Albo42's 14.44-4 Outback

[albo42]

Just received request from factory to sign the attached floor plan and specs. Interesting - this seems to be a new process - has anyone else had to do this?.

Here's the plan they sent me - a couple of interesting things:



The external shower is on the back wall of the van, instead of the offside - I didn't request this, it must be the new way they do it. I'm really happy about this - much better than being in the shower next to the neighbours! I want to rig up a bathroom annex off the back of the van. Hopefully the bike rack won't get in the way. I've got an external light above the shower too.

One disappointing thing is that my request to have the table at a decent height above the seats isn't shown on the plan or specs. Will have to follow that up.

I have until Monday to confirm the specs and this plan. Delivery still expected in first week of December.

 

[Brad]

I can't remember signing the core design specs. Extras yes, core no.
You have a good point regarding bike racks. I was wondering if this would be in the way for other things also. Say if you moved the spare wheel to the back, added a toolbox, mounted a couple of gerry cans or perhaps a tube to store rods. There are so many things you can mount on the back of the van and I do wonder if this may be in the way.
Either way, it sounds like time to play the waiting game until it is built. :sleep:

 

[albo42]

That's all very true Brad, am still not sure we made the right decision on the rack, but it might actually be useful as a base for a shelf or to attach the shower rose to when we put an annex off the back? Ah, we'll just see when we get it!

Here's the specs list if anyone's interested.

 

[Jennymay]

Al,with the table, we were going to get the 17.56.2 but changed models. The dealer said at the time to not have the dinette table installed and they would install it on pre delivery to the height wanted. He told us that they always get it wrong so easier to leave it. We did the same for one of our 12 volt points, this was done at dealers. Maybe thats what you could do.
Cheers Jenny

 

[albo42]

Thanks Jenny that's great advice - I'll talk to the dealer

 

[Moto Moto]

Looks good Al.

I also tried moving things around when i had to sign off on the plan, nearly all my requests were rejected or ignored. Really depends on your options too and how they fit it all in. Nealry there if you are signing the plan off

 

[Brad]

Looks good Al.

I also tried moving things around when i had to sign off on the plan, nearly all my requests were rejected or ignored. Really depends on your options too and how they fit it all in. Nealry there if you are signing the plan off

Yep same with me. I got the feeling they were considered, but in general core mods were rejected.

 

[Burnsy]

It's a shame that Jayco aren't a bit more flexible on changes after sighn off, I mean 6 weeks..... What the hell! It just means someone actually has to get off their but and change the order, surely that could be done in a couple of days. I think in the future Jayco will need to become a bit more accommodating and professional when it comes to manufacturing vans (quality control) as the competition will leave them behind!

Cheers.

 

[albo42]

Well, all signed off.Took Jenny's advice and the table will be fitted by the dealer, although the factory said they are all at 700mm now anyway, but ...

Said they couldn't fit the jerry can holder because the front bed would hit it. Pity, jerry can would be handy. First weekend of December it should be here! Yay

 

[Xpandafan]

I'm sure you'll find a suitable spot for a jerrycan holder when you get you Expanda home. Or someone here on this forum will already have a solution for you. That could be your first mod!

 

[albo42]

The good news - van is ready a week early - handover on 28 Nov!!!:whoo: The bad news - Jayco has run out of solar panels so it won't be fitted til after our Jan trip :doh:

 

[Xpandafan]

Well, all signed off.Took Jenny's advice and the table will be fitted by the dealer, although the factory said they are all at 700mm now anyway, but ...

Said they couldn't fit the jerry can holder because the front bed would hit it. Pity, jerry can would be handy. First weekend of December it should be here! Yay

Hi Al, remembered your post re the Jerry can holder issue when I saw ad for front loading jerry can holder which might interest you. (And yes, I probably need to get a life!). Are the kids counting the sleeps now until delivery?
http://arkcorp.com.au/p/2851/front-entry-jerry-can-holder

 

[albo42]

Woohoo its here! And its got the solar after all, and they fitted the table at the factory but at the right height (700mm)!!!! Pig mud situation.

Terry rang yesterday and said he was watching it come off the truck. As luck would have it, I was on a sickie so went and had a look. Terry and I agreed that it looks like its a good one (you never quite know with Jayco) - all the fit and finish looks good. Funny seeing it still with sawdust everywhere and protective covers on the benches etc. Handover is next Wednesday - a couple of weeks earlier than expected.

Will post a few shots tonight.

PS thanks Expandafan - that could be just the thing. Appreciate you thinking of me, Cheers Al

 

[albo42]

 

[albo42]

Another pic showing the rear shower compartment, bike rack and external light (pity the light isn't hooked up to the switch for the awning light)

 

[Brad]

Lookin good albo. Congratulations on the new van.

 

[Moto Moto]

Looks great Albo!

Love the access to under the bunk from out side and the rear shower. Much more user friendly than mine.

Where is your number plate? Mine was covered by the bike rack when the bikes were loaded and had to be moved, it was a huge pain in the bum (no bike rack number plates available for caravans in NSW, not sure on the rules in the ACT). My van came from Canberra Jayco so they are aware of the issue.

PS we just completed a 4 week lap around Tassie in our one, they are a great little van:thumb:

 

[albo42]

Thanks Moto, Tassie trip sounds great - where's the pics!

Kind of wierd and exciting getting the van after all this time. You were actually a big part of it - we loved the little bunker when we first saw it, and then followed your posts as a trailblazer. It was your experiences that helped us decide to take the plunge, even down to deciding what options to get, we owe you - thanks heaps.

Number plate is about 15 cm higher than normal I'd say - so can see it fine between the bike rails. When bikes are on, I reckon it will partly obscured at least, but I'm not that fussed - might just stick a bit of cardboard with the plate number of the bike if I can be bothered.

Didn't realise you didn't get the hatch under the rear bunk on your - but very happy with that and the shower at the rear. It works great - much better pressure than I expected, and can even attach the shower head on the bike rack arm (adjusts too!).

Will look into getting an annex of some sort off the back to create a bathroom (privacy for the missus!), maybe a bag awning with walls, or a sail track set up.

Btw, can you recommend a canvas shop in the vicinity? Thanks again, Al

 

[Moto Moto]

Funny i have been thinking of a fold up ensuite too. I currently have a tent one from a camp shop which works fine (not a pop up one though i hate them).

I like the idea of a short roll out awning like the ARB ones with walls. I think Tigerz11 and Powerfull 4x4 do the short roll out awning (with wall option).

Not sure about a canvas shop, there is one here in Wollongong but i'm sure you can find one closer to you.

 

[albo42]

I like the idea of a short roll out awning like the ARB ones with walls. I think Tigerz11 and Powerfull 4x4 do the short roll out awning (with wall option).

The tricky thing will be geting the width right so the walls clear the bumper bar. I presume getting a skirt made up would be easy. Would you go sail track or press studs for the ends of the walls?

With your current set up how do you access to the taps, and where does the shower head loop in - do you just have the tent sideways and reach out?