I got a chance to go under our new baby on the Garage Creaper today .
Well off tomorrow to fill the shopping list of essentials that SHOULD have been in place in the first place.
I will flood light the undernieght before taking photo's I hope my camera will record/ roll, as I roll from Front to rear and back again on the creaper.
Not HAPPY JAN
Jim
PS> THANKYOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT THUS FAR. AND I WILL ADDRESS THE CRITCS OF WHAT LIES UNDER NEIGTH.
We brought this van with lots of hard work and long hours, so we could continue our adventures into our retirement. With my wife's comfort first and formost.
After 13 years in our hard floor camper, It was time to move up.
Please don't get me Wrong, I am a practical guy and fix most of every thing that needs fixing both on the side of the road and in the shed.
I'm the first port of call for those of us that fall fowl by the road side. I have never left anyone stranded without help.
Don't get me wrong.The van looks great both inside and out. We went with The Jayco Journey Outback because it ticked all the boxes that suit our life style and value for money.
We travel on Gazetted roads only We are not off road 4 X4 Bush bashers.
Nobush bashing as Jayco describes for the van.
We have been around the block and through the block. Some of the roads travelled in the top end are mainly iron stone and do cut up electrical wiring in quick time.
This van has, as I said ticks the boxes for us. I can swing a cat beneigth it. How ever I could not take my floor creeper to the van show at the time. Yes I could see with my eyes the J TECT independent system ( Fantastic) and is the same as our past camper. This first and formost won my vote on the which the van travels upon.
Where I'm Been critical is the wiring/ the Dangers I can already see. The water pipes already Blocked with kinks and low spots to stop the gravity flow of water out of the van. Wires running through cut, Yes cut RAW angle Not even protected. That should not have been cut in the first place. Kid you not.
Some here couldn't give a Toss about the money they spend, as they have so much, and say so what. Well We shelled out $50,000 to finnish with What passes for Quality Control out of Sight.
As they says else where here. They use us for their quality control and my photo's are coming.
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Tuesday 29th of December 2015 08:13:51 AM
Dougwe said
10:13 PM Dec 28, 2015
Shut the front gate!
It is obvious Jim is extremely excited about his new van but at the same time dissapointed in a few things with the finished product, like so many of us when we get a new van, so why make him feel worse with negative nasty comments
There is a lack of quality control in the caravan building industry and we have all heard about it and more than likely experienced it, I know I have. Much better Jim finds all the problems now than out in the middle of no where I reckon.
Jim, I hope things get sorted for you and you can then enjoy your new van out here in the playground.
There are some nasty people on this forum lately and it would be good if Cindy deleted their comments.
D and D said
10:20 PM Dec 28, 2015
Thanks for sharing your experience with us Jim. Perhaps your doing so will help some others who are less knowledgeable about what to expect from a new van and how to find it. Looking forward to the pics.
Dave
brickies said
10:25 PM Dec 28, 2015
For member of the forum if you are taking delivery of an RV if it's not right don't take Delivery till it's right , This happen to me 8 years ago they told I could bring it back to get them fixed in 2 weeks , I said I will leave it with you call me when it ready , 2 days later I got a call that it was ready to , The reason they wanted the final cash , Always have a note book to make note of how things work on the hand over , Never rush the delivery just because they want you out of their hair you are in the top spot till you pay the final payment .
Cupie said
10:40 PM Dec 28, 2015
Dougwe wrote:
Shut the front gate!
It is obvious Jim is extremely excited about his new van but at the same time dissapointed in a few things with the finished product, like so many of us when we get a new van, so why make him feel worse with negative nasty comments
There is a lack of quality control in the caravan building industry and we have all heard about it and more than likely experienced it, I know I have. Much better Jim finds all the problems now than out in the middle of no where I reckon.
Jim, I hope things get sorted for you and you can then enjoy your new van out here in the playground.
There are some nasty people on this forum lately and it would be good if Cindy deleted their comments.
Well said. I couldn't agree more.
Those sorts of nasty comments are not what is expected on this forum. Those posters might be happier elsewhere.
msg said
10:43 PM Dec 28, 2015
Cupie wrote:
Dougwe wrote:
Shut the front gate!
It is obvious Jim is extremely excited about his new van but at the same time dissapointed in a few things with the finished product, like so many of us when we get a new van, so why make him feel worse with negative nasty comments
There is a lack of quality control in the caravan building industry and we have all heard about it and more than likely experienced it, I know I have. Much better Jim finds all the problems now than out in the middle of no where I reckon.
Jim, I hope things get sorted for you and you can then enjoy your new van out here in the playground.
There are some nasty people on this forum lately and it would be good if Cindy deleted their comments.
Well said. I couldn't agree more.
Those sorts of nasty comments are not what is expected on this forum. Those posters might be happier elsewhere.
Agree
Bushpie said
10:46 PM Dec 28, 2015
Yep I am happy that Jim is letting us know about the pitfalls and failures of some companies to get things right. I will be taking note and I hope more new buyers have the courage to speak up in the near future.
No need to pick on Jim.........seems to me it is Jayco that needs to lift its game.
Go get em Jim
Radar said
11:10 PM Dec 28, 2015
Bushpie wrote:
Yep I am happy that Jim is letting us know about the pitfalls and failures of some companies to get things right. I will be taking note and I hope more new buyers have the courage to speak up in the near future.
No need to pick on Jim.........seems to me it is Jayco that needs to lift its game.
Go get em Jim
Yes, could not agree more.
At the sales yard in the excitment of things we do tend over look things that could be faulty, how can you check the flow in and out, will the frig work.
So sometimes you need to accept the caravan and as quickly as possible make a list of things you do not like.
Possum3 said
11:38 PM Dec 28, 2015
By the Holy Living Harry - several comments on here are waaaay off mark.
Jim is absolutely right to let everyone know how these caravan manufacturers (Nay assemblers) are treating us, their customers. They show up at exhibitions and take orders promising to deliver quality "Australian Made" units, on time and certainly fit for purpose.
When these units are delivered, many are manufactured faulty componentry of Asian origins, many with faults that make them un-roadworthy.
It is only when we take delivery and travel as little as 100 klms and the faults and shoddy workmanship show up - these suited burglars fob the owners off with "Ít's not me - it is the supplier's equipment that is faulty". They delay getting faults repaired. After months of haggling with these thieves who disregard Consumer affairs requests for hearings, tell outright lies to NCAT Tribunals, procrastinate and delay at every opportunity. The only redress is either the High Court (due to the cost of the units) with Barristers at 40 paces or the Court of Public Opinion using forums like these.
It about time the caravan purchasers were afforded the same level of protection as purchasers of motor cars and trucks complete with lemon laws. To many it is a dream to retire into a life of travel in an affordable manner, yet only to be taken as fools and a cash cow by many of the disreputable scum/pond life representing a very large proportion of the leisure vehicle industry.
Sik ém Jim, let the hounds loose.
Possum
hako said
11:48 PM Dec 28, 2015
Certainly some strange attitudes on display and if they represent dealer or manufacturers attitudes then it sets a pretty sad scene.
Go for it Jim and good luck.
aussietraveller said
12:08 AM Dec 29, 2015
Yea Jim another supporter here we need to know what is happening out in the real world, we see articles in magazines and on tv shows singing the praises of caravan manufactures and their descriptions use a wide range of extremely fluffy language never a negative comment so one has to suspect that it's a total waste of money buying the magazines and unproductive use of time watching the shows.
It looks like we have a new variety of two percent inderviduals and you will note they are all new members so they probably don't understand that on this forum we don't belittle or target other members with personal attack posts, we have welcomed them to the forum and we now ask that you show respect for other members with your posts.
Looking forward to more updates on your progress Jim and we wish you success in having all of the faults rectified.
DMaxer said
12:12 AM Dec 29, 2015
I can feel the Phantom's presence. I think something more than revenge for his father was sworn on that skull.
Young Simmo said
12:16 AM Dec 29, 2015
WOW, we have had about 6 X 2nd hand caravans over the years, but never bought a new one. If we do win lotto, and do buy a new one, and it does have a blown tail light globe, I will keep it to myself.
Just the way I am made.........Simmo.
iana said
12:25 AM Dec 29, 2015
Hey Jim, I think you ought to settle down, you're not going to get much sleep over this if you are so het up. I have just done the same, taken purchase of a brand new Jayco, but I have the attitude, "I've brought a Jayco".
We felt a little over whelmed with the information dished out to us at hand over time, and we have since had to go through some "practice drills" and read up the manufacturers manuals to get things going. If there is one major floor in Jayco's works , it is the caravans user manual.
Sounds to me that the dealer was up, in it over their heads, in getting their deliveries out. We were supplied with the correct "D" shackles, but the extra lock on the hitch is your option, not compulsory.
If you are going to tell everyone that the water hoses under the floor, are translucent plastic, don't bother we all know that. And other small items like securing cables and hoses haven't been done well enough. How can they do that to the best practice and yet get the van out at the price you want to buy it for.
There are going to be things that both of us are going to have to do, or finish off to our own standard to bring about a piece of mind.
Don't stress, take it easy and remember "you didn't buy a Jeep, you brought a Jayco !"
Young Simmo said
01:18 AM Dec 29, 2015
The bottom line is, "You get what you pay fore"..................The top line is "Not always".
OK, I like to have a bob each way, that makes me an AUSSIE, sorry.
Simmo..........HIC.
Nigh, Nigh.
Tones said
07:48 AM Dec 29, 2015
Stone the crows! What is going on here?
Jim has gone out and purchased a new van and has certain expectations of what he should have received for his dollars spent. Nothing wrong there. Now he is being challenged for having the audacity to share his experiences with other Forum members by outlining his recent findings. I would have thought that Jim's post is something to be considered reasonable and of general interest to all Forum members. Is this not one of the reasons for the existence of this Forum and others like it.
Jim, I for one would appreciate your continued update on your findings. I think it is great that you are sharing this information on the Forum. Maybe your post might help some other members in the future, particularly Members who are new to caravanning and some of the pitfalls of buying.
There is a definite mindset of "we bought xxxxx brand and because we own it then it must be the best brand available". What garbage! While Australian RV manufacturers continue to deliver products that are less than what is expected by the buying public, these problems will continue. Unless the manufacturers have their faults aired, then nothing will ever change. Brand does not matter; we should all be able to expect value for money when we purchase Australian products.
Jim, good on you for getting on your creeper and sharing your findings here. In our case, we got 2000 Kms from home before the underfloor repairs had to be commenced and I wish to hell I had a creeper and a concrete floor to use it on at that time. A dealership would have been handy too! If I was of a mind to, I could now say that we have the best van in Australia because I have just about re-built it by hand myself. Oh, and guess what brand it is!
Come on Forum members, get behind Jim. If he gets his list of issues together and presents them to his dealer for rectification prior to hitting the road, then that is a good thing and something that could be shared on this Forum in a constructive manner to the benefit of all.
Tones
-- Edited by Tones on Tuesday 29th of December 2015 07:50:26 AM
Blues Man said
07:56 AM Dec 29, 2015
You go for it Jim and check it all out, when you spend big bucks you don"t want to end up with crap(missing bolts,holes in floors,leaks,bad welds,and any other think you can think of)
I"m pretty sure you will let us forum members know if something is amiss.
That's why i joined this forum ,so that i can learn from people like you and other forum members who find things wrong with their "NEW BABIES"
so not quite sure why you received a few negative posts .
Cheers,
Blues man.
dogbox said
09:11 AM Dec 29, 2015
go for it jim an send a copy to jayco HQ as well as the dealer. you bought a new van an you should not have to fix up what should be right in the first place
any van even expensive vans can have have a few issues mostly with third party suppliers an some are hard to deal with, but jayco has a reputation of fixing faults even after warranty period is over
an the largest dealer/agent network
I would have thought it would have been more cost effective to get it right first time
a lot of people will read your story as part of their learning curve! an follow up with how jayco deal with any issues you don't fix your self
ignore the negative posts they can go read something else
Peterpan said
09:19 AM Dec 29, 2015
Go for it Jim!
The more we know about what problems can occur the better
prepared we are when seeking a new van. Without posts like
yours the manufactures will continue to do the same things
and not improve the end product. Looking forward to your
next report.
The Phantom said
09:26 AM Dec 29, 2015
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJUhlRoBL8M
Something to help you through your troubles
The Phantom
Bruce and Bev said
09:40 AM Dec 29, 2015
Good to see so many people supporting Jim after those few slagged him off - what is going on here on the Forum - it was never a place for nasty and personal attacks on others. If you disagree, than either 1) ignore the post, or 2) do it in a rational and polite/pleasant way - not whats going on here !!!!
Keep them coming Jim.
rockylizard said
09:48 AM Dec 29, 2015
Gday...
Jayco have around 45% of the RV market and produce around 10,000 RVs each year - and growing.
As a passing comment ... and from observation and comments by Jayco owners I have met/known ... it is normal, and apparently accepted, that the standard of Jayco vans is low. However, it is also common for Jayco to fix problems when owners find them. Owners seem to accept that they are the 'quality control' for the Jayco manufacturing process - a term used loosely it seems.
So let's stand back a little and think about this -
Jayco sell around 10,000 units each year;
waiting time from purchase to delivery is between 4 and 9 months;
Jayco is holding deposits in their accounts, gaining interest for this time;
buyers of Jayco are willing to accept a low standard of quality; and
more Jayco's are sold each year than there are members on this forum.
There is absolutely no incentive for Jayco to modify or improve anything they are doing.
There is plenty of interest, advance orders to ensure production for almost a year, tolerant customers and excellent profit from cutting corners.
I am completely nonplussed on how these vans of low quality can possibly maintain market leadership - and in so many instances, customer support.
Despite Jim's tenacious efforts to now highlight every major, and minor, item he finds unsatisfactory, and the raucous outpourings of support from members here, there will be absolutely no change by Jayco in the production of sub-standard, ill-finished vans.
How wonderful of Jayco though - they will take time, the buyer's time!, perhaps weeks, to remedy things that should have either been fixed during production or by their own 'quality' inspection before delivery.
Jayco will not change, or improve, as long as the buying masses continue to give their hard-earned money and accept the standard produced.
Go for it Jim - push and get the inadequacies remedied - but why on earth did you (or anyone else for that matter) take delivery of a van that had obvious shortcomings that could be seen at the time of pick-up.
Cheers - John
aussie_paul said
10:06 AM Dec 29, 2015
Keep at it Jim, there will be the silent majority hanging on every word re your van so that they can LEARN. Me included. Only I am not so silent!! I hope you eventually end up with what you need as a minimal stress van to enjoy your travels.
Aussie Paul.
Brisand said
10:18 AM Dec 29, 2015
Rocky lizard, I posted a comment earlier, I have had four Jayco vans including a two month old Silverline, I have to say that your comments about the quality are way of the mark, if you would like to compare your van quality to mine I would be quite happy any time. The comments about jayco are way off the mark.
Every van has a couple of minor problems, and most of us are Capable of attending to a minor problems, if the problem is serious I have found Jayco the best warranty service of any van make, my last van had a small leak in the hot water unit, I was in Maroochydore and went to a caravan service centre who came out to the park and replaced the unit, how good was that, and before you say anything I guarantee that the same make of heater is in your van.
I would back my Silverline quality against any make, not to mention value for money, a mate of mine with another make had to take his van from Sydney to Melbourne for some warranty problems ???
Jayco holding deposits, have you seen the interest rates available ?
If as you comment about Jayco owners willing to accept a lesser quality is way off the mark, it is a case of ignorance in most cases, if it was as you suggest they would not sell 10000 vans each year.
This post is not ment to deny you or anyone else the right to post their comments but get your facts straight.
Have a happy new year and caravanning.
-- Edited by Brisand on Tuesday 29th of December 2015 10:19:16 AM
dogbox said
10:44 AM Dec 29, 2015
still waiting for jim's update as I suspect most of the problems are minor actually really looking forward to see how he fixes them or how the dealer /jayco deal with them
as I said before if the subject does not interest you go read something else
Bessie said
11:28 AM Dec 29, 2015
Hang in there Jim, we are first time owners of a Jayco Journey Outback since July 2014, had the same or similar issues as yourself, we managed to fix all ourselves even to the stage of doing our own wheel alignment, 17000km down the track all is good, we really love this van and would not hesitate to buy another Jayco. Do still have one MAJOR PROBLEM, that being BILLY our cat who travels with us this one we will never sort out LOL. Hope you and your wife have many happy travels. Best wishes Bessie & Mack.
kiwijims said
12:21 PM Dec 29, 2015
Brisand wrote:
Rocky lizard, I posted a comment earlier, I have had four Jayco vans including a two month old Silverline, I have to say that your comments about the quality are way of the mark, if you would like to compare your van quality to mine I would be quite happy any time. The comments about jayco are way off the mark.
Every van has a couple of minor problems, and most of us are Capable of attending to a minor problems, if the problem is serious I have found Jayco the best warranty service of any van make, my last van had a small leak in the hot water unit, I was in Maroochydore and went to a caravan service centre who came out to the park and replaced the unit, how good was that, and before you say anything I guarantee that the same make of heater is in your van.
I would back my Silverline quality against any make, not to mention value for money, a mate of mine with another make had to take his van from Sydney to Melbourne for some warranty problems ???
Jayco holding deposits, have you seen the interest rates available ?
If as you comment about Jayco owners willing to accept a lesser quality is way off the mark, it is a case of ignorance in most cases, if it was as you suggest they would not sell 10000 vans each year.
This post is not ment to deny you or anyone else the right to post their comments but get your facts straight.
Have a happy new year and caravanning.
-- Edited by Brisand on Tuesday 29th of December 2015 10:19:16 AM
In reply to your comments regarding the quality of the said Caravan Brisand,
I think if you have had more than one of these vans, and haven't had any problems with them I think you would be one of the lucky few,
Having worked in the Caravan Industry for around half my life time, I can tell many tales of faults I've had to remedy, many relating to the Brand you mentioned,
Just to name a few that I know of which should have been picked up at Quality Control before departure to the Dealer, are as follows,
1/ a power point fitted less than 100mm above the hand basin,
2/ Hot & cold Water pipes fitted in reverse to a hot water System,
3/ a common fault which we must have fixed a hundred times were the cupboard handles coming loose or breaking,
It was stated by an employee, that said Company don't have Quality Control, they relay on customer complaints for improvements in future models,
I had personal contact with the Company at one stage, when there was a electrical fault in one of these vans, I asked them if they could fax me a copy of their wiring diagram for a particular model, the guy I spoke to said, "Nup" can't do, Why not I asked, answer was that the contractor who did the wiring, wired every van differently, either to save on wire, or take any short cut to save time !!!
The result of this problem was a very costly rewire to half of the customer's van, He was Far from impressed, I can tell you .
Yes they may turn out 100's of vans per year, but how many will still be in one piece in say 10 years time, ?
Until you can look behind the outer skin ( like I have ) many people would die of shock, vans today are made as light as possible, and made to look flash on the outside, but in many cases, that is where it ends,
I'm afraid the old Blokes who made vans several years back, and look pride in their work, have now departed the scene, and left it to the 5 min wonders, who employ kids straight out of high school, then expect them to somehow have the knowledge of their predecessors .
These are only my thoughts through experience in the Caravan Trade, Anyone can say what they like, and everyone has their own opinion
It's a free world, controlled by a few. !!!
Before I finish, I would like to advise HEY JIM, to have a real close look at your "New Baby" as said, note every defect and photograph it, being sure to have the date on every photo, "then sock-it to them" it's your hard earned that they want, just make sure they earn it.
K.J.
dogbox said
03:16 PM Dec 29, 2015
this is copied from another thread on this form
bad aftersales service seem to be common in the caravan industry
lets follow jims adventure (?) with his new van an see how it turns out
Thanks for the warning on the Lotus Caravan Rambling Eagles.
So many companies and salesmen are all over you until the warranty expires as soon as you drive out the gate.
When you spend 60-70 K for a van you are entitled to get after sales service.
It is so annoying when they will not return phone calls or email messages.
I will definitely take Lotus off my preference list
Please keep us updated of events.
Maybe you could try the Ombudsman or the ACCC.
it is not just lotus
DMaxer said
03:46 PM Dec 29, 2015
When I purchased my Jayco I was fully aware that I knew little to nothing about caravans. I explained to the Jayco dealer that when the caravan arrived at his yard from the manufacturer, I would have a qualified person give it a look over before I took delivery. The dealer was quite happy with this course of action. I did this and a few problems were discovered. The dealer informed me I could delay taking delivery for a couple of days or take delivery and return to my home interstate and take it to a local Jayco dealer for the warranty rectifications. I delayed taking delivery and then had the van inspected again and everything was great.
Since that time I have had no problems (touch wood) with my van. I am going to update soon and will adopt the same procedure again, because I don't pretend to know anything about caravans. (Ask poor Dougwe. I PM him on a regular basis about the most basic questions as I don't want to display my general ignorance about caravans on a public forum)
I don't want to upset any of the forumites but cannot understand why anyone would hand over their hard earned before having it inspected by someone that knew what it was all about.
This just leads to a lot of frustration and anger culminating in belting away on the keyboard to encourage peer sympathy and a joint moan. I really think that this is the real lesson to be learnt from this sorry demonstration. I think the terminology is "caveat emptor" - Let the buyer beware!
Dhutime said
06:09 PM Dec 29, 2015
I feel for Jim here , he bought a new caravan updating he said for his wife and himself, and he was expecting a quality product .
The fact that Jayco are massed produced is one reason why they are cheaper but surely he can expect a caravan built to Australian standards this is what he was promised by the sales people and adverts ,and surely he can vent his disappointment here for us to see .Isn't this what the forum is all about .
Surely one shouldn't have to have a so called qualified person checking before delivery? and if you do then Jayco should expect this sort of discussion on a public forum .
To Jim please don't be put off with the negative comments and I really hope that you can get things sorted with your new van
Dhutime
I got a chance to go under our new baby on the Garage Creaper today
.
Well off tomorrow to fill the shopping list of essentials that SHOULD have been in place in the first place.
I will flood light the undernieght before taking photo's
I hope my camera will record/ roll, as I roll from Front to rear and back again on the creaper.
Not HAPPY JAN
Jim
PS> THANKYOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT THUS FAR. AND I WILL ADDRESS THE CRITCS OF WHAT LIES UNDER NEIGTH.
We brought this van with lots of hard work and long hours, so we could continue our adventures into our retirement. With my wife's comfort first and formost.
After 13 years in our hard floor camper, It was time to move up.
Please don't get me Wrong, I am a practical guy and fix most of every thing that needs fixing both on the side of the road and in the shed.
I'm the first port of call for those of us that fall fowl by the road side. I have never left anyone stranded without help.
Don't get me wrong.The van looks great both inside and out. We went with The Jayco Journey Outback because it ticked all the boxes that suit our life style and value for money.
We travel on Gazetted roads only We are not off road 4 X4 Bush bashers.
Nobush bashing as Jayco describes for the van.
We have been around the block and through the block. Some of the roads travelled in the top end are mainly iron stone and do cut up electrical wiring in quick time.
This van has, as I said ticks the boxes for us. I can swing a cat beneigth it. How ever I could not take my floor creeper to the van show at the time. Yes I could see with my eyes the J TECT independent system ( Fantastic) and is the same as our past camper. This first and formost won my vote on the which the van travels upon.
Where I'm Been critical is the wiring/ the Dangers I can already see. The water pipes already Blocked with kinks and low spots to stop the gravity flow of water out of the van. Wires running through cut, Yes cut RAW angle Not even protected. That should not have been cut in the first place. Kid you not.
Some here couldn't give a Toss about the money they spend, as they have so much, and say so what. Well We shelled out $50,000 to finnish with What passes for Quality Control out of Sight.
As they says else where here. They use us for their quality control and my photo's are coming.
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Tuesday 29th of December 2015 08:13:51 AM
Shut the front gate!
It is obvious Jim is extremely excited about his new van but at the same time dissapointed in a few things with the finished product, like so many of us when we get a new van, so why make him feel worse with negative nasty comments
There is a lack of quality control in the caravan building industry and we have all heard about it and more than likely experienced it, I know I have. Much better Jim finds all the problems now than out in the middle of no where I reckon.
Jim, I hope things get sorted for you and you can then enjoy your new van out here in the playground.
There are some nasty people on this forum lately and it would be good if Cindy deleted their comments.
Dave
Well said. I couldn't agree more.
Those sorts of nasty comments are not what is expected on this forum. Those posters might be happier elsewhere.
Agree
No need to pick on Jim.........seems to me it is Jayco that needs to lift its game.
Go get em Jim
Yes, could not agree more.
At the sales yard in the excitment of things we do tend over look things that could be faulty, how can you check the flow in and out, will the frig work.
So sometimes you need to accept the caravan and as quickly as possible make a list of things you do not like.
Jim is absolutely right to let everyone know how these caravan manufacturers (Nay assemblers) are treating us, their customers. They show up at exhibitions and take orders promising to deliver quality "Australian Made" units, on time and certainly fit for purpose.
When these units are delivered, many are manufactured faulty componentry of Asian origins, many with faults that make them un-roadworthy.
It is only when we take delivery and travel as little as 100 klms and the faults and shoddy workmanship show up - these suited burglars fob the owners off with "Ít's not me - it is the supplier's equipment that is faulty". They delay getting faults repaired. After months of haggling with these thieves who disregard Consumer affairs requests for hearings, tell outright lies to NCAT Tribunals, procrastinate and delay at every opportunity. The only redress is either the High Court (due to the cost of the units) with Barristers at 40 paces or the Court of Public Opinion using forums like these.
It about time the caravan purchasers were afforded the same level of protection as purchasers of motor cars and trucks complete with lemon laws. To many it is a dream to retire into a life of travel in an affordable manner, yet only to be taken as fools and a cash cow by many of the disreputable scum/pond life representing a very large proportion of the leisure vehicle industry.
Sik ém Jim, let the hounds loose.
Possum
Go for it Jim and good luck.
It looks like we have a new variety of two percent inderviduals and you will note they are all new members so they probably don't understand that on this forum we don't belittle or target other members with personal attack posts, we have welcomed them to the forum and we now ask that you show respect for other members with your posts.
Looking forward to more updates on your progress Jim and we wish you success in having all of the faults rectified.
I can feel the Phantom's presence. I think something more than revenge for his father was sworn on that skull.
Just the way I am made.........Simmo.
We felt a little over whelmed with the information dished out to us at hand over time, and we have since had to go through some "practice drills" and read up the manufacturers manuals to get things going. If there is one major floor in Jayco's works , it is the caravans user manual.
Sounds to me that the dealer was up, in it over their heads, in getting their deliveries out. We were supplied with the correct "D" shackles, but the extra lock on the hitch is your option, not compulsory.
If you are going to tell everyone that the water hoses under the floor, are translucent plastic, don't bother we all know that. And other small items like securing cables and hoses haven't been done well enough. How can they do that to the best practice and yet get the van out at the price you want to buy it for.
There are going to be things that both of us are going to have to do, or finish off to our own standard to bring about a piece of mind.
Don't stress, take it easy and remember "you didn't buy a Jeep, you brought a Jayco !"
OK, I like to have a bob each way, that makes me an AUSSIE, sorry.
Simmo..........HIC.
Nigh, Nigh.
Stone the crows! What is going on here?
Jim has gone out and purchased a new van and has certain expectations of what he should have received for his dollars spent. Nothing wrong there. Now he is being challenged for having the audacity to share his experiences with other Forum members by outlining his recent findings. I would have thought that Jim's post is something to be considered reasonable and of general interest to all Forum members. Is this not one of the reasons for the existence of this Forum and others like it.
Jim, I for one would appreciate your continued update on your findings. I think it is great that you are sharing this information on the Forum. Maybe your post might help some other members in the future, particularly Members who are new to caravanning and some of the pitfalls of buying.
There is a definite mindset of "we bought xxxxx brand and because we own it then it must be the best brand available". What garbage! While Australian RV manufacturers continue to deliver products that are less than what is expected by the buying public, these problems will continue. Unless the manufacturers have their faults aired, then nothing will ever change. Brand does not matter; we should all be able to expect value for money when we purchase Australian products.
Jim, good on you for getting on your creeper and sharing your findings here. In our case, we got 2000 Kms from home before the underfloor repairs had to be commenced and I wish to hell I had a creeper and a concrete floor to use it on at that time. A dealership would have been handy too! If I was of a mind to, I could now say that we have the best van in Australia because I have just about re-built it by hand myself. Oh, and guess what brand it is!
Come on Forum members, get behind Jim. If he gets his list of issues together and presents them to his dealer for rectification prior to hitting the road, then that is a good thing and something that could be shared on this Forum in a constructive manner to the benefit of all.
Tones
-- Edited by Tones on Tuesday 29th of December 2015 07:50:26 AM
You go for it Jim and check it all out, when you spend big bucks you don"t want to end up with crap(missing bolts,holes in floors,leaks,bad welds,and any other think you can think of)
I"m pretty sure you will let us forum members know if something is amiss.
That's why i joined this forum ,so that i can learn from people like you and other forum members who find things wrong with their "NEW BABIES"
so not quite sure why you received a few negative posts .
Cheers,
Blues man.
any van even expensive vans can have have a few issues mostly with third party suppliers an some are hard to deal with, but jayco has a reputation of fixing faults even after warranty period is over
an the largest dealer/agent network
I would have thought it would have been more cost effective to get it right first time
a lot of people will read your story as part of their learning curve! an follow up with how jayco deal with any issues you don't fix your self
ignore the negative posts they can go read something else
Go for it Jim!
The more we know about what problems can occur the better
prepared we are when seeking a new van. Without posts like
yours the manufactures will continue to do the same things
and not improve the end product. Looking forward to your
next report.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJUhlRoBL8M
Something to help you through your troubles
The Phantom
Keep them coming Jim.
Gday...
Jayco have around 45% of the RV market and produce around 10,000 RVs each year - and growing.
As a passing comment ... and from observation and comments by Jayco owners I have met/known ... it is normal, and apparently accepted, that the standard of Jayco vans is low. However, it is also common for Jayco to fix problems when owners find them. Owners seem to accept that they are the 'quality control' for the Jayco manufacturing process - a term used loosely it seems.
So let's stand back a little and think about this -
There is absolutely no incentive for Jayco to modify or improve anything they are doing.
There is plenty of interest, advance orders to ensure production for almost a year, tolerant customers and excellent profit from cutting corners.
I am completely nonplussed on how these vans of low quality can possibly maintain market leadership - and in so many instances, customer support.
Despite Jim's tenacious efforts to now highlight every major, and minor, item he finds unsatisfactory, and the raucous outpourings of support from members here, there will be absolutely no change by Jayco in the production of sub-standard, ill-finished vans.
How wonderful of Jayco though - they will take time, the buyer's time!, perhaps weeks, to remedy things that should have either been fixed during production or by their own 'quality' inspection before delivery.
Jayco will not change, or improve, as long as the buying masses continue to give their hard-earned money and accept the standard produced.
Go for it Jim - push and get the inadequacies remedied - but why on earth did you (or anyone else for that matter) take delivery of a van that had obvious shortcomings that could be seen at the time of pick-up.
Cheers - John
Keep at it Jim, there will be the silent majority hanging on every word re your van so that they can LEARN. Me included.
Only I am not so silent!! I hope you eventually end up with what you need as a minimal stress van to enjoy your travels. 
Aussie Paul.
Rocky lizard, I posted a comment earlier, I have had four Jayco vans including a two month old Silverline, I have to say that your comments about the quality are way of the mark, if you would like to compare your van quality to mine I would be quite happy any time. The comments about jayco are way off the mark.
Every van has a couple of minor problems, and most of us are Capable of attending to a minor problems, if the problem is serious I have found Jayco the best warranty service of any van make, my last van had a small leak in the hot water unit, I was in Maroochydore and went to a caravan service centre who came out to the park and replaced the unit, how good was that, and before you say anything I guarantee that the same make of heater is in your van.
I would back my Silverline quality against any make, not to mention value for money, a mate of mine with another make had to take his van from Sydney to Melbourne for some warranty problems ???
Jayco holding deposits, have you seen the interest rates available ?
If as you comment about Jayco owners willing to accept a lesser quality is way off the mark, it is a case of ignorance in most cases, if it was as you suggest they would not sell 10000 vans each year.
This post is not ment to deny you or anyone else the right to post their comments but get your facts straight.
Have a happy new year and caravanning.
-- Edited by Brisand on Tuesday 29th of December 2015 10:19:16 AM
as I said before if the subject does not interest you go read something else
In reply to your comments regarding the quality of the said Caravan Brisand,
I think if you have had more than one of these vans, and haven't had any problems with them I think you would be one of the lucky few,
Having worked in the Caravan Industry for around half my life time, I can tell many tales of faults I've had to remedy, many relating to the Brand you mentioned,
Just to name a few that I know of which should have been picked up at Quality Control before departure to the Dealer, are as follows,
1/ a power point fitted less than 100mm above the hand basin,
2/ Hot & cold Water pipes fitted in reverse to a hot water System,
3/ a common fault which we must have fixed a hundred times were the cupboard handles coming loose or breaking,
It was stated by an employee, that said Company don't have Quality Control, they relay on customer complaints for improvements in future models,
I had personal contact with the Company at one stage, when there was a electrical fault in one of these vans, I asked them if they could fax me a copy of their wiring diagram for a particular model, the guy I spoke to said, "Nup" can't do, Why not I asked, answer was that the contractor who did the wiring, wired every van differently, either to save on wire, or take any short cut to save time !!!
The result of this problem was a very costly rewire to half of the customer's van, He was Far from impressed, I can tell you .
Yes they may turn out 100's of vans per year, but how many will still be in one piece in say 10 years time, ?
Until you can look behind the outer skin ( like I have ) many people would die of shock, vans today are made as light as possible, and made to look flash on the outside, but in many cases, that is where it ends,
I'm afraid the old Blokes who made vans several years back, and look pride in their work, have now departed the scene, and left it to the 5 min wonders, who employ kids straight out of high school, then expect them to somehow have the knowledge of their predecessors .
These are only my thoughts through experience in the Caravan Trade, Anyone can say what they like, and everyone has their own opinion
It's a free world, controlled by a few. !!!
Before I finish, I would like to advise HEY JIM, to have a real close look at your "New Baby" as said, note every defect and photograph it, being sure to have the date on every photo, "then sock-it to them" it's your hard earned that they want, just make sure they earn it.
K.J.
bad aftersales service seem to be common in the caravan industry
lets follow jims adventure (?) with his new van an see how it turns out
Thanks for the warning on the Lotus Caravan Rambling Eagles.
So many companies and salesmen are all over you until the warranty expires as soon as you drive out the gate.
When you spend 60-70 K for a van you are entitled to get after sales service.
It is so annoying when they will not return phone calls or email messages.
I will definitely take Lotus off my preference list
Please keep us updated of events.
Maybe you could try the Ombudsman or the ACCC.
it is not just lotus
When I purchased my Jayco I was fully aware that I knew little to nothing about caravans. I explained to the Jayco dealer that when the caravan arrived at his yard from the manufacturer, I would have a qualified person give it a look over before I took delivery. The dealer was quite happy with this course of action. I did this and a few problems were discovered. The dealer informed me I could delay taking delivery for a couple of days or take delivery and return to my home interstate and take it to a local Jayco dealer for the warranty rectifications. I delayed taking delivery and then had the van inspected again and everything was great.
Since that time I have had no problems (touch wood) with my van. I am going to update soon and will adopt the same procedure again, because I don't pretend to know anything about caravans. (Ask poor Dougwe. I PM him on a regular basis about the most basic questions as I don't want to display my general ignorance about caravans on a public forum)
I don't want to upset any of the forumites but cannot understand why anyone would hand over their hard earned before having it inspected by someone that knew what it was all about.
This just leads to a lot of frustration and anger culminating in belting away on the keyboard to encourage peer sympathy and a joint moan. I really think that this is the real lesson to be learnt from this sorry demonstration. I think the terminology is "caveat emptor" - Let the buyer beware!
The fact that Jayco are massed produced is one reason why they are cheaper but surely he can expect a caravan built to Australian standards this is what he was promised by the sales people and adverts ,and surely he can vent his disappointment here for us to see .Isn't this what the forum is all about .
Surely one shouldn't have to have a so called qualified person checking before delivery? and if you do then Jayco should expect this sort of discussion on a public forum .
To Jim please don't be put off with the negative comments and I really hope that you can get things sorted with your new van
Dhutime