Jayco Finch V Dove V Eagle - advice needed

Hi Ozboc

For the amount of persons you wish to accommodate I would thoroughly recommend the Jayco eagle outback. You would find it confined in a Dove and downright overcrowded in a Finch. Try and get one with a full annex as young kids ( in bad weather) need extra room. Our experience with an outback eagle has been without major problems during the first year of ownership. We were dubious about build quality at first but 12 months of hard use in all conditions has it proven a comfortable and reliable unit.

Regards Zodarp

Be warned with the JAYCO you get what you pay for they are made to a price ,mass produced and from past experence are not really a good finished product but maybe i just got a lemon ,but i was not impressed with their after sales service.

We have a 2003 Dove outback for 2 adults and 2 young girls (7 & 9). The kids share the double bed and we have the queen bd for us. The Dove is the right size for us. I think the next size up would suit you.

The Dove has a higher ball weight than the Eagle (need to check as these things often change.) So the Eagle, being a foot longer than the Dove we a bit more living room, could also put a bit less weight on the rear of the 4wd.

Boc,
I have had an off road Hawk for 2 years now, plenty of space and comfortable.
Went to Birdsville from Melb via Cam Crn Bore Trk, Cordillo and back through Inner track Marree ect.
It did everything that the other small camper trailers could do but with more comfort.
I had no quality issues although I did put on a stone deflector and some additional armor for the w/tank and hoses. I wouldnt take it over Billy Goat Bluff but it will go to most camp areas.

Finch is very small, only a D/B either end.

Dove is OK.

Eagle offers plenty of space.

Flamingo is better again.

Jayco offer a great value unit.

Hi Boc,

Simply - get the biggest that you can afford. The Jayco are a simple unit, not complicated etc but built to do the job. Their wind up mechanism, winch etc are fantastic. I learnt a lot from my brother when he rebuit several different brand and model campers. I even rebuilt my first off road finch thanks to his guidance at times and my very detailed copy of a jayco camper service and repair manual. You are not paying for a custom built van so dont expect the quality of one. Remember you will put some bumps and bruises on it when you use it so it doesnt have to be absolutely perfect other than structurally. I have had no problems with mine at all. My latest is a Swan and the layout and size etc is perfect for us - wife, me, 17 + 14 year old girls, and 10 year old boy. With the annexe there is plenty of room for all people and activities regardless of weather etc. Finch and Dove are way too small for families. I would only get an Eagle if storing it was a problem as the Swan is same layout with more storage etc inside. (Sorry to all those with Eagles - I am not knocking them they are real good too if the size is right for you)

I would not recommend buying new as you can find plenty of very good second hand swans, eagles etc on the market to save money for those personal touches you will make. You just need to give them a good going over and do your research. I travelled from Sydney to Bega to firstly look at mine, and then back again the next week to buy it. It has been fantastic.

Interior colour is a personal choice, but one thing to think about is the lighter colours make them appear larger in size and obviously the darker colours make them look smaller.

What area do you live in and where do you plan going? You can always hire one to try them out which is a really good idea so you can check out size and layouts. Let me know where you live - if you are local you are more than welcome to look at mine for size and layout etc to see what works for you.

Jayco have been around for yonks, plenty of people to help out when you are travelling. Easy to work on and get spares if ever needed A good all round camper. If I can be of more help give me your contact details Cheers Mick

We have an old (1978) Dove, and it's built pretty tough. Still got the original canvas. It only has to accomodate SWMBO and I, so we are more than comfy. Finch would be way too small for your needs. Even the Dove would be pushing it with more than two. We like to be able to move.We'll be keeping ours 'til it's past its use by date! Get the biggest you can afford, and are able to comfortably tow. Good luck.

Hi Boc,

We bought a 2003 Dove only 2 months ago for our family (19month old and 6yo) and its suits us fine. All the comments above are very true. For you family size I wouldn't go any samller than the Eagle/Hawk with a full annex. Easy to set, up very comfy, and good enough to do most dirt roads and out of the way places if driven with respect.

They hold their value heaps but I still wouldn't buy new, Too many barely used 2nd hands ones for a discount, to even consider new I reckon.

Good luck champ and ENJOY.

My choice in your situation would be Eagle or Bigger. I personally do not like the hawk, only because the front bed only has a little step up, not having the lounge to use as a step. Just personal.

Watch out if you plan on going up the beach! Have you tried to tow a one tonne trailer up a beach before?

Hi, i spoke with a friend today who's just returned from trip around the block with a Jayco pop top (swan i think) and they are looking at selling it after only a year. They havd all sorts of problems with bits and peices loosening off after a short off road (not heavy off road) section of dirt. Their van was supposed to be off road but they ended up staying on black top. They believe you can only do very 'groomed' dirt roads with the Jayco.

It depends how much off road you want to do i suppose. We were looking at Jayco but after a few conversations with owners, it's off my list now.

Ozboc,

We (2 adullts, 3 kids) had a eagle and thoroughly enjoyed it but did not do major off road with it and ended up selling it 18 months ago and bought a tambo to do more serious off road.
For the travelling u r doing the eagle or swan would suit u down to a tee. They are a great unit, we had ours for 4 years and did not have a problem.

cheers,

Lance

Greetings all -- i Have just left a deposit on a Jayco Flamingo ( the largest of the pop top range ??? ) in the off road variety - this one has has all the extras - bed end lights - - full anex - Inverter the list goes on .....


hope this isnt to big for the sand ????? ( not all my driving but maybe 20% )

Boc