Hi Expanda Peoples,
Thanks for all the of shared experience and knowledge on this forum. It's really helpful.
As I am looking into purchasing a used Jayco camper, I've been attempting to understand all of the varieties and differences of both Touring and Outback versions over the years. I am looking at an Outback Flamingo/Swan as the preferred model - Flamingo layout is the nicer of the two I think.
Personally, I care most about the suspension and mod-ability. Very rarely will we be at a caravan park - almost entirely free camping, so off-grid sustainability is important. Additionally, we will not shy from unsealed roads - no serious 4x4 action, but won't let dirt and corrugations prevent us from getting somewhere. I'll drive slow and lets some air out the tyres and take care of course.
Some of my expected modifications include:
- more solar panels than most people would need mounted on the roof (4 x 100W or 2 x 200W), along with a DCDC charger, high-capacity lithium battery, inverter and additional 12V points throughout the van
- if not an Outback version, underslung axle for improved clearance
- additional water tank (benefits from improved clearance as well)
My questions:
- Is the JTech independent suspension really a huge improvement over the previous Outback suspension (which I believe is just leaf springs with an axle)?
- When was JTech 2.0 released and is it worth paying more for one of these models?
- What about buying a Touring version and flipping the axle and adding bigger tyres? I could potentially fit tyres to match my towing vehicle as well...
- Do the Outback versions have greater payload allowance?
- I have read that a new roof style was introduced in 2014, and there were issues with cabling and the roof from 2015. I think this is also when the JTech suspension was first released (2014). Which roof is easiest to cut a hole through for some solar cabling (if not already provisioned)?
- Are there any years that have particularly bad issues?
- Any other reasons to go with Outback? It looks like it's just the chassis and suspension that are improved and relevant to me. I'll be ripping whatever 12v system is in there out anyways and doing that work myself.
Again, thank you all for your contributions on this forum!
Thanks for all the of shared experience and knowledge on this forum. It's really helpful.
As I am looking into purchasing a used Jayco camper, I've been attempting to understand all of the varieties and differences of both Touring and Outback versions over the years. I am looking at an Outback Flamingo/Swan as the preferred model - Flamingo layout is the nicer of the two I think.
Personally, I care most about the suspension and mod-ability. Very rarely will we be at a caravan park - almost entirely free camping, so off-grid sustainability is important. Additionally, we will not shy from unsealed roads - no serious 4x4 action, but won't let dirt and corrugations prevent us from getting somewhere. I'll drive slow and lets some air out the tyres and take care of course.
Some of my expected modifications include:
- more solar panels than most people would need mounted on the roof (4 x 100W or 2 x 200W), along with a DCDC charger, high-capacity lithium battery, inverter and additional 12V points throughout the van
- if not an Outback version, underslung axle for improved clearance
- additional water tank (benefits from improved clearance as well)
My questions:
- Is the JTech independent suspension really a huge improvement over the previous Outback suspension (which I believe is just leaf springs with an axle)?
- When was JTech 2.0 released and is it worth paying more for one of these models?
- What about buying a Touring version and flipping the axle and adding bigger tyres? I could potentially fit tyres to match my towing vehicle as well...
- Do the Outback versions have greater payload allowance?
- I have read that a new roof style was introduced in 2014, and there were issues with cabling and the roof from 2015. I think this is also when the JTech suspension was first released (2014). Which roof is easiest to cut a hole through for some solar cabling (if not already provisioned)?
- Are there any years that have particularly bad issues?
- Any other reasons to go with Outback? It looks like it's just the chassis and suspension that are improved and relevant to me. I'll be ripping whatever 12v system is in there out anyways and doing that work myself.
Again, thank you all for your contributions on this forum!