Getting Started - Advice please?

[Newbie245]

My husband and I are considering entering into the world of caravanning and would appreciate any advice you could give us. We are looking at purchasing an early model Jayco Swan just to get started (we have two young children). Has anyone had any experience with these (good or bad)? What should we be looking out for? What sort of inclusions or add ons should we be considering? Any info you could proved would be fantastic. 

[D4D]

Welcome Newbie245, good choice of camper for the family. Swannie will be along soon to tell you all about his Swan

[KingBilly]

Welcome to the forum.

The search function on the home page is your friend    Plenty of info on Jaycos there

Oh, and cara%$n (I can't even type it) is almost a dirty word on this forum 

Happy camping
KB

[Beatle]

Welcome Newbie245.  That moniker will need to change once you've posted a few times.

My Swan still has the original sticker near the door:  "Caravan World's Camper Of The Year"  So lets call the Jayco's 'campers' .............

Where are you located?
How much to spend?
What year model Swan are you considering?
What type of camping? Caravan parks, bush camps, beach?
What are you towing it with?

I started decades ago with a tiny Jayco Flite.  Eventually moved over to a bogie-axle van.  Then back into tents and recently bought an old 1980 Swan.

[markg66]

Welcome to the forum, got a Jayco Eagle Outback here (2000 model), if you are a bit handy an older Jayco is the way to go and plenty around if you are prepared to travel a bit to pick it up.

[Newbie245]

Hi Beatle

We live in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. When it comes to budget, model etc, well that is still being debated. We are going to look at a 1994 swan next week, and wanted to make sure we were going in with our eyes wide open. We were curious as to what "essentials" experienced campers would recommend - either inclusions or add ons that we would need to factor in if the camper we purchase doesn't have them already.

There are 4 of us all together including our 5year old twins. We have a Ford Territory and at this stage I think we will stick to caravan parks as we like our creature comforts.  When we get more confident we will probably try bush camps etc.

[Swannie]

Welcome to the forum, an early Swan is a good choice ( I actually think the early 2000 models are more robust in their build). Main things to check is the canvas, the roof & pulley system & the electrics. The layout of the swan is best for kids ( I have 3 under 11). Try and get one with decent bed flies and annex ( you & the kids will appreciate the extra room when its wet) as I' m sitting in the rain typing this 

Check simple things like the Gas appliances work and are in good condition,the gas bottles are in date etc. make sure you look for any water damage in the roof area or the Bed areas

Swannie

[dazzler]

We travelled the east coast of oz with three kids and a jayco swan.  Highly recommended.

Carry a small tent for the kids for 'adult time'.