Welcome to the gang Raymond. enjoy here and out in the playground.
I don't have a Jayco but those that do most seem to love 'em and there is a lot of 'em in the playground. It is possible that all vans could have problems in bad weather so I wouldn't worry too much just get out here and enjoy your new toy.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
HI, I have had a Finch and a Swan in past years, not bad but you should consider that if you are on a long trip the noise level can be high due to canvas "tent" when you are sleeping. Ingress of insects is usually a challenge due to the unavoidable little holes here and there between the canvas and the body of the Swift. Packing up can be a pain if you are doing it regularly, especially if the canvas is wet as you are packing it all back over your bedding.
I have a caravan now and the comfort and convenience level is great but depends on your tow vehicle and budget.
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"life is too short to spend it with people who suck the happiness out of you"
For years, we had a Viscount camper trailer (similar to the Jayco Swift). Great unit, but the canvas sides require a lot of care - wash down every time we used it and let it dry and then fold it down and put it away. Also, to prevent we canvas on the beds, we had plastic sheets which covered the beds before we lowered the roof. And we used fly sheets over the bed ends - this kept the rain off, and also made life a lot more comfortable when it was frosty outside. Without them we used to get a lot of condensation on the inside of the fabric covering over the beds.
In conditions with strong winds, the roof seemed to move around alarmingly, but it never failed on us. Probably this was the main reason we went to a poptop caravan, but I still like the concept of a Jayco Swift type of van for towing.
We have a Swift caravan from the UK. This is ideal for my husband and I (and our large standard poodle). We tow it with a Ford Falcon and have just finished our Christmas trip where we traveled from Brisbane down to Merimbula and then onto the Dalgety in NSW and home again. Never had any trouble towing it. So you may want to think of the European vans for lighter towing. They may also be better value for your bucks!
enjoy
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Julie
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated"
Thanks for the reply. the issue of packing up wet is a concern. Also I don't want to change cars. I may have to look at an AVAN aliner.
Hi Raymond,
I had a Avan 'Sportliner' when I first I retired and was on the road part time for 8 out of 12 moths for 3 years. As I said, I had it for 3 years until I sold base camp and went full time on the road.
I wanted more room and a En-Suite and that is really the only reason I got rid of it. I had a great time in it and it was so easy and quick to raise and lower. No canvas and insulated walls and roof.
I know a few people that have the 'Aliner' and love it. I have also seen and spoken to many owners of one and they all love theirs too.
The only thing I would suggest is have a look at the stronger suspension etc, well worth a look into and extra cost. Also and as well even, because it is bigger than the 'Sportliner' make sure you can raise and lower the roof section on your own.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Tuesday 12th of March 2019 11:20:52 AM
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
G'day Raymond,
Prior to buying our current van we had an Eagle Outback for nine years. The only state it didn't go to was Tasmania.
Just be careful folding it up in cold weather (as you'd experience down your way) - a pair of fluffy lined garden gloves from Bunnings helped. The vinyl doesn't like folding when nearly frozen!
Eventually we had troubles with the screens but Pat was handy with a needle, black cotton & patching material. Block up the gaps where the beds slide in/out with foam & that will keep most of the insects out.
The biggest issue I had was why didn't Jayco patent the idea - now every 2nd company going makes them!
Ours went to most places (perhaps even a few more than Jayco had intended) & had very little troubles.
The best advice I can give you is to have the bearings serviced every 10,000kms AND CHECK the hub temperatures with your fingers regularly on a trip. I learnt the hard way, almost coming to grief at Tarcutta! I should have stopped at Holbrook for that pie lunch!
Whatever van you get, there will always be some shortcomings - just make each day the best you can. And the Jayco will have more internal room than an Avan & if you're as tall as me, you will find it hard to live in an Avan.
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
its always a mistake not to stop for a pie. there was a comment that I need to sy the sort of car I have. Its a honda CRV and it is only capable of towing a Swift or Avan. Ultimately from the comments from every it a decision between size of the swift and the Avan and whether the swift is warmer in colder weather.
Hi Raymond,
Until our son rebuilt his house in near Belconnen, we stayed in the Alivio Park at Connor. Trips to the toilet at 2-4am in the middle of winter however essential, were extremely "cool" even if there was no snow about! I made one stipulation - if one of us had to "go", then both went! It was easier than disturbing the other partner again.
If you're staying on power, you cannot beat a fan heater to warm the van up. We kept a cotton blanket under the mattress to prevent the cold & any dampness coming up & used normal sheets, a decent blanket & a good doona. If we survived ok there, we could go to any other cold location (remember I live in North Qld).
One thing you can't beat the Jayco campers for is ventilation in warmer areas - I don't believe the Avan is as good. We bought our Eagle after friends who had a Penguin said their bed was lower than the open windows & therefore they didn't have the same degree of comfort.
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
The Avan Aliner is a great little van thats what we started out in ,our friends that travelled with us had one of those that poped up and had canvas sides ,it was wobbly in strong wind and they had to deal with wet canvas walls,there more roomier than the avan but no where near as comfortable as a solid walled van thats my opinion anyway...
Adria Action 361LT, 1400Kg ATM, incl. 90L fridge, reverse cycle aircon, hot water, gas cooker, full ensuite toilet/shower.
No setup hassles, flapping canvas or bugs getting in. Wouldn't take it off-road tho'
Don't have one myself, but there's a few people on the Adria Facebook group touring with them behind small SUVs and seem to be very happy with their choice.
-- Edited by Mamil on Sunday 17th of March 2019 02:45:52 PM
Good choice great little van it was our first van sold it to our next door neighbour and they love it.this is hard to explain just as you step out of bed where theres a spot where you can fit an expandable tent pole across the ceiling,you can hang your clothes neatly off this either end,the only problem in ours was no hanging space this solved it....
