Hi all another newbie doing research on the expanders - working out options

[solterb]

Hi all currently I am a jayco flamingo camper owner and recently went to the Melbourne Caravan and Camping show. My wife saw the expander 17.56-1 and decided that's what we need, seems to be a bit of a theme for the expanders. Just last week we went on a two week trip up the east coast to southern NSW and got heavily rained on. That was fine but we realised how much of a pain setting and un setting the camper in the rain was. Also the problem of clothes and where to store was a real issue and finally with a third one on the way where is everyone going to sleep. We love the flamingo for the light and the "non" caravan feel and when we looked in side the expander we both felt it had a similar feel.

Now most of the people here have already ordered etc or about to but I am am very early on in the piece and need to start saving my bickies. So that leaves me with a lot of time to do research. Now I have been obsessed for the last week on researching and will have to calm down soon but so far here are my list of options - I am going to cull them down as I do more research but I thought I would post it up here and see what peoples thoughts are. I have been reading extensively through the forum and you all seem to be really active and forth coming with ideas and suggestions - its great.

Some of these questions are pretty early on on my research and I have yet to really go talk to a Jayco dealer also some are just prompters for me. so I am sure that some will not be answered but feel free to let loose on suggestions and feed back - thanks in advance

• roof top aircon - whats the make and model like, how much power does it draw and what generator size do I need to run it
• Awning - what type should I get - there are fiamma, coolabah etc etc
• 150 litre fridge - Is the standard size ok it looked pretty big at the show and in the virtual tour?
• 2 X inner spring mattresses - Check zips are they uncomfortable. I had a bedsdirect (really comfortable) one made for the camper can you put a normal one of these that folds ok with out the sections
• 12Vcooling fan for fridge - is this really needed I have heard that the fridges handle the heat pretty well
• CD radio stereo with ipod aux - Does it play MP3 etc
• external fold out table - Where does it sit and is it worth it
• extra 3 internal 12 volt points and one extra externally
• external shower
• extra annex light over external shower area
• 2 external gas bayonets - one each end of body of van on awning side
• RV control panel - What does this give
• privacy screens to bed ends - can you add plastic like in camper windows stitched to inside , separate so I can raise or lower independent of privacy screen. Can Jayco do this at the factory
• simplicity independent suspension - What does this give, have read about if you get a flat it can push the wheel in to the road can really cause big issues
• extended A frame
• solar prewiring
• Solar power - what are the jayco solar panels like and what sizes do they have is it better to buy externally and install
• 2 X 100 Amp batteries
• Hot water How does this work, how long does it take to come through hot
• Bed convertor for dinnette - is there such and option or is standard
• Reversing camera what are the different makes and which ones are best, whats the one form Jayco if they do one like?
• Stone deflector - is there a standard option or do you get them built what are the options
• Storage box- Does Jayco have a standard or do you need to get them built -seen some good ones on the forum.
• Led lights
• Extra power points under table etc
• Keyed alike locks
• Bunk bed - Check out head room and size of bed
• retailer - I am in Melbourne and who are the better dealers - Geelong is good for me as my and my wifes parents live down the coast

hope the extended list isn't too scary

 

[solterb]

I thought I would use this as a bit of a feed back and also track my findings. I just spoke to simplicity about the pros and cons. In essence the benefits are smoother ride, load balancing so not putting pressure on the bushes, clearance. The one thing I did ask was about the issue of a flat tyre and due to the load balancing it "pushing" the flat tyre in to the road harder and there by stripping the tyre and in the end if you dont notice the flat can destroy the wheel rim and in the instance I read about actualy bent the chassis of the caravan. So maybe one of the remote tyre pressure monitors maybe a good option. Just could imagine driving along dirt road and back tyre gets a flat it may be hard to see or notice.

They explained the only serviceable part were the spring seats are a serviceable part but for lighter type of suspension such as would be used on the expanders the 2 tonne type range this has not been an issue, for reference the cost are $40 each side.

The main thing they said that you need to match the suspension to the load, too light or too heavy it really effects the performance and the issue where this has been the case they have put the vans on the weigh bridge and found the suspension to be either one way or the other. He told me about one couple whos wife left a can of fly spray on the bench and they then proceeded to do a few hundred K's on corrugations and found the can still on the bench - he said they have both ends of the scale.

So my reading and talking to them makes me think its still a good option.

 

[MolongMick]

Welcome to ExpandasDownunder,

I can't help with all of the questions, but I can asnwer one or two them.


150 litre fridge - Is the standard size ok it looked pretty big at the show and in the virtual tour?
12Vcooling fan for fridge - is this really needed I have heard that the fridges handle the heat pretty well

The bigger fridge suits us, as we have a family of 5. The fan was purely as a precaution for as, as we will be travelling to some hotter inland part of Austrlia and just wanted peace of mind. From what I have been told not really necessary, but a precaution we took.

CD radio stereo with ipod aux - Does it play MP3 etc
Yes the CD player will play MP3 and has an Ipod connecvtion.

external fold out table - Where does it sit and is it worth it
Ou table is located on the kerb side of van, just behind the rear wheels. I feel that this will save a lot of hassle when camping as it is an easy table to set up for the snacks, toaster, jug or what ever you need a small table for close to the van.

external shower
We had an external shower included for those times when you might be near the beach and want to lean the sand off before entering the van.

extra annex light over external shower area
We had a light installed on the road side of the van, so that there was light there when we set up at night, this is where the power and water inlets are loacted, along with the hot water system.

2 external gas bayonets - one each end of body of van on awning side
We only had one installed, but wish that I would have now installed two. This just allows ease of use for a bbq, you don't need a thrid gas cylinder and you can move the bbq acording to the direction of wind weather.

RV control panel - What does this give
This allows you to monitor the level of water tanks and battery

Solar power - what are the jayco solar panels like and what sizes do they have is it better to buy externally and install
We had ours installed at the factory as we wanted as much as possible included in the tare weight. We have 2 x 120 watt panels.

2 X 100 Amp batteries
one is included intially when you get one solar panle installed, the second you need to pay extra for.

Hot water How does this work, how long does it take to come through hot
There are two settings, gas and 240 volt. Gas works quite well, heats up the water, when it reaches the set temp, shuts down and will reginite when the water cools down. It only atakes about ten minutes to heat up, and comes throuigh fairly quickly when using it the hot water in the van. 240v is turned on by a switch in the hotwater box itself.

Reversing camera what are the different makes and which ones are best, whats the one form Jayco if they do one like?
Jayco does not install the camera on their vans, but they are available after market. I have just ordered one from SAFETY DAVE, and it seems fairly easy to install. I will post some pictures when I receive the unit and do the install.

Stone deflector - is there a standard option or do you get them built what are the options
There are several options out there, or you could make your own like others on this forum have done. I bought a Stone Stomper and is really easy to install.

Led lights
All the exteranls are LED, none of the internals, But Jim and TAb on this forum are offering packages to suit any van.

Keyed alike locks

Not yet. All of our trunk doors are keyed alike, the bed ends have the same key and the door is a different key. Then you have a safe key, outside shower key and the water inlet key. If you're lucky like me, you even get a key to something that I don't even know where it goes.

Bunk bed - Check out head room and size of bed
The beds seem to be a good size, I can lay down on them with out too much difficulty.


Hope this answers some fo your questions.

 

[solterb]

Thanks Mick it does indeed

 

[solterb]

Few more things I have added

I have added a couple of more that I have found and need to check out and will report back and I am sure will get some comments

• Anderson plug - charging from car and maybe portable solar panel
• Spare wheel - hilux spare wheel winch, is this best way to go
• Water outlets - as I dont have shower do I need to worry about water manifolds
• Wheel chocks and levelers - what works for tandem

 

[Moto Moto]

Looks like Mick is all over your questions.

Me i have a different model so i am not much help. But welcome to the forum. I'm sure you will find answers to all your questions here.

 

[GnJMac]

Moto Moto need your help

Looks like Mick is all over your questions.

Me i have a different model so i am not much help. But welcome to the forum. I'm sure you will find answers to all your questions here.

Hi Moto Moto

I have been following your (and everyone else's) posts. We are looking at ordering a 14.44-4 but have some concern about bunk size. We previously had a Swan (outback) and our boys were happy sharing a bed in the past (not so much now!) Our eldest is now almost 15 and very very close to 6 foot. We have spoken to Jayco about removing the storage cupboard (?) at the end of the lower bunk and they have advised that it will give us an extra 7 Inches. Your thoughts on this please? We have not seen a 14.44-4 in the flesh yet, but will be in Perth next week and I believe they have one in stock - we are looking forward to seeing it - hopefully it didn't sell at the show last weekend.

Julie & Gordon

 

[solterb]

Hi all next installment - some of these things will be basic knowledge for most of you but for newbies they are things I was not aware of. I rang a Jayco distributor and discussed a couple of things

1. Bed ends and getting wet. We went to the show in Melbourne and looked at the beds while they were open and I was sure they were canvas all the way down to the bed tray. I said that and said there were alot of people saying they got wet. He said the new ones all come with the first 10 inches made of the vinyl that doesn't have that issue of the canvas and that keeps people or anything against it dry. This is what we have in the current Flamingo and it works well for us. So will have to see it and confirm.

2. Standard fridge is 90 litres, same as we have in the flamingo - all the ones at the show were the 150 litre so we thought that was standard. will go for the 150 litre as the option.

3. LED lights he said that they were becoming standard inside as well - need to confirm this at order time.

4. Awning - all come standard with carefree awning. Prestige make their own annexes on site. I spoke to someone about other options such as Fiamma, Dometic etc and he said he would stick with Dometic or Carefree. Removing the standard one and changing it over was not A. Financially worth while as you will be out of pocket around $700 and B. the question of why was it removed - was it in an accident etc. Then its a matter of adding antiflap bars or side walls. So will stick with the standard carefree and work out what additions we want. will probably start with none and buy if we think we need walls etc.

5. Mattress - this will take a bit more investigation as the standard inner springs have the zip and join and from everyone they are saying that is uncomfortable. when speaking with Jayco he said that the old foam ones were one piece and just folded when the hatch was closed. My question to him was if I get a mattress from beds direct that are innerspring and can be folded will that work - he seemed to think so. I have one of those mattresses and may take it down and try it out to confirm as that is very comfortable.

 

[Moto Moto]

Hi Moto Moto

I have been following your (and everyone else's) posts. We are looking at ordering a 14.44-4 but have some concern about bunk size. We previously had a Swan (outback) and our boys were happy sharing a bed in the past (not so much now!) Our eldest is now almost 15 and very very close to 6 foot. We have spoken to Jayco about removing the storage cupboard (?) at the end of the lower bunk and they have advised that it will give us an extra 7 Inches. Your thoughts on this please? We have not seen a 14.44-4 in the flesh yet, but will be in Perth next week and I believe they have one in stock - we are looking forward to seeing it - hopefully it didn't sell at the show last weekend.

Julie & Gordon

Welcome to the forum Julie and Gordon, i will send you a pm and keep this thread to solterb

 

[solterb]

Went down the beach and just "happened" to be going past a jayco dealer so dropped in to have a bit more of a look. Some findings and some questions

Findings
1. Yes I can see why people get wet as the vinyl at the bed ends goes to the same height as the mattress so any bedding etc that sits that bit higher against the canvas will get wet. My thoughts are still to get some plastic like they use for the windows in the campers. Put it on the outside of the privacy screen with Velcro at the joining corners so that you can unzip and roll up for ventilation. The plan is to make the whole lot fold up with the privacy screen when you packup

Questions.
1. How do people handle the cupboard in the corner between the sink and the stove. This seems to specific to the 17.56 range. its a slim door that opens in to a cupboard that goes back to the rear of the seats - a big space with a small door. The rear of the seats has a hatch but it seems a very awkward cupboard - cant even use one of those corner spinning shelf type systems.
2. The hatches that give you access to storage under the beds seem to be very small. they seem slimmer than the actual storage area. Which means anything wide that you fit under the seats will have be accessed from that area, a bit of a pain. has anyone got larger hatches installed during purchase or post?

 

[dmaughan]

Questions.
1. How do people handle the cupboard in the corner between the sink and the stove. This seems to specific to the 17.56 range. its a slim door that opens in to a cupboard that goes back to the rear of the seats - a big space with a small door. The rear of the seats has a hatch but it seems a very awkward cupboard - cant even use one of those corner spinning shelf type systems.

The corner of this cupboard in the 17.56-2 is taken up with the hot-water system, so you really only have the cupboard door width internally available, but it happens to fit the Aldi Expressi Coffee machine perfectly .

 

[bigman0510]

Questions.
1. How do people handle the cupboard in the corner between the sink and the stove. This seems to specific to the 17.56 range. its a slim door that opens in to a cupboard that goes back to the rear of the seats - a big space with a small door. The rear of the seats has a hatch but it seems a very awkward cupboard - cant even use one of those corner spinning shelf type systems.

I have done what Crystalyn has done here mate, works good for me....

http://www.expandasdownunder.com/showthread.php/432-It-s-here!?p=5028&highlight=crystalyn#post5028

 

[crystal674]

The slide-out baskets work well for us, we use them to hold the cleaning stuff.

Crystalyn

 

[Pace]

Went down the beach and just "happened" to be going past a jayco dealer so dropped in to have a bit more of a look. Some findings and some questions
sounds like your from along the surf coast as you mention prestiage
Findings
1. Yes I can see why people get wet as the vinyl at the bed ends goes to the same height as the mattress so any bedding etc that sits that bit higher against the canvas will get wet. My thoughts are still to get some plastic like they use for the windows in the campers. Put it on the outside of the privacy screen with Velcro at the joining corners so that you can unzip and roll up for ventilation. The plan is to make the whole lot fold up with the privacy screen when you packup
prestiage do canvas ends too, though there are threads within the forum to see what ingenious members have fabricated to get around this.
Questions.
1. How do people handle the cupboard in the corner between the sink and the stove. This seems to specific to the 17.56 range. its a slim door that opens in to a cupboard that goes back to the rear of the seats - a big space with a small door. The rear of the seats has a hatch but it seems a very awkward cupboard - cant even use one of those corner spinning shelf type systems.
2. The hatches that give you access to storage under the beds seem to be very small. they seem slimmer than the actual storage area. Which means anything wide that you fit under the seats will have be accessed from that area, a bit of a pain. has anyone got larger hatches installed during purchase or post?

option there too for the hot water service in this location

 

[solterb]

Thanks great idea of the slide out baskets. Does anyone know what model of hot water system goes in from the factory. My inlaws have one and if its the same it could save me a few bickies

 

[busybusymum]

Looks like Mick has covered most things for you - have a think about where you want your control panel to go - the cupboard you have been talking about can have a slide out pantry - as discussed above - we are going to get one for ours

It really depends what type oc camping you are going to do in relation to your options. We have 4 kids and are going to do a big one year Aust trip - hopefully in 2014 - that is why we have ours now - gives us over a year to iron out any problems and also why we went with all the options we did http://www.expandasdownunder.com/showthread.php/955-Busybusy-mum-amp-dad-amp-kids-17.56-2-outback also http://www.expandasdownunder.com/showthread.php/529-Expanda17.56-2-what-options-should-we-get Just make sure you work out all your options before you negotiate your deal - that way you are likely to get a better price.

The other thing you need to consider is your tow vehicle - what is it and what is maximum tow weight - refer to post/link above which discusses this a bit.

We got our van a week ago and LEDs were not standard in side - only the outside. In relation to dealerships we found the Griffith dealership (NSW with factory picKup) and Page Bros (Melbourne) and Albury (just over the border (NSW) to come down to the best price. Albury actually beat Page Bros price. Dont jsut assume a Melbourne dealership will give you the best price.

In relation to mattresses - the foam ones we used to have in the Hawk used to give us a sore back - I have had a bit of a lie on the new innersprings with a foam topper and then pillow matress protector and they seem relatively comfy.

If you dont get solar at the factory at least get the prewiring done so you can get it later.

 

[solterb]

Hi all a bit of an introduction as I haven't done this before. I have 2 kids and one due in late August, wife (obviously) and a dog. Our two main reasons of going for an expanda is that 1. we are planning a big trip when the kids are older and the pack\set up time for the flamingo. We love to get away for weekends and with the kids at 5, 18 months and one coming by the time we drive somewhere its bang on feeding time at the zoo. Now thats all ok but coming in to a camping site and then having to feed three kids while setting up a camper for an hour (I know people say they can do faster but thats how long it takes us form go to wow) can be a bit stressful and means that we dont do it as much. The aim of the expanda is so we can do these short trips pull up start feeding and do a bit of setup.

I made the plunge today and put down a deposit on the Expanda 17.56-1. I rang around, had my option list ready and got a real spread. Change over price was up to a difference of 5K with 2 of the dealers not wanting to do trade ins and straight buy was alot more consistent across the board. Ended up going for Ballarat as they were the most down to earth,nice guys responsive and in the end matched all the pricing. So once I have a confirmed date I will try and sell the Flamingo and if I cant they they will trade it in at that time for the agreed price - best of both worlds.

I have continued to do a lot of research and finalised my list - boy its such a personal preference thing. So below is the list of what I have requested

1x extra 12v power point inside
Roof A/C
Anderson plug
Solar wiring
Second water tank
Control Panel
2x extra power points inside
Fold down picnic table outside
Extended A-Frame
Cd/MP3 player/Radio
Roll out awning
2x 100 amp batteries
150lt fridge
12v cooling fan for fridge
2x gas bayonet fittings
Full oven.

Thing that I will after market are:
Storage box
Moving spare wheel
Reversing camera
Privacy screens - canvas ones
LED lights

Things that I will put in over time but not a high priority at the moment and want to see what works and what doesnt
Shelves in robes
Fix wiring in junction box
Tyre pressure monitors
Stone deflector
Solar power
Replace innerspring if they are uncomfortable

Anyway thats it for now, will let you know what I go for in options and take photos as I go. I did find this storage box at bunnings that my me be an option - just not sure about getting things out with the bed down.

 

[Burnsy]

Welcome solterb, congrats on the 17...will make trips much more easier. Looks like your young one likes the bunnings box too!

Cheers
Burnsy.

 

[solterb]

Looking at the warranty aspect I have decided to leave the mods for a year so I dont void any warranty - that will give me time to get a feel for the expanda what I need and what I dont. One thing I will add is the bed end canvas covers though

 

[Bushman]

:welcome: to the Forum