After much deliberating my wife, 4 kids and I are now owners of a 2009 16.49.2 Outback. For all of those wondering the modifications etc they are as follows.
Wineguard antenna, 150L fridge, clothesline, outdoor table, annex with an extended awning, battery (which has been moved from original Jayco position to allow for more storage space) CD/Stereo Player, TV/DVD Player, (with outside mount) Dual DVD player (additional to TV) which hang over the beds on purpose built arms, extra gas bottle, extra side table mounted next to sink which comes up and down to add to bench space. Inside table has been removed and replace with some chrome folding legs so the table can be moved outside if needed. This also allows for more room inside. 2 x pole carriers mounted behind the the rear wheels, slide out draws under bed x 2. This allows easier access to this area. Shelves inside the wardrobe, the jack has been moved and mounted under the bed/couch out of the way. Extra pot drawer instead of microwave. Microwave instead sits on bed whilst travelling (strapped in) and then sits above A/C when set up.
I think that is it for now. A couple of questions though for you seasoned expanda travellers.
1. Has anyone ever seen/heard of the mounting hitch being moved higher? The previous owners have welded a plate onto the A-frame to mount the coupling higher?
2. What do people do in regards to the fridge when not in use? Can it stay closed, or does it have to be slightly open for mould etc issues?
3. What are people's thoughts about having the stabiliser legs either straight up and down or at a slight angle? Is one better than the other?
4. Does anyone have an inverter along with their batteries to be able to run power points whilst camping? Good/bad points about these?
5. How do people find towing there expanda? Do many use stabiliser bars? and what sort of fuel economy do people get?
Well that is all for now, looking forward to getting out and about in it. Unfortunately that will probably not be until our 3 weeks in September/October.
Thanks all in advance for your advice and assistance.
Wineguard antenna, 150L fridge, clothesline, outdoor table, annex with an extended awning, battery (which has been moved from original Jayco position to allow for more storage space) CD/Stereo Player, TV/DVD Player, (with outside mount) Dual DVD player (additional to TV) which hang over the beds on purpose built arms, extra gas bottle, extra side table mounted next to sink which comes up and down to add to bench space. Inside table has been removed and replace with some chrome folding legs so the table can be moved outside if needed. This also allows for more room inside. 2 x pole carriers mounted behind the the rear wheels, slide out draws under bed x 2. This allows easier access to this area. Shelves inside the wardrobe, the jack has been moved and mounted under the bed/couch out of the way. Extra pot drawer instead of microwave. Microwave instead sits on bed whilst travelling (strapped in) and then sits above A/C when set up.
I think that is it for now. A couple of questions though for you seasoned expanda travellers.
1. Has anyone ever seen/heard of the mounting hitch being moved higher? The previous owners have welded a plate onto the A-frame to mount the coupling higher?
2. What do people do in regards to the fridge when not in use? Can it stay closed, or does it have to be slightly open for mould etc issues?
3. What are people's thoughts about having the stabiliser legs either straight up and down or at a slight angle? Is one better than the other?
4. Does anyone have an inverter along with their batteries to be able to run power points whilst camping? Good/bad points about these?
5. How do people find towing there expanda? Do many use stabiliser bars? and what sort of fuel economy do people get?
Well that is all for now, looking forward to getting out and about in it. Unfortunately that will probably not be until our 3 weeks in September/October.
Thanks all in advance for your advice and assistance.