Jayco Models
Submitted: Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 22:34
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Chooken
My husband and I have just started researching getting a pop top camper trailer. We have two kids - 4 and 2. In the past we have always used a tent. Budget has us looking at a used Jayco but the more I research the more confused I am with the different models, I mean there is the Finch, Flight, Swift, Swan,
Penguin, Hawk, Dove, Eagle and so on and so on. Is there a link anyone can point me to so we can compare the different models so we know what we’re looking for and what would be fair money. Can anyone recommend a decent sized model for 2 adults and two toddlers. I’d like to think we would hang onto it for a while so something that would suit the kids as they grow too. I like the more modern looking 90’s models onwards but they seem hard to come by. I’m guessing you’d have to be quick when they do come up? I’ve been looking in the Trading Post online and Ebay, is there anywhere else we can look? We would be towing it behind a 4 cyl X trail so would need to take that into consideration as
well.
Alternatively does anyone know of a place to hire them on the Sunshine Coast so we can get a real feel for one before taking the plunge?
Any advice appreciated
Reply By: swampy66 - Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 23:07
Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 23:07
We have an Eagle. They are a good size for a family of four.
If you can get to a Jayco
shop, they have most of the models on display - thats the best way to get a good idea of what size and features they have. The size and features has changed very little over the past 10 years.
We towed ours around Australia behind an X-Trail without any problems.
Also - if you have not noticed - the size of the bird is related to the size of the camper. eg. a Finch is smaller than an Eagle which is smaller than a Swan, birds and campers alike.
Enjoy
AnswerID:
397018
Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 at 23:59
Reply By: Member - Wamuranman - Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 07:50
Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 07:50
Have a look at RVPOINT as
well as the TRADER section on this site.
Click here for RVpoint
If you want an excellent off road pop top have a search for a Supreme Getaway.
Cheers
AnswerID:
397032
Follow Up By: John and Lynne - Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 08:41
Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 08:41
I would also suggest an Eagle for your family. We enjoyed our Dove for the two of us but the Eagle layout would probably be better for a family. As the children grow they could move into a small tent to give you more space so it is worth getting one of these trailers if you want the extra comfort and convenience over a tent and it could last for years.
You should visit a Jayco showroom to really understand the different models and features. They usually also sell secondhand. We found it worthwhile to buy an Outback model with stronger
suspension for dirt roads and campgrounds.
Also the extra awnings over the bed ends were essential in our view. They keep off rain and dirt from the canvas so you are not packing wet and dirt into the van and they add shade.
To find a good secondhand one you may need some patience. Check all caravan yards that sell secondhand and trade ins. We traded our Dove in on a full height van when we retired and had more time for touring. It sold within a day of being put in the secondhand section. (That was at Burpengary near Sunshine Coast.) Good luck! Lynne
FollowupID:
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Reply By: ozjohn0 - Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 08:58
Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 08:58
The Eagle is a good choice for a family as is the Swan which I would think is probably Jayco's biggest selling camper model.
Either way, I hope you enjoy the hunt for the new camper and enjoy your future trips.
ozjohn.
AnswerID:
397041
Reply By: Ozboc - Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 09:17
Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 09:17
As the others above have said -- the eagle would be best suited to your needs -- try get an offroad version - you may think you only go to a caravan
park this year -- But next year you may find yourself venturing further of the tar...
I have the Flamingo for 6 of us ... and with annex can house 8 - i take
mine to
the beach ( not caravan
park ) and bush ... very happy with it ...
Boc
AnswerID:
397044
Reply By: jeep cherokee - Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 09:50
Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 09:50
Hi Chooken, when my wife and i started looking around for campers we went to the caravan and
camping show and did comparisons between all the different campers avaliable.Eventually we narrowed it down to either a Jayco or Coromal model. Each had their for's and against's. However we ended up purchasing a F400 Offroad Coromal. I will not go into the reason for our decision as it may
well start a bun fight and each to his own. Bear in mind there are many different campers manufacturers out there and it will get confusing, believe me :)
Just be sure that your X Trail is within its towing and ball weight limits with whatever you decide on and don't forget to factor in the additional gear you will add to it (
water,cutlery, bedding etc) as this will increase your vans weight and may hinder the towing capability, plus the legal and insurance issues.
Happy
camping.
P.S. I would also definately consider an offroad version.There is so much more out there when you leave the black top.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Qldrrr - Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 10:13
Thursday, Dec 31, 2009 at 10:13
Hi, we recently purchased a hawk off road -
camping has never been better. We have 2 kids aged 9 and 7 and we all fit easily - the kitchen table comes down to a spare bed. These things are so comfortable and
water proof. My only advice is - don't muck around when you see a good one - they go like hot cakes. Can't advise on your towing ability but we tow with a 4 cyl t/d Prado, had a t/d Pathfinder before that, both tow with ease but the Jayco's are not light. Happy hunting...
AnswerID:
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Reply By: ozjohn0 - Friday, Jan 01, 2010 at 10:07
Friday, Jan 01, 2010 at 10:07
Point if interest.
Jayco do not manufacture any "Off Road" models.
What they do have a branded "Outback"
ozjohn.
AnswerID:
397157
Reply By: JAZZY - Saturday, Jan 02, 2010 at 22:41
Saturday, Jan 02, 2010 at 22:41
We had a Jayco Dove (one step up from the Finch) a bit small for family of 4 but you can get away with it while they are little. Not much room for luggage tho, as there were only 2 of us we put it up on the spare bed. Definately get bed flies, also annexe if you can so the kids can bunk there when they get bigger. As said before, they sell like hotcakes, more than a poptop or full van. We had a gr8 offer after we had advertisied it for a few hours, but hubby held out for a bit more and eventually sold 3 weeks later. And, dont worry, you should get your money back, we had ours nearly 2 years and did. We bought ours straight from the Jayco dealer and were lucky enough to be the first on the list. So, we bought it.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: JAZZY - Saturday, Jan 02, 2010 at 22:44
Saturday, Jan 02, 2010 at 22:44
PS Dove towed really
well behind our XTrail - down to
Adelaide and back without any problems. Now we are looking at upgrading to a poptop as the natural progression goes:
Tent
Tent Trailer
Camper Trailer (Dove)
Pop Top
Full Van
Full Van with ensuite
etc
Retirement home.....
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Chooken - Sunday, Jan 03, 2010 at 22:06
Sunday, Jan 03, 2010 at 22:06
Thanks for all the great responses. We looked at an Eagle today and I was suitably impressed. Now can anyone tell me where the Jayco Swift fits into the scheme of things, is it bigger than a Finch or Dove but smaller than an Eagle?
AnswerID:
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