Jayco Jayswan

Hi Smudgedoc

We had a 1996 Jayco Eagle for 3 yrs before we finally sold it due the facts listed.
1- Can't get into it while traveling, long trips a real drag especially if its raining. ie stopping for lunch
2- Setting up does take a while and longer with the annexes, longer to pack away, stuff spread out everywhere.
3- We have 2 kids and at the time were aged 7 & 5.

On the plus side
1- being offroad you'll get it further off road.
2- Quite roomy inside.

Price we sold ours for $14k in Jan 04 which was $1k more than we paid for it, had put a full annex on though.

We now have a 17ft pop top and gotta say we all like it much better, not much different in towing aspects and fuel much the same, we have gone on lot longer distance trips because of the quick and easy set up of the pop top over the Jayco, so it does depend one the type of trips you are going to do, ie going to the one place and setting up for 1-2 weeks is quite acceptable with the Jayco your looking at. Hope this helps.

Davo

G'day Smudgedoc,

Have had a 2007 Eagle Outback for 14 months.

Almost perfect for us with two kids, one 4 1/2 yo and the other 19 months. They sleep down the other end.

Great to eat in doors when the flys get friendly, and much easier to keep an eye on them when eating. Easy to fold away when wet to avoid water getting on the mattress, by folding correctly. Very quick to setup for an overnight stop. Awning takes a few minutes more, but walls only put on for longer stays or if imminent rain.

Down side is stops during the day, solved easy enough with slide out bbq as a work bench, and second fridge in car with lunch goodies and cool drinks.

Plenty of storage.

Had to replace most of my plumbing underneath as Jayco should not use retic elbows when corrugations are involved...but then I guess they did not expect me to take this one where it has been...its had a hard 14 months.

The perfect camper has not yet been invented for me, but this comes relatively close (less width would be great for when dragging it through deep sand).

Brett....

Hi All

We had a 2004 Jayco Finch Outback, bought it brand new, it was
our first, we had some good times with it, ok for two people, had
annex made, pain in the arse putting it up, started falling apart
within 6 months, mainly Stitching on canvas walls was the first
problem, then the Telescopic Frame started to play up, plumbing
underneath was repaired, every time it rained the Clears would leak,
took it back to Jayco for warranty Repairs, several times, sold it for
what we paid for it, Moral of the Story, you get what you pay for.

Cheers
Daza

Hi - it may be better for you to give us some idea of how much the van is priced at as the price range can vary quite a bit. A lot depends on where you are buying it from (ebay, private, dealer and also what state are you in?), what extras are on the Swan, and obviously its condition which should relate to its history also. They can vary anywhere between $10000 to $15000. The actual year model will influence the price too as there was a change in shape around the time you mention, but hopefully you are looking at the later more modern model.

I have a Swan around the age you are looking at. We have had our for sometime now and love the space it gives you when away (we are a family of 5) Also very easy to pack and the Swan allows very easy access to the fridge when travelling. I have just had spine surgery and despite the difficulties that provides me for using our Swan, I would love to keep mine rather than changing over to a pop top van - thats how good they can be with the right one.

If you do your research and buy the right one you will love it. Obviously you dont need to buy the first one you see as there are plenty out there and you dont want a lemon. Check the kerb side underneath is straight not bowed. Easy to do quickly by looking at the gap around the door on the handle side with the wind down legs in the up position. Also use a straight edge or stringline. May sound painful but will save you from buying something thats not been looked after. You should be able to buy a Swan in near perfect condition if you look hard enough. Good luck with it...

Thanks for all your replys they have been very helpful. I thought the asking price of $18 000 was way to steep but I think the seller is trying to recoup some of the outlay on the awnings and additional camping equipment. At that sort of money he may think it's new!

I like the idea of the Jayswan, sort of a cross between a tent and a caravan. One must keep the wife happy.

Thanks for the tip regarding the string line, even I can do that

Thanks again for all your help

Smudgedoc