I haven't even doen a signature yet!
Stumbled across this forum researching Jaycos. We have just bought a new 2010 model Outback Swan with the 4 x awnings, annex, Trigg hitch, extra JC holder and 4.5kg gas, and a few other bits and pieces. I will be making some personal mods over time - dust sealing, fridge fan, battery relocation, second pole carrier, underslung alloy tool boxes in front of wheels / step etc and will enjoy getting ideas and tips here.
I've just put the old camper up for sale here and in a few other places - Outback Canvas Campe 'Birdsville' optioned up. Check it out if you're in the market for a good starter camper.
I drive a 2004 NP DiD Pajero 21st Anniversary (ie. 1/2 way to Exceed spec from GLS spec) auto with a fair bit of sensible mods - Tunit chip; TJM alloy bar; Narva driving lights and Plus 80 head lights; Brown Davis intercooler and sump guards; Airtech snorkel; Lovell 2" HD front / SD rear springs + rear PolyAirBags; 70ltr Long Ranger tank; Milford cargo barrier; Off Road Systems single rear draw and slide compartment; Engel 40ltr; Cooper ATRs and second spare; ARB dual batt tray and Redarc isolator with 65amp/hr deep cycle; second 120 amp hour deep cycle in the boot on an Anderson plug; Tekonsha P3 brake controller; Uniden 500SX UHF; 3 x Rhino rack aero bars on the factory roof rails and a rhino flat rack; 4th Rhino cross bar to take roof mounted work light; Brano handwinch + full recovery kit; portable ARB compressor; V-bar ladder mud & snow chains.
Additional mods to come are 240 volt inverter; MP3 stereo; awning; diff breathers; transmission cooler. The maybe mods are a front air locker, transfer case reduction gears, 3" exhaust pipe, transmission / transfer case guard, rocksliders and a steel rear bumper protetion bar.
Great all round truck - performance, handling, comfort, power, economy, tiptronic gearbox and super select transfer case, stability, traction and descent control, price, reliability etc.
Yep, off-road its not an 80/100 Series or Defender / Disco or GU GQ Patrol in the extreme stuff but goes everywhere else with ease.
Otherwise, live in Canberra with wife and 2 young boys, enjoy local mountain and coastal camping, either ourselves or with friends and family, plan is every second year to do a larger Australian trip (starting with Fraser Island later this year) and hopefully an OS trip every other year.
