Cruza Drivers OUTBACK EXPANDA 16.49-3 Trips and Mods

cruza driver

cruza driver

Hercules
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Nov 9, 2010
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One of many creek beds to cross through that are softer than they look
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Well sign posted at the Stuart Hwy end, not far now to Cadney.
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Back on bitumen and time to air up and head further Nth
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PMK

PMK

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cruza driver said:
After having a bit of a crawl under the Expanda and having a look at what needed to be done regarding making it how I want it the mods soon started.

Overall I was pretty happy with how its been built but there is always room for improvement ;D

First mod was to extend the shocker guards from stray rocks damaging them. I did this same mod on the Hawk and it seemed to work as I never experienced one damaged shock due to a rock strike. A pretty simple mod.
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Hey Cruza Driver,

By this pick you didn't go with the underslung axle, Is that an option that was avail to you? We are about to order our new expanda on the weekend & not sure if I need to ask for this. Maybe that would have raised the van enough for you not to need to lower your hitch. Might have ended up around the same height as your Hawk was. As we are trading up from an Eagle I'm hoping the expanda will ride level without changing my hitch height if we get the underslung option.

PMK
 
achjimmy

achjimmy

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Jan 24, 2011
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PMK said:
Hey Cruza Driver,

By this pick you didn't go with the underslung axle, Is that an option that was avail to you? We are about to order our new expanda on the weekend & not sure if I need to ask for this. Maybe that would have raised the van enough for you not to need to lower your hitch. Might have ended up around the same height as your Hawk was. As we are trading up from an Eagle I'm hoping the expanda will ride level without changing my hitch height if we get the underslung option.

PMK
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Not sure the underslung axle is an option on the expandas with single axle close to 2 tonne. Also Jayco seem anal about the hitch height being compliant with the ADR.
 
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allthedeans

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Im reading the 2011 brochure as we speak and under outback range features it states: "Underslung axle (Improved ground clearance)"
 
achjimmy

achjimmy

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allthedeans said:
Im reading the 2011 brochure as we speak and under outback range features it states: "Underslung axle (Improved ground clearance)"
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Yeah the brochure also stated you got Jerry can holders on all outbacks which isn't true. I wouldn't read much into that. There was quite a discussion about it somewhere, and my recollection was they wouldn't do underslung on the heavier vans but I am not sure.

For my 2c worth I don't like underslung axles, I don't think the mounting is as strong and I prefer to have a straight axle in case you need a replacement they are very easy to get. But thats just me.
 
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allthedeans

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Ive just read your post cover to cover. Its such a great read. Keep those reports coming. I cant wait to get mine!!!!!

How has the expanda held up during all those trips? Can you give us (well actually me) a run down of any issues you havent reported.
 
PMK

PMK

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straydingo said:
I wasn't given the option, but the order is listed as underslung on an OB????
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Hi All,

Just got a email from Jayco on the Expanda 16.49.1 OB that we are looking at ordering & have been advised it does come with an underslung axle as standard "in this model" (their words)

Paul
 
chartrock

chartrock

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Gold Coast Hinterland
achjimmy said:
For my 2c worth I don't like underslung axles, I don't think the mounting is as strong and I prefer to have a straight axle in case you need a replacement they are very easy to get. But thats just me.
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Jimmy, underslung axles are just the same axle taken from on top of the springs and mounted under the springs. You may be thinking of the one where a stub is welded on top of a straight axle and known as an overlay axle.

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This axle can be just turned through 180 degrees for more height or can also be under slung but as you say, the straight axle is a much better option.
 
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achjimmy

achjimmy

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Jan 24, 2011
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chartrock said:
Jimmy, underslung axles are just the same axle taken from on top of the springs and mounted under the springs. You may be thinking of the one where a stub is welded on top of a straight axle and known as an overlay axle.

View attachment 4867

This axle can be just turned through 180 degrees for more height or can also be under slung but as you say, the straight axle is a much better option.
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Yep that's what I was thinking off. I still prefer the axle (straight) to be sitting above the springs, but obviously if Jayco under sling them that must be strong enough.
 
cruza driver

cruza driver

Hercules
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Nov 9, 2010
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:focus: :biggrin1:

Here is a thread about underslung and overslung axles on Expandas where I think most questions will be answered

http://www.expandasdownunder.com/showthread.php/145-Is-your-axle-under-slung-or-over-slung

After doing this most recent trip I dont think I would require the axle to be flipped as the Expanda performed effortlessly and exceded my expections of where it can comfortably go. Personally I think the stability is spot on also for the trips we undertake with the Expanda and tows beautifully on unsealed roads not wanting to sway around etc as the centre of gravity is kept low.

Cheers Cruza
 
cruza driver

cruza driver

Hercules
Staff member
Nov 9, 2010
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expanda said:
Cruza, what can I say but WOW....

I have read this thread over and over and although it depresses me seeing all the locations you get to it is simply superb!!!!!

Keep up the good work you are keep us all dreaming :shocked:
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Thanks mate I'll try and finish the trip report off over the weekend.

Then the fun begins planning the next trip :high5:
 
cruza driver

cruza driver

Hercules
Staff member
Nov 9, 2010
6,550
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Mighty Victoria
allthedeans said:
Ive just read your post cover to cover. Its such a great read. Keep those reports coming. I cant wait to get mine!!!!!

How has the expanda held up during all those trips? Can you give us (well actually me) a run down of any issues you havent reported.
Click to expand...

Our Expanda held up really really well with no issues other than the broken plastic water elbows under the van due to rock strikes. I haven't held back on any other issues as there weren't any :sorry: :yo:

All the cupboards inside held up with no screws coming loose or things coming apart like were the benchtop bolts on etc.
Yes we did have a bit of dust inside but I didn't do any dust sealing before heading off and I was very impressed with how little dust got in considering where we went. A bit of dust did enter the rear bed lid but the dust we encountered was very fine. I think we covered approx a bit over 700km of dirt roads.

I lowered the tyres pressures to 30psi on the unsealed stuff to cushion the ride in the van and proect the tyres from getting damaged, which they didn't.

A couple of things that I will be doing in the future which I did to our previous Jayco which was an Outback Hawk is make up some more guards underneath to protect the plumbing underneath, and a general tidy up under the Expanda including replacing the drain outlets for the shower and sink.

Cheers Cruza
 
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