From a Hawk to an Expanda

[JohngQld]

Hi to All,
Like many of you here, I'm upgrading from our Hawk to a 16.49.1 Expanda. The Hawk has served us well but with a few creature comforts and loads more storage space, it made for an easy decision. We've gone for the road going model but with the extra ground clearance. The 2015 uses a different axle which doesn't allow underslinging so they add additional box section to the chassis which gives 50mm of lift. I wasn't a fan of the 2015 layout with the fridge up against the dinette and the bench at the rear. Jayco have now swapped this around so the bench space is directly behind you while you're cooking. This time last year I upgraded from the Nissan Xtrail to a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD so towing the Expanda won't be an issue. Delivery isn't until mid to late November but with work at present, Saturdays are just another work day.
Pictures shows the layout with the bench towards the front.
John

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[chartrock]

Welcome aboard @JohngQld. Enjoy the forum, just keep your hand on your wallet.

 

[mfexpanda]

Welcome @JohngQld

 

[cruza driver]

Welcome to the forum @JohngQld :yo:

We too went from a Hawk to an Expanda.

 

[dagree]

Welcome @JohngQld
Plenty of time to get the mods planned between now and November

 

[darcy305]

Congrats the time will fly by!!

 

[Soaring]

:welcomeJohngQld. You won't look back now you have come to the light side!
We skipped the hawk and went straight from soft floor to Expanda. Love it.

 

[17triton]

Welcome @JohngQld with a November delivery you will be able to plan some mods and trips!

 

[twscoot]

Welcome. Another Jeep too! You'll love the new van.
We went Eagle - Expanda - Starcraft.
Pics when to get it too. Cheers.

 

[JohngQld]

Thanks everyone for the Welcome. It's also good to see the number of JGC owners here and the trips they have done. Roll on November!!
John

 

[mbr37746]

I'm seeing a pattern of Hawk to Expanda, we did this too! Welcome aboard, lots of good info on here.

 

[Tricky]

Yeap - Swan, Expanda, bigger Expanda here!
Welcome aboard.

 

[steve67]

Welcome and Ditto! Also went from Hawk to Expanda, you are going to enjoy the ease of set up/pack up and best of all...storage,storage & more storage! Oh also accessing the van while on the road is a big plus when doing the big trips away. Enjoy!

 

[DRW]

Welcome @JohngQld November will be here soon enough, and great to see another JGC and a black one as well

 

[JohngQld]

Thanks for the welcome @DRW. No it isn't quite black but a very deep blue. I'll have to post the picture the avatar came from, its just near Middle Rocks, Rainbow beach.
John

 

[JohngQld]

The Jeep Grand Cherokee at Rainbow Beach last November.

 

[The Goodwins]

Are you sure that's a jeep @Johng ........its not on fire or being recovered......:drum: .....thank you thank you....I'm here till sunday....try the fish......

 

[Stormy]

I too have made the leap mine is from the 04 Swan to a new 17.56.1 OB due in November - have enjoyed discovering this forum and the topics, looking forward to the new easy to set up van with heaps more storage!

 

[JohngQld]

We inched a little closer to Expanda ownership today by signing off on the build plans. It's scheduled to be built the 19th October with delivery Brisbane early November.
It's a 16.49.1 Touring
Raised by 50mm
Drop Jacks
Waeco CR1140 compressor fridge
12 volt water pump
Fusion Stereo with External speakers
Wind Up Antenna
TV Package.
I've been getting together a few goodies while we are waiting like Solar Regular, Solar panel mounting kit, Gas Detector. A 200 watt panel and battery are next on the list.

John

 

[Tone]

Welcome. We also went from a Hawk to a 2015 17.56-2, just got home today after 7000ish ks. Absolutely love the expanda.