Are Jayco Caravans the best ? Well what is then ?

In answer to your first question: You have got to be kidding. Your second question: How long is a piece of string?

There are plenty of vans out there but it just depends on what you specifically want, that is where you start looking. Firstly, on road or off road and work from there. PRICE. Tow vehicle etc.

All the best for your quest.

Merv

When I asked a friend who was at times a caravan dealer, caravan repairer, and is currently an insurance loss adjuster, ie an expert, he said that Jayco has about 70% of the market, that yes they do not build the vans as strongly as some others, but that he has not seen a greater amount of failures with Jayco than with other brands. His conclusion was that Jayco are built adequately for most people.

Its like a Hyundai vs a BMW . One has much more advanced engineering, but what is the usage going to be?

Regards Philip A

I have a had 24’ Jayco 2008 model Stirling from new.
It’s not an offroader and it’s too large to be taken far off gravel roads and I had it lifted by underslinging the springs.
Brought it on the recommendation of a colleague – who is on his 3rd Jayco – his comment was that they were good value for money.
I have looped Australia twice, plus an additional 15 to 20,000 ks around WA - includes a few thousand ks of corrugated roads.
Just replaced the wheel bearings, suspension bushes, brake pads and had the drums skimmed.
No leaks, no cracks, no loose cupboards – My next one will be a Jayco.

I have had six caravans in my lifetime, and at present have a Jayco 17ft full caravan.

I have previously had a Millard x 2, Viscount x 2, and a Male Trail (Custom built in Murray Bridge S.A) They were all good caravans, selected for their size and layout, and suited and served my needs perfectly. Never ever any construction problem with any of them.

This Jayco was selected because it suits my needs and my tug perfectly, not because it was a Jayco. That is what you need to consider. What do you want to use it for ? What are you going to tow it with, off road, remote travel, size of family, only you know the answer to that.

This Jayco is well constructed, very easy to tow, not too heavy @ 1600kgs, and is the exact layout I had been looking for for years, short of getting one custom made. It has followed me through out a lot of Oz excluding WA, that's still to come :-) but it is not suitable for off road. Gravel roads yes, but nothing worse than well maintained, good gravel roads, without inviting trouble. If that's your want, then you need to look higher up the quality scale, not mention the cost.

I goes without saying, if I could afford a purpose built off road caravan, along with a suitable tug, then that's where I would be. In the mean time, I have what I need and can afford, and happily enjoy my travels.

As far as value, I think you'll find most second hand caravans hold their value, extremely well, simply because new ones are so expensive.

Good luck with whatever you choose, and enjoy your travels.

Fred

we have a 2004 heritage and very happy with it - have had the axles underslung to give us an extra 4'' clearance - take it on dirt roads and bush tracks as we like free camping - did fill it with red dust in WA but this was soon fixed by filling the hose inlet holes in the floor with expander foam - good value for money imho.

i had a 2007 destiny bought new, after its initial hiccups and 100 missing screws installed it was a good van, but when we went to trade i decided on a crusader as its build quality and the little things that usually get shortcut were not plus it was cheaper than a jayco equivelent. i have had 1 jayco but i think it will be my last.

Depends on your definition of the best?

I will give Jayco their dues and they are arguably the best value for money. But the best - full stop? Well, thats like saying the Kia is better than a BMW, cheaper for sure, sorta does the same job, but if it wasn't for price what would you prefer to be driving?

I have an offroad van that is 2-3 times the price of a Jayco. To look at them side by side the average punter would reckon the Jayco offers more, period. But take them off road and see what happens and then you understand what the real differences are.

Have been there, done that with Jayco type vans (had a Windsor Rapid) and while they are great value for money, they simply do not compare to true off-road vans. Very few really want the abilities of a true off-road van so value for money means different things to different people.

Cheers

Captain

Well guys thanks for thats great feed back diffrent views is what i like .
I have a old turbo diesal 60s series looking at couple dirt roads. But leave the 4wd to the Toyota not the van lol .Camping is a big plus as with the van as im not into paying for caravan parks .Might as well put the tent up in the back yard lol . I love the lay out in the Jayco front kit /toilet and shower at the rear .east west bed and a nice eating area as a club lounge set up .The heritge has a lovely fininsh inside . Only the wife and i so looking at a 21 ft jayco heritage .Will be most on road with some gravel roads not out there to wreck anything . Thanks again for all your input cheers Trev