Hey guys - as per the introduction of myself in the Member Introductions I thought I'd put my purchase below and open it to feedback.
Just as a quick recap we are a family of 5 (Myself, my Wife and our kids are aged 10, 8 and 5) and we hope to both get away for a quick weekender as well as setup for a longer touring trip(s) around Aus (I think the first the boss has scheduled is to the rock in the middle).
I've paid a deposit (but the build hasn't started yet so I'm guessing there is time for alterations) for a Jayco Expanda 20-64-1. OB (Standard 2 solid Bunks)
Additional upgrades I added were
1. IBIS Roof Mounted Air Conditioner Upgrade
2. Roof Windup TV Antenna
3. External Entertainment Pack (this really drove the decision for the 2 bunks instead of 3 or the 2 with a table)
4. 2x External Picnic Tables
5. External Shower
6. Annexe Light above External Shower on separate Internal Switch
7. A-Frame Extension
8. Fusion Stereo System (Basic) with External Speakers
9. Additional 240 Volt Power Point to Rear Bed End
10. Additional 12 Volt Power Point to Rear Bed End
11. 22” TV / DVD / Pivotal Bracket
12. Drifter Control Panel
13. 150Watt Solar Panel Upgrade
14. Jayco Bed End Covers
For the upgrades we didn’t do:
I am still debating (and seeking advice) of whether I will need load levellers or not. I'll be towing with a 2014 3.2L Dual cab Ford Ranger XLT (canopy/Bulbar/draws, 40mm EFS lift). Currently the standard factory towbar sits about 40mm higher than the receiver on the van.
Reading some of the threads here quickly I've already seen a few mods I didn't think of (and to be honest didn't know where possible from the factory).
- Extra shelving in Pantry
- External access for the rear (and front ??) storage
DIY mod I love is the sensors on the toilet cassette and hooking it up to the drifta as the "waste" tank - I could see this saving me many times over.
I also have a 105aH Full River battery in the camper we are replacing - considering hooking this up (or asking the dealer to) as a dual battery for the van.
The car is booked in to get (amongst some other Autoelec work) the 7 pin plug replaced with a 12 pin (including the extra wires recommended by Jayco) and an Anderson fitted on the towbar - the Jayco dealer is wiring an Anderson straight to the battery(ies) for me.
Considering a separate reverse camera (any suggestions??) as I don't think I can integrate it into my current setup.
I know a bike rack for the front will be coming – but I need to stop haemorrhaging cash right now.
And last (I hope - but probably not) but not least I think I'll put a set of Clearview mirrors on the tug.
All the above is open to feedback/constructive criticism so please share your infinite wisdom and experience.
Just as a quick recap we are a family of 5 (Myself, my Wife and our kids are aged 10, 8 and 5) and we hope to both get away for a quick weekender as well as setup for a longer touring trip(s) around Aus (I think the first the boss has scheduled is to the rock in the middle).
I've paid a deposit (but the build hasn't started yet so I'm guessing there is time for alterations) for a Jayco Expanda 20-64-1. OB (Standard 2 solid Bunks)
Additional upgrades I added were
1. IBIS Roof Mounted Air Conditioner Upgrade
2. Roof Windup TV Antenna
3. External Entertainment Pack (this really drove the decision for the 2 bunks instead of 3 or the 2 with a table)
4. 2x External Picnic Tables
5. External Shower
6. Annexe Light above External Shower on separate Internal Switch
7. A-Frame Extension
8. Fusion Stereo System (Basic) with External Speakers
9. Additional 240 Volt Power Point to Rear Bed End
10. Additional 12 Volt Power Point to Rear Bed End
11. 22” TV / DVD / Pivotal Bracket
12. Drifter Control Panel
13. 150Watt Solar Panel Upgrade
14. Jayco Bed End Covers
For the upgrades we didn’t do:
- Oven – feedback was it wouldn’t really be suitable for a family of 5 (to small) and most caravaners tend to use a Webber (or similar) outside anyway
- 3rd water tank – extra weight.
- Premium Stereo – meh – whatever (Give me a reason I want this ;-) )
- Washing machine – once again the 3Kg size was tiny – better off with the extra storage and/or carry a hand washing machine if off grid or use a laundry at a caravan park
- Bunks – as above list of inclusions we are getting the External TV pack. Looking forward to the footy while on holidays and cooking a BBQ for lunch.
I am still debating (and seeking advice) of whether I will need load levellers or not. I'll be towing with a 2014 3.2L Dual cab Ford Ranger XLT (canopy/Bulbar/draws, 40mm EFS lift). Currently the standard factory towbar sits about 40mm higher than the receiver on the van.
Reading some of the threads here quickly I've already seen a few mods I didn't think of (and to be honest didn't know where possible from the factory).
- Extra shelving in Pantry
- External access for the rear (and front ??) storage
DIY mod I love is the sensors on the toilet cassette and hooking it up to the drifta as the "waste" tank - I could see this saving me many times over.
I also have a 105aH Full River battery in the camper we are replacing - considering hooking this up (or asking the dealer to) as a dual battery for the van.
The car is booked in to get (amongst some other Autoelec work) the 7 pin plug replaced with a 12 pin (including the extra wires recommended by Jayco) and an Anderson fitted on the towbar - the Jayco dealer is wiring an Anderson straight to the battery(ies) for me.
Considering a separate reverse camera (any suggestions??) as I don't think I can integrate it into my current setup.
I know a bike rack for the front will be coming – but I need to stop haemorrhaging cash right now.
And last (I hope - but probably not) but not least I think I'll put a set of Clearview mirrors on the tug.
All the above is open to feedback/constructive criticism so please share your infinite wisdom and experience.