Hi all, we are looking at updating our 14 ft expanda as we have 2 kids and are wanting a ensuite. I just cannot get my head around why the Starcraft is so much cheaper and better value for money than the expanda? We are wanting a full van with bunks but are just so undecided as to what to get? The Starcraft u get an oven and looks like you get all the same fittings etc the only thing I suppose with the expanda is you can get an extra bed. Other brands like the elite vans and the royal flairs are very tempting too but so scared to not get a jayco!
14' Series Expandas v Starcraft advice
- Thread starter Mattanddeb
- Start date
Hi @Mattanddeb. Great question and not one simple answer.
We went from a 16.49-2 Expanda to a 20 foot Starcraft simply for the ease of setting up. It is bigger and heavier though - needed a bigger car too.
Keeping single beds in our setup gave us the floor space we were used to in the Expanda which was important with four in the van.
For me, the Jayco brand will help with resale.
The fibreglass sided starcrafts weren't available when we purchased ours but I'd go with one if we were buying now.
We went from a 16.49-2 Expanda to a 20 foot Starcraft simply for the ease of setting up. It is bigger and heavier though - needed a bigger car too.
Keeping single beds in our setup gave us the floor space we were used to in the Expanda which was important with four in the van.
For me, the Jayco brand will help with resale.
The fibreglass sided starcrafts weren't available when we purchased ours but I'd go with one if we were buying now.
Not for us. Love the Starcraft. I'd also say 20 foot is the ideal compromise - there's nowhere we haven't been able to get in. Details here.
Talking to the sales guys at week at our local Jayco dealer it was pretty clear on price difference.
Expandas have the end lids and bed hardware, plus they have a lot more inside.
A 17" expands is equivalent to a 21/22" caravan as the beds are outside there's more space inside that requires fitout.
Eg our 17" expanda has a LOT more cupboards, beds, seats and equipment than my brothers new 17" Starcraft. He has the double bed inside the 17" frame, whereas we have the queen & double beds outside the 17" frame.
Expandas have the end lids and bed hardware, plus they have a lot more inside.
A 17" expands is equivalent to a 21/22" caravan as the beds are outside there's more space inside that requires fitout.
Eg our 17" expanda has a LOT more cupboards, beds, seats and equipment than my brothers new 17" Starcraft. He has the double bed inside the 17" frame, whereas we have the queen & double beds outside the 17" frame.
You already know if the tent end is a good, bad, or indifferent thing for you guys. We currently have a 20ft Expanda and for us it is very important to have that tent end, I personally don't want an enclosed caravan and have no intention at this point going down that path. Having the benefit of being able to open up the entire bed to the breeze, for me is a no brainer and irreplaceable. Its the van thats a no brainer, not me)
Expandas are no more onerous to set up with the jerking around we all do regardless of the van type with disconnection, WDH's, ramps, reversing, whinging, arguing, power leads, water, sullage, stabilising legs, awning, chairs, tables, Webers, bikes, kayaks, matting, clotheslines blaa blaa. Some people could build a house faster than others set up a 16ft van site, and others can set up a complex tent site so fast it will impress an entire campground.
If the tent end isnt your driving criteria, and the Starcraft is cheaper I think you've answered your own question. (Even tho everyone knows Expandas better) If you dont need the extra bed, having it is irrelevant. We have an oven in our Expanda and the club lounge we have is also great. Good luck with it all
as @Crusty181 said
it all depends on what you want and require
there is many reasons for and against both
but it has to suit what you do, where you go and how comfortable you are / want to be
it all depends on what you want and require
there is many reasons for and against both
but it has to suit what you do, where you go and how comfortable you are / want to be