MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dice on February 06, 2013, 06:35:31 PM
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Of to the dealer on the weekend for the wife to pick the fabric colours for the new camper and to sign all the paperwork so no turning back now just wanted an opinion on thev options:We have
carefree awning
wind up antenna
2nd gas bottle
Aux battery
external shower
HWS
Control panel (water and battery monitor)
extra water tank
Bagged bed flys
12 v water pump
extend drawbar
CD/Radio
150watt solar
Water tap on drawbar
extra power sockets in van
Possibly the slide out BBQ (bit pricey at $600 though)
Is there anything else that you would fit that we may have forgotten that is better done at factory or the dealer.We are planning a 4mth trip through QLD and NT mid year and would like it all geared up for that.
Cheers Dice :cheers:
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I would have someone price up for aftermarket solar. The Jayco is not bad, but there is alot beter on the market for similar coin.
:cheers: Cracka
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Hi you will love your Swan. In WA the Jayco's are spec'd a bit differently as standard to most other places, so an offroad hitch is standard here on outbacks as is the boat rack and bed end flys etc. The offroad hitch ( ours is the Trigg ) would be high on the wish list if not standard. Also ours is equipped with pretty much all of the options you listed plus a few, but over here it is ordered as one package rather than a whole list. It's called the Alpha pack, but I'm not sure if it's refered to that everywhere or if it's available like that anymore. We also got the aircon, which I wasn't bothered with at first, but for stays in caravan parks in the warmer months it is brilliant, just very pricey. Good luck with your purchase.
Dave
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Mate, I'd give the slide out bbq a miss. Better options that are portable for less $$$.
Cheers
Swannie
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I agree with swannie mate..... give the bbq a miss, buy a weber... i found that i had to extend the external tap on the drawbar further to the front because of being under the bed end.. pain in the ...... especially when I am over 6foot....
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I also agree with Swannie, forget the BBQ just get a WeberQ.
Get them to put a gas bayonet for your BBQing (mine is behind wheel so under awning)
Aircon is awesome
If your heading out in cold diesel heating is also good.
An smaller awning over the other side to block the sun.
Independent suspension if your budget allows.
The cd/DVD/radio with external marine speakers and internal speakers of corse.(get them to have a wall plug to suite the DVD play)
Ok list can keep going ????
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Shelves to robe is also a good one, makes for a lot more usable space. Also make sure you get your payload upped. By the time your fill both water tanks there won't be much left :cheers:
BD
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Don't own a Jayco, but always wondered why so many people option a sound system into their CT. Has anyone actually heard what comes out of the Bose portable/rechargeable sound docks? They cost around $600, can be recharged from car or CT with inverter and can be used anywhere. I suppose you need an iPod or iPhone but most families have at least one of these.
And something else I saw recently was a gas instant hot water heater similar to what you get at home, rather than a storage system. Might be worth seeing if Jayco have seen them and whether it can be optioned, and if not how much $ to add after purchase.
Otherwise the options look sound. Multiple replies said forget the slide out BBQ, agree and main reason for us is we use external walls on awning and would defeat purpose of BBQ outside if used in enclosed area. Also, don't ever be tempted by drop down table. Rip off and so easy to DIY later on.
Enjoy, great style of CT for extended stays in 1 spot and cannot be beaten for families with young kids.
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Don't own a Jayco, but always wondered why so many people option a sound system into their CT. Has anyone actually heard what comes out of the Bose portable/rechargeable sound docks? They cost around $600, can be recharged from car or CT with inverter and can be used anywhere. I suppose you need an iPod or iPhone but most families have at least one of these.
And something else I saw recently was a gas instant hot water heater similar to what you get at home, rather than a storage system. Might be worth seeing if Jayco have seen them and whether it can be optioned, and if not how much $ to add after purchase.
Otherwise the options look sound. Multiple replies said forget the slide out BBQ, agree and main reason for us is we use external walls on awning and would defeat purpose of BBQ outside if used in enclosed area. Also, don't ever be tempted by drop down table. Rip off and so easy to DIY later on.
Enjoy, great style of CT for extended stays in 1 spot and cannot be beaten for families with young kids.
I also agree with the stereo, I bought and used a Phillips wireless sound dock with ipad ($250.00) and found it awesome, small so packs in the small cupboard under wardrobe, can use different iPhone/ipad etc, charges in our hour and you can carry it to the campfire.
Swannie
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Hi Dice,
Have a good think about how you intend to use your camper and more importantly how you want the fridge to work. If you are mainly staying where you'll have access to 240v and recharge available by your solar, then a Waeco compressor fridge might be the go. If you are mainly staying in places where for long periods of time and 240 is not an option, then to be able to use it on gas is the main consideration. You will find the 3 way will require to be on overnight to get it down to temperature initially, and they suffer a bit more when they are opened. Regardless of what the brochure says, my Thretford 3 way is pulling 12.5 amps on DC and this is continuous. A Waeco CR 1110 will cool down in an hour or two and will cope better with the door being opened repeatedly. From what's been written elsewhere, they pull about 5 to 6 amps, but they cycle in out. It really is a horses for courses type of choice. I wish I had of come here before ordering my Hawk as I know I would have gone with the Waeco. Unfortunately the dealer didn't go in to it neither, so I was none the wiser. From what I have read elsewhere, there is about $150 difference between the two. I'm sure those who have ordered theirs with the Waeco are more than happy with thier choice.
John
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I did not realise that the waeco fridge was only 150 more. Anyone had quoted to option the waeco.
I suppose it also makes solar panels a must.
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This theme of dealers not advising of all the available options seems to be getting quite common judging by comments on here. It certainly bit me badly. On the fridge side of things there have been quite a few threads recently on the topic so maybe have a read of some of them before deciding on the compressor. If you do I would be inclined to add as much solar as you can, even if its a combination of roof mounted and portable, and even 3 x 120ah batteries is better than 2. From reading on here the theory is the level of discharge spread across 3 batteries rather than 2 will help maximise their life span. These aspects are where the hidden cost of adding the compressor fridge come in, not to mention the cabling etc (+ labour if you can't DIY)
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I think the arsenal of batteries and panels will push me out of getting the waeco.
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You don't HAVE to go that far, depends how you are travelling. If ALL of your use is for everyday travel where the alternator can recharge your CT battery(s) and you have a maximum of say 2 nights in the one spot you could get away with less, but this limits you to this only. For extended stays in the one spot the more power the better, especially if our wonderfully unpredictable weather turns grey.
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Dice - I reckon that is a pretty comprehensive list of options. I agree the the slide out BBQ can be a miss. Would add the shelves in the wardrobe.
I don't plan to get the waeco fridge cause I will either be doing 2-3 day weekends or week or so trips. I live in Canberra and spend a bit of holidays on NSW coast, so not really hot and 3 ways do ok in this environment.
However, if I was planning a long trip up North in the near future, and if I was already getting an extra battery + 150 solar, then I reckon the Waeco fridge might be a good option.
Where are you getting the extra power points?
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i found that i had to extend the external tap on the drawbar further to the front because of being under the bed end..
I don't suppose you could post a picture of where you moved the tap too. I have ordered a tap on drawbar and would like it to be in a practical position.
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Definately go for the gas bayonet and the shelf option.
I would ask to get upgraded on the bed flies. The standard Jayco Flies are pretty rubish. The Flies are OK, but the bags they are stored in leak like a siev, real great if your in a humid climate with mould build up. I got the originals and then chnaged them to Kakadu's. Extra expense but do it at the time of order to save $'s.
Mark
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Definately go for the gas bayonet ..
Happily, the gas bayonet is now standard on the 2013 Outback swan.
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Thanks for the replies,was going to upgrade the fridge but I run 2 engels in the car one small one as drinks ,snacks fridge and a 45ltr as a freezer on extended trips.Will also be purchasing a portable solar panel for topping up batteries was told the fridge upgrade was nearer $800.The bed end flies will not be Jayco the dealer have their own canvas shop so make them.Was leaning more to not getting BBQ you just made my mind up.Will do the shelves thing myself have ,asked for payload upgrade when first placed order have still not heard back from Jayco as to whether or not it can be done.
Brindi I have put 2 gig plugs up near were the kids will sleep and 1 down the other end near the bed.
Cheers Dice
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How much did they charge for the bed ends? I hads feeling that the fridge was an expensive upgrade. That idea is dead for me.
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How much did they charge for the bed ends? I hads feeling that the fridge was an expensive upgrade. That idea is dead for me.
Think it was about $550 but I had them thrown in as part of the deal in the end they are a much tighter knit mesh on them and thicker as well ,my quote was for 32900 with extras and I paid just under 29000.I did get a cheaper quote but not by enough to travel the extra to pick it up retail was $26600 for basic O/B swan
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If it was me
I would loose the TV antenna 5 months in ours and all we do on a rainy days it watch movies on the lap top you can also stream most Tv shows these days
Loose the second gas bottle i cannot get everyones obsession with Gas a 9kg bottle last us 5 weeks when living in it full time.
Loose the roll out BBQ as others have said go the webber Q if i do go another goldstream i will get them to custom make the BBQ area bigger to fit the Baby Q in
If you do go an offroad hitch i would suggest a hyland over a treg as they are easier to line up and you can keep the ball for other duties
If you are going to live in it for an extended time get them to put some sail track on the offisde and get a sunbuster shade or similar these are great.
If you have paid for the bag awning and they have upgraded it for you ask if they can mount the bag on the other side it makes a good carport
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Loose the second gas bottle i cannot get everyones obsession with Gas a 9kg bottle last us 5 weeks when living in it full time.
If you do go an offroad hitch i would suggest a hyland over a treg as they are easier to line up and you can keep the ball for other duties
1. The obsession with extra gas bottle is to do with the gas HWS option: if left on all the time (that's the point of hot water on demand isn't it?) the gas does get used, but more so that you never have to worry about running out or refilling partially empty gas bottles. They needn't be 9kg, 4.5kg x 2 would be sufficient.
2. The main drawback to hyland hitches is that as the ball wears they become noisy and clunky. Our dealer offered us the DO35 and would have this even if I never went off road.
Some different perspectives, not disagreements.
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If it was me
I would loose the TV antenna 5 months in ours and all we do on a rainy days it watch movies on the lap top you can also stream most Tv shows these days
Loose the second gas bottle i cannot get everyones obsession with Gas a 9kg bottle last us 5 weeks when living in it full time.
Loose the roll out BBQ as others have said go the webber Q if i do go another goldstream i will get them to custom make the BBQ area bigger to fit the Baby Q in
If you do go an offroad hitch i would suggest a hyland over a treg as they are easier to line up and you can keep the ball for other duties
If you are going to live in it for an extended time get them to put some sail track on the offisde and get a sunbuster shade or similar these are great.
If you have paid for the bag awning and they have upgraded it for you ask if they can mount the bag on the other side it makes a good carport
Gday,
Dont own a laptop,dont have the need for one (I struggle enough with desktop) and its more for the footy season,I run Labradors in retrieving trials and when the state and nationals are on so are the footy finals.
I have a hyland hitch here I had given to me which saved me $400,the sunbuster was something I was going to attempt myself. The Albury-Wodonga caravan show is on in a couple of weeks will head up there and have a look and see if I can spend some more money on stuff.
Will probably only carry one bottle most of the time but when on our trip I would like a second.
Cheers Dice
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Ahh i forgot about the HWS we just boil the kettle, and we usually only go remote in the warmer months so i rigged up a short hose with spay gun for a quick rinse off the drawbar tap for showering as there is usally enough swimming involved on a daily basis
I have not tried a D035 my main gripe with the treg hitch was that you had to have it all lined up perfectly to get the damn pin in where i find the highland is a bit more forgiving and a quick shove while winding down will usually get it to seat on the ball if you get it slightly wrong when lining up
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Thanks for the replies,was going to upgrade the fridge but I run 2 engels in the car one small one as drinks ,snacks fridge and a 45ltr as a freezer on extended trips.Will also be purchasing a portable solar panel for topping up batteries was told the fridge upgrade was nearer $800.The bed end flies will not be Jayco the dealer have their own canvas shop so make them.Was leaning more to not getting BBQ you just made my mind up.Will do the shelves thing myself have ,asked for payload upgrade when first placed order have still not heard back from Jayco as to whether or not it can be done.
Brindi I have put 2 gig plugs up near were the kids will sleep and 1 down the other end near the bed.
Cheers Dice
So your buying from prestige? That's we're I got my swan, your more than welcome to come around a check their own canvas products anytime.
Swannie
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I'll take you up on that offer sometime soon Swannie,Thanks Dice
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Dice, hope the TV antenna works for you. I bought one from camec for just under $300 and it was next to useless. Threw it away and got one of the satellite dish/vast receiver packages from itech world in Perth (they're on sale at the moment for bucket loads off the normal price) & it's perfect. Dead easy to aim etc, just have to renew your free licence every 6 months on line.
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If your going with the webber / BBQ instead of slide out, good choice! ,consider a second bayonet at the back of the camper, if your like me, I like to cook with a view, so some campsites the view is at the back of the camper but the weber has to stay up the front.
I'll be putting a second bayonet on our swan in the near future.
Happy with our highland coupling also.
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If your going with the webber / BBQ instead of slide out, good choice! ,consider a second bayonet at the back of the camper, if your like me, I like to cook with a view, so some campsites the view is at the back of the camper but the weber has to stay up the front.
I'll be putting a second bayonet on our swan in the near future.
Happy with our highland coupling also.
Or, rather than have the expense of extra bayonets and gas lines installed by Jayco, just have none, and carry a 2 or 4kg gas bottle and have the flexibility to cook wherever you like??? Works for us 8)
Edit: I see the new swans have one bayonet std now, so you'll have one anyway.
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I think the arsenal of batteries and panels will push me out of getting the waeco.
I have a Waeco 156 litre 2 door 12 v compressor in the Expanda. We have 2 @ 100aH batteries an 2 @ 120w solar panels. I never turn the fridge off and the van is not connected to power at home. The batteries drop to approx 13 v overnight and return to full charge by 9am.
Having had both 12v compressor and 3 way fridges in the past, I find the Waeco is far better than the 3 way, which doesn't like to work when they are hot, or cold, or not vented properly, or the vents are in the sun....
If the budget allows, go the compressor fridge.
:cheers: Cracka
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We have the Waeco in our swan, will last a few days on the 2 x N70Z batteries in the camper, and also have a 120W panel that keeps it all topped up.
Also have the slideout BBQ, suited us better as it is one less thing that has to be packed so that it doesn't move about and maybe scratch stuff inside.. I built in around it and this gives another small shelf obove it(accessed from inside under the lounge) to put small items out of the way, like the kids toiletries etc. We also got rid of the wardrobe altogether, this is our 3rd jayco, 1 hawk, 2 swans, we decided that the wardrobe would be a PITA to put up and down all the time, as we tend to only stay a few days and move on during longer road trips.
Also have the HWS, and dont really need both gas cylinders. Can't remember how long one lasts, but it is ages, as the HWS holds its heat for a long time, so does not cycle very often
Had aTrigg on the last one, went with an AT35 this time, i find it easier to hook up by myself(wife is usually busy with the kids)
Cheers
Red
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I don't suppose you could post a picture of where you moved the tap too. I have ordered a tap on drawbar and would like it to be in a practical position.
Hey, the tap was basically in line with the front of the boot which is in the way for when I want to put a pole carrier box on and i kept hitting my head on the bed base when I wanted to use the tap... It was annoying.. I moved it forward about 68cm from the middle of where it was (to the left of the bed pole attachment in the pic) to about directly under where the bedend pulls right out.. Great now... no head hitting and easy access to the front, for me anyway I like it in that position..
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When at the dealer today they had a 2013 O/B Hawk there thats for the Melbourne Caravan And Camping Show they have a new wheel design and the front boot is different to the 2012 much better access to the gas etc and LED lights internally and externally, also realised as Iv e extended the drawbar will be able to set up without unhooking the vehicle bonus for the quick overnight stop.
i did take some pics but they are on my phone and I dont have the cable to get from phone to computer,if I can work out how to post pics from phone Ill post them tomorrow. Cheers Dice
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I went to choose colours on the weekend, and I gotta say that none of the fabrics float my boat. I could have found 2-3 options better in each of the last few days. Ended up choosing the block silver - Gray colour.
Don't suppose it is possible to get old fabric colours....
And the answer was no.
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Heres the new wheel on the 2013 Outbacks
(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd393/Dice71/IMG_0213_zps979098b1.jpg)
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I need to finalise my options today. I have not currently got the hotwater system or water battery monitor or dual gas bottles.
The gas/electric hotwater system is pretty expensive option. Any thoughts on value for money or performance of the Jayco hws.
$1500 option including shower. But it takes up a whole cupboard. So this is not getting a jersey with us.
Water monitor seems a good price to get at factory. However, the battery monitor part seems pretty unsophisticated. In any case, my battery needs to power to stock led lights and water pump only. A NASA BM1 seems like a much better battery monitor and that can be added down the track. I wonder if I actually need a water monitor with 2 tanks, and a jerry can of water. Can anyone convince me.
I will use the fridge on gas. I like idea of two 4.5 kg gas bottles, rather than a single 9kg bottle. Downside is that I don't think it is as space efficient. + extra cash. I do have a small 2kg bottle with a POL adapter. Maybe that could be my reserve if the big 9kg bottle runs out. I also don't have any 4.5 kg bottles.
$200 - I reckon I will stick with a single gas bottle.
Already have ordered:
Tap on drawbAr
12 v tap
Extra water tank
Extended drawbar
Roof rack
Battery
Awning bagged
Annexe walls
Bed flies
Shelves in wardrobe
Colour is slate grey.
Will come with the 2013 wheels and led lights.
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Hi Brindicruiser, if the jaycos use the truma 14l gas hot water system then it is the same as my GS. Depends on the style of camping you intend to do and whether you have young kids (& whether your pockets are bottomless!!). I have not regretted for one instant. The wife loves it, makes things so easy for washing up and just being able to have an instant hot shower is gold.
If you go with it then the extra gas bottle is a must. The HWS will use a bit of gas if left running all the time, but then that's the point of on demand hot water (can turn off overnight to conserve gas). I have 2 x 9kg which many seem to think is overkill, certainly without the HWS then 2 x 4.5kgs would be adequate. The advantage is never having to worry about running out or refilling part empty bottles. 1 x 9kg will last a couple of weeks easy so with 2 I just keep using until 1 bottle runs out, then swap over & refill prior to next trip. Well worth it IMO.
Water tank gauges: once again if you don't option the shower then water use is pretty minimal in reality, but with the shower they are really handy. I did not option them from the factory, but at first warranty issue repair had the dealer add them on (and it wasn't cheap).
Hope this gives you another perspective.
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Thanks for input and perspective. but essentially it adds up to an extra $2k for convenience. And nice to have things.
Also I am not keen to lose the cupboard space.
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Thanks for input and perspective. but essentially it adds up to an extra $2k for convenience. And nice to have things.
Also I am not keen to lose the cupboard space.
Yep, there's no getting around the fact that 2k is a big chunk of hard earned $, and its a matter of priorities. And yes you do lose a lot of storage space. It's my biggest gripe: nowhere to really store clothes inside the CT except on the bed which can be a PITA. Sounds like you know what u want and that's half the battle, otherwise over zealous salespeople would have u add $20k of extras to a $25k CT.
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I ended up staying with my original extras list. Just had some wobbles during the course of the day.
Hopefully, will not have regrets down the track.
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Mate, all will be good. Just get the thing and use it!
Swannie
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Hey Dice congrats on the new purchase. We bought a new OB Swan mid last year with hot water and shower with the other options except roll out BBQ and have found them all invaluable ... For winter we installed the D2 heater ourselves which got used all the time when cold plus I got the upgraded lights for the bed ends with the built in fans which are fantastic when free camping on hot nights which we run on low constantly and draw bugger all power... Also get decent woollen underlays for the beds as the cold does come up through the mattress in cold climates... Good luck and enjoy the new investment....
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We also opted not to have the standard microwave which was converted to a cupboard from factory which is a huge storage compartment for pots, pans, slabs of beer (when the fridge runs dry) and nappies for the sprog...
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One last thing, you should have a cooling period from when you put a deposit down to the confirmation to build just in case you change your mind on any options in the mean time...
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Oh and one last thing, the only thing we run low with and it's not battery power or gas but it is water, even with the 2nd water tank but we do use the shower with the kids, so I personally recommend the 2nd water tank but that's my opinion...
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We also opted not to have the standard microwave which was converted to a cupboard from factory which is a huge storage compartment for pots, pans, slabs of beer (when the fridge runs dry) and nappies for the sprog...
Smitty, spot on, I wish I had. Have used it all of about 4 times whilst at powered sites. Useless otherwise I store bread in it).
And you're also spot on RE water use with shower. Even being super conservative it does not take long to vanquish 130l of water. 4 adults +2 kids we find about 90-100l per day (all usage and very young kids admittedly). I reckon 80% of that is the shower. Extra water tank + jerry cans mandatory.
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Yeah we thought the microwave ok for microwave pop corn but you more or less live off the hot plate when camping and more storage for beer is win win...
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Hey Dice congrats on the new purchase. We bought a new OB Swan mid last year with hot water and shower with the other options except roll out BBQ and have found them all invaluable ... For winter we installed the D2 heater ourselves which got used all the time when cold plus I got the upgraded lights for the bed ends with the built in fans which are fantastic when free camping on hot nights which we run on low constantly and draw bugger all power... Also get decent woollen underlays for the beds as the cold does come up through the mattress in cold climates... Good luck and enjoy the new investment....
Can you show us a picture of the fans and a link of where to get them
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Have a look here and Jayco dealers sell them http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=26706.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=26706.0)
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(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/08/eheda5yd.jpg)
The Australia pack colours courtesy of Jayco Facebook page.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/08/jydezube.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/08/a6a9ejen.jpg)
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Hmmm, the kids would destroy the white interior...
Swannie
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Finally picked up my 2013 outback swan on Wednesday.
Love the LED lights. Interestingly, they have a blue low light mode which will be a handy nightlight for those with young kids.
Will crawl over, under and around it on the weekend. But on surface, everything appears as it should.
My list of options included a battery and a second water tank, pump, tap on water bar, extended drawbar, roof rack, bagged awnings and bed flies, no microwave, shelves in wardrobe, innerspring mattress. All of that added weight.
End result is very hefty increase of ball weight to 143kg. My car has max of 150 so closer to the max than I would have liked.
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Congrats Brindi,
Have had ours for 4 weeks now so far the only problem has been one of the pins that holds the plastic stop on the bed tracks snapped and the cap came out,couldnt work out why the one side of the bed wouldnt stop sliding around.I just put a bolt through it with nylock nut,dealer is going to look at it when I get serviced.
Have spent 4 nights in it so far all in caravan parks,glad we had the power so we could whack the heater on at night,1st mod might be a diesel heater (so swmbo says).
Cheers Dice
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Finally picked up my 2013 outback swan on Wednesday.
Love the LED lights. Interestingly, they have a blue low light mode which will be a handy nightlight for those with young kids.
Will crawl over, under and around it on the weekend. But on surface, everything appears as it should.
My list of options included a battery and a second water tank, pump, tap on water bar, extended drawbar, roof rack, bagged awnings and bed flies, no microwave, shelves in wardrobe, innerspring mattress. All if that added weight.
End result is very hefty increase of ball weight to 143kg. My car has max of 150 so closer to the max than I would have liked.
I'd love to hear if having the second water tank has given you a soft spot in the floor...
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I'd love to hear if having the second water tank has given you a soft spot in the floor...
Personally, I suspect that I will not 'love' it if find a soft spot in my floor but I will keep an eye out and report back if I notice anything.
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Happy Days Brindicruiser!
Keep a watch on that ball weight, is that is as it left the factory with nothing in the front boot, an empty gas bottle and nothing in the jerry can holder on the drawbar. you could easily without trying add 50kg there.
A full watertank in the back may help though, but not that much.
E.G, mine (as per below pic) has a stamped ball weight of 129kg. BUT, Add poles in pvc carrier~10kg, full gas bottle~9kg, 20l jerry can~20kg, stoneguard~5kg, stuff in front boot (camp kitchen, 4kg gas, ropes, pegs, leads, hose etc~25kg and suddenly I can max out up near 200kg and that's not counting things inside that are in front of the axle (fridge full of food + other cupboards in my case being a hawk).
With my tow vehicle, I am well within ball weight limits, and don't have a full jerry very often + have some heavier items near the back of the camper, but just doing that simple exercise above makes me more aware of how it adds up.
One day I might load it up and run it over a weigh bridge....
:cheers:
Nutto
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Happy Days Brindicruiser!
Keep a watch on that ball weight, is that is as it left the factory with nothing in the front boot, an empty gas bottle and nothing in the jerry can holder on the drawbar. you could easily without trying add 50kg there."
I am starting to wonder why I bothered to get the extended draw bar and extra water tank cause filling the water tank or putting anything on the draw bar will cause issues with the ball weight restriction with my car.... I really think Jayco should be able to provide an estimate the ball weight when you are ordering options rather than having a surprise awaiting for people when they pick up the camper.
I am specifically talking about Jayco here, rather than the local Jayco dealer. They build truckloads of these things, and a database should enables them to provide a reasonable estimate of wieghts should not be too hard..
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Personally, I suspect that I will not 'love' it if find a soft spot in my floor but I will keep an eye out and report back if I notice anything.
sorry not what I meant :angel:..my 3 week old Swan is in getting some work done on it right now....soft spot in the floor is one of the issues.... ???.
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One cup, double walled, unbreakable stainless steel from Target. You can get bigger ones but the missus drinks some space alien tea so the one cuppa job it was-
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sorry not what I meant :angel:..my 3 week old Swan is in getting some work done on it right now....soft spot in the floor is one of the issues.... ???.
Definitely no soft spot in our 2012 Swan. Hope your warranty/service experience goes better than mine that finally came to climax today with me redoing the majority of what it went in for. It was a bad day for caravanland is all I'm going to say.
Dave
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How long does the kettle take to boil the billy, and how much power does it use?
Regards
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How long does the kettle take to boil the billy, and how much power does it use?
Regards
Takes about 15mins max for 2 generous cups worth (you learn where to fill it to by measuring out the cups) and these 12V jugs draw a fair bit of power so you only use it plugged into the car when travelling and judge when you want a break and/or you use the next convenient stop.
I can tell you I could have sold a few cups at the roadside stops or scenic stop offs when the thirsty onlookers get a whiff of the plunger coffee. Doesn't take long to pay for itself and I like my coffee black but the missus has little plastic containers of milk up front for the day for her hippy tea.
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Well the Swan is home safe and sound after some warranty work..
1.Soft spot in the floor fixed with reinforced bracing .
2.Entry door clip replaced (My bet is they will be replacing a lot more of them >:D)
3.Roof on the kitchen side was bowed didn't close properly (fixed).
While it was there a new swing away jockey wheel was installed and the springs overslung on the axle.
All up happy with the aftermarket service provided by Northside Caravans Repairs.
Bring on the next trip... :cheers: :cheers:
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Well the Swan is home safe and sound after some warranty work..
2.Entry door clip replaced (My bet is they will be replacing a lot more of them >:D)
Not sure what that is. Any chance of a picture?
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Well the Swan is home safe and sound after some warranty work..
1.Soft spot in the floor fixed with reinforced bracing .
2.Entry door clip replaced (My bet is they will be replacing a lot more of them >:D)
3.Roof on the kitchen side was bowed didn't close properly (fixed).
While it was there a new swing away jockey wheel was installed and the springs overslung on the axle.
All up happy with the aftermarket service provided by Northside Caravans Repairs.
Bring on the next trip... :cheers: :cheers:
Good to here that your repairs went well. Much better than my experience with Caravanland. I really wish I had taken mine elsewhere.
Dave
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Not sure what that is. Any chance of a picture?
I'll see what I can do...however I'm talking about the clip that joins the top section of the door to the bottom section. Original one was cheap and nasty ...new heavy duty one installed now..
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I'll see what I can do...however I'm talking about the clip that joins the top section of the door to the bottom section. Original one was cheap and nasty ...new heavy duty one installed now..
Now I understand. Next time I will have a look at the clip on mine. No need for picture now. Thanks
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After 3 impatient months, I have finally gotten to use mine.
Few things that come to mind. After a total of 24 hrs use....
- the LED lights are great. I quite like the way they have a blue mode for when kids are sleeping.
- heaps more storage room than our last 80's Jayco
- I really like the boot.
- table is a bit squishy for 5. We eat outside plenty but it is smaller than our previous table. We knew that was a trade off.
Wardrobe with shelves is the bomb for clothes. We use mesh packing cells, and they fit really well.
- the latches for doors and drawers are often sticky. I am hoping this will improve but not confident.