Our New 14.44-4

[D4Dazz]

So we picked up the new baby about 2 weeks ago, after the long wait and stress of trying to sell our Dove prior to delivery. The delivery went really well and the girls at Bayswater Jayco where really help in the 1 1/2 they spent with me.

I reckon within about 20mins of having the Expanda home the inevitable list of issues started;

First of all a hinge-pin fell out of one of the cupboards, 3 in all have since fallen out. The old-man over and turned on the drawbar tap, only for it to fall off in his hand. I then tried to fit a jockey wheel to the second clamp I hd fitted.....jockey doesnt fit!

With the exception of the jocky wheel clamp I can sort of cop them, but the one that really has got my goat is that fact that there is dirt particles and dust under all of the exturnal decals......how? Did they put these on outside on a windy day?

Im sure they will fix all of the issue at my first service but its just so dame frustrating these silly quality issues.

Anyway, took her away for a maiden voyage on the weekend and as expect was an absolute delight. Camped on the banks of the mighty Goulburn river with a big group of great people and I forgot anout the fact my tap was hanging off the draw-bar.

Bring on the Queens B'day weekend!

 

[cruza driver]

Sorry to hear about a few small issues Dazz, but as you mentioned it was all forgotten once it was set up. As you said you would think they have fitted enough decals to not get it wrong :suspicious:
Don't forget we like hoto:

Where are you of to for the Queens Birthday?

 

[jdove]

Hi D4Dazz
Congratulations on the new van,sorry to here about your issues with things so soon. It's not good enough and Jayco need to step up their quality control. I have the same van as you on order and the wait is killing me as it's not due until late September.Did your van come standard with the innerspring mattress?? I wanted to foam mattress and have been told it's no longer an option. I also am getting my 2004 Dove O/B camper ready for sale,did you have any trouble selling the Dove?? Dont forget to post some photo's soon,it's good to see the 14.44 models are rising in numbers on the forum.
Cheers

 

[D4Dazz]

Hey jdove

You are quite correct with the mattress thing. We got an inner spring thinking we where get a foam mattress. At first I was unhappy coz I prefer a firmer mattress due to back problems. After sleeping on the new mattress though, I quite happy.

We eventually got a good price only about $900 less than what we paid for it new.

Bring on September, you wont know yourself when you get the new van.....it's just so much easier!

Photo's coming soon.

 

[D4Dazz]

Ok, got a few photo's now.....





Some mods to come shortly!

 

[D4Dazz]

Ok, managed to get a couple of little tings done on the Expanda.

Firstly, mount my mag light just inside the door for easy access.



Layed some non-fray carpet that I picked up from Clark Rubber for $20/mtr. It helps keep the van a little warmer, is great for when you are in and out with wet shoes nd helps protect the floor for re-sale. Unfortunately, grey was the darkes color I could get. Turned out ok though.



Next was to start on the under body stuff. I know quiet a few people have done this, but its just inexpensive insurrance for your shocks if you are planning on hitting the gravel.





Next I have she will be off to ADP Canvas in Bayswater to have the stone guard made up and an awning wall or two.....

 

[jdove]

Hi D4Dazz

Thanks. It puts us at ease a bit about the bed, we thought we could always try a foam eggshell cover on top of the innerspring. Glad you put a couple of interior shots up as we still are undecided about the fabric colour,it's a toss up between the blue and the brown at the moment.As we have done our deal via phone and email, all without setting foot in the dealers yard we have yet to see any of the colours in a van. Good idea about the underside protection.Keep the photo's coming as I am checking out all the mods people have done to their vans and are working on my own project list.Thats the great thing about forums like this.People sharing their idea's.
Cheers

 

[D4Dazz]

The brown we choose is new color for 2012. It's actually brown with little squares of charcoal in it, comes with matching charcoal scatter cushions.

 

[D4Dazz]

Sorry Cruiser, Queens b'day heading to Glen Cromie on the Tarago river. Normally spend QB at Upper Yarra Dam, but it gets a bit cold for the wife with no power.

 

[cruza driver]

Sorry Cruiser, Queens b'day heading to Glen Cromie on the Tarago river. Normally spend QB at Upper Yarra Dam, but it gets a bit cold for the wife with no power.

Just checked it out mate looks like a nice spot I might have to check it out ourselves, I'd never heard of it before.

And your right about Upper Yarra it does get chilly there surrounded by the hills.

Some nice mods on the Expanda too mate :thumb:

 

[4wdadventureoz]

Nice mods D4Dazz, have you thought about protecting the hoses etc that are also out in the open and ready for stone damage? Hopefully we will get out 14.44.5 next week so looking at yours make the mouth water hahahaha

 

[Moto Moto]

Congrats on the new van D4Dazz, you picked the best model by far in my very biased opinion.

Hope your warranty issues get sorted soon too.

You may want to get a 50mm spacer for the tow hitch to level it out a bit, Jayco Canberra do them and mail them out i think.

Keep the mods and photos coming!

 

[Moto Moto]

Nice mods D4Dazz, have you thought about protecting the hoses etc that are also out in the open and ready for stone damage?

Hey Glenn, a good point. I covered most of my exposed piping with foam pipe insulation held in place with cable ties. Its not pretty but should help absorb the impact a little.

 

[4wdadventureoz]

Hey Glenn, a good point. I covered most of my exposed piping with foam pipe insulation held in place with cable ties. Its not pretty but should help absorb the impact a little.

Thanks Moto, I was thinking maybe shade cloth tied taughtly but that may be restrictive.

 

[zerosecta]

Nice Van Mate, Love the Car to - Really growing fond of the Challengers, Mitsubishi have done well with this one bringing it back

 

[D4Dazz]

Funny you should that Glen, its next on my list. This is what I did with the Dove.



Worked quite well.

 

[cruza driver]

Thanks .oto, I was thinking maybe shade cloth tied taughtly but that may be restrictive.

I did this after breaking a fitting on the Oodnatta trk and rocks still managed to get on top of the shadecloth but at least no more breakages.

Sorry Dazz for the hijack :focus:

I've done the same thing as your above pic too which I also did on the Hawk we had and it works well to stop the hoses rubbing through

 

[D4Dazz]

Congrats on the new van D4Dazz, you picked the best model by far in my very biased opinion.

Hope your warranty issues get sorted soon too.

You may want to get a 50mm spacer for the tow hitch to level it out a bit, Jayco Canberra do them and mail them out i think.

Keep the mods and photos coming!

Hey Moto,

Thanks mate...

Do you recall what they where charging?

 

[cruza driver]

Hey Dazz around $100 rings a bell

 

[Moto Moto]

Hey Dazz around $100 rings a bell

Yep something like that.