Jayco penguin OB/ simplicity suspension

[GregS]

We are investigating the possibility of buying a new one of the above. We are after ease of setting up and packing away and not too much canvas and only for 2 people and the jayco and goldstream seem to be the only ones with this style, and would like to know if anyone has a jayco camper with the simplicity susp upgrade and how does it tow?, how does it handle on rougher surfaces (not talking extreme here)?. Do you find it easy to put the canvas flaps over the lid lift mechanism? Which awning is easier, the fiamma or the bag? How long does it take to attach the walls to the awning?, any info greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Greg

[Fly Fisher]

Hi Greg,

We got a new 2013 dove outback with the simplicity suspension. I think it is great, the clearance it gives and extra height gained is fantastic. It tows great on the road and although I haven't taken it all that far off the beaten track just yet, one feels it will be a good thing. I thnk it is a worth while mod if you plan to do a bit of offroad travel.

The canvas flaps are ok, I just use the roof safety poles to Velcro the bits out of arms reach.

The fiama awning will no doubt be easier to setup /pack up but might be a bit weaker in heavy wind. I havent got an awning yet but will be getting the aussie traveler coolabah when I can save up enough coin. They are about $1800 supplied and fitted, so not cheap but seem to be the easiest and strongest one on the market. I'm not sure how long it takes to attach the walls but if you go on to you tube there is a vidio of the coolabah awning and walls being setup, I think it takes roughly ten minuts for the guy to set it up by himself.

[flindersroses]

We have cruisemaster (I think) suspension on the Goldstream and I love it. I feels a little "bouncy" on the tar at first but I'm used to it after 3 trips. It comes into it's own on the dirt. You can't feel a thing. I'm sure the simplicity would be similar?

As for the awning a Fiamma is the only way to go IMHO especially if you will do overnight stops. If it's just for extended week long stays in one spot maybe a bagged would be better. We have walls for ours also but be buggered if I can work it all out(no instructions). We tie ours to the ground with two ropes for each leg. Seems to hold up well but I wouldn't be so sure in very strong winds. When we purchased our Goldstream we had to replace the Fiamma because the previous owner bent it in the wind. It was $1200 fitted for the 4m jobby. Another great addition is a sail track and sail off the kitchen side. Cuts a ton of sun out of the van.

[Memem284]

We have a Fiamma awning and wouldn't want anything different. It's our third on various Jayco campers or horse floats. Love it's ease of use

[Bm0]

Plus one on the fiamma

Probably would not have bought one except there was one on dove when we bought it.. Since then everyone we travel with has bought one because it is just so easy!

If we got a new camper it would be a must have


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[GregS]

Thanks to everyone that has replied, it is greatly appreciated. Can the Fiamma be pegged out to prevent it from blowing away in stronger winds?

Cheers

Greg

[2010banditsa]

Thanks to everyone that has replied, it is greatly appreciated. Can the Fiamma be pegged out to prevent it from blowing away in stronger winds?

Cheers

Greg

Yeah mate they can. I found them so flimsy though, that i had a rule, if its out i had to have at least 1 guy rope out each side to hold it, preferably 2.

I have just upgraded vans and this one has the cruisemaster suspension, previous vans have not. I can really notice the difference on rough terrain, the bouncing of the van is definately reduced. I had to take a reasonable run up to get over some sand hills with decent bumps on last trip and loved how the van didnt bounce all over the place making the climb harder and throwing all the internals around. Therefore i assume any independant suspension is better than beam type.