Jayco off road campers

Submitted: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 10:02
ThreadID: 78235 Views:18990 Replies:12 FollowUps:7
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Looking at buying an Off road Eagle outback camper, have never been much of a "caravan" person but with a new bub it looks to be a good option. Looking at second hand unit, are they a reliable unit and what do I need to look out for as far as problems with the campers structually etc?
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Reply By: Tenpounder (SA) - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 10:13

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 10:13
Hi there. The first thing to say is that Jayco have not manufactured an off road camper!! They are at pains to state this on their web site. If you want the Outback variant then this is marketed as a unit for some off-bitumen use (ie good dirt roads).
But some people seem to think that Jayco sell the Outback products as ready for the Canning or the Simpson.
There has to be a reason why the serious off road campers sell for $50k plus!!
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Reply By: feathery - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 10:58

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 10:58
look here http://www.campertrailers.org/
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Reply By: Mottleman - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 11:35

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 11:35
This issue is similar in some ways to toyota--nissan, agm--wet cells, ford--holden.

My experience with a 2007 Jayco outback Eagle has been that with some minor mods and careful driving appropriate to conditions we have been everywhere we wanted including Flinders, Birdersville track, Innaminka, C Corner etc etc.
Compare chasis structure, welding, suspension and metal frame-fibreglass shell (in post end 2006) models and they compare well to many of the big names.

They dont look as tough but are very family comfortable.

cheers
John
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Follow Up By: pmk03 - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 11:53

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 11:53
X 2

Also have an Outback Eagle 2007 & love it & been everywhere.
Drive to the conditions & it will serve you well. Good value for money.
I wouldn't take any van into the Simpson or up the CSR. I'd use a tent for those trips.

PMK
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Reply By: Nargun51 - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 11:56

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 11:56
We are now on our 3rd on road Jayco camper; I have always thought that the Outback camper is a victory of Marketing over function. The victory is paid for at a cost to the purchaser.

I know the Outback has a heavier chassis, shock absorbers, better clearance and approach/departure angles. However, they are heavier, larger, higher to tow, more unwieldy to erect but I believe the construction of the body is the same, so the things that would shake apart internally will be the same on an Outback as with an on road.

The extra height of the Outback’s floor could be an issue when your child reaches Toddler age

I’ve taken mine into some interesting places where the sites have been occupied by hard core off road trailers. Driven carefully and slowly with an eye on the limitations of the van and it can be done. It might take you a while longer to get there and you might have to camp in a less arduous travel area and leave some areas for day trips.

Driven within limitations the on road version will get you to most but not all places. If I was looking to go truly offroad I wouldn’t chose a Jayco but look at something that is both designed and constructed to go to these places.

On the plus side the resale value of an Outback is higher and I have seen more in caravan parks than in the bush, so there is a chance that that you will be able to purchase a good one that has seen limited dirt road work. The obverse of this is they cost more. Only you can decide whether the extra cost is worth it
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Reply By: hotfishez - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 12:24

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 12:24
Thanks for all the info, my days of serious off road stuff will be put on hold for the next 3 - 5 years, we have a 10 week old and I dare say another on the way within the next year or so. I only need something with the off road capablity, gravel, dirt etc. Chassis strength and build quality are the key factors. I will be making changes to suspension set ups and tyre sizes to make dirt road driving less stressful on the camper,
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Follow Up By: yakodi - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 12:59

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 12:59
Try the 'myswag' forum, there are lots of members with Jayco camper/ caravans.
PS - don't let the new born stop you from purchasing a true offroad camper - they handle the bush and travel well, the earlier they start the better. Cheers mate.
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Follow Up By: Member - Duncs - Thursday, May 06, 2010 at 22:00

Thursday, May 06, 2010 at 22:00
Hotfishez,

Don't let the babies stop you doing the things you want to do. That is just hiding behind the kids.

We took our oldest daughter on her first camping trip when she was less than 2 years old. When she was 4 year we took her and her young brother to Fraser Island. He was just 5 months old at the time. We did quite a few camping trips with all three kids before heading off to WA, My youngest daughter had her third birthday on that trip. She was 5 when we went to Cape York.

We have been camping as a family for as long as my kids have been breathing. They are all still willing to camp, my oldest rang me from Uni today just to tell me she loves me. Made an old man feel pretty good and gives me some confidence that all that time in the bush didn't hurt her any.

Your days of serious off road stuff will only be put on hold if you want them to be.

I hope you take this the right way. I am not having a go at you just trying to encourage you to take the kids along for the adventure, it will do them good.

Duncs
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Reply By: John and Lynne - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 14:02

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 14:02
We found our Jayco Dove Outback reliable and comfortable for camping in warm conditions. It was cold in winter with the beds very exposed but you probably won't be camping in very cold conditiond with a small baby.
As has been mentioned the Outback gives more clearance and a sturdier suspension but the interior is not built for really rough travel. With care ours got us to a lot of places without trouble but there are places we would not take it.
The Jayco has the big advantage of being well insect proofed and you can also cook inside when flies are bad. Protection from mosquitoes etc could be important with a youing child. If buying secondhand check the state of the screens carefully.
The disadvantage of the Jayco for a young family is that they have less space than the good quality trailers that you can add all sorts of extra awnings and annexes to. We found the Jayco awning and annexe a pain to set up (but you might be cleverer than us!) These other camper trailers could be better for penning a crawling or toddling baby safely with space to move. As they are on ground level there is nowhere to fall. The Jayco steps would be a hazard for children under three and the space around the low bench and stove is fairly limited and could be hazardous when everyone is inside during wet weather or mealtimes. Good luck. It is a good idea to take children camping young - you will have wo0nderful times and great memories. Lynne
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Reply By: wildman - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 14:34

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 14:34
We bought a Swan Outback late last year as we have 3 kids and wanted the comfort factor with the kids. In January we spent 4 weeks travelling South West WA in excess of 40 degrees. We travelled the Norseman - Hyden Road as well as the Holland track, plus many other tracks of the area with Swan on the back. We could pull up at a campsite and set up completely and be having a beer in about 15 minutes. We have spoken to many others that have done the Vic High Plains and Gulf Country in their Jayco Outbacks. The best part is the storage in a Jayco with the cupboards as opposed to a camper when most things need to go into plastic tubs - depending on what camper you buy.
I think for the dollars (about half of a real offroad camper) and where most of us travel to, the Jayco will do the job. They wouldn't be suitable for the CSR or a Cape York Trip, but would go most other places, provided the tow car is up to it (they are about 1100kg) and you did take your time. We did not take ours from Lancelin to Cervantes because we went via the beach, which I think was a great move, as it certainly would have got damaged and more than likely stuck in the sand. The top of the Jaycos are the same onroad/outback, but the chassis and other options you get as standard with an outback make it worthwhile.
My overall thoughts are that if you want a bit of comfort and be off the ground, a wind up camper is the go. If you are a serious off roader and going to do the big trips CSR/Cape York/Connie Sue/etc. Buy a Kimberly or similar.
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Reply By: Member - Tom V (WA) - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 16:57

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 16:57
Hi Hotfishez
in spite of all the comments, we have an 2008 outback dove & yes we have taken on the Gibb River Road, cale leveque & other interesting place.
But, no would not take on the Canning etc.
yes, drive carefully & to conditions it will take u most places.
we think they are great & so are thinking about selling it & upgrading to another bigger outback.
good luck Tom
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Follow Up By: hotfishez - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 17:33

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 17:33
Tom, if you are looking at upgrading, I would be interested in having a look at yours if you choose to sell it.

contact me at

chop.76@live.com

Cheers

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Reply By: OREJAP - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 17:10

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 17:10
We have a Jayco OUTBACK Dove & very happy with it. Just a suggestion, why don't you hire one for a week,pack it full of all your necessaries & go bush. You only appreciate the pluses & minuses when you have used one. Incidentally you can also hire an off road camper trailer like a Kimberley or a Pioneer the former is a very expensive option but probably the best IMHO & try one of those to see what you prefer. I might add that Jayco once upon a time advertised and marketed an OFF ROAD version of their campers but when they didn't cut the mustard for some reasons or another purchasures were claiming warranty repairs which proved a huge headache for Jayco hence the name change to outback!!! Tis a pity SOME camper trailer manufacturers don't follow the same lead....have seen many so called OFF ROAD C/Trailers with broken welds!!!
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Follow Up By: hotfishez - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 17:29

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 17:29
We are going to hire one in the next few weeks and head to Bremmer bay for the weekend. Unfortunatley these are not the outback units hence my request for thoughts on the campers.

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Follow Up By: Ferret - Sunday, May 09, 2010 at 15:08

Sunday, May 09, 2010 at 15:08
Just on the hire thing, I hired an 07 model and nearly didn't buy my 09 outback Dove because of that. The Hire units cop and absolute flogging and tend to be in poor condition, this could tait your opinion of them.
Cheers
Scott
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Reply By: olddigger - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 22:15

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 22:15
An offroad Jayco Eagle will suit you fine . . . as long as you do NOT take it off the bitumen. And get a good broom. You'll need it to sweep out all the staples that fall out as you travel. And don't start me on the bed-end covers. Why can't they make the bed-ends out of waterproof canvas in the first place?
Cheers, Tony
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Follow Up By: olddigger - Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 22:18

Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 22:18
Very good pub with excellent food in Bremer Bay, but bugger-all else.
Cheers, Tony
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Reply By: bkbjans - Friday, May 07, 2010 at 00:18

Friday, May 07, 2010 at 00:18
Hi there. We have an off road swan. 4 kids 2 - 10 yrs. We love it and are very happy with it. Took it to Bremer (actually out to Doubtful Island campsite) in January and had a great time. Obviously took it easy on the track, but no dramas at all. They are heavy so if you're planning on doing some beach camping I'd only take it out on the beach if it was looking like a highway. We've been bogged before, and it's not fun with kids!

If you camp with other people it's still nice to have a communal kitchen etc or you feel a bit anti social. Someone else mentioned the height and I'll second this. When the kids are crawling/ walking a tumble down the steel steeps is a big drama. Having said this we've experienced this at least once most trips without serious injury!

Comfort is the big plus and storage is great (except when you've too many kids like us!) We set the travel cot up on the club lounge, that's something to consider when bub is on the move. If you set it up on the dining area you lose that space or have to put it up and down during the day. Believe me the bed end guard does NOT contain them once they are on the move!

Enjoy your camping with kids ... they love it. We're off for five weeks up north soon!
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Reply By: freddo - Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 21:33

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 21:33
I spent 2yrs looking for a good 2nd hand Jayco and ended up buying a new one in 2007 for not much more.
With anything "off road" suspension is a key issue my one had leaking shockers whilst doing Gibb River and the springs had sagged after doing round Oz trip.
With any second hand unit look 'hard' for broken welds or struts where shocks attach to chassis as it was a big problem in early models.
If shockers are shagged then an oily residue will be on shockers or other components under the van.
Jayco use AL-KO running gear which is a tad too light for weight of the vans. I have had mine re-sprung with extra leaves and better shocks for about $250.

Look out for tears in the canvas when erected and how well the roof sits when folded down some are perfect many are out by miles and let dust and water enter under the seals even when clamped down. The aluminum skirt on the roof section may also rub on the van sides. (Jayco can adjust this with a levering tool!).
Aftermarket (Clark Rubber) compression seals screwed over originals fixed my dust and rain problems.

Yes they are a comfortable compromise with indoor seating, storage and kitchen that keeps the family happy even when bush camping.

If you want to go hard then go with your mates and a swag!!!!!!!!!


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