My name is Ian Richards, Heather & I reside at Maroochydore Sunshine Coast and are considering purchasing a new or good used caravan
Tow Vehicle; New 2018 Toyota Prado 6 auto geared, 4 cylinder diesel, rated @ 3-ton towing, 250 Kg ball download, Retro fitted with Old Man Emu sports suspension with 50 mil up-grade & adjustable rear air bags, bull bar / driving lights, air compressor for tyre management, CB radio, second battery & red-arc charging controller etc
We are retired, I'll mention we still own a 40 ft Adams yacht, extensively cruised the East Australian Coast from Port Lincoln SA to Cairns Qld. I've also navigated around Tasmania many times, and competed in the blue water Sydney to Hobart race six times back in the 80's. Just to confirm we have long adjusted to living in confined space in often challenging conditions
I hold a semi-trailer driving license but never been a professional long distance driver
We intend to hire a caravan for several short excursions to get use to the rig prior to purchasing a caravan
We are interested in Jurgens Caravans range especially the Skygazer with single beds, as I believe they would have a proven South Africa design and track record, in a country which we believe would have similar touring conditions, light insulated composite walls, light weight subframe construction, independent Alco suspension
We are somewhat concerned by the recent South Africa parent company financial woes and interested to learn your take on the Australian franchise future
Interested to learn how workable the Skygazer Bed / Dining Table configuration and Alko Suspension performs
Our wish list or caravan spec sheet includes;
For two retirees contemplating no more than semi off-road touring over extended periods in the Australian Outback [ concerns related to; dirt road corrugations and suspension performance mainly possible of shock absorbers over heating
Open to considering New or Well Maintained Used Caravan;
18 ft semi off-road independent suspension
Tare weight 2 tonne or lighter
Internal / External Led Lighting
Reversing camera
Insulated composite walls. I am interested to fully understand external adjoining walls and floor attachment technology
I believe Internal storage and kitchen Fitout should provide Bulkhead structure design reinforcement to external walls, similar to well established yacht design & construction concept
Dust sealed environment
Two single beds
Internal shower / toilet / washing machine
Reverse cycle ibis air conditioning
3-way fridge freezer, internal gas / electric cooker, microwave
Outside cooking facilities
Outside Awning
Solar panels and smart regulator
Proof of Clear Title
We have booked a motel and intend to stay a couple nights in Esk which is planned to correspond with the Jurgen's May Jamboree hoping to catch up with members and benefit from their experience
We are interested to hear from someone who intends to participate in the Esk Jamboree who is prepared to share some of their time and experience and possibly introduce us to others who own a Jurgens with similar fit-out to what I have previously described
Welcome to the gang Ian and Heather, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I looked at the Jurgens but thought it looked a bit 'flimsy' with inside fittings etc. Everything else was OK though. Just my thoughts but have seen many on the road so can't be all that bad.
If you are keeping your boat you will be able to enjoy the water ways as well as the highways.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there (Including on the ocean waves)
__________________
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)
Hello Ian, I have a Jurgens Skygazer with twin bed configuration but mine has a dinette opposite the galley/stove, it also has the sliding top table between the beds.
Purchased new in 2015 and serviced every 10,000 kms (wheel bearings packed, brakes checked, chassis bolts tightened, etc), it handles well on the road. The only should have warranty issue was am electrical wiring fault relating to the refrigerator and house battery/battery charger connection. My Jurgens has travelled 50,000 kms up to June 2018 but has been stored in my shed since then.
I have an Isuzu MU-X rated to 3,000 kg towing and 300 kg ball load which tows the Jurgens easily, the AL-KO independent suspension provides excellent handling at highway speeds and the Electronic Stability Control is worth having as I discovered when a caravan tyre suffered a blowout just west of the Queensland border in Western Australia last year. I was driving at a real 90 kmh (speedo not accurate) when the tyre gave up, the tread parted from the tyre and then seconds later the tyre had a blow out. It was an original from new and I replaced both in Mt.Isa with GT Radial light truck, all that was available at the time in the tyre size.
The Jurgen's insulation and double glazed windows provide superior noise barrier comfort and with window covers in place it is often a surprise to wake up and discover the neighbours have left camp. The ensuite bathroom is workable and the shower has plenty of room for even larger size people, but not too large.
