Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010 at 10:02
I think you will find that isnt a wind up style - its a push up one you lift.
I would also suggest getting the largest you can afford, store at
home and tow as the small ones like the example you gave dont give enough storage space and your own space to keep everyone happy. I had a Jayco Finch, and with 3 kids soon learnt that we needed either a larger one or some other way to carry everything. The smaller you have will also mean longer packing up times. Not for the camper itself, but for everything else that you try find a
home for. In rain it will also mean laying stuff on the ground as you pack up the camper and its contents. Smaller ones like you showed have a very small annexe. Get in one and see if you really can use it for all you want. The annexe on a wind up will be about as long as the distance between the vertical wind up supports.
You will find a good secondhand larger Jayco Eagle or Swan around $5000 - $7000 if you take your time. Just need to
check them out carefully and understand you are not buying new. Older ones can sag in the rear on the door side so
check that out by closing the door, lift roof slightly, and
check the gap along the right vertical side (lock side). It should be the same. Put it up/down yourself, dont rely on the seller who can hide problems that way. Dont buy the first one you see. Do your homework. If you never had one hire one first. A cheaper one is not all bad news. If you discover that caravanning or that style is not for you your costs have not been large. Also you can update later to something newer (dosnt have to be new to be good). I went from late 70s Finch to mid 90s Swan which is like new. Had to travel from
Sydney to near Vic border to look at it and also to go back and get it.
Would suggest you get electric brakes. Expect fridge 'problems' which you should be able to address (providing its not stuffed) Most simple fridge problems could be related to incorrect original fitting, gaps around sides at rear, incorrect venting and incorrect cabling size. If you are handy you can address these yourself.
Check all canvas and screens. No matter what the seller says, canvas and screens are not easily fixed unless you like to see patches. In my first Finch I removed the whole top canvas section (takes about 20 - 30 mins to get out then same to put back) and took to a canvas maker in QLD to replace the screens for under $500. Would suggest you do not get a 1 piece annexe. They are heavy, and when you just want a roof up with no walls you cant.
Check out the winch and wind up mechanism. Dont hesitate to open up the space behind the winch to see what condition the cables are in. You may need to buy this
Service Manual to educate yourself. It is very comprehensive and explains what to look for in buying and repairing one (good for when you forget to unlock a roof clamp and snap a cable, or bend a bed rail etc)
Keep checking out the ebay regularly as it teaches you what you can expect to buy in your area (not sure where you live) for your budget. Ebay is funny in that sometimes there are heaps on there and sometimes only a few. I look at it regularly just to see whats around and only takes a few minutes to look. Good luck, cheers....
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