Looking to get a Jayco Eagle, any advice?

Hello Justin

We had a Jayco Dove before moving to a full caravan. We really liked the Dove for camping trips, especially as it gave us the option of cooking inside when flies were bad! We were very glad we bought the Outback version - although not suitable for serious off road use (cupboards etc probably too flimsy) this version is much sturdier and has better clearance than the other. No problems on fairly poor dirt roads.
We did find putting it up and down a bit of a pain when we were touring if we just had overnight stops but it was very comfortable once up. The Eagle is a little bigger. The awnings over the beds were excellent - they kept the canvas clean, provided a bit of shade and, best of all kept the cavvas dry if we had to pack up in rain.

For more contacts you could try Caravan Forum, Caravaners Forum or Touring Oz forums - all msn. Try Googling them.
Good luck Lynne

Justin

Jayco users group
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/JUGA/

Campertrailers
http://www.campertrailers.org/

There's a start!

I have an 07 Eagle outback and for my purpose it is brilliant.

cheers
John

I think you've find this to be the largest general caravanners forum. Great information.

http://groups.msn.com/CaravanersForum

Also - http://www.lets-getaway.com for general caravan information

HI justin - you didn't mention for what purpose you want to buy the van -- is it for going to caravan parks and the occasional bush spot -- mainly for off road use and camping spots away from it all ???

I have the jayco Flamingo - and mine goes from dirt to sand , river crossings and so on ---- I have taken it probably about 15 000 Km so far and we still are very happy with our purchase - we have done little mods to suit our needs like adding 12 v batteries - 12 volt water pump - and purchased a solar panel we are self sufficient and do not feel the need to go anywhere near a caravan park !

Boc

Justin,

We had an Eagle and sold it a coulple of years ago to do more serious off road travelling. Bed flys are a must, extra jerry holders on the A frame and we also had a roof rack. The list could go on for what u could put on or in a camper. We looked at buying second hand at the time, but the difference in $$$ was bugger all, so we bought brand new, and had a microwave fitted at the time.

cheers,

Lance

I presume you want the "off-road" version, about $20,000 new from memory.

But they aren't for serious off-roading. If you take it even on the Gibb River Rd with the corrugation would be about as serious as you would take it.

Serious off-roading you should look at the Bull-Oak camper for example. Not as luxurious as the Jayco's but a real off-road trailer.

Your Jayco "off-roads" are good for mild off roading but if you are going serious, then, the Jayco will limit where you might want to go.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I was kind of looking for anything to look out for, like things to check on the van that would show a poorly looked after one or something. Not after a 4wd version as the wifey just wants to go to nice van parks, but I might convince her to go off the track a little in some parks or something. Will check those van forums out.
regards
Justin