MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Malcolm Tugless on April 13, 2014, 02:37:26 PM
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Is it just me or does there seem to be a bit of a swing towards these little beasties of late.
8.7% of the camper trailers listed on this site are Jayco's. The only camper style to exceed that (at 9%) is owner builders. Thats 220 and 227 respectively. Trackabout has a respectful 6.7%, thats 169 happy campers. After that Lifestyle and Cub come in with 4.6% (117) and 4.4% (111). Overall the CT's would outweigh Jayco ownership by a fair margin. Whilst that will probably never change, the new independent suspension being supplied standard on the new outback models may sway people more towards them in the future.
Its no secret that I'm a big fan of Jayco Caravans. As a past owner I'd have no qualms about the longevity and track record of the brand. The fact that they stand behind their product, have nationwide service and 49% of market share is enough for me. Bang for buck, they're hard to beat.
Anyway, all thats just a long winded way to say ... in around 2 weeks we get our brand spanking new Jayco Swift.
So who else is thinking of stepping over to the dark side ? ... may the farce be with you.
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So, you bought a Jayco? Congrats on the new CT
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Not sure which side is the dark side but congratulations, I hope you have many years of enjoyment with the new Jayco.
We are also picking up a new camper in less than 2 weeks, it's an AOR Quantum and I am packing the fourby now for a Thursday departure.
It will be a hard trip to Caloundra, all our gear from the previous camper is packed, should be some room left for SWMBO and myself.
The adventure begins on Thursday ;D ;D
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Hi Malcolm
I think its a natural progression. More comfort as backs start to hurt as our cells break down. LOL.
Enjoy your purchase. (Take a deep breath before looking in out of the way spots. Jayco are somewhat less than fastidious with wiring/drilling etc in hidden areas)
We enjoyed our Jayco.
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Malcolm
We had a Jayco swan outback and loved it. Lost it in a fire!
Wife still wants another one. Most probably will move into an expanda in the near future. Hopefully this rain helps the money tree regenerate. :D
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It will be a hard trip to Caloundra, all our gear from the previous camper is packed, should be some room left for SWMBO and myself.
Thats a bit of a drive too.
We ended up purchasing our van through Watson's Caravans in Coffs Harbour (delightful to deal with), so we've got a similar journey, albeit far shorter. It quite amazing just how much stuff you can squeeze into a vehicle when the need arises.
I think its a natural progression.
Enjoy your purchase. (Take a deep breath before looking in out of the way spots. Jayco are somewhat less than fastidious with wiring/drilling etc in hidden areas)
I'm not so sure about that natural progression, we're all over the shop on that one. Its more like abstract progressioninsm.
Well aware of the peccadilloes involved in Jayco production. Been there before. Hopefully there will be no big surprises to contend with.
I think its something like every 15 minutes a new Jayco comes off the production line ... not sure ... but they do pump em out.
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So, you bought a Jayco? Congrats on the new CT
Maybe he is sleeping with his wife's sister? ;D ;D ;D
P.s. Congrats on the camper mate. Well done
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Who is the sister of your wifes sister Oldmate?
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Who is the sister of your wifes sister Oldmate?
Her other sister, but you missed the point. ;D ;D
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The sister of the wife's sister, is usually, the Husbands wife. Especially where there is only two women involved.
You obviously are referring to a private matter.
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The sister of the wife's sister, is usually, the Husbands wife. Especially where there is only two women involved.
You obviously are referring to a private matter.
Depends how many sister my wife has ;D ;D ;D
Nup no private matter
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Holy snapping clams batman, it a rare occasion that I gets to sleep wif da wife, heaven forbid her sister.
Although ... I'm sure that would be swift.
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Better change my vote in the poll from a Jayco to Trackabout.
So glad to see the the arse end of the Jayco........ I almost feel normal again!! >:D
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At 33, I am still way to young for a Jayco!!! but do appreciate what other people see in them..
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At 33, I am still way to young for a Jayco!!! but do appreciate what other people see in them..
I wanted one as a 20yr old. Took me till 36 to afford it :'(
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After years of me getting my way with cars boats etc the wife finally got what she always wanted - a Jayco Swan!
I am smart enough to know that if she is happy then so am I and if that means its a Jayco then so be it.
Beats putting the tent up too!
Cheers
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Hey Argle,
Don't rip the side walls putting the Beds out!!
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I wanted one as a 20yr old. Took me till 36 to afford it :'(
Yeah I know what you mean, and I don't get what age has to do with it at all.
In actual fact the Jayco campers are designed primarily with younger families in mind. They're marketed as such too.
We owned our first one when I was in my early 30's. I'm in my early 50's now and returning to the fold once again.
Our journey is like this ...
Tents
Kombi
Jayco Finch
Tents
Caravan (pop-top)
Campertrailer (soft floor)
Jayco Swift
At some point in time we may consider a little off road style van.
As for this stereotypical age fallacy ...
At almost 52 I surf regularly and ride boards that are under 6' long. I'm far from overweight, rarely consume alcohol (if at all) and adhere to a healthy diet. Crickey ... I know blokes half my age that are in far worse shape than myself. Oh, and don't worry ... I used to consume my fair share of grog. It just doesn't interest me all that much any more. I'd rather surf, play music or do something else besides sitting around boozing these days. My advice is don't wait till you're older to do anything. It might be to late by then. Especially when it comes to ones health. Start today, not tomorrow.
Back to the Jayco ... So our new Swift has been completed, and its either on its way from the factory, or not too far off from being dispatched. Not sure when it arrives in Coffs, but the impatient side of me has taken control and I'm going stir crazy waiting for "that" phone call. I've got a list of mods that I'm dying to start on. Not to mention some new additions to the camping kit to try out.
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Yeah I know what you mean, and I don't get what age has to do with it at all.
In actual fact the Jayco campers are designed primarily with younger families in mind. They're marketed as such too.
Hi Malcolm, In regards to the age comment, I was just having a stir regarding the association with caravans and the grey nomads..
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No biggie ... it wasn't your comment that incited my fingers to dance along the keyboard. Its the common misconception of Jayco campers being an older persons RV. They're simply not. Caravans might be considered old persons options, but then again if someone is travelling extensively around the girt by sea, then a "proper" caravan would make a hell of a lot of sense.
Theres quite a few people around who would jump at the chance to own a caravan or Jayco style camper, they just won't admit to it. Like life in general, theres a fair bit of herd mentality involved in opinions.
Funnily enough, I think it would be fair to assume that the majority of "swaggers" who own what one would call off-road camper trailers, don't utilise them so much for this purpose. Most destinations visited would be just as easily done so with a "jayco" or similar, caravan or camper.
I don't mind people taking the piss ... life would be pretty "funless" without a bit of humour thrown into the mix.
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What mods are u planning on MT?
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What mods are u planning on MT?
Predominantly the 12 volt side of things.
Auxiliary battery installation with rotary isolator switch.
I'll probably run a designated independent circuit for charging via the anderson on the back of the tug.
Panel meter ... +/- 20 amps.
12 volt outlets. A couple inside and maybe another outside. I'd like to put an anderson plug underneath the van, just forward of the front door (underneath the cupboard inside) for running any external power requirements. From that I'd run an extension of sorts.
Fit eyebolts near the roof corners for guy ropes (for those more extreme weather conditions).
I'm getting a custom made box for the front. To will fit between the gas bottle and the front of the van. It will only be around 200 deep (front to back), something like 250 high and between 1200-1400 wide. It can't be any higher than the gas bottle holder lock and I'd like enough room behind it for a 100mm pole holder (or 2). I've had it priced up, its not cheap but is high quality. The idea is to keep the winding handles, pegs and similar items in that rather than inside the van or vehicle. It'll work well I sure.
For our old Jayco I made a bumper bar incorporating a pole holder. It fitted into the chassis were an optional bumper would fit. The Swift (tourer) doesn't have that facility, as I tried in vain to get them to fit a rear bar. I'd still like to do something like that on this one. Not all that keen to alter the chassis design during the warranty period though.
There will be some fiddling with cupboards and such.
A removable carpet section for the step.
Fly screen for the door.
And lets not forget all that tinkering that needs to be done, theres always a lot of tinkering to do,
Tinker tinker tinker.
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Got my Jayco Swift at 29 last year and super happy with it but I already want to upgrade it to Jayco Expanda caravan. I'm proudly already calling myself a grey nomad in training. Wife says we need a bigger house before we can get the caravan.
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Well done........
I'm a big advocate of the comforts of glamping.
We work far too hard to be uncomfortable in our relaxation time.
Camper trailers are for fun, enjoyment, family times and getting around the country. Why not do it style and comfort?
I love ours and so does everyone I know who has one.
You will too.
Best of luck with it.
Plenty of mods you can do................
I have spent the last 2 weeks on my new Hawk and its still no where near done, but I love tinkering on it.
Cheers
Brian
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Regarding the comment earlier about caravans being predominantly associated with grey nomads, I would suggest thats mostly to do with the fact that they are the only ones who can afford them.
Nice trailer MT, good VFM and lots of comfortable holidays ahead.
Congratulations on your healthy no drinking life style: takes guts to be different in todays "sheep mentality" world.
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Well done on your new jayco. I got a new swan outback last year so I could get out camping with my 3 kids they love it and work harder doing chores when camping than at home. I now tell anyone who asks buy a jayco good value for your money cheers Mark
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Dare I say it, we're going to be looking at a Jayco or similar later in the year now that the Cub is gone
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Hey Argle,
Don't rip the side walls putting the Beds out!!
Yeah being super careful to make sure everything is clear when pulling the beds out - Im paranoid about it, same when we lower the roof down making sure all canvas is tucked away and the little limit switch is clear etc etc but thanks for the tip!
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Yeah being super careful to make sure everything is clear when pulling the beds out - Im paranoid about it, same when we lower the roof down making sure all canvas is tucked away and the little limit switch is clear etc etc but thanks for the tip!
Careful folding of the bed ends and a couple of laps around the perimeter when winding down the roof seems to do the trick. During the time we owned the Finch, we never ripped any canvas. Had a good run with that one, no real issues at all. Touch wood this one will be the same.
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On our recent trip to Teewah Beach we stopped at Noosa North Shore to air down, and whilst doing so noticed the roof winder cover flap hanging down with the keys still in it. Not bad for a 200km trip at 110km/h + speeds! Note to self (and other wind up trailer owners, though surely none could be this stupid!): ALWAYS walk around trailer after pack up at least twice
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I just order one as well, delivery June 2014.......
While I would have loved an Aussie Swag or similar for the family, 2 adults and 2 young kids, and value for money I just could't go past.
Just need it to arrive now...... :-[
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I have one due for mid May delivery.
Best value for money that I've found and S/H values remain high
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Agreed - I have two young boys and the layout is great - and it keeps Mum happy :cup:
May and June hey? Ah well not long to wait for you guys now - me? My Swans all packed ready to for Easter - woo hoo 8)
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Have to agree, sick of the work involved with the camper trailer, did some great trips, and had some really memorable times in it.
Picked up our 2014 outback expanda yesterday heading away tomorrow.
Looking forward to a more relaxed and luxurious style of camping!
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OK ... so the van has arrived at the dealers. Pre-delivery, rego and a couple of other things to be seen to. Then it'll be ready to go. The easter break will slow down the process, but thats no biggie, as we're not all that keen to pick it up until after the madness is over.
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Awesome Malcolm, hope all goes well.
Looking forward to the pictures :laugh:
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Tomorrow. Have cheque will travel. Whoopee.
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we went tents > dove > viscount pop top.
poptop has advantage of being able to use kitchen roadside without having to crank up the top or push the beds out,
and if its raining it doesnt matter, where as when the canvas got wet you would have to put it back up won return home for it to dry out.
but for space the popups (swan/dove etc) are like tardis,s heaps of room inside when erected.
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Just finished playing an amazing game of vehicle luggage tetris. Managed to get all the kit for the new camper, linen, cookware, chairs, table, tools and sundry, neatly packed into the Subaru. Along with a bunch of fishing gear, surfing paraphernalia, cameras and a lens or six. Clothes too. She's chock a block. Tomorrow I'll strap a few boards to the roof racks and head off. Should have the new toy just after lunch. Then its only a matter of deciding where to go, no plan as yet. We'll simply follow our noses and go wherever the wind blows us.
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Just finished playing an amazing game of vehicle luggage tetris. Managed to get all the kit for the new camper, linen, cookware, chairs, table, tools and sundry, neatly packed into the Subaru. Along with a bunch of fishing gear, surfing paraphernalia, cameras and a lens or six. Clothes too. She's chock a block. Tomorrow I'll strap a few boards to the roof racks and head off. Should have the new toy just after lunch. Then its only a matter of deciding where to go, no plan as yet. We'll simply follow our noses and go wherever the wind blows us.
Congrats mate :cup: Not much sleep tonight ;D
:cheers:
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Ok ... the eagle has landed, um make that a Swift. Picked it up on thursday arvo, all good. Very happy with her too.
No pictures yet, to busy for that.
Haven't managed to get her home either, she keeps finding places to get wound up at.
Two great big thumbs up to the crew at Watsons Caravans ... fantastic service, well worth the drive.
Anyway; whilst reading through all the paraphernalia that comes with a new van / camper / RV / whatever, I came across this little gem of information. So get ready to hold on to your hats all you died in the wool off road camper owners, we've got a news flash.
Its not a camper trailer ... by golly its a bloody TENT TRAILER ...
Here's the proof ...
http://www.towingguide.com.au/content/definitions.html (http://www.towingguide.com.au/content/definitions.html)
Now ain't that a turn around for the books.
Tent hey ... who'd a thunk it.
Now as for us "real" camper trailer owners, well we've got nothing to worry about at all ... ;D
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Ok ... the eagle has landed, um make that a Swift. Picked it up on thursday arvo, all good. Very happy with her too.
No pictures yet, to busy for that.
Haven't managed to get her home either, she keeps finding places to get wound up at.
Two great big thumbs up to the crew at Watsons Caravans ... fantastic service, well worth the drive.
Anyway; whilst reading through all the paraphernalia that comes with a new van / camper / RV / whatever, I came across this little gem of information. So get ready to hold on to your hats all you died in the wool off road camper owners, we've got a news flash.
Its not a camper trailer ... by golly its a bloody TENT TRAILER ...
Here's the proof ...
http://www.towingguide.com.au/content/definitions.html (http://www.towingguide.com.au/content/definitions.html)
Now ain't that a turn around for the books.
Tent hey ... who'd a thunk it.
Now as for us "real" camper trailer owners, well we've got nothing to worry about at all ... ;D
Ok ... the eagle has landed, um make that a Swift. Picked it up on thursday arvo, all good. Very happy with her too.
No pictures yet, to busy for that.
Haven't managed to get her home either, she keeps finding places to get wound up at.
Two great big thumbs up to the crew at Watsons Caravans ... fantastic service, well worth the drive.
Anyway; whilst reading through all the paraphernalia that comes with a new van / camper / RV / whatever, I came across this little gem of information. So get ready to hold on to your hats all you died in the wool off road camper owners, we've got a news flash.
Its not a camper trailer ... by golly its a bloody TENT TRAILER ...
Here's the proof ...
http://www.towingguide.com.au/content/definitions.html (http://www.towingguide.com.au/content/definitions.html)
Now ain't that a turn around for the books.
Tent hey ... who'd a thunk it.
Now as for us "real" camper trailer owners, well we've got nothing to worry about at all ... ;D
Hey Malcolm don't want to disappoint you but in the attached definitions,going by the pictures and text ,you have got a camper trailer.
Good to hear about Watson at Coffs as we dropped in last week and priced a swift up, and will go with them if we end up ordering a new model.
Look forward to a few pics, did you happen to option a extended draw bar
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That what I saids, Rags me old mate ... we's got us a fair dinkum for real camper trailer.
Well whatcha know its raining again ... camping hey ... did I hear someone mumble "glamping" ?
And Rags, Watson's Caravans were fantastic to deal with. Friendly and professional. We drove down from SEQ specificately to deal with them, thats three hundred or so clicks.
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did they put QLD rego on it or NSW rego, as we intend on using our QLD address as that is were it will be living
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did they put QLD rego on it or NSW rego, as we intend on using our QLD address as that is were it will be living
Its got QLD rego. They get quite a few customers from up that way.
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Hi Malcolm,
I'm also looking at buying either the swift or dove jayco but wanted to ask if you knew what tow bar pin configuration the new models come with? My car has 7 pin flat socket but think the new vans are fitted with 12? Is it easy to convert or use an adaptor?
Thanks
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The extra pins are just 12v supply. Personally I would prefer to use an anderson plug rather than double up a few of the trailer connectors.
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Please don't quote me, ok.
I seem to remember being told that the 7 pin flat plug will still fit into the 12 pin socket.
If it did, you would put the 7pin flat plug into the series of smaller diameter socket holes.
There is a wavy type pattern to the 7 pin layout.
That pattern stops the incorrect assembly of the connector.
Hope I remembered right. As they say, "All care and NO responsibility ok.
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Please don't quote me, ok.
I seem to remember being told that the 7 pin flat plug will still fit into the 12 pin socket.
If it did, you would put the 7pin flat plug into the series of smaller diameter socket holes.
There is a wavy type pattern to the 7 pin layout.
That pattern stops the incorrect assembly of the connector.
Hope I remembered right. As they say, "All care and NO responsibility ok.
That is correct I have a 12pin flat plug on my Tug and often use a normal 7 pin flat for the box trailer and boat trailer etc...
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Thanks all for the help, I was also told 7 pin will fit 12 pin socket but unfortunately for me I have the 7 pin socket on the tug not the other way around.
I might give an auto electrician a call and check as want to be sure before I buy the van.
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That is correct the female 12 pin plug car end will except a 7 pin male plug trailer end, but not the other way round.
But you can make an adaptor up without issue, just won't run any additional charging wires. I have ran 12 pin on my current jayco and Prado now for 12years and have a adaptor for if I need to connect the jayco onto our other non tug car if needed.
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Good to see Jayco getting a good mention. I worked there for 6 years in all areas (caravans, expands, pop-ups, campers, motorhomes) and I think that they are value for money and well researched.
I'm looking at getting an Outback Swan or Eagle in the very near future. Just gotta wait for baby number 2 to be born (in 4-5 weeks) and look at getting a CT at the start/mid next year to take the wife and 2 kids away.
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I'd reconsider that till after the Bills come in Snake. No harm in having plans though.
Hope you get good news, and all the fingers and toes your due for.
Good luck to the Missus, hope it's quick.
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In regards to the 12 pin connection, the answer is yes your vehicle will require one to accommodate the 12 pin plug on the van.
They may possibly change it over to a seven pin at the dealership at your request. Although the problem with this is that the fridge wiring is run from the heavier pairing of pins 9 (fridge live wire) and 10 (fridge earth wire), using 6mm "auto" wire.
We've just arrived home with the new Swift. The 12 pin is not an issue, its the opposite actually, as the heavier wiring is a vast improvement on the old system that ran through the 7 pin. The added bonus of the 12 pin is the fact that there are a couple of spare ports available for various usages (I'll be having a gander at that option some time soon). So there ya go, the 12 pin gets a thumps up.
On the new Swift front, its all good so far, although we did get a flat tyre at Girraween National Park the other day.
We haven't done anything in the modification department, nor taken a lot of photos either. Managed to line the cupboards and sorted out the internal storage. Fitted the battery (it's not wired to the tug yet). Gave the jack and spare tyre a workout, and thoroughly enjoyed spending a week to get back home.
I'm off on business for the next week, so she's washed and sitting happily in the garage until I return ... and then the fun begins.
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Heres a quick pic ...
(http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q763/bdoyster/swift140_zpsfc94b9ea.jpg)
Taken at Mulligans ...
(http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q763/bdoyster/mulliganshut0_zpsb8fd3cbf.jpg)
I've ordered the custom made aluminium box for the front. It will mount between the gas bottle and front of wall of the camper. Theres not a lot of space there, so its not going to be all that big ... 195mm high x 250mm deep x 1300mm long. That'll be big enough to house the winder handles, pegs. level ramp and a couple of assorted bits and bobs associated with primary setup. Being smallish isn't a problem, as I don't want too much weight being added to the draw bar.
The next cab off the rank will be the rear mounted pole holder. It took some time to figure out a mounting system, but now that thats sorted, its simply a matter of purchasing the hardware for the job.
Oh and the 6 B&S cable and Anderson plugs has been ordered for the independent battery charging system. Getting them from Autoelec, a subsidiary of Bairnsdale Electrics in Melbourne. They've got some pretty keen pricing on some of their items ... http://www.autoelec.com.au/autoelec/index.asp (http://www.autoelec.com.au/autoelec/index.asp)
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Heres a quick pic ...
(http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q763/bdoyster/swift140_zpsfc94b9ea.jpg)
Taken at Mulligans ...
(http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q763/bdoyster/mulliganshut0_zpsb8fd3cbf.jpg)
I've ordered the custom made aluminium box for the front. It will mount between the gas bottle and front of wall of the camper. Theres not a lot of space there, so its not going to be all that big ... 195mm high x 250mm deep x 1300mm long. That'll be big enough to house the winder handles, pegs. level ramp and a couple of assorted bits and bobs associated with primary setup. Being smallish isn't a problem, as I don't want too much weight being added to the draw bar.
The next cab off the rank will be the rear mounted pole holder. It took some time to figure out a mounting system, but now that thats sorted, its simply a matter of purchasing the hardware for the job.
Oh and the 6 B&S cable and Anderson plugs has been ordered for the independent battery charging system. Getting them from Autoelec, a subsidiary of Bairnsdale Electrics in Melbourne. They've got some pretty keen pricing on some of their items ... http://www.autoelec.com.au/autoelec/index.asp (http://www.autoelec.com.au/autoelec/index.asp)
is it me or does your printer need ink ???
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is it me or does your printer need ink ???
Me no understandy.
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is it me or does your printer need ink ???
Yeah it's you.
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On our recent trip to Teewah Beach we stopped at Noosa North Shore to air down, and whilst doing so noticed the roof winder cover flap hanging down with the keys still in it. Not bad for a 200km trip at 110km/h + speeds! Note to self (and other wind up trailer owners, though surely none could be this stupid!): ALWAYS walk around trailer after pack up at least twice
try tow hitch not locked down for about 20kms !! ( was actually locked open ;0)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Regarding the comment earlier about caravans being predominantly associated with grey nomads, I would suggest thats mostly to do with the fact that they are the only ones who can afford them.
Nice trailer MT, good VFM and lots of comfortable holidays ahead.
Congratulations on your healthy no drinking life style: takes guts to be different in todays "sheep mentality" world.
exactly - a full van with the accommodation we have in our Goldie would be more than double the cost + another tonne to tow
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Me no understandy.
must be the work computer out of ink - can see photo on own laptop
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must be the work computer out of ink - can see photo on own laptop
Glad we've sorted that then, you had me worried sick ... ;D
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Glad we've sorted that then, you had me worried sick ... ;D
:cheers:
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Righto then, the custom box is mounted. Pole holder and brackets have been cobbled together and painted. To be attached to camper post haste (when the paint dries).
Yes, happy snaps will be taken and posted forthwith.
Don't go anywhere, its almost ready.
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The box
(http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q763/bdoyster/newbox0_zpsd0e429a2.jpg)
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Pole Holder ...
(https://31.media.tumblr.com/4b1c960541a42f6f82b256f803aafb2b/tumblr_n62qgk7H8v1tc90p4o1_500.jpg)
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very clean looking there brother -when are you going to get some dirt on it?
we just got back from 6300km down the Birdsville , Strzelecki, Bore Track (north) and the Lynd with plenty of dust but everything stood up to the rigors of the gravel roads. One thing I did notice while cleaning under the camper was the amount of dings from rocks bouncing off the axle to the back of the water tank????Might need to cover that in future.
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very clean looking there brother -when are you going to get some dirt on it?
Bloody good question that. At the moment all my energies are being put into relocating a store in Brisneyland, so it'll be a good few weeks before we venture forth on another journey. A good six to eight weeks that is, maybe more.
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The box
(http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q763/bdoyster/newbox0_zpsd0e429a2.jpg)
If you don't mind me asking who made your box for you and was it pricey? I would like something similar for my swift.