New owner of Jayco Swan 2006

[Wazzbat]

Hi all

Like most newcomers, I've been lurking around the pages for a while.  I'm in Perth and I've just bought a 2006 Jayco Swan (not the outback model) for what I though was a good price ($13,500) and it's in good nic.  My wife and two boys (9 & 7) are pretty excited.

I'd like to make a few mods including underslung axle, bigger tyres and/or rims/brakes/springs etc, gas struts to front boot, dual battery system and possibly some solar, replace internal lights with LEDs (strip lights on the way) and replace all the tow lights with new LEDs (which I've found the whole set now so just waiting for prices but looks like around the $250 mark for 11 lights - will post part numbers and pricing once I get them).

I'll be towing with my 98 Patrol 4.5L gas guzzler for now.  To start with, we'll be hitting up caravan parks until we get used to the new girl and work out what we need/want.  Then, as we get to know her a little better, I'm hoping to head a bit further from civilisation.

I'm sure I'll be posting heaps of questions and comments here in the next few months and looking forward to hearing everyones feedback.

Cheers
Wazzbat

[McTavish]

Welcome to Myswag Wazzbat.   Congrats on the purchase.   

[nab]

Welcome to another west aussie. Where abouts are ya?

I reckon you have the right idea, use the thing a few times to work out what you do/don't like and then get the grinder out!!!

[StrvnMrvn]

Welcome mate and enjoy the new toy!

[Wazzbat]

Thanks Guys

In the Vic Park area nab.

[tracker]

   Welcome Wazzbat.......Look forward to hearing of your mods and travels


                                                    Cheers Tracker.
       Got a mate who lives in Vic. park

[GGV8Cruza]

Welcome to MySwag, enjoy your stay and keep us up to date on your travels and mods

GG

[CRW]

Hi and welcome to My Swag


Cheers
Carl
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Rob C]

Welcome Wazzbat,

Sounds like you have a good start to your camping,
Enjoy the camping and the Mods,

Rob

[Wazzbat]

 

[Palmer]

Sounds like a great set-up you will be using.

[BrindiCruiser]

I bet it feels great to have made the decision and heaps of looking. Welcome


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jw2170]

Welcome to the forum.
Our first 'camper trailer' was a Jayco Swan.   Very happy with its. Only sold it when we found that we were not using it very often.

[Wazzbat]

Ok.  So in the middle of our first test run at my parents backyard south of Perth and spent plenty of time cleaning inside (needed it badly).  We're all loving the set up and getting a good comfy sleep but...
Have found the following problems...
1. The bag awning and annexe is a right PITA!  Takes way too long to set up - need something easier Or it's only going up for minimum 1 week+ stays.
2. Jayco finishes are a disgrace.  Need to replace busted out rivets everywhere.  I did expect this before buying a Jayco though. Also curtains falling out of tracks where screws have opened it up - not sure about a fix for that???
3. Tried out LED strip (by holding in place) and is def a goer.  Will install when I get chance As there's not much light at night.
4. Going to add 12v water pump to my mods to do List.

Other than that, we're very happy with our purchase and I can't wait to get started on the mods (just wish I had more spare time to do them).

Cheers

[jonnomcnally]

G'day wazzbat, we also have just pickup up an 06 swan outback and I'm keen to upgrade the tow lights to LED.  You mentioned you found a set, where did you find them and what's the deets?

We have a problem with the tail and marker lights blowing a fuse in the car, so thinking LED's could be an option to reduce the load on the car's circuit... Just a thought.

Great van and like you, ours needs a fair amount of tlc before we head off.

Cheers

Jmack

[Wazzbat]

Hi JMac

Sorry haven't replied yet.  Been a while since I've logged on.

I got my tail lights from and front white outlines from Alanco in Welshpool.  Danny was very helpful. 

http://www.alanco.com.au/home.html

Stop/Tail Lights - LED-102RM  @  $33 ea inc gst
Indicators         - LED-102AM  @  $33 ea inc gst
Outlines           - 44WWME     @  $18 ea inc gst

I got my Red/Amber side markers and number plate light on ebay...

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-X-WHITEVISION-LED-LARGE-SIDE-MARKER-CARAVAN-TRUCK-BUS-TRAILER-REPLACEMENT-WAPS-/291188476396

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NARVA-LED-LICENCE-PLATE-LAMP-CARAVAN-CAMPER-LIGHT-LIGHTS-TRAILER-90862W-WHITE-/221315935267

I also bought these replacement LED lamps for the internal lights.  I bought two sets which gives you enough for all the lights (from memory)?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4x-48-SMD-LED-PANEL-LIGHT-White-Car-Interior-Bulb-Lamp-T10-BA9S-Dome-Adapter-NEW-/131334617928

I had to re drill the front lights because the holes don't line up quite right for the cable but it's any easy job.  I just screwed straight into the fibreglass without pre drilling and I used a good quality Auto Mastic on the front and side lights.  I didn't use any mastic on the tail, indicator or number plate lights.

Hope that helps!