Hi all. Returned from a first real off-road test on our 18.58-2 OB, a holiday up the west coast which concluded with 1300K across the Gasgoyne-Murchison-Goldfields on dirt back roads to get home. Most of the roads I would class as good - graded pastoral roads and able to sit on 90kph without risk. About 10% of it was rough, and had to slow right down.
At home, after spending a couple weeks dealing with dust issues and screws coming out from the rattling etc etc, have checked under, and found that 3 out of the 4 wheels had brake leads hanging loose from them. The plugs had been torn out. Agreed with Glen that there was not enough slack, and neither has there been any effort to position the leads to minimise hits from stones, nor to protect them they do get hit (unless flimsy plastic sleeve is called protection).
I'm a bit concerned that this 'Outback' version is vulnerable in this way. It is unsafe, and I'm considering opening discussions with Jayco on their obligations under warranty to rectify it. Has anyone else had this happen? I have spoken to two other OB owners in Kalgoorlie, who have had the same thing happen with brakes (but not during warranty). Is that a discussion I can make any progress on with Jayco or am I going to get limited liability response from them because they cant be liable for where its been or how it has been driven.
Also, on the Jtech suspension, there is a forward facing grease nipple on each one. The plastic covers to these were either gone or damaged on all 4, and I'm fearful that a nipple might get knocked off down the track. Is there a way of protecting them more robustly? Have considered taking them out and replacing with blank stubs, and putting them back each time the suspension is greased, but would like an easier solution if there is one.
Cheers,
Linton
