Can I still be a member if I go over to the dark side

[Stone Stomper]

After having the Eagle for 2 years and then updated to the Expanda 16.49-3 O/B for 5 and half years and loved everything about it we have decided it would be nice with a full height van with bunks for the kids.

Saw the new Jayco 20.63-1 on line and thought this is the one, had a chance to see one at the local Jayco yard and realised it's too long and really it would be nice for our bed out of the canvas too.

So I found a layout we liked but still too long and they wanted $78k, way out of our price range, so took my plans to another manufacturer and they will make the bed east west making the van 19'3" external with independent coil suspension, 221 Ltr compressor fridge, 3x water tanks, diesel heater, inverter domestic A/C, off road for less than the 20.63-1 O/B.

So unsure but very tempted, what do you guys think.

Christian

 

[TTBRIDGE]

looks a nice layout for the size @Stone Stomper, if you can get the layout for less $$$ then you have to seriously consider it. Good size bench space as well, i think this is a massive plus.

 

[crackacoldie]

We looked at that layout aswell, is a great option we just couldn't fit it in, height wise, at home

 

[Stone Stomper]

Thanks Tim, the bench would be a bit shorter, 400mm from sink to edge and 400mm more than we have now.

 

[cruza driver]

Looks similar to the Starcraft layout, but alot more flash.

Bigger bathroom and full height too.

Very very nice mate

 

[brotys]

Looks pretty cool long as the finish is good we went the 20/63-1 could not go past the separate shower and toilet and large couch

 

[Bushman]

Let me guess, those pics are from a Nova Family Escape, we looked at it when they were called Nova Treasure, great value for money, but yes a tad pricey and weight wise they were getting right up there for the PJ.

Guess we'll let you stay if you jump ship

Only because we've looked at a few others also






GO FOR IT!:thumb:

 

[Pace]

I had a thought awaiting this move from you SS. Go ahead do it.

 

[Stone Stomper]

Looks pretty cool long as the finish is good we went the 20/63-1 could not go past the separate shower and toilet and large couch

I know brotys, that's originally what we wanted was a separate shower and toilet but to get this was a minimum of 21' van and wanted to keep the length shorter.

The club lounge isn't too bad at 2100mm long by each end 1030mm out and you sit there looking out of the new 900x900mm full opening windows with retractable blinds and flyscreens.

No this is not me or the mrs below but and the bed is east west but shows the couch and window sizes, and the fridge size.

Let me guess, those pics are from a Nova Family Escape, we looked at it when they were called Nova Treasure, great value for money, but yes a tad pricey and weight wise they were getting right up there for the PJ.

Guess we'll let you stay if you jump ship

Only because we've looked at a few others also






GO FOR IT!:thumb:

Cool..... yes the pics and the first price was from Nova but have found another builder to do the same layout for heaps less and should come in at around 2100kg unloaded.

Getting a final price this week so will see how the $$ end up.

 

[cruza driver]

They don't look like happy campers :drum:

 

[Tayla]

Ooh, I like the layout. You have everything you need without wasting space!
I have been getting quotes too for a layout similar to yours but we will have to have 2 bunks on each side so we can't seem to bring the length down enough. (I think if we stay under 20ft it will fit in the shed.)

 

[expanda]

Interesting layout....

Will be watching this one with the interest !

Is the maker you found well regarded with good warranty and backup?

P.s Yes you can still be a member we won't hold it against you (Yet)!

 

[Soaring]

Interesting layout....

Will be watching this one with the interest !

Is the maker you found well regarded with good warranty and backup?

P.s Yes you can still be a member we won't hold it against you (Yet)!

Yep. Make sure you research the manufacturer well. I have a mate who bought a Campbellfield special and had no end of problems. Basis things that any van builder should know.
Glad to say he has now upgraded to a new Starcraft. It's no expanda, but close enough.

 

[Stone Stomper]

Interesting layout....

Will be watching this one with the interest !

Is the maker you found well regarded with good warranty and backup?

P.s Yes you can still be a member we won't hold it against you (Yet)!

Thanks Expanda and Brad, will do as it's a big purchase and want to get it right.

I do like the StarCraft with the bunks but just a bit long.

 

[macca]

The one thing good about Jayco is resale and brand awareness. I have had two work colleagues recently go through the process of trying to sell their lovely vans so they could upgrade. Both magnificent vans made by smallish builders, one had to sell at a fairly reduced price than what he wanted, he was told by a caravan sales place," I know who made your van but the average punter hasn't heard of it, not like they know Jayco". The other is still trying to sell his van, it is like brand new, only used for a few short trips and he has dropped about $15k and still cannot get a sniff. He is now looking at Jayco's again.

Of course you can stay a member! Expanda forum discounts will still apply?

 

[Soaring]

The one thing good about Jayco is resale and brand awareness. I have had two work colleagues recently go through the process of trying to sell their lovely vans so they could upgrade. Both magnificent vans made by smallish builders, one had to sell at a fairly reduced price than what he wanted, he was told by a caravan sales place," I know who made your van but the average punter hasn't heard of it, not like they know Jayco". The other is still trying to sell his van, it is like brand new, only used for a few short trips and he has dropped about $15k and still cannot get a sniff. He is now looking at Jayco's again.

Of course you can stay a member! Expanda forum discounts will still apply?

Good point. The above mentioned mate of mine had his Campbellfield special for sale for months. No bites. He ended up trading it on the Starcraft 22ft, at a significant loss.
Jaycos, and in particular Expandas tend to sell pretty quickly, and for good prices.

 

[cruza driver]

Just curious @Stone Stomper why the change to a full height van? Just a change from what you have previously had?

 

[mfexpanda]

Mrs mfexpanda thinks the table looks a bit small for a family to sit around and all eat together , personally I don't like the shower location and bunks and closeness to the kitchen . I also think you will have less bench space than the current expanda , we saw this van our selves a couple of weeks ago at Campbellfield, although finished off nicely appeared to be a heavy when fully loaded

 

[Stone Stomper]

Great feedback from all and so much appreciated, still going over all the input and ideas.

Cruza, I feel it would be a nice change not to set up and pack up beds all the time and not be exposed to all the elements as we have found with all the canvas, I would also like the tandem axle after blowing a tyre at 100km/h and having the wheel suit the 5 stud.

The resale does concern me also as the neighbours have offered to buy our van only dropping a couple of grand from purchase price after 5 and half years.

I agree maccayak, with the table size being smaller we may make it larger as we like the size we have but won't fit.

We think the layout with the shower and kids bed end at the far end will work with us as they both are not close to us when they are asleep and the other options we have seen have had the toilet/shower door by the main door so when you hop out of the shower all is exposed......maybe a good thing for me:bathbaby::bathbaby::bathbaby::bathbaby::bathbaby:

 

[cruza driver]

Thanks mate there sure is plenty to think about isn't there.

After our recent trip i was wondering how the tandem would handle compared to a single axle over dirt rough roads? Whether they don't bob up and down as much if that makes sense.

Good luck with your decision mate