Jayco Journey owners please

gandk · Senior Member

Jayco Journey owners please

deverall11 · Guru

Gandk, throughout our travels across Australia, we met a number of people who had the misfortune of taking a Jayco on corrugated roads. The main issue was the cupboard falling off the walls.
Now that is not to say this is Jayco specific, but most non off road vans will have a hard time on corrugated roads. Good news is being a Jayco, they should be able to help you out if you have any problems. They are good like that.
Good luck,
Larry

Bruce and Bev · Guru

Hi Guys. See you posted the same post twice on the same subject. But as newbies, you are forgiven LOL and we welcome you to Grey Nomads and good to see you participating by posting rather than just lurking in the background like many do on this site.

I cant answer you question about the Jayco 'van, but semi-off road are also called "all terrain". Somewhere in all of these vans - whatever they are called - the manufacturers stick a warning label on it telling you your warranty will be voided if you go on rough ground or terrain.

So there is no such thing as "semi off-road" or "all terrain". The best you can do is go on some not too rough grass to camp (for example a river bank) or on a fairly well maintained dirt or gravel road. If your dentures start to rattle as your towing - its too rough haha

A new, properly built off roader meant to take down desert roads will set you back about $120-130K and have a maximum external length of about 17-19 ft (otherwise they get too heavy for most 4x4 vehicles to tow and youd need a mid-sized truck

gandk · Senior Member

Not sure if I am replying in correct area, being new at this but thank you for both replies. I had heard that about Jayco but thought maybe with the new Journey they may have upgraded, not only the suspension but the fit out. We definitely don't have the budget for the real off roaders. Just want to get along some dirt roads with corrugation.

Explorer · Guru

gandk wrote:
Not sure if I am replying in correct area, being new at this but thank you for both replies. I had heard that about Jayco but thought maybe with the new Journey they may have upgraded, not only the suspension but the fit out. We definitely don't have the budget for the real off roaders. Just want to get along some dirt roads with corrugation.

gandk Hi,

I tow a standardish Jayco pop top, The modifications are to suspension ie heavier springs to give increased carrying capacity & ride height. I have towed over the best of corrugated roads, Gibb river, Tanami, Birdsville, Oodnadatta, Cordillo Etc.

I have put bash plates under the water tanks & wrap all plumbing fittings in sheet rubber stuff from Clark rubber.

The most important thing is that I drop my tyre pressure right down. On bitumen I run 40psi good gravel road 32psi rough gravel 24psi. Obviously the speed is reduced to match. Have been towing caravans throught Australia since 1971 (All pretty much off the shelf) & never had a problem with them falling apart.

If You are very limited in time stick to bitumen & when You have the luxury of time venture off into the back blocks.

My opinion.

Mike.

Yabbietol · Veteran Member

I suggest you have a look at some Jayco forums. They are full of Jayco specific info and very helpful.

This is a particularly good one.

www.expandasdownunder.com

Good luck

Also Kedron make good off road caravans and start at about $70K and can be towed by a Prado or Pajero. Their smaller single axel caravans can have Tare weight about 2,000Kg and ATM at 2,500Kg

I should know as I have one on order for delivery in August.

-- Edited by Yabbietol on Monday 30th of March 2015 07:18:51 PM

gandk · Senior Member

I knew this was a good idea, even taking in the jibe about being a newbie. Thank you to those who have replied. It all helps with our future choice. We do have a 2007 Jayco Sterling bought it in 2012. It has so many extras I am almost to the point of deciding not to sell her, but at mid 60's a combo or ensuite would be nice. We have an outdoor ensuite with 12v shower and my hubby says he will buy me a portaloo and says I am being a princess wanting them indoors. I think I would make a good princess.

Cupie · Guru

gandk wrote:
I knew this was a good idea, even taking in the jibe about being a newbie. Thank you to those who have replied. It all helps with our future choice. We do have a 2007 Jayco Sterling bought it in 2012. It has so many extras I am almost to the point of deciding not to sell her, but at mid 60's a combo or ensuite would be nice. We have an outdoor ensuite with 12v shower and my hubby says he will buy me a portaloo and says I am being a princess wanting them indoors. I think I would make a good princess.

We wouldn't be without our ensuite. When we first got it in 1999 it was only because that in my opinion SWMBO wouldn't have lasted more than a couple of trips without the on board shower & toilet.

For the first 12mths or so I did not use it. One cold wet & windy night some where down south changed my mind. These days I am as attached to the ensuite as SWMBO.

ps.. We don't do dirt ... Did lots of bush camping in my youth.

gandk · Senior Member

Hi guru
Do you have a full ensuite or combo? I have seen so many 17-18' vans that with a full ensuite there is not much bench space. I am only small but with the combo I worry that my husband will end up complaining it is not big enough.

Cupie · Guru

We have a full ensuite ie. back section of the van has a folding door closing off the rear end that contains a casette toilet on the RHS, a linen cupboard, vanity basin with storage under & a full(ish) shower with sliding glass door & ceiling hatch with extractor fan on the other side. A few mirrors, power points & lots of hanging space completes the set up. I have added extra LED lights.

Might need to go for a 20' or 21'6" (like ours) to fit in this excellent set up.

It was a rare layout when ours was built in 1999, but most van builders offer variations of this option these days & usually include a washing machine too.

-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 1st of April 2015 09:22:09 AM

gandk · Senior Member

Thanks Guru. We have to stick to an 18' maximum but I am sure we will find something. I am still not adverse to the combo idea. Especially since I am the main one wanting it as I am 4'11" and weigh 45kilos.