Author Topic: Jayco Penguin Outback or similar? (Read 15955 times)

slowtrip · « **on:** March 19, 2016, 11:10:58 AM »

After experiencing camping in a camper trailer and LOVING it, in our cheap soft floor camper trailer, we are looking around for something better that allows us to stop and setup in minutes.

I have been looking at the Jayco Penguins. We have a Ford Kuga, so towing should be limited to 1500 kg ATM, 150kg towball weight according to Ford, Penguin fits that bill. Also, we are looking at the Outback version, as the Kuga is all wheel drive, and we have the diesel, and want to be able to get offroad a little bit.

So, I would love to hear opinions on the Penguin and also about other alternatives. I don't like the camper trailers that have beds that pop out at the ends, as they look like too much hassle to set up. What about hard floor camper trailers - do any have any truly simple/quick set ups?

I also would consider a small poptop style van. Have looked at Jayco Freedom, for example, but it seems too big for the two of us. Are there any 12/13 foot or similar popups?

edz · « **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2016, 11:22:44 AM »

This may help http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=32298.msg641126#msg641126

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=39492.msg706346#msg706346

evolution · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2016, 11:32:25 AM »

From experience, a hard floor such as a forward fold or rear fold would fit the bill as far as ease of set up is concerned. However the weight would be your issue. I think the only ones that would be light enough would be a cub or I think pioneer have a light one?
I think the penguin is a great choice for a couple needing a light camper. Just a point on the outback though, with your Kuga it will sit nose down quite a bit as they have a very high travel height. (in regards to suspension and tyres) It might be worth taking your car to jayco and asking to see how both sit when hitched up?

Im pretty certain that Goldstream do a camper like the penguin or a small pop top to suit a couple in your weight range. Although they are at a different price point in the market compared to Jayco.

Best of luck with your search, im sure you will end up with something fantastic.

Cheers
Nick

Bird · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2016, 11:42:13 AM »

wat is your budget??

Alan Loy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2016, 11:53:19 AM »

Rear fold Cub Kamparoo and Pioneer Prospector or Argyle should fit your requirements

A different option is the Bushranger Joey http://bushrangercampers.com.au/product/joey-double-bed/ It's a small hybrid pop top

cruiser 91 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2016, 12:55:36 PM »

Penguins almost have it right. One thing that bugs me is the bed's side ways, so one has to climb over the other to get out of bed.

There is nothing in the size you're after that has it all, there's always a trade off for something.

Ive been looking for quite some time for a small off road pop up for the 2 of us within the $10k-$15k mark, the only one I can find is the older Jayco Off Road Starcraft and all most all are 2 x single beds. If you can find a double you can get out of either side, with a small kitchen and dinette like the Penguin. The only problem for me with the starcraft is its a rear door entry and I can't hang a long tool box and spare wheel off the back. Having said that, the starcraft may suit your needs.

Cheers

Alan Loy · « **Reply #6 on:** March 19, 2016, 01:35:23 PM »

Although it is probably overkill a Tvan Yulara would fit into your specs. It would be ready for your next tug upgrade

Not cheap though

slowtrip · « **Reply #7 on:** March 19, 2016, 05:40:18 PM »

Quote from: edz on March 19, 2016, 11:22:44 AM

This may help http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=32298.msg641126#msg641126

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=39492.msg706346#msg706346

Good reading thanks

slowtrip · « **Reply #8 on:** March 19, 2016, 05:41:17 PM »

Quote from: Bird on March 19, 2016, 11:42:13 AM

wat is your budget??

If buying new, I think the Penguin Outback is about as much as I want to pay.

slowtrip · « **Reply #9 on:** March 19, 2016, 05:45:16 PM »

Quote from: Alan Loy on March 19, 2016, 11:53:19 AM

Rear fold Cub Kamparoo and Pioneer Prospector or Argyle should fit your requirements

A different option is the Bushranger Joey http://bushrangercampers.com.au/product/joey-double-bed/ It's a small hybrid pop top

Interesting options I did not know about. Thanks.

Aside whinge m- why do manufacturers never show prices???

slowtrip · « **Reply #10 on:** March 19, 2016, 05:47:06 PM »

Quote from: cruiser 91 on March 19, 2016, 12:55:36 PM

Penguins almost have it right. One thing that bugs me is the bed's side ways, so one has to climb over the other to get out of bed.

There is nothing in the size you're after that has it all, there's always a trade off for something.

Ive been looking for quite some time for a small off road pop up for the 2 of us within the $10k-$15k mark, the only one I can find is the older Jayco Off Road Starcraft and all most all are 2 x single beds. If you can find a double you can get out of either side, with a small kitchen and dinette like the Penguin. The only problem for me with the starcraft is its a rear door entry and I can't hang a long tool box and spare wheel off the back. Having said that, the starcraft may suit your needs.

Cheers

Thanks. It looks like the smallest starcraft is 16' and I think I'd rather something smaller.

slowtrip · « **Reply #11 on:** March 19, 2016, 05:48:46 PM »

Quote from: Alan Loy on March 19, 2016, 01:35:23 PM

Although it is probably overkill a Tvan Yulara would fit into your specs. It would be ready for your next tug upgrade

Not cheap though

Very different

Bird · « **Reply #12 on:** March 19, 2016, 05:49:48 PM »

Quote from: slowtrip

why do manufacturers never show prices???

agree

feisty · « **Reply #13 on:** March 19, 2016, 06:33:52 PM »

Penguins look great for two people. If they did a slide out external kitchen they would be perfect I reckon. Love the large windows. Downside to most campers including mine is you don't get to see much when you are in them.

slowtrip · « **Reply #14 on:** March 19, 2016, 08:48:55 PM »

Quote from: feisty on March 19, 2016, 06:33:52 PM

Penguins look great for two people. If they did a slide out external kitchen they would be perfect I reckon. Love the large windows. Downside to most campers including mine is you don't get to see much when you are in them.

I noticed that. Hope the plastic windows are rugged enough to last though. Glad to see plenty of curtains for privacy as we;ll.

edz · « **Reply #15 on:** March 19, 2016, 11:21:44 PM »

A couple more with mods http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=43123.msg719881#msg719881

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=17609.msg320886#msg320886

Alan Loy · « **Reply #16 on:** March 20, 2016, 06:43:11 AM »

Quote from: slowtrip on March 19, 2016, 05:45:16 PM

Interesting options I did not know about. Thanks.

Aside whinge m- why do manufacturers never show prices???

BUSHRANGER CAMPERS JOEY FOR SALE $28,485 http://ajthomas.com.au/used-campers/ it is actually a new price despite where they put it

A couple of Cubs http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/buy/results?SiloType_Dealer-New=true&Q=%28%28SaleStatus%3D%5BFor+Sale%5D%26Make%3D%5BCub%5D%29%26Service%3D%5BCaravancampingsales%5D%29&SearchAction=Refinement

feisty · « **Reply #17 on:** March 20, 2016, 09:08:43 AM »

Forgot about bushranger. The joey is a great unit. Also have a look at their newer model the great divide. The kitchen setup puts just about everything else in a camper or caravan to shame. Seriously sexy (my weirdness coming out)
Cant find you a decent photo for you but well worth a look.

slowtrip · « **Reply #18 on:** March 20, 2016, 10:20:09 AM »

Thanks everyone for all the help.

I have just got to wondering if maybe I am going over the top wanting the Outback version. After all, it's just an AWD Ford Kuga towing it. The normal version of the penguin still seems to have some clearance - maybe for my softroading exploits, as opposed to hard core offroad, the Outback version is overkill? Or is the extra strength necessary do you think?

edz · « **Reply #19 on:** March 20, 2016, 10:30:02 AM »

Reckon if you go the outback version, yeah its a bit heavier but would open up options of updating the tug at a later date, make it more appealing to others for resale later on.
Could always hire an offroader tug for those once off trips that the Kuga couldnt do .

slowtrip · « **Reply #20 on:** March 20, 2016, 11:36:08 AM »

Quote from: edz on March 20, 2016, 10:30:02 AM

Reckon if you go the outback version, yeah its a bit heavier but would open up options of updating the tug at a later date, make it more appealing to others for resale later on.
Could always hire an offroader tug for those once off trips that the Kuga couldnt do .

That's another good way to look at it, thanks.

scblack · « **Reply #21 on:** March 20, 2016, 01:46:34 PM »

Quote from: slowtrip on March 20, 2016, 10:20:09 AM

Thanks everyone for all the help.

I have just got to wondering if maybe I am going over the top wanting the Outback version. After all, it's just an AWD Ford Kuga towing it. The normal version of the penguin still seems to have some clearance - maybe for my softroading exploits, as opposed to hard core offroad, the Outback version is overkill? Or is the extra strength necessary do you think?

You can also undersling the axle giving a few more inches ground clearance, which may be enough for your thinking behind a Kuga.

outbackogre · « **Reply #22 on:** March 20, 2016, 02:54:09 PM »

I've always liked these units:

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/toowoomba-4350/caravans/2000-jayco/1106511385

feisty · « **Reply #23 on:** March 20, 2016, 03:07:01 PM »

Resale is definitely better.

Swannie · « **Reply #24 on:** March 20, 2016, 04:36:55 PM »

I would go outback like many have suggested. They definately sell quick!

Swannie

News:

Author Topic: Jayco Penguin Outback or similar? (Read 15955 times)