Jayco Swan outback or standard

Depending on speed and condition of road you can shake any van regardless of $$ spent to breaking things.

The chassis of the outback is huge and you'll never have an issue with it. Its typically the interior that may shake loose (I haven't had any issues with my 6yo Outback and its been 1/2 way around oz).

Wouldn't try and take a "standard" version offroad other than well graded dirt roads.

You can get a basic swan outback for about 21K or a well optioned outback 2nd hand for under 20k.

Obviously you have a family cause the Swan is the biggest in the Jayco range. Comfort factor of these Jayco's with kids is great and the Minister for War and Finance will love it too (which is the ultimate goal!!).

Work out what you plan to use it for first

Personally, I think the Jayco ‘Outback’ range is the mastery of marketing over function.

I have no doubt that the chassis of the Outback is quite a deal stronger than the on road version. The suspension is improved with shocks and heavier springing and there is increased ground clearance. However, the body remains the same, as do the internal fittings. Jayco does not appear to differentiate in the construction of the body between both styles, and they are built to a price (one which I could afford!)

I would suggest that any road that would destroy the chassis of an ‘on road’ Jayco would destroy the body of an ‘Outback’. The springs, shocks, clearance and the name is not the universal panacea to the damage to body and fittings that long distance, high speed travel on corrugations or crawling along narrow tracks can inflict

The down sides of the ‘Outbacks’ are that they are heavier and significantly higher than the on road versions (I can use internal mirrors in my Pajero with an on road version). Due to their height they are more difficult to erect; double steps are a pain

The more important down side is they are more expensive. You can buy a lot of fuel with the price difference

For what it’s worth, I have owned 3 ‘on road’ Jaycos, and am acutely aware of their limitations and their strengths. I will (and have) travel on dirt roads with them, but not off road. Next time you go to some out of the way place check out what people have towed in there. I’ve seen more ‘Outbacks’ in caravan parks than in National Parks

A former neighbour of mine took an early model Jayco Swan Outback on some pretty tough trips, including the Simpson Desert and another trip around the Gulf from Burketown to Darwin and then continued on into the Kimberly coming home down the Tanami. His van was in very good condition.

But he spent a lot of time on maintenance. He was a retired builder and I have seen him strip his car interior bare, seats carpets and under felt all out while he washed and polished the floor that is hidden by the carpet. The van came in for similar treatment often being set up in the yard for a week or more while he tinkered away inside.

It would be a good outfit to pick up second hand when I think about it.

Duncs

Jayco also offer independent suspension as an option although you will need to ask as its not widely advertised.
If you found a second hand outback fitted with this you would be laughing.
I recently sold an on road dove and 90% of callers were looking for an outback, so for ease of resale an outback may be a better option, that being said i sold my on road dove without too many hassles
I am upgrading to a outback flamingo with all the various opts it was just around $27800 mark which is past the price range you are looking at, but will give you an idea of what a decked out one costs.

Cheers

Simon

HI,
Just go out and buy a big brand camper with double gal frame,independent air bag suspension , with a we have been to the moon reputation for 40 K or be like most of us and buy a Jayco .

It all comes down to a little bit of common sense!!!!!

Outback means higher clearance , better brakes and more stone protection. It doesn't mean tow me along the track at 100 ks, see how many rough creek crossings we can do or this campers crap because it has fallen to pieces.

Drive to the conditions, know your campers limits and take your time.

We have a Jayco Eagle Outback, its been to Birdsville, Innamincka, Oodnadatta, the Sandy desert, Cameron's Corner,and The Painted Desert all with little damage.

If you have the money buy an outback, the resale value will be better and it will go to places an on road can't if you have a 4x4. Even though the van is the same as the on road above the chassis the added clearance ' springs and shockers will make it far easier to tow in rougher conditions.

Buy what you can afford !! After all it's all about getting out there and having fun. GO with the Swan you won't be dissapointed.

Happy camping Butch58.