We would be interested to know how other people have found the Jayco Starcraft Outback? We have had our caravan for 4.1/2 months and just completed a 4 months trip around Australia. We have found externally the van was excellent but internally we have been very disappointed with the quality of the carpentry. For a so called 'rugged' van she failed dismally. We did not abuse the van in any way but in the west country it is nearly impossible to visit national parks without travelling on dirt roads. We have a long list of things that need fixing now that we are back home (Maryborough, Qld) and worry that we will have a fight on our hands to get things corrected. One of our biggest problems was the fly screens. You could not sit in the evening with the lights on as the bugs just climb up the screen externally and climb over the top of the rollers and into the van. The cupboard door and drawer catches are very poor quality and several have broken, in fact one of the cupboards we cannot open at all and we want them changed. There are several other items that need to be addressed and we are in the process of cleaning our van ready for it's 6 month's service and wonder if other owners have experienced similar problems and how they were treated.
I'd be very surprised if you have any issues with Jayco fixing the problems. Although people constantly complain about their quality, I've always found their after sales service (and I've had a bit) to be first class.
We bought the same van early this year. Have only had time for one short trip so far. Have had no problems as yet. Like you we like to camp in National Parks so will be interesting to see. We had our previous Jayco for 6 years with no problems at all. Rod.
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Rod.
Ah! The serenity
Tug - Mitsubishi Challenger, Van - Starcraft Outback Poptop..
Thanks for the reply. We had a Jayco motorhome previously and loved it and had no problems apart from very minor things in the beginning. We traded it in for the Outback so that we could go into places we couldn't with the motorhome especially as it is sold as an 'outback' van. Problem is, it is still built internally with chipboard and very small screws, which shake out. We would find loose screws on the floor having no idea where they came from. We got to the point were we didn't want to enter the van as we didn't know what we would find, especially after the internal oven glass shattered and we found cupboard doors hanging off their hinges. I might add again that we were very careful where we travelled and did not abuse the van in any way....
Have just sent our final email now that we are home and hope we can get things rectified without any hassles. Biggest bug will be door and drawer latches and fly screens. Will let you know how we get on...
I have a Jayco Starcraft Outback caravan which i purchased new 12 months ago from Jayco Albury I must say how happy i am with my van, although i must admit i have not been on rough dirt roads as i would prefer the bitumen. Although i bought the "Outback" model i have been advised not to do roads like the Birdsville Track, Gibb River Road etc as the van would not make. The suspension has been beefed up but the interior has not, that is a good reason to stick to the bitumen
Good Luck with the upcoming repairs with Jayco
Graham
-- Edited by Wheels on Monday 31st of October 2016 10:20:24 AM
Shelley and I are looking at our first caravan. We want a caravan and not a pop-top or campervan.
We looked at Goldstream and they are too heavy for our tow vehicle. Which I should say is a 2006 Ford Falcon which will be fitted with a heavy duty tow bar. I think it is good for 2,300 kilos.
We then spotted an AVIDA Sapphire which the dealer assured us it would tow behind our falcon. After we had asked to have it weighed. It turned out that there was only 50 kilos spare for goods inside the van. It appears the Tare weight data from AVIDA was incorrect.
The dealer has now come back with an offer on a Jayco Starcraft 17' 2013 Outback at $38,000 with ESC and rocker roller suspension. He marked down the caravan to the same price as the Sapphire which was also 2013 model.
I do not know if I am allowed to post links here and will wait for a response on this.
It is a single axle caravan with "I do have another van in the dealership that is will suit your weighs. It is a Jayco StarCraft that weights 1850 and has an atm of 2250", quote from the dealer.
Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of these caravans please?
We will be visiting caravan parks, free camping near creeks and lakes. Though no off road stuff. Possibly only graded gravel roads. Softly, softly.
One day we may up grade the the tow vehicle and caravan. Though for our current finances. This does suit us.
The dealer has answered most of my questions. Though I do have a concern about the outback version being higher off the ground. Will this be an issue with the tow ball height on the Falcon?
We are open to any suggestions and all information.
