Our new 2021 Journey OB 22.68-1

[Lozza T]

We have finally received delivery of our new van after a long wait of 8 months (thanks to C19).
Initial thoughts, very happy. She looks Awesome!

The following were the upgrades / extras that I ordered with the van with some pics and comments....

Grey water tank - positioned at the far rear of the van.

Washing machine. Standard positioned in the corner of the ensuite.

Leatherette seating - really happy with this option. No need to worry about the kids getting the cloth dirty.

Rear bike rack to carry 3 bikes. Have not tested this yet.

External shower - Positioned at the front drivers side of the van.

2x160 watt solar panel with new Projecta Control Panel. Have not really tested this feature yet.

2x picnic tables - now with LED strip light.

Tripple bunk - there is approx 500mm head room height. Ok while the kids are 12 years and under.

Additional battery (thanks to covid which caused the delay with my van, Jayco decided to ditch BMPro and introduce Projecta for 2021 models and also offer Lithium as an option. FINALLY!! I kept asking my salesman for Jayco to do Lithium and they have finally come to the party. So instead of a potentially $7000 upgrade after delivery I was able to get a 240AH Lithium battery system for under $2K. Really happy about this upgrade (except, Jayco installed 2 x 100AH batteries instead of 2 x 120AH batteries. This is 1st on the MUST FIX LIST)

Upgrade payload to 600kg.

Upgrade to pillow top mattress - Yes, very good option this. I am really happy with it. Much more comfortable than the expanda mattress.

DO35 coupling - So far its been good. Very easy to use and does not matter what angle the car and van are. And the hand brake is very easy, smooth and light to use.

Laminate top to stove - Well, not happy about this upgrade as I was expecting for the laminate top to be level with the actual benchtop. But this is not the case. The laminate top is simply supplied and will sit on top of the glass lid of the cooker. (Not to mention that the top was not even supplied as it is on back order). I have complained about the top not being made level and it is still in discussion phase.
Also: Jayco didn't install a heat shield to the side of the pantry. This item is also on the complaint list as every display model that I saw had a heat shield.

Sirroco fans - installed 5 in total. Was not hot over the weekend but they seem to work well. Really quiet on low speed.
The 3 bunk beds go one each as well.

Privacy master bedroom curtain - Another item which is on back order.

One thing that I was really happy with was the 2 water tanks which had a lever valve which when opened will empty water tanks.
Awesome!

So there you have it, our new van. Overall really happy. Just a few things to get sorted out at the dealer.
Thanks everyone for their advice in the early days of negotiating, its been very helpful getting everyone thoughts here on this forum. Look forward to hearing your feedback and answer any questions you may have.

 

[Brente1982]

They're simply not doing the splash glass on side of pantry anymore. I also queried this the other week. They said if is available to buy for around $160 if you want to fit yourself. I'm yet to check if it is actually an available part in the parts shop.

Which dealer did you get your van through? Page Bros?

 

[Lozza T]

I will still argue that the splash was on their display model. Otherwise, I will just order a piece thru my glazier. Not paying anywhere near $160 though.
Got the van thru Page Bros (2nd van thru them now).
How is your van going? Have you got it yet?

 

[Drover]

Its a good looking rig, I really like it except for the bunks as I would end up with occupants wanting to go away with Poppy......... Bunks look like the same amount of room we had on destroyers way back when, I would put a ball cock not a gate valve on that water dump or a big lock, some funny people around the place.
Certainly a winner getting lithiums as well, very nice........................most impressive.

 

[davemc]

looks great.. Colours good like the black handles
So spare under van..Better idea as our bike rack is way too high.
bunks my 14 year old who not super tall complaining now top bunk.. I said ok I send you to a swag.

So happy you got the 22 now after a sleep out.

 

[Lozza T]

looks great.. Colours good like the black handles
So spare under van..Better idea as our bike rack is way too high.
bunks my 14 year old who not super tall complaining now top bunk.. I said ok I send you to a swag.

So happy you got the 22 now after a sleep out.

Yes I do like the black. Would be better if they went all black with tapware, sink etc. But seems Jayco just take a bit more time to make trend changes.
Spare wheel under is good, so I requested for the bike rack to be lowered even more but then they had to be a certain distance above the number plate. (So therefore move number plate to 1 side in future maybe, so the rack can be lower and easy for short people)

Yeah I reckon my 12y son would be keen to go into a swag in a couple of years. He would probably go in now but my wife would think otherwise .

Yes 2 sleeps in the van and very happy. No more climbing over my wife. The upgraded mattress is really good IMO.
The queen bed actually doubles up as a 2nd living area especially for my wife which left the L lounge for the kids an me pottering around outide. Perfect!

 

[Crusty181]

Are lithium batteries similar to AGM in that their labelled capacity is achievable only over a 20hr discharge regime. Pulling a truck ton of power out of an AGM with say the microwave and the 120ah AGM suddenly becomes a 60ah AGM ... will a 120ah lithium deliver the full 120ah regardless of delivery or does a large thumping load affect that

 

[Brente1982]

You can pull larger amps from lithium batteries and they will hold voltage all the way to zero % capacity pretty much. Or until the BMS cuts power output.
To answer your question a 120ah will remain a 120ah

 

[Lozza T]

First accessory, DO35 Hitch Lock CPE Cruisemaster.

 

[Lozza T]

Next accessory, inline water filter connected to kitchen sink.

 

[Lozza T]

Also installed a carbon monoxide alarm

 

[Lozza T]

Thinking about storage for the Weber and Cgear mat and ramps. Initial option is to install in the tunnel boot.




I will then lose room for hoses, camping chairs, beach chairs, basic TOOLS etc if I use tunnel boot for the Weber and wheel ramps, mats etc.

Alternative option is storage on the fron draw bar. Like in this picture below...

I would put the Weber on the right and the Cgear Ramps on the left. I also have the benefit of keeping the tunnel boot clean as the Cgear and ramps are almost always dirty when you pack them away.



There is always the concern of extra weight / towball weight to consider....I wouldn't expect the 2 boxes would weigh more than 15kg - 20kg each?

 

[davemc]

With boxes if they hang out watch with extended frame where your car is on full lock.
We have chairs under bed.
Tunnel BBQ on one side.. Hoses on the other.
Matts, shade sails and ramps in between as not always used.

 

[Brente1982]

You really lose a lot of storage with the 3rd bunk don't you. Some models of Webber Baby Q's will fit in the tunnel boot quite easily. They're the ones without the temp gauge in the hood. Otherwise the more superior Ziggy single burner will fit in the easiest

I have seen boxes available that will fit between the Drawbar in front of the gas bottle housing. They come with a lid and are a great option for hose storage. They sit flush with the top and bottom of the drawbar. Ill see if I can find an example.

 

[rags]

They're simply not doing the splash glass on side of pantry anymore. I also queried this the other week. They said if is available to buy for around $160 if you want to fit yourself. I'm yet to check if it is actually an available part in the parts shop.

Which dealer did you get your van through? Page Bros?

i would argue that AS 5601 requires a heat proof finish is required for the side splash back if it is within a restricted zone for the cooktop ( which it would appear to be)
Not all glass splash backs are compliant as it needs to a heat proof glass and maybe why Jayco aren’t supplying it but would be curious to know what the side splash back is made of if it is in the zone.

 

[Brente1982]

Yeah no idea. In 2019 and prior they had a small 6 inch high piece of glass. Then on the 2020 model it was Atleast 400mm high.
I was shocked and disappointed to see it no longer gets fitted.
All good. I'll source something myself. Jayco do state models can change at any time. It is what it is.
How far from edge of burner to edge of cupboard though? Less or more than 200mm?

 

[Lozza T]

Its is 200mm.
The material is laminate, same as all the dark panels.

 

[Brente1982]

Ok, well if its 200mm, than by the Australian standards, it isn't needed. Explains why it was so easily done away with then

 

[Drover]

On the draw bar I have found generally anything within 900mm of the tow hitch pivot point is likely to hit the rear of the tug, utes with tray backs will and very easily sweep across the the draw bar and take things out...... thats something I can attest to .......

 

[Boots in Action]

On the draw bar I have found generally anything within 900mm of the tow hitch pivot point is likely to hit the rear of the tug, utes with tray backs will and very easily sweep across the the draw bar and take things out...... thats something I can attest to .......

Hard way to find out @Drover , but a great warning for those thinking about it!