Thread: Jayco style pop up campers

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

If anybody can recommend any brand of these,please do so.Must be able to do some off-road,not extreme.

Andrew, the couple I mentioned earlier are these (pop-top caravan or sometimes called hybrid).
My father has an AOR Quantum. It is an excellent piece of kit and has been all over Australia including on plenty of rough roads. He was with us for the Cape trip last year.
The only issues have been minor things like a failed 240V battery charger and a fridge slide that played up after about 4-5 years. It's probably $70-80k new & they hold 2nd hand value strongly.
Website: Quantum Plus


Complete Campsite make three different sizes. Can't comment from personal experience but have talked with a couple of owners and had a very quick look. Quality and functionality seem high. Similar price bracket to AOR. Also have a new 9' smaller model now too. Unsure of price.
Website: http://www.completecampsite.com.au/h...-exodus11.html


The Jurgens that Tombie mentioned is another.
Jurgens Australia - TuffTRAX


And the one Mick posted too; Track Trailer
Topaz Overview - Track Trailer


They are all closer to a caravan than a camper trailer. You certainly don't get that full canvas feeling. But you do get something that's very easy and nice to be in when the weather is good, ordinary or poor. And capable to go offroad if not too extreme.

Also, I reckon the Lifestyle Breakaway is pretty close to a combo of canvas and caravan. And it's more like $30k.


But if you really want canvas, maybe take the mrs to check some of the forward fold camper trailers to see if she'll like it. It's a long way from tent camping or a crappy softfloor trailer. Might be the win/win option.

Cheers,
Scott

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Looking to move away from camper trailers.The mrs wont do camping.Trying to avoid going a full blown van,I dont think its me.I like the breeze thru canvas.
Andrew

Been there, done that. You get to the point where you will realise 'camping' to the other half now means a bed that doesn't have to be assembled or even folded down to use, and a shower & toilet facilities within the confines of the van. ( women like their comfort and privacy as they get older ) Take a decko at the vans with a pop up roof. They are a compromise but are very close to a full height van. The only real difference is the weight and available storage space. Looking at the roadtests surprisingly the lower profile makes very little difference to the fuel side compared to a full size van.
In the end, I now have a full size van. Not the biggest ( 21'6" ) I got my suspension ( outback ) The other half got the bed always made up, and a full ensuite. It sure beats a tent.
What you do need to do is get your priorities straight up front or the 'stages' on the way to a full size van will cost you. If you are going to get there in the end, make it something you will be happy with. Borrowing a couple of different options or hiring something you fancy, is a good start. Tends to quickly eliminate options from the list.

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Sad to here so many negative coments.I hope they arent based on "I heard from a mate whos mate told him a mate had etc etc etc"
Jayco seems to be picked on,perhaps there are issues.Any other brands???? Would like to hear from those who have used them.

Andrew

Hi Mate yes we have used themj and yes the issues are accurately reported...

JC

Andy, We bought a Jayco Hawk in 2001 for a trip throughout the centre we had planned for the year of the outback in 2002. We took our kids out of school for three months. We bought it at the camping show at Sydney, so got some modifications thrown in. Instead of 'outback' option, we got bush pack which gives underslung axle, protection under the water tank, shock absorbers. On the 2002 trip we broke a few things, but the two year warranty covered it all. We still break things, not so often. I fix it. Same as anything. It's not perfect, but we think it's good for the money. What we like: you're up off the ground, the roof is light coloured so it keeps cool in the heat. The ventilation and view is fantastic and probably better than anything else.
Dislikes. The dust on dirt roads. (I think I have a solution, but haven't tried it yet).
An afternoon summer storm can easily blow rain inside if the windows are open. An outside cooking option would be nice.
Other than that, we use it when we can and enjoy it.
I think the idea of trying before you buy, either borrow or hire is wise counsel.
Good luck with it.
Don.

We have a rather simple 13 year old Aussieswag which cost $16k which we've dragged all over the country including the OTT and its still in good shape. Being a hardtop you can get up off the wet ground in bad eather. We regularly consider upgrading but reluctant to spend the money.
I think some people over-specify their campers/caravans. I don't want all the fancy stuff. My priorities are:
Comfy bed
Waterproof
Can handle bad roads and tow well
Practical kitchen
Decent water tank
Suitable electrics for a fridge and LED lights including AGM battery with charging options and solar
Some storage.

Others may think other things are important.
Incidentally, I notice the Black series has a good deal on campers at the moment for about $20k. Might be worth checking out.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

Andy, if your good lady wants a comfortable bed then my advice would be just buy a full van, something around 21 feet works well and is easy to tow and van parks can all accomodate a 21 foot van, bigger us sometimes harder, at 21' there are plenty to choose from and at a reasonable price. I bet you can find a great one for a lot less than some of the hybrid thingymajigs that people are saying you should spend 70k plus on.

We have a twin axle 17' Jayco outback pop top and it is great, we have pulled it all over the country around here and just about everywhere there is a half reasonable bush track, we go to exactly the same places our friends with both soft and hard floor campers go no problem at all, partly because of the pop tops lower roof height. Most of our camping friends now wonder why they put up with canvas and no room or toilet/shower when we can drag our van to the same places they go. At least one so far has sold their Cub and bought a similar van to ours because of the convenience. When we first tuned up in it they all laughed that we wouldn't be able to go to the places where they camp and we would get stuck. Now they just ask if they can plug their fridges into our solar during the day as our system is on float by about 8am each morning.

Having said that pop tops in general are a pain in the butt because of set up and tear down times which average about fifteen minutes, where as a full size van is usually set up in less than five. Given the opportunity again I would have gone straight to a full and bigger caravan first up, still a off road capable one though.

All of our friends with Jayco's love them, sure there are better vans, but none I have found at the price and their resale is very good. ...

I cannot fault our Goldstream (wing 3 ST - that means shower toilet)
It's not what I'd want for long term short stop touring as it takes 1.5 - 2 hrs to setup. I recall my conversation with the manager at Goldstream (we bought ex display) me - how does the warranty work - it is an off-road van - him - if you can tow it there we will warrant it. Comes in at 1.6t loaded. Quite a bit bulkier than a camper trailer if you off-roading on trails.

Originally Posted by LandyAndy
Sad to here so many negative coments.I hope they arent based on "I heard from a mate whos mate told him a mate had etc etc etc"
Jayco seems to be picked on,perhaps there are issues.Any other brands???? Would like to hear from those who have used them.

Andrew

Hi Andy,
Jayco have 3/4's of the market. Are they over represented from issues pro rata to other brands, I think not. Mine is a Jayco, and I knew what I was getting up front. It is a mass produced van, and may not have the final finish of the more expensive brands, but is good value for money. I had a good look under mine and put a few extra guards in place. I bounced it around Mt Augustus and apart from a few dents in the front panel had no issues. Nothing fell off, and nothing broke. A mates van ( more expensive van ) broke his plumbing off in the same area. From my experience so far, there are definitely quality issues in some areas, but honestly, the majority are nit picking stuff. If you are a handy practical person ( and you are from your projects ) you will have no problems with a Jayco. If you have 3 thumbs, the type of issues that arise will have to be fixed by a dealer, and that will drive you crazy and taint the impression of the van. i look at some of the issues owners come up with for a warranty claim and shake my head. Some people need help to replace a light bulb. Try a few brands and make your own call.