Jayco Swan Outback - Any Issues ?

[archer63]

Hi All,

Mods by all means move this post to another section if required.

As per my newbie intro the other day, wife and I are purchasing a Swan Outback sometime after Xmas and I am wondering if there is any advice that owners of these pop tops can give greenhorns like us.
We are looking at 2010 - 2013 model years, but may sneak up to a cheap 2014 if the price is near our budget.

Features we would like, but are not 100% locked in are:

Roof racks, bag ends & full annex, factory Gas external shower, solar with at least a 100ah battery etc etc.

None of these are essential ( apart from the roof racks which will come in handy and the full annex ) but we are basically after the best Swan with as much fruit as we can get for the best price.
I know we could rig up an external 12v hot water shower easily enough and also sort out a portable solar set up, battery etc, slide out external BBQ cooker etc.
I was very impressed when I saw a post shortly after joining this forum when somebody had added their own slide out BBQ tray coming from where a factory job would be......very clever !!
Can anyone advise on any problem areas that I should look for when buying a Late model ( 2010 - 2013 ) Swan Outback ?

Won't be able to reply to any replies today people as I am about to go fishing for some tasty Nerang river whiting...fingers crossed !!

Cheers
Rob

[Gravity]

Hi Rob,
When we started looking around for a 13/14 OB there were a few around at reasonable prices however when you start looking at all the options it actually cost more to retro fit…
My advise would be to list exactly what you would like in your Van and then start looking…Once you have a better idea of what you can get (bang for buck) compare it to the cost of a new one.

Thats exactly what we did , went to Jayco had a van priced with all the options we were after and then started looking for a used one…
We quickly realised that there wasn't much price difference as a my 13/14 hold there value very well, That's why we went with a brand new one with the added bonus of the new J-Tech suspension.

Good luck I'm sure you will be more than happy with your new Van. 

[archer63]

Hi Gravity,

Thanks for the reply !!

Have been looking at these on the web for around 6 months and have a fair idea of what we want with our swan and hopefully after Xmas there will still be lots for sale...just hope it isn't a desert at that time of the year ?
Have been up to the Jayco Camperland dealer at Tingalpa and have had a look at the new ones...very nice.....and if we could afford a new one I can assure you we would get one. Perhaps in a few years we might bite the bullet and go for a new one. Got a price list of the options so I know what they are worth and will factor that in to the one we pick. From what I have seen I think it is possible to buy portable solar units for example cheaper than what Jayco sell them for.
So many things still to learn....I didn't realise before that I will need to have an electric brake controller fitted and also have a spare trigg tow bar connection as a lot of the swan outbacks seem to have them.
I believe that from 2010, all the pop tops came with a one piece roof which solved some leaking issues & also the 2013 onwards models not only came with a new exterior colour scheme but I think I read somewhere that there were other minor changes apart from the J-Tech suspension ??

Then we have to decide how far we are willing to travel to go and pick one up.
Wouldn't it be nice if you could hire a car or fourby from a hire company from say Sydney or Melbourne and just tow the thing home instead of driving there and back.

Finally, is there anything we should pay particular attention to when buying a late model swan outback ?

Cheers
Rob

[Gravity]

Hi Rob, Aircon is a must for us even in Melbourne considering your in NSW the sweltering hot nights with a family in a van can make a big difference.
Once you've decided to take it to the next step try to get the van looked over by someone in the know & make sure all the paperwork checks out…eventually you will find the right one.

Cheers
John

[archer63]

Thanks John.

Actually we're in brisvegas & the air con does look very appealing !!

Do those little light fans attached to the LED lights above each bed really work ?

Good point too about checking the paperwork ....will join up to one of those for sites and run a check on the van before we go anywhere.

Cheers
Rob

[Trrrumping Beast]

Sorry to stick my nose into a Jayco thread, but as a Goldstream owner i thought i would say that in almost 5 years of ownership we have never wanted for air con. These style of camper are so well ventilated that there is very rarely the need. I bought a 12v fan when new,  and it has been used less than a handful of times. This includes January camping at Wooli and Tweed Heads in  40deg heat.
Middle of the day? ...maybe..but night time never need it.
Hey if you can get it go for it, but remember its 240v only.
Cheers,
Nigel 🍻

[Topender]

We have a 2012 with pretty much all options....love our air con and gas hot water.  Watch for cracked corner moulding on the roof.  We had one replaced and nearly everyone I've spoken to has had at least one replaced or one cracked that needs to be replaced.

Dave

[glenm64]

Just a thought.
When you say after xmas, bare in mind most people dont sell their stuff until after school holidays or summers end.
Ive always found winter best time for boats and RV stuff.
Just my 2 bobs.


Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk

[Gravity]

Sorry to stick my nose into a Jayco thread, but as a Goldstream owner i thought i would say that in almost 5 years of ownership we have never wanted for air con. These style of camper are so well ventilated that there is very rarely the need. I bought a 12v fan when new,  and it has been used less than a handful of times. This includes January camping at Wooli and Tweed Heads in  40deg heat.
Middle of the day? ...maybe..but night time never need it.
Hey if you can get it go for it, but remember its 240v only.
Cheers,
Nigel 🍻

Hey Nigel , of course you are more than welcome to share your thoughts, It's funny when it comes to heat…I love it but my wife & kids can't sleep in it , I think its really up to one's own discretion to choose or not too…We opted for it because it also has a heater for those cold winter knights especially when going to Tasmania in winter looking for those beautiful fresh lobsters and don't forget the cheese !

[archer63]

Hi Fellas,

Glenm64 - you are right mate ...and that is my worry.
Might just be forced into waiting until after school holidays....but I hope not....gotta at least try to take advantage when there is a window of opportunity.

Dave - cracked corner moulding.....is that from people hitting stuff or is it a stressed area ?

Nigel - don't be sorry mate....all info given is appreciated.
Air con is not a must for us...if it's on the one we end up buying good...if not...doesn't bother us.
What we are intending on using our swan for is mainly visiting coastal areas where it is normally cooler anyway than inland. Will be a mixture of free camping and van parks.

Guys....gotta say that when we looked at new Swans, Goldstreams and other full size vans of different brands I have come away unimpressed with some minor build things.
Things such as silicone around skylights/vents for example....some jobs looked like they were done very quickly and just looked very sloppy. They may well have been water tight...but gee whiz they didn't exactly inspire confidence.
Perhaps I am just being too picky ?

Cheers
Rob

[BrettMG]

We have a 2012 Swan, it's awesome. Bought it new with bag end flys, a bag awning with annexe walls, a front veranda and store room at the back. Have never needed an air conditioning unit. Ventilation is great with all of the windows open!

[archer63]

Sounds great Brett....can't wait for ours !!

Any problems or things to keep an eye on ?

Cheers
Rob

[Watty2975]

We had a swan outback a few years ago. Loved it.  Had hotwater and outdoor shower. They were fantastic. I would recommend a second water tank, water was one of limiting factors with the shower. We also had the full Kakadu annex, it was really simple to put up and excellent for longer stays.
I think you a right looking at portable solar. It will give you much more flexibility when in shaded areas.
We also had the smaller awning off the kitchen side, highly recommend it, keeps the camper a lot cooler. We used fans, never felt the need for aircon, but personal needs differ.
We had ours out in a few good Queensland storms, never had a leaking issue.

All the best with the search.

[archer63]

Thanks Watty,

Forgot about the kitchen awning.....that is something we will get if it's not already there.
Also want the full annex, but don't need the spare rooms I don't think. I figure the annex can stay out of the swan when not going to be used.

Solar.....who knows.....one day soon lithium batteries have gotta start to come down in price with more demand and a 120ah might be plenty enough for a few days or more away as long as it's not running the fridge, which it won't in our in case because I will be running it on gas or 240v anyway.
Gee I really like that slide out aliminium tray that somebody posted on here and which pulls out from under the nose.....brilliant !!

[Topender]

Apparently the corner mould issue may have been a faulty batch. (that's what was hinted at with ours) I think it was more to do with alignment out of the factory and the crack when the roof is lowered over the body.  Just check the corners if you are buying second hand.  I'll chip in a little more about the air con.....they are reverse cycle so we have used it far more as a heater than actually for cooling but if you are on power it is there if you need it either way.

Dave

[rockrat]

We bought a new Eagle earlier in the year and initially didn't get aircon. Very soon afterwards, and living in the tropics, we very quickly realised that was a mistake and had aircon fitted.  Last school holidays we spent a week at the Big 4 Coconut in Cairns (great CP by the way) and even though it wasn't particularly hot, we ran the aircon 24/7 and it made sleeping so much more comfortable.

[Gravity]

Here's another pick of the table for you, I'm getting one made up in a few weeks but it will have a slide out draw inside to hold all the annex poles…will keep you posted with dimensions…:-)

[BrettMG]

Sounds great Brett....can't wait for ours !!

Any problems or things to keep an eye on ?

Cheers
Rob

Forgot to mention that we also have the awning on the kitchen side. It keeps the fridge vents in the shade and also means that you can have windows unzipped and not worry about rain getting in. I put a stone guard around waste pipe where it comes out under the chassis, I was sick of replacing it after every gravel road. Apart from that no dramas!

[archer63]

Thanks again everyone.

It's these little bits of information shared that are so important to know first hand, especially from people that actually own them.

Air con - can totally understand why this would be a huge benefit, especially in the tropics or indeed down south where it is cold when heating is needed. If we were buying new I'm not sure that we would be able to justify the cost as our intended travelling range is only about a 3-4 hour trip either side of Brisbane and if you are near the coast the temps are not too bad. Having said that, if the one we want already has it....you beauty...we will gladly take it

Stone guard around the waste pipe......hmmm will remember that.

Slide out tray....yes please mate....that would be great....still think that is the best mod I have seen so far anywhere and I wonder why somebody doesn't sell them commercially as I think they would be on a winner......as long as the unit doesn't add too much weight to the A frame ?

Has anyone had issues with poor fitting doors or doors coming undone unexpectedly ?

Are some year or build batches better than others ?

Cheers
Rob

[rockrat]

[quote author=archer63 link=topic=45589.msg770601#msg770601 date=1446323162

Has anyone had issues with poor fitting doors or doors coming undone unexpectedly ?

Cheers
Rob
[/quote]

The only other issue we had with ours is that the roof wouldn't slide down over the door without difficulty. Initially we just used a plastic card (e.g. BCF Club card) to help guide it over but got the deal to fix it on the first service. Now it comes down perfectly as long as we latch down the side opposite the door first.

The only other problem is that we don't get out enough - now if only I could "road train" the boat and the camper, then I'd be set.

[archer63]

Thanks mate.

Ah yes...there's always that problem...boat, camper trailer.
Have had those thoughts before

[Snake]

We bought a brand new 2015 outback Flamingo (same size and price as Swan) this year. We looked at 2nd hand but it was too hard to find one with the options we wanted and the ones that did have options were about as much as a new one. We got ours all up for $32k including hot water/shower, air con, extra tank, fiamma awning, solar power, tv aerial, extended drawbar, a-frame tap. A few others i can't remember right now..

[Gravity]

Jeeeez that's a great price…No awning , No tv & no extra tap $34000. Well done, who did you buy from ?

[Snake]

Jeeeez that's a great price…No awning , No tv & no extra tap $34000. Well done, who did you buy from ?

That was from Page Bros in Seaford. They hold their value too well to buy 2nd hand I reckon.

[pauljygrant]

Has anyone had issues with poor fitting doors or doors coming undone unexpectedly ?

With our 2011 Swan, the upper door frame where it connects to the roof was re fixed at its first service / warranty - never had a problem of it coming loose again after that.

However on a trip from Adelaide to FNQ, we took a 'shortcut' of approx 100km along an unsealed road and the vibration snapped the rivets in the lower door hinges. Stopped for a break to discover only 1 remaining rivet holding the door to the camper so very lucky we didn't loose the door altogether. Cable tied the door from the inside until got to Jayco in Townsville. They initially didn't want to fix it being just before closing on a Saturday but when they saw how bad it was and that I wasn't exaggerating, they riveted the hinges back on.  Bought a cheap rivet set from Bunnings and left in the camper just in case, but thankfully never needed it.

Only other issue was yellowing plastics to the wind up flap - despite being out of warranty, emailed Jayco and they sent a replacement in the post without any issue.

Was happy to stay with the Jayco brand, now upgraded to a Basestation. (Very happy with the residual value in the Swan.  Only lost $2k in 4 years).