Camper trailer or jayco swan ?

[Cog]

Hi guys, we have sold our pop top and are looking at buying something that is better to get off road. Few years back we had a customline camper trailer and loved it, so now we are looking at off road camper trailers ( customline, lifestyle) or an outback swan, eagle set up. We still want to do the caravan park thing at christmas and hopefully manyother trips during the year. Any ideas or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[The punter]

Our requirements for changing from a soft floor was to reduce setup times and be able to do easy overnighters in any conditions. We looked seriously at both Jayco and Goldstream. I have a mate who has a Jayco, and while he does like it he pointed out some things:

- You still have to pack things inside and then take them out before setup (same as on top of a soft floor)
- The 5 min setup at shows is misleading, as the beds require flys and poles to be waterproof
- If you choose not to put the bag awning up you have to take everything down to do it if you change your mind
- He usually struggles to carry all the stuff that he would like.

This is how we ended up choosing the Lifestyle Reconn, true 5 min setup for overnights, no unpacking of anything, no poles, no flys

[Cog]

Thanks punter, the lifestyle recoonn looks awesome. Our budget probably extends to around $20000 at this stage and i take on board what you say, there is as much work in a swan as a soft floor depending on the set up. Cheers

[The punter]

Thanks punter, the lifestyle recoonn looks awesome. Our budget probably extends to around $20000 at this stage and i take on board what you say, there is as much work in a swan as a soft floor depending on the set up. Cheers

No probs, I assumed you were buying new. The annexe is one of my mate's biggest bugbears, which is why we got a wind out one. I''ve got really lazy and just want to drink beer

[callmejoe]

I sold my jayco last year.

We towed it ever where. Fraser island, hi country to likes of lovicks hut. Craigs hut etc etc   Then also used it for Christmas holidays in a caravan park. I personally think they are great value for money.
Ever trailer has a limit on whats needed for set up.
For short stays we never bothered with fly's etc so set up took as shown at the shows 5 min set up. Never had problems with water/rain, they will still be as water proof as any other soft sided tarp set up. The extra flys came in very handy thou for prolonged wet raining days also help reflect the heat when hot.

To set up with front awning and bed fly's. 15min UP IN SOLID.
If you wish to cook out side takes another 10mins to set up kitchen, but this was usually done  by the wife as I setting up my part.
 Pack up if completely set up was a bit longer as we always made sure everything was extra clean for easy set up next time.

A big advantage I think with the jayco is the floor area inside the van. Area to move, if you wish cook. Room to eat. You can fit 4 adults at the table (couples or very friendly).

Only draw back card I only found was the width when getting into the rough tuffer stuff.
For the value I know I would go  jayco again . I feel it more versatile.


Joe

[Cog]

Thanks callmejoe, we really like the swans but most second hand ones around $27000 the price of some caravans and you,vestill got canvas. But then they are much more vversatile  than a caravan. My dilemma you can get a really good walk thru camper trailer for around $15000 second hand,( lifestyle extenda elite) take em anywhere but then you're not off the ground. Anyway thanks for your help we're in no rush and I'm hoping to get a few opinions guess just wait and see. Cheers

[The punter]

Thanks callmejoe, we really like the swans but most second hand ones around $27000 the price of some caravans and you,vestill got canvas. But then they are much more vversatile  than a caravan. My dilemma you can get a really good walk thru camper trailer for around $15000 second hand,( lifestyle extenda elite) take em anywhere but then you're not off the ground. Anyway thanks for your help we're in no rush and I'm hoping to get a few opinions guess just wait and see. Cheers

Being off the ground is good, we did Bluesfest in our soft floor, the rain was a challenge

[Cog]

Bluesfest it seems to be wet every year, had a mate go there this year said everyone was getting bogged.

[The punter]

Bluesfest it seems to be wet every year, had a mate go there this year said everyone was getting bogged.

Won't be an issue for us next year, FJ cruiser and The Reconn combo should work a treat