Jayco Caravans

legendgj · Member

Jayco Caravans

Dougwe · Chief one feather

In most cases you might get some teething problems. I got a new van in October 2014, not Jayco and have teething problems. The biggest being a fridge when running on gas that goes out when wind blows from that side of van, it's being sorted though so all should be good soon. It certainly puts the dealers after sales service to the test. My dealer is shining in that department.

Whatever you choose, enjoy and keep safe.

deverall11 · Guru

The only good thing about buying a Jayco is they will look after you more so then other brands.
Larry

Gerty Dancer · Guru

We had more than average small problems with our Jayco, most of them simple little things that were very inconvenient at the time, and should have been fixed before leaving the factory. The problems we had were all fixed cheerfully, although we paid for the work after the warranty ran out.

Other caravans have similar problems. Some of them have good after-sales service, some have none at all.

But the big factor is the cost. The Jayco was $15.000 cheaper than the other brand we were considering. You can do a lot with $15,000!

legendgj · Member

Thankyou

legendgj · Member

Cant wait to get on the road and meet some travellers :)

Bruce and Bev · Guru

we bought a new 'van (not Jayco) which cost us $70K (we got the Dealer to drop $7K off it - they make huge profits, so negotiate and indicate you will walk away if they wont drop a substantial amount off their list price).

In the 4 months we have had it, we've had 21 mostly teething problems with it - nothing overly major, but as Gerty says, they shouldn't have happened if the manufacturers built their units with a bit more care.

ALL other travelers we met on the road complained about their new van and all the problems, which included Jayco.

Jayco have about 50% of the new market, but theyre no better than the rest except they fix the problems quaickly and reckon they go beyond the warranty of 1 year ( I had an email conversation about warranties and poor workmanship with Jaycos customer service manager). A country caravan repairer told me he would never own a 'van - just fixes them - and he uses a tent. Said "Jayco are good from the chassis down".

When you get your new van, take it away for about a week and use ALL the bits of it. Don't go too far from home in case you hit a major problem and want to return home. List all the faults on paper and then email them all to your Dealer. If you have problems with your Dealer, tell them you will complain to your State Consumer Protection agency or the ACCC. They will then have a change of attitude. Always keep your complaints by email and ask them for email responses (not verbal) so you have a paper trail if you need to complain.

Also be aware that consumer protection extends beyond the one year warranty offered. The ACCC say as a rule of thumb that the warranty is 2-5 years depending on the claim.

Be firm and don't roll over if they try to brush you off and do expect to have problems. Sorry - but thats new 'van reality

iana · Guru

I sort of wonder if more info is required here. Like what towing vehicle, camper trailer, pop top or caravan?
We brought a new Jayco Swan camper trailer in 2008, just sold it. Nearly self destructed going from Adelaide to Perth. And while warranty claims sound as though they are handled OK now, then was a different story then.
While I can't comment on a pop top or caravan, I have many tips for camper-trailer owners.
But I feel you need to add more info to the post.
Regards
Ian.

Snail · Senior Member

Hi legendgj,

I have had 3 Jayco caravans with bunk beds. The first was a pop-top. The curve of the roof was too low over the bunk and my daughter would hit her head. The second van had the bunks across the front which were too short. The van we have now is the 24 foot model with bunks across from the bathroom. They are 2 meters long and have plenty of room. As for how good they are, our first one had no problems, the other 2 had lots of little things wrong with them on pickup which I was able to fix myself. They were things that should have been fixed by the dealer before delivery. I would buy another Jayco and do recommend them.

Cheers, Snail

Cupie · Guru

I have had only had one van .. a 21'6" Jayco Westport, since new in 1999.

It has traveled almost 200,000km (on the black top of course) without any significant problems except that it keeps bumping into things (driver error).

Not sure about current models, but mine was certainly value for money.

There are certainly better vans on the market but of course at a price.

I would look at a Jayco if I were in the market for a replacement van.

villatranquilla · Guru

We've had 2 jaycos - a 2004 Heritage and a 2008 Sterling outback - and nearly bought a new StarCraft but there were several things we did not like that could not be changed so bought another brand. I believe they are value for money.

Tones · Veteran Member

Hi, our van was purchased new in 2011 after being built to order. Following is a list of issues that have been encountered and dealt with since delivery. Not everything has been listed; just the things that really stand out. Where I comment that repairs were done "on road", I mean that we were away from home, and dealer assistance was not readily available to fix the problem.

Roll out pantry really did roll out. Fixed by removal and replacement with fixed shelves. (Fixed by us whilst on the road and away from home).

Front boot leaked like sieve. Seal replaced by dealer and problem fixed.

Shower delaminated. Fixed by dealer.

All drawers had to be re-installed with screws of sufficient length to prevent repetition. Fixed by me on road.

Two catches on drawers replaced. Fixed by me on road.

Glass top on stove (under burners) exploded when 240V plate used for first time. Stove replaced by dealer after national recall took place.

Two knobs on front of new stove cracked and fell off. Replaced by me.

Half of decal on side of van left off during build. Dealer supplied missing decal and it was put on by us.

Poptop roof leaked significantly during heavy rain. Found that an extra hole had been drilled through roof when TV antenna was being fitted in the factory and sealant had never been placed over the un-used hole. Repaired by me on the road.

Several drain pipes came adrift in South Australia (no hose clips fitted in factory). Problem fixed on road by me by fitment of s/s hose clips to all pvc joints.

Coverstrip down side of entertainment unit module came adrift. Fixed by me on road.

Reversing camera never worked from new. Replaced by me on road.

Shower door bottom hinge gave way and latch not able to hold door closed. Door frame pot riveted by me on road and fixed as it should have been in the factory. Door catch replaced by another that would do the job properly.

Hand pump over sink lasted about 12 months. Replaced by me on road.

Flick mixer tap over sink lasted about 18 months before significant leak developed. Replaced on road by me.

Gas struts for bed never able to hold up bed with innerspring mattress (optioned by us). Struts re-gassed by us on road.

AM/FM radio had to be re-fitted to cabinet after it fell out. Likewise, fault in aerial cable located and fixed by me on road.

Through-wall snap vent (next to door and directly above double power point) fitted in factory with outer half upside down so that it would catch water as it ran off roof during rain. Fixed by me initially and re-done by dealer.

When radio aerial was fitted to side of van, another surplus hole was drilled in van that was not needed and left unfilled. This was fixed by me on road.

Drain pipes never fixed to underside of van correctly and parted company with van. Repaired by me on road.

Near side mud flap fell off. Fixed by me on road.

Our van has never been used or treated with other than absolute care and respect. We tow at sensible speeds and drive to conditions. The van has never been used off-road except for very short distances to camping spots etc. It is stored under cover and out of the elements.

I consider that our van is now one of the best of it's type and make in Australia. Why? because most of it has been re-built / replaced by me (to our standards).

Now, talking about decals, has anyone out there got one to spare that looks like a lemon?

Note; I have not mentioned the make of our van. I will leave it up to you to work out.

Tones

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Compared to Cupie's 1999 van with no problems, it looks like the standards have dropped severely in later years!

Perhaps we should be looking for an older van to buy instead of wasting so much money and strife with a new model?

deverall11 · Guru

As I have mentioned in a previous post, the caravan industry is 'Agricultural' at best. When you fully comprehend that meaning, everything else will fall into place. We are meant to hand over anything from $20,000 to $100,000 for a caravan and be happy, faults and all. Oneday, maybe, this will be converted to the professional level we have learned to accept with all the other goods we purchase.
What never ceases to amaze me, in the year 2015, is the fact that if your Dometic appliance fails, you need to deal with Dometic NOT the dealer you bought your van from. If your Camec or Thetford gizmos fail, you need to deal with Camec or Thetford.
As car owners, are you expected to deal with Borg Warner when your transmission fails? Are you expected to deal with Sony when your radio/stereo fails?
Some Jayco dealers will help, but they are few and far between.
Larry

Crockie · Veteran Member

Hi all

This is an interesting thread as Jayco has the lions share of the marketplace. We have a Starcraft bought new in 2013, after a few little issues that were fixed under warrantee we have had trouble free living. We live in our van 24/7 it is our home so it will get a lot more chances to stuff up than just taking it away on school holidays etc.

I have to say Jayco have never let me down with any issues, I recently asked them to increase my ATM on the van, they had no hesitation in giving me another 125KGs. I can only say we got value for money as the appliances etc are the same as more expensive vans. The van itself is comfortable and everything works fine. Good luck with your van hunting but please remember Jayco are easy to approach and act fast.

Safe travels

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

If you are buying to a price, Jayco is the biggest seller in Australia.
There are plenty of better caravans.

Cheers,
Peter

Bruce and Bev · Guru

If I were to buy another van, I would probably get one that is about 12 months old - because it is cheaper and hopefully all the faults have been fixed.

Harvey Norman and a GPS manufacturer got prosecuted in 2013 by the ACCC about their warranty conditions. After, say a week, the goods had to be sent back to the manufacturer which meant the consumer didn't enjoy the use of it for weeks. The High Court said this was unacceptable and the seller provided any actual or statutory warranty

The SELLER (the Dealer) is responsible for the warranty and whatever arrangement or conditions the manufacturer may try with warranties - the Dealer must fix. Do not accept being pushed by the Dealer to speak to any other party. Remind your Dealer that under consumer protection laws, they are solely responsible to get faulty items repaired or replaced in good time. If necessary tell your Dealer that you now intend to contact the ACCC if you get into this situation. Only use a Dealer who is big enough to have properly trained staff to repair (almost to the build stage) a van - ask to see their repair facilities when you are in buy mode and look at the quality of their staff. Often theyre just a couple of kids who cant do much more than wash a van or someone else that does not inspire you with confidence. Also look on-line at previous customer reviews for both the Dealer and the manufacturer.

My Dealer tried this one on me. Fortunately I have been in retail management for many years and am well versed in consumer protection rights - stand up to them - they have made a huge profit off you, so make them work for their money. And the old adge "the noisy wheel gets oiled first" (or variations of it) does work.

BTW A large Jayco dealer sales manager in WA told me last year that Jayco rely on their customers to find all the common problems and faults in their caravans - and then they happily fix them. If its a systemic problem, they will make adjustments in future units. That's great for Jayco, but not so great if its you and you have a major fault when youre in the back of beyond.

Sadly, nearly all the Aussie 'van manufacturers have a slack and cavalier attitude towards quality control and their customers. Guess that's why imports from the UK is growing rapidly (the vans, that is lol).

migra · Senior Member

if you go to a sign writer they can cut you a lemon vynal decal in yellow to any size required that can be attached to your van. Order 2, one for the front and one for the rear of the van.

If there was a smart sign writer he would have a good business in supplying there lemon signs.

I know a traveler with one on his Windsor van.....makes interesting conversation where ever he stops.

I have said many times before, it is about time the ACCC got involved and sorted out the caravan industry.

you should post your faults on www.productreview.com.au ....... very interesting reading. disbelief

aussietraveller · Guru

I have previously posted about my problem of the gel-coat on my Jayco Heritage and although it is 10 years old this year I am still going to approach Jayco for a fix, some may say that I have two chances mine and buckle's But from past experience I believe there is a fair chance.

The current Jayco Heritage is our fourth Jayco and we have had very little in the way of problems with them and when we did they were fixed very quickly in a number of locations around the country. Sydney's major caravan repairer personally owns a Jayco because he believes they are the best built van and have the best chassis and proportionally have less warranty problems than other brands.

Gerty Dancer · Guru

We saw a caravan who had the dealers signage on the tyre cover... The owner had added a hand-written "Do not go here" and "They are thieves" on it. (It wasn't a Jayco)
Very effective.

Cloak · Guru

We've had a couple of Jaycos both second hand and well out of warranty but any repairs I did were all straight forward.
They were built simply and good enough quality to not offend.

We will be looking for a huge 5th wheeler next time as we will be living in it for quite a few years and the Jayco wheelers are too small.
If they decided to make a huge one then I'd look at it for sure.

Cheers

gwb · Senior Member

WE are on our third Jayco. This year we have travelled nearly 30,000 k's with the current one. A couple of minor problems but have seen worse happen on some of the more expensive brands. The van we have now is over 3 years old and has seen a lot of our great country.
Geoff and Bev

Goldfinger · Senior Member

I took my Jayco Heritage to Prestige Bendigo November 2014 after my front stone guard had blown off in strong winds exposing just the glass....they told me to come back mid January 2015 as they had heaps of Caravans to prepare for sale....I have done much business there and they let me drive out the gate.......just about says it all about Jayco Dealers...however I contacted Jayco Dandenong direct and they could not have been more obliging...and the fibreglass guard had to be manufactured......

Manufactured delivered and fitted all before Xmas '14, in another adjacent Town with another Brand Dealer.....who also could not be more obliging......and gave my Van a full service as well......and did several items he noticed for no cost!
Jayco is a good value for your money Van, and I've had a couple, <even recommended my brother buy a New Jayco Stirling when they first came out> however because of their popularity Jayco Dealers don't have to compete for your business or provide the local service like others..business walks in the door...<and also out!>..guess where I will be going for my next Van....Hoo Roo

P.S. as an aside I wonder what a Jayco Caravan total cost to build would be, built entirely out of the Jayco spare parts in the Dealers showroom.......at Dealers prices...5 times as much as new or am I being generous....?......you know they're airport prices when Staff invariably apologise every time you are forced to buy something....with 'don't shoot the messenger this is their retail price"....

-- Edited by Goldfinger on Wednesday 7th of January 2015 06:30:45 PM

legendgj · Member

Thank you to everyone, And we are looking to buy a caravan we have a jayco off road eagle camper and have never had a problem but now we are selling everything and going on the road to see Australia with our 2 daughters cant wait :)

Snail · Senior Member

Hi legendgj

I will just tell you of some of my experience traveling with 2 daughters (teenagers). Getting dressed, having a shower dad has to wait outside (They took forever). Fine when the weather is good other people to talk to, not so good when dark, cold and wet. Our latest van has their bunks and bathroom together with a sliding door. I am not kicked out anymore and they can take all the time they need. There is only room for 2 people to walk around in the van at once so the larger the van the better.

My girls love the van we have been to every state (not Tasmania) they are now twenty and seventeen and we are not allowed to go away without them.

Snail

woollie · Veteran Member

hi I bought a 94 model jayco disco as seen in pic nearly a year ago and I have a couple of fixits each time we come home being older second hand the main cost is tyres but thats not a van fault when I fitted a solsr panel i missed a hole somewhere and I now have to fix quickly then its water hose ftom tank to sink just time not much cost as I can do it myself

the hardest thing in life is to be the person your dog thinks you are

Ford courier 2.5 turbo diesel jayco 17.6 poptop 1994

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.