MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Hollands26 on January 08, 2013, 04:20:14 PM
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Well I took my wife to go have a look at Brisbane Jayco wonderland and after about an hour or two of looking and the price we were going to pay for the swan with all the extras we were choosing we decided to pay a little more and go for a expanda 16.49.1 ob should be heading back up there on friday to finalize the paperwork whats everyone thoughts is that the right decision
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Yes.
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We had tested both, an Expanda 16.49 (with the bunks) and an Eagle, but wanted a Swan.
In the end for us, the Swan won over the Expanda due to the open airy feel of the pop top over the van.
Price was an issue for us too, as we ended up buying a Flamingo, same size as the Swan, just a different layout.
The Flamingo was just over $20k, the Expanda we wanted was over $30k...
I did like the Expanda though, but loving my Flamingo.
Good on you Hollands, get out there and enjoy whatever you have.... :)
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Hey Luke, we would've bought an Expanda or Coromal Transforma if we had somewhere to store it, our driveway is steep and we can store the swan in the garage.. Some might say that it s good just to get to camp, pull out the beds and pop top... easy..... that would be good for us...
I have been looking to see if I can get a poptop caravan in our garage but it would be extremely tight....and I am not paying to store it somewhere...
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Hmmm,
Went in to order an expanda, wife decided on a swan, 2 years later we have a cub.
Moral of the story is that you have to find what suits your camping style.
If you want ease of set up and general use go expanda,
If you like the open airy feel and don't mind a bit extra setup time go the swan.
But these are only my opinions, we love bush camping, cooking outside and dragging a camper anywhere that it can follow the car, hence for us the cub.
We enjoyed the swan and then sold it for a minimal loss given all of extras we put on, got to give jayco credit for resale level.
Whatever decision you make enjoy getting in the great outdoors
Jim
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So jealous. It's what we really wanted but couldn't go the extra coin.
More than happy with the swan though.
Go for it they are a great bit of gear.
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We had an OB Hawk for 3 years which was a great camper.
We now have an Outback Expanda and I do miss the Hawk sometimes but due to the ease of setup with the Expanda and with the type of trips we do the Expanda works really well for us. Its been to a lot of places in the 2 years we have had it.
It all comes down to pesonal choice and what trips you enjoy doing. Another thing to maybe take into consideration is the extra weight you will be towing altough the difference between isn't that great. The Expanda is good for the quick one nighters and when touring doing the one night stopovers as its quick and easy.
Also shop around there an be a big difference in price between the different dealers even if you have to travel a bit further to get it.
This is our experience anyway.
Good luck with your decision.
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I just collected a new Expanda 17.5 OB after trading in our 2011 Flamingo OB wind up. The difference in set up times is massive and the effort required to do so is now next to nil. Open both ends, fold down bed, pop roof, pull out awning, unfold mattress, chuck on doona and pillows, open beer :D
Obviously you still need to connect the services if you're not free camping but that's the same for any van.
Weight is around 1850 Vs 1100 so you'll notice the fuel usage rises and hills are slower but thats the price of comfort I guess, ours has an onboard shower/toilet/HWS so that saves on having to erect the shower/toilet tent as well.
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We've had an OB Hawk for around 4 years and love it.
I'm ready to trade it for an Expanda 16.49 3B, but the boss has threatened me with alimony.
She likes the openness of the Hawk and doesn't like to feel like she's shut up in a caravan.
I disagree as we sit outside all the time anyway.
The kids often play inside, but they couldn't care less and even if they do, they can pay for it......then make the decision.
Like all men, though being the boss of the house, I did was I was told when I was good and ready. :police:
Whichever way you go, you will still have to suffer the usual Jayco QC issues, but your value for money will go a long way and you will love it.
Cheers
Brian
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We had a swan for 2 years. Just traded up to a 17.56-1 and are 3 weeks into a 3 month trip. The set up time is so much quicker and the room and space is fantastic. If I had my time again we would have went straight to the expanda.