Serious Jayco Camper Chassis & Suspension Mods

You would want to pick the Dove up pretty cheap
if you intend to run a decent independent suspension system.
If you do all the work yourself you can save a packet on labour.
The independent set up would be two to two and a half grand
plus brakes plus steel ect.
That said it would be an interesting project
Norm

Hi Mike,
I have a Jayco Swan about an 87 model, the previous owner has
put a new A frame and chassis under. It's given it about 8' in height,
it hasn't got independent suspension, but the clearance makes up for it.
It's got 16" wheels, Shock-absorbers & 2.1Ton springs & axle.
Have a look Here, it may give you some ideas.
By putting a new frame underneath, he extended the chassis another 800mm at the rear to attach a storage box and fix two spare wheels, one each side. The box stores the tarps, annex roof, End Flys, shovel, rake, axe, ropes, pegs and all that kinda stuff.
Please forgive the mess underneath, It has been around the block twice and I haven't got around to re-coating it.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for the replies guys. I had actually found you web page and bookmarked it already H & F, like your swan but not the reduced departure angle. That extension would be great as a bolt on so you could remove it when you want to get a little more serious.

Went and looked today with cash in hand and came home with a 1986 Dove that already has a heavy duty replacement draw bar and Alko IRS fitted to it for $2500. I am very happy!! It needs a tidy up but was a real steal. The guy I bought it off new nothing about the suspension. This setup will last for a while but I will investigate making a replacement chassis with serious independent trailing arm suspension.

Upholstery inside is brad new, curtains will be remade next week and I will have the whole canvas replaced before winter (can anyone recommend someone in Perth?). Cables and pulleys look and feel good, one brand new end fly and annex skirt, just need a second end fly and annex (one that came with it is seriously stuffed!).

Here is a link to pictures on photobucketBurnsy's Dove