Jayco cupboards

A lot of van makers use chip board, MDF or similar products in their furniture. Some detractors refer to these materials as "like cardboard." These materials are not that bad.

Hey Jon
We have a Jayco Discovery Outback
We haven't had any problems with the cupboards or table due to water spillage
Had it since 2010, great van
Regards Wayne

Jon,
both my past and new van are all plywood. One a coronal and the other a Billabong.

If you want to have a look for yourself, shtick your head into the cupboards and out of the way places. You will soon see what material they have used.

Much of the coverings on van substrates is a very thin plastic coat that can be damaged easily. It also doesn't like damp. A bit of water won't worry it, but if left wet it will discolour and if rubbed will fall off.

As for Jayco's I can't comment as I have not owned one. Friend has a pop top and is happy with it (2002), he also said he is going to buy a new one. Then on the other side of the coin another friend bought a new one and had quite a few warranty issues. All fixed with no problems by Jayco.

They have sold that van which is about 18 months old and bought another brand. I don't know the reason though.

"I have been told that the coverings on the cupboards in the later model Jayco pop tops is a paper like material. And also that if a drink or similar is spilt on them and left it will swell."
That is incorrect. Shouted my friend Steve camped here with me 45 years in Melbourne in caravan repair business retired last month. Steve says he hasn't seen chipboard used in caravans over 25 year. Steve says the Jayco cupboards and wood material has been waterproof for 15+ years longer than he can remember. Steve says Jayco are hard to go past today. Steve in particular says he likes the Jayco Starcraft.

jmharris,

I owned a 2004 Jayco Freedom Outback until around a year ago. It was the first model to use the paper-like laminate on MDF. The new ones use the same material. The van did a fair bit of work and the cupboards were like new when I sold it.

It is only the cupboards that are made like this, the bench tops are made of laminex like any other van so there shouldn't be any problems with spilled drinks unless you have a new years eve party inside and don't wake up for three days. Not saying it can't happen though.

Overall, Jaycos are light and value for money relative to others. They do however lack the solid, quality feel of the better quality vans.

I'm sure if you went down to the nearest caravan park and walked around with a cup of tea, you would find several Jayco owners who were happy to show you their vans.

Cheers

Skull

We have a 2004 Jayco 18ft freedom poptop and have not had a problem with the cupboards. After purchase I went through all cupboards and checked the screws and fittings then upgraded where I thought was required (we do a lot of dirt roads) and so far all good. As we have single beds I installed additional drawers under the beds and had a lot of difficulty matching the wood grain but managed it after a lot of effort.
All in all we are happy with the van.

I have a 2013 Swift Outback. Appears to be laminate bench tops, with what looks to be the same material as my household kitchen cupboards for the internals.
No problems with travelling up North early this year with two kids, which included the Oodnadatta.

So far the only issue i'm planning on fixing, is the security. My door key, to date, has opened 7 other vans. Found this out by clowning around with a mate who was travelling with us. My key opened his door which was several years older. Over time I have tried other vans in the sales yards.
Obviously only several different key cuttings were made

Hi Jon,
I have a 2006 Jayco Sterling and have done a few modifications to it such as adding solar, a diesel heater and several cig socket outlets most of which required drilling a hole somewhere or other in the vehicle.

The dividing walls are made of plywood as are the cupboards from what I can see. I have not found any craft wood (MDF) so far.

The woodgrain throughout is a paper veneer but this is not an issue if you are aware of it and treat it accordingly. No harsh cleaning chemicals, just a damp cloth and perhaps a mild soap.

All the bench tops are plywood and laminex or such like material.

You will find that the paper veneer has been used extensively for decades in the industry, in one form or another, and looks like continuing into the future.

Most everybody I know with a Jayco are very pleased with their purchase as you get a lot of van for the money.

Mind you they are no Bushtracker or Kedron, but then they are priced accordingly also.

As I tell most people who have just bought a Jayco "You will get some silly small problems develop, I guess it is the same with any make, but once you iron those out you will have a good van on your hands for the money".

Hope this helps,
Cheers, Bruce.