Jayco Outback - Hawk or Eagle

[Deejay]

G'Day,

We went the Outback Hawk for reason of the kids too.  Here is my list of essentials

Replace all of your interior lights with these   http://www.brightlightautoparts.com/files/UN12-20.pdf

Run a dual battery setup 2 x 100amp/hr is perfect.

Run 100amp cable from battery in car thru Anderson plug directly to the batterys in the trailer for on the go charging.

If you are going fixed solar, go much bigger than you think you need.  If they are mobile like mine, you can gain a lot more amps by shifting the panels to follow the sun.

Add a volt meter so you can see the battery voltage

Add an electric inline pump and a push button switch for the water (The hand pump will drive you mad)

Drop Jacks are excellent

Longer draw bar is gold!

Bag flys are a must

A water level indicator is a must for the water tank (s)  Add an extra tank if you go bush for long periods.

Boat rack is a good idea, we use ours a bit.

Make a pole carrier to save boot space.

INstall your own Stereo, it's easy and you can get a cheapy from Supacheap for bugger all that will do the job

Buy spare fridge control plastic covers as the kids will break at least one of these (not kidding )

Protect the underbody with rubber flaps and stone guards if you are hitting gravel roads.  Stone damage is crazy.  Maybe check out rock tamers for your vehicle.

That list should keep ya busy for a while.  These are all mods I have done to mine and it's almost perfect now.

Enjoy your camper, they rock!

DJ

[Patr80l]

Another issue with gas fridges that I just remembered.   You cant use them on Total Fire Ban Days in a camper with canvas walls.    A normal caravan is OK.

[Teabag]

Thanks all for the excellent information, it is greatly appreciated.

Looks like I have sold the boat and we will be driving to Townsville on Friday afternoon for a Saturday meeting with the Jayco dealer to view the camper in the flesh and discuss options etc. Has it stands at present this is the option list I am looking at;

Jayco Outback Hawk, theirs comes with - Bed Flys, ALKO Drop legs, Fiamma awning (though changing this to bag awning) and External TV Point.
120watt Solar Pack
2 x Battery set up
Anderson Plug for charging from vehicle whilst traveling.
A/C
CD/DVD Player with external marine speakers, love my tunes.
Extra jerry can holder
OZ Hitch
Roof Racks
Inner Spring mattress to Queen bed only
Draw bar extension
Bag awning to Kitchen side
Jayco control panel to show power and water levels
12v pump to kitchen
Sink cover
Microwave
Upgrade to 110ltr Waeco 12/240v fridge

[Bushman]

Sounds good mate    but seriously consider the Aussie Traveller Coolabah Awning in lieu of the Bag.

[Teabag]

Sounds good mate    but seriously consider the Aussie Traveller Coolabah Awning in lieu of the Bag.

Have sussed this out and they do look good. I am heading down on Friday to see the Jayco dealler on Saturday to clarify a few things and awning are one of those.....

[Teabag]

Well, I laid down a deposit today and ordered a Jayco Hawk Outback, honestly never thought I would ever own one but a good practical choice with little ones. Below is the full list of extras and delivery is expected mid December, just in time for Xmas.

Jayco Outback Hawk
Bed Flys
ALKO Drop legs
Bag Awning
120watt Solar Pack
2 x Battery set up
Anderson Plug for charging from vehicle whilst traveling.
A/C
CD/DVD Player with external marine speakers
Extra jerry can holder
OZ Hitch
Roof Racks
Inner Spring mattress to Queen bed only
Draw bar extension
Bag awning to Kitchen side
Jayco control panel to show power and water levels
12v pump to kitchen
Sink cover
Microwave
Upgrade to 110ltr Waeco 12/240v fridge
Swing up Jockey wheel
Axel upgrade to 2000kg

Now comes the waiting and anticipation. Lucky it will have AC as Xmas time can get bloody hot....hehehehe

[NewcastleKnight]

Teabag, do you know where they mount the external speakers?  I want to get it done on mine and can't figure out where they would go??

[Teabag]

Teabag, do you know where they mount the external speakers?  I want to get it done on mine and can't figure out where they would go??

I will find out Saturday and post it up. 

[Prado BB]

well done...a/c and all

[Teabag]

well done...a/c and all

Need it up here if you wish to camp all year round in comfort.....Plus, I'm getting soft......

[torsion]

No offence to any Jayco owner here, they certainly are a nice caravan  ............
I recently made some enquiries at the Sydney Jayco H/O, I put it straight on em with a few serious questions about Jayco's ability to handle the rough stuff.
The sales person says straight up - they have their limitations....... I left..

But hey, maybe its just me, a camper needs to be able to go anywhere my 4wd goes. 

[Prado BB]

No offence to any Jayco owner here, they certainly are a nice caravan  ............
I recently made some enquiries at the Sydney Jayco H/O, I put it straight on em with a few serious questions about Jayco's ability to handle the rough stuff.
The sales person says straight up - they have their limitations....... I left..

But hey, maybe its just me, a camper needs to be able to go anywhere my 4wd goes. 

No offence taken torsion.  Agree with your rationale.  Bit like a torsion bar set-up verses a live axle coil sprung set-up
It has to suit your needs and those of your entire family.  Different requirements at different stages of life I guess.

[Bushman]

Teabag, do you know where they mount the external speakers?  I want to get it done on mine and can't figure out where they would go??

I have the external speakers on the Panda (Expanda) they're just below the roof line under the awning
so in the camper I guess they go along the top edge of the main body

[Teabag]

No offence to any Jayco owner here, they certainly are a nice caravan  ............
I recently made some enquiries at the Sydney Jayco H/O, I put it straight on em with a few serious questions about Jayco's ability to handle the rough stuff.
The sales person says straight up - they have their limitations....... I left..

But hey, maybe its just me, a camper needs to be able to go anywhere my 4wd goes. 

Mate, Very true but it will do 90% of the tracks and great camping locations arround Aust. I too was of the same opinion but camping is a holiday and should be as easy as possible and a touring holiday with 2 children aged 2 and 3 is a lot of work and the easier I can make it for myself the more fun I and the family will have as Dad (me) will not be a cranky arse......

[jasndeb97]

Mate congrats on taking the plunge we use our Jayco much more then we ever used the soft floor. I don't regret making the change at all.
I'm sure Bec and the kids will like it as well whatever it takes to get out with the family is a good thing. Now we need to organize a camping trip when you pick it up
Cheers Jason

[Teabag]

Mate congrats on taking the plunge we use our Jayco much more then we ever used the soft floor. I don't regret making the change at all.
I'm sure Bec and the kids will like it as well whatever it takes to get out with the family is a good thing. Now we need to organize a camping trip when you pick it up
Cheers Jason

Absolutely, it won't be ready till just before Christmas so we may take a couple of testing days on the way back from Townsville....

[jasndeb97]

We have been tossing around the idea of heading your way somtime over the Christmas School Holidays we may have to look at the aircon thing
Jason

[Black Diamond]

No offence taken torsion.  Agree with your rationale.  Bit like a torsion bar set-up verses a live axle coil sprung set-up
It has to suit your needs and those of your entire family.  Different requirements at different stages of life I guess.

Couldnt have said it better myself..... 
Bit like people arguing which bourbon is better. Some people get a kick from Jim beam, others prefer Cougar or Jack. At the end of the day after 20 or so we get all pissed and jobs done 
If you can catch my relevance to the story...........

Yes ive had a few 

Anyhow Congrats mate, many happy times ahead.

[Teabag]

We have been tossing around the idea of heading your way somtime over the Christmas School Holidays we may have to look at the aircon thing
Jason

Early Jan should be good for us somewhere? Yes, A/C IMO was worth the extra $2700 when you live up here.......

[Teabag]

Leaving Cairns shortly to drive to Townsville to confirm Jayco order, exciting times........

[Matto]

Well, I laid down a deposit today and ordered a Jayco Hawk Outback,

Nice work bud! I was about to email you today and ask how you were going with it - should have just checked this thread instead! Bec and the kids must be pretty excited. Nice work, and a good list of options as well

A/C

You ARE getting soft!
(and I'm getting jealous)

I see you did end up going for the Waeco - good choice if I do say so. I think you'll be much happier with it's performance.

We'll have to tee up another weekend away - you'll have your new camper, and we'll actually have one for a change!

Good luck in Townsville mate!
Matto

[oldblade]

The jayco is a great unit. We had the independent suspension and  trigg hitch to cope with the little bit tougher stuff but they are no Kimberly.  But way more comfortable with 2 double/queen beds full indoor kitchen with heaps of cupboard Space 2 seating area (swan) and all at the same height of your tow vehicle


And the brochure says it's a camper trailer

[Teabag]

Well, I must express a great thank you to all those MySwaggers the inputed on this tread as the only change i made was go to the Fiamma Awning and not the bag awning. Everyone's assistance was greatly appreciated..........

[D4D]

the only change i made was go to the Fiamma Awning and not the bag awning.

Want to buy a privacy room for that awning 

[Teabag]

Want to buy a privacy room for that awning 

Thanks but no thanks. I may get the shade cloth end wall but thats it? It is only $250 I think.......