Author Topic: Which model Jayco camper trailer? (Read 18511 times)

Benduro · « **on:** July 22, 2012, 08:39:05 PM »

Hi,
Looking at selling the Heaslip to move into a Jayco camper... Either a Dove, Hawk or Eagle.
With a little one and plans for a second soon we are looking to get off the ground with some inside livability if cold/wet.
We looked seriously at the Expanda 14 44 4 (great family layout) but it is beyond our budget and felt a little closed in. It also threw up a few issues regarding storage, garage access, etc.
We have always liked the Jayco Outback camper range but before putting the Heaslip on the market we want to have an informed view on this style of camper.
Looking at 2011 on at this stage.
The local dealer has a Dove on the yard listed at $20 950 (new, 2011) and this price represents our max budget. We understand we would need to add bed flies and bag awning. Have seen a 2011 in Bendigo with all of the above plus annexe walls for $22 000 so we believe we are 'in the ball park' with this budget.
Before putting the Heaslip up for sale we would greatly appreciate some extra info on this style of camper.
*Pros and cons of the three layouts?
*Storage of bags, clothes, food etc?
*Ability to stay hitched for overnight stops?
*Must add accessories?
*Quick bed end set-up ideas?
*Preferred hitch types?

in advance.

Memem284 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 22, 2012, 09:05:17 PM »

We have an Eagle and like it's layout because you can pop the top before you leave on a trip or while traveling and, because the fridge is opposite the door, it's easy to reach in to access.

Sicilianmama · « **Reply #2 on:** July 22, 2012, 10:30:33 PM »

You cant go wromg with any of those I reckon! We have a swan so not what you are after, but its very similar to the eagle except a bit bigger and with an extra buffet cupboard. We were originally going to get the eagle, very nice camper, but decided we wanted the extra room and that extra cupboard, which I LOVE!

Ozdakar · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2012, 10:32:57 PM »

We have a 2010 Eagle & to us it was the best layout.

Easy to get to the fridge when its down
More than enough sleeping space, We have 4 kids & they all fit happily
Like having the kitchen away from the door and the lounge near the door as its easy to get a seat when cooking
The only thing we dont love is the fold down robe but we store our sleeping bags & bedding in it so not too bad

We have a Trigg hitch fitted but its a bit of a pain to get hitched up so were looking at getting an Ozhitch

Hope that helped a little

Cheers
Andrew

prodigyrf · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2012, 01:46:28 AM »

The Dove is your minimum with 2 kiddies with a QS bed for mum and dad and a double for the tackers. You can leave it hitched but can't open a hatchback vehicle with the front bed out and the fridge is no longer easily accessible opposite the camper door like our 80s one was. The tradeoff was a much better access table/lounge setup by the door and separated from the kitchen and one which only mum and dad climb up to bed on. Kids grubby feet and nice cushions don't mix you'll find.

Good cupboard space with bench space either side of the van away from the kids coming and going and getting in the way. They come in after play expectantly and it's- sit up at the table and I'll get you a drink/snack/etc kids... Think about that with the various layouts and once they're goers they just love diving into the roof down 'cubby' to fetch stuff for mum and dad out of the fridge and cupboards for a roadside stop. Just remember whose turn it is to stop the squabbles and always remind them about the door and fridge latching or poke your head in to check.

Benduro · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2012, 11:24:19 AM »

Thanks for your thoughts guys... Some interesting and valid points. The fact that setup is possible whilst still hitched is important. Access to fridge was something we had considered but as we have fridge in car it is not as important.
Interested to hear what people do with bags for clothes etc as dedicated storage seems to be a little lacking?

Ozdakar · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2012, 12:02:07 PM »

We normally just put all our bags under the front bed on the lounge when the camper is down then put them onto the beds when its up. We also keep a couple of plastic tubs under the table also with shoes & other bulky items.

Cheers
Andrew

Aussiecris · « **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2012, 06:12:04 PM »

G'Day

We have a Hawk Outback and very happy with it
We didn't set out to buy a particular model, We would have been happy with any of them
The hawk came up at a good price in the condition I was looking for so we jumped on it
Would be a much harder decision if i was buying new
Good luck with it all

Cheers Cris

Aitken · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2012, 06:40:26 PM »

swan or eagle are the best practical layout ,as its easy to get to the fridge

gadgetman · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2012, 06:41:53 PM »

We had a brief look at the Expanda and also felt that we would be too closed in for our liking. Given the coin that you are looking at spending, perhaps a weekend hire of the Jayco may be worthwhile?

Eagle Outback · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2012, 07:58:12 PM »

Gday Benduro
We take what clothing we need out of the bags keep it to a minimum and throw the bags in the back of the car

cruza driver · « **Reply #11 on:** July 23, 2012, 08:05:12 PM »

http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=20963.msg323554#msg323554

9 pages of answers
http://myswag.org/forum/index.php?topic=8390.0

seenthelight · « **Reply #12 on:** July 23, 2012, 08:29:10 PM »

Hi
I loved the look of the dove but I'm glade we got the eagle, with two children 8 & 10 the extra room on the cold wet days is great.
I changed the robe and put shelves in so when we get to our destination we put our clothes in the robe and store the bags under the mattress. WE use linen bags to the store sleeping gear on the table.
My pet hates are not enough storage area in the boot, and should have got the extended draw bar.
Cheers
Geoff

Benduro · « **Reply #13 on:** July 23, 2012, 09:27:51 PM »

Thanks again all... Great info'!
Cheers for those links Cruiser Driver.
Some in the links were saying that set up whilst still being hitched is only possible with the extended draw bar option. Is this the case?
At this stage we are leaning toward the Dove for it's layout and compact dimensions. Like the idea of the kids end being at the rear furthest from door and couch making it less likely that they will be disturbed during the night. The Hawk is similar but the couch would be at the kids end, leaving nowhere to sit after kids have gone to bed? How do Hawk owners find this? Is it an issue?
Like the option of 2 sitting areas in the Eagle but with little ones the kitchen/dinette is not ideal (safe).

On a side note, are towing mirrors required for this style of camper? We have an NP Pajero (DiD).

gadgetman · « **Reply #14 on:** July 23, 2012, 09:36:26 PM »

We have an NP DiD and the extended drawbar is needed to sleep hitched. Towing mirrors are definitely required.

Nutto · « **Reply #15 on:** July 23, 2012, 10:56:33 PM »

We can set our 2010 Hawk up whilst still hitched to the D-max, and have done so quite a few times when a quick overnight stop was required on our trip last year. The front bed on the Hawk is the same size as a Swan. We have the std drawbar length. Easy way to check if possible - take your car in, hook it up, wind it up & slide the front bed out.
Re the couch at the kids end, we haven't found this an issue, they go off to sleep with the curtain pulled, and we don't have a tv camping, so we are either outside (warmer up here) or in bed. The curtains are block out material in ours, so handy.
The couch also means they can actually get up into their bed by themselves. We have simply got some cheap doona covers and put the cushions inside these. The cushions are still like new after our 15 week trip living out of the Hawk.

Couple of other things that swayed us to the Hawk layout, apart from ones mentioned in the other thread links the cruza driver posted;
- The fridge on the left side means that the vents are shaded by the awning most of the time. As mentioned, we lived in ours for 15 weeks straight, and the 3 way fridge works best when cold air can get in and hot air can get out of those vents.
- We stack the fridge at home the night before we head off anywhere, and when the camper is down, it helps to have it close to the door (Eagle is also ok for this)
- The outside locker located at the rear is used as a food pantry for us, as we prep & cook outside, and this would be a pain if it were behind the door.

We have roller draws in the back of the ute, and our clothes were all in there on our trip, otherwise we just have soft bags that sit on the couch or bed when camped for short periods.

The price on offer for that Dove OB is good, so would be hard to go past. We looked at that model also, but felt the extra foot in length and the larger seating (our Hawk does not have the cupboard by the door that the 2011+ models have) would be good....that and also that we got a deal similar to yours as ours was a runout 2010 that we picked up in Jan 2011.
Check out our blog link below for some pics etc. or feel free to ask away about anything else - we've pretty much done it all with the Hawk, so should be able to answer any questions

Nutto

Ozdakar · « **Reply #16 on:** July 24, 2012, 09:25:29 AM »

We can set up our Eagle with the Patrol still connected & have done so on many occasions, Its a bit tight getting into the back of the car but for an overnighter not a big problem for us. And we have the standard length draw bar too.

Cheers
Andrew

PAC1977 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 24, 2012, 12:32:23 PM »

Quote from: Ozdakar on July 24, 2012, 09:25:29 AM

, Its a bit tight getting into the back of the car

Yeah same with us behind the Territory. And no chance of opening the back door.

jgrant · « **Reply #18 on:** July 24, 2012, 01:05:45 PM »

Quote from: Benduro on July 22, 2012, 08:39:05 PM

*Pros and cons of the three layouts?
*Storage of bags, clothes, food etc?
*Ability to stay hitched for overnight stops?
*Must add accessories?
*Quick bed end set-up ideas?
*Preferred hitch types?

in advance.

We just bought a Hawk Ob. Settled on that layout as I found the space more functional for me- I liked that the kitchen was all in one area, rather than along a whole side. We travel as a family of three (mum, dad & 13yo) and living space is great. We had another teen with us over a wet weekend and it was a bit cramped inside but with two littlies would be fine.
Re: storage- I admit I am still experimenting here. I make all beds before we leave and pack pillows and towels in a large bag ($2 from cheap shops) that just lives under the table. Our own clothes get packed into soft bags in the car. Sit on beds during day and stacked on lounge of night. As we are about to do an extended trip I have purchased a set of those plastic drawers each. That way we will be able to pack away a little more organized, and store outside or in car if necessary.
Food all gets packed in cupboards/fridge before we leave. I actually haven't managed to fill all the internal storage space yet!
We tow with a Pajero and can stay hitched while set up if necessary. Just makes access to front boot a little tricky.
As for quick bed end set up, as I said, have beds made up- we cover our in plastic so that if setting up in rain they will not get water dripped on them. If setting up bed flies with poles, you need to remember to put the middle spreader bar in before winding up the roof! Last trip we didn't use any poles at all. To set up with no poles and no awning you are looking at 7-15mins after leveling.
As for accessories, we have the standard bag awning. We would only put it up for stays of more than 2 nights. I want to get a shade cloth side panel that can be used on either side just to add some privacy/shade. I would also consider kitchen awning for same reason. We have a gas outlet on drawbar- handy for setting up BBQ. I would recommend led lights but easy to mod after purchase. Other mods we have done include sealing, insulating under bed ends. Reinforcing where the stays go onto bed end. Added a car stereo and speakers. 3 x pole carriers. Modified the internal table so it also attaches outside. Added shelving to some cupboards and cut another door into another cupboard to increase access. Waterproofed and wax sealed all canvas and joins. Sorted out a digital antenna and booster. Put in tie down clips to hold the front bed end awning down. Sounds like a lot, but just bits and pieces here and e.
Good luck!

Benduro · « **Reply #19 on:** July 24, 2012, 08:15:10 PM »

Interesting point re the fridge being on the awning (shade) side Nutto

and again you guys think of everything... a lot of which we had not considered so

If buying new we will def' order with extended draw bar but second hand, if it is able to be set up hitched we would settle for a non extended model. When we get closer to making a decision we will go and check it out with the Paj to make sure.
Probably a toss up between the Dove and Hawk at this stage and it just come down to whats avail' at the time and of course $$$.
Hitch wise we currently have a Tregg set up and it has been faultless however can require absolute precision backing to get hitched, especially in sandy/soft ground. With this in mind and we may go for a hyland as we won't be taking the OB too far off the beaten track but would still appreciate some articulation.
Will go back to Prestige at the weekend to check each model again, especially storage.

On a side note: Anyone want to buy a Heaslip rear-fold off road camper trailer? Na, havnt fully decided yet but it is looking increasingly likely that it will be on the market... soon!

Jenko67 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 24, 2012, 08:25:29 PM »

We bought the swan OB because we like the layout and the bigger size, but the Eagle was what we were looking at until we could compare both side by side at the caravan and camping show last year....

Benduro · « **Reply #21 on:** July 24, 2012, 08:28:47 PM »

I notice Jenko that you also have a Paj. Did you go the extended draw bar option?

albany_nomads · « **Reply #22 on:** July 24, 2012, 08:32:57 PM »

Like some others ITS a tight squeeze, but we can leave our hawk with a standard draw bar hooked up to the Rodeo ..but find we use the side windows on the utes canopy

Sicilianmama · « **Reply #23 on:** July 24, 2012, 09:35:05 PM »

Quote from: Benduro on July 22, 2012, 08:39:05 PM

*Storage of bags, clothes, food etc?
*Ability to stay hitched for overnight stops?
*Must add accessories?
*Quick bed end set-up ideas?
*Preferred hitch types?

We used to unpack our clothes into the robe but I soon realized with us and two kids it was just a pain. Now we keep our clothes in a bag on bed during day and place on club lounge at night, I have found a good size squash able bag with a large too opening so it makes living out of the bag easier. The kids bag goes on their bed during day and on dining seat at night.

We are able to stay hitched with our swan and rodeo and we don't have the extended drawbar.

We added a fair few extras to the norm, my favourites would be the hot water system and external shower which I love and also the tap on drawbar & gas bayonett fitting for Weber

Benduro · « **Reply #24 on:** July 24, 2012, 09:52:22 PM »

They are great options and if buying new would be things that I would add except for in the Dove where HWS/shower isn't an option. Was thinking an Aqua Cube would be a good addition for use when bush camping.
Fine with living out of a bag as we do this in the Heaslip, it's just we can store the bags in the trailer body or under the drop down tail gate. In a Jayco I guess the best option seems to be on the bed during the day/floor or couch at night.

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Author Topic: Which model Jayco camper trailer? (Read 18511 times)