member - Michael (NSW) - Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 15:39

Sunday, Sep 19, 2004 at 15:39

Hi Vigilant, just remembered that there was a 3 page article in the July 4X4 Australia magazine. It is actually about Jayco Offroads and Subaru Outback's, so the Jayco's would be a little bit heavier than the one you were looking at. 4x4 Australia gave the combination a good wrap, so try and buy a back issue if you don't already have one. The last paragraph says the outback makes an execellent towing machine for caravans and camp trailers in the light to medium weight class. I thik your vehicle would be similar to the Outback.. regards Michael.

AnswerID: 77026

Follow Up By: Vigilant - Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 18:07

Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 18:07

Thanks Michael, I have purchased the van, will be picking it up next week some time, will post a photo of the rig when able. Unfortunately work commitments will stop me using it for a while (am a rozzer on a big investigation) but when I do the break will be good.

Thanks again to everyone for the input.

FollowupID: 337687