Jayco Outback

HI meercat
I have a 93 Eagle off road, while being no expert l have noticed the A frame section threw to chassis is different from mine to the early 2000 models.
I've chatted to people along the way and the only real problem we've all struck is interior cupboard construction but you can fix it by re-enforcing the joins.
It's also going to be influenced by where you plan to go.
Fiddling and altering these thing to suit yourself is half the fun anyway!
Enjoy!
Regs Al

Hi Meercat, $17,000 seems a bit too much for a 2000 model, I got a 2004 model Flamingo that has only been used half a dozen times and hasn't done 10,000 kms for $16,500. Still looks like new.
Cheers RosscoH

Hi Meercat,

We have a 2003 Dove Outback, which has the aluminum frame in the walls and a wooden frame for the cupboards and seats. The wooden framing has staples on all joins and uses screws and angle brackets on about half of the stapled joints.

As far as the chassis goes, the 03 model uses 125mm by 50mm box A-Frame. I think that Jayco was trying different a cross section A-Frame (2002 models ? with lighter box section) but went back the 125mm by 50mm box section.
The Jayco is not a heavy duty off road camper, but if you are ok with the tools and able to do a few custom mods that suit your needs and take it a bit easier on the rougher stuff, then I think you will find the Jayco Outback good value for money.

The few tips/mods I’ve picked up to help improved the Jayco Outback for off road work are.
Fit some sheet metal to protect the tank drain tap from stone damage.
Cover or paint the tank fill and pump piping (clear plastic tube) to help prevent algae growth in the tank by blocking out sun light.
The lower shocker mounting brackets fatigue on the (I think ?) pre 2003 models. The lower mounts break with a lot of corrugations causing the lower brackets to flex and break. The solution is to fit stronger brackets or reinforce the existing ones.
Replace the screws that fit the upper roof clamp brackets (which lock the roof section down while towing) with 3/16 nuts & bolts. I’ve heard that the odd clamp has popped its screws on rough tracks.
Jayco changed to a Setec 12volt power supply (with inbuilt battery charger) late 2003/ early 2004. The Setec is a local made unit and the previously used American 12 volt supply/charger seemed to have a few problems. Ours failed twice, then Jayco fitted a Setec (at no cost). Had no problems since.

Before you buy anything, get inside and climb on the bed, both of you. Then see what happens as you get off the bed.

I'm serious... some of the Jayco models have a tiny little step and trying to get up on the bed is embarrassing, if not awkward. Then getting down can be a little scary.

On the Finch - Dove - Eagle models, there is a couch/seat at the main bed end and it is easy to get on to the bed.

The Hawk has the silly little step at the main bed end.

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We bought a new outback Finch in 2005 but sold it last month and bought a 2005 Dove to get the bigger bed, and there have been some quality issues with both.

The cupboards need some re-enforcing, the electrical wiring underneath needs more cable ties, the water pipes (plastic) need to be cable tied.

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Don't over tighten the roof clips and you won't pop any screws!

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They are a light duty camper with a heavy chassis and an "OUTBACK" sticker on the back !