jayco expanda purchase any tips / traps

[pand65au Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pand65au]

hello all.
after nearly 4 years in the soft floor. we are looking at upgrading to a 2006 - 2008 16.49-1 jayco expanda outback.
does any one have any tips or traps to look out for. i am a mechanic and have experience in elec and fridges. how have others found theirs?
i love the -1b cafe layout but there is a -1 L shape lounge that is our price range.
are there any options or mods that you should have ordered / done before perchase / pick up?
just trying to be as fore armed before any outlay
thanks
peter

[smakb Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close smakb]

Some (like mine ) have an oversized fridge and a battery for the lights when camping out bush. But these were optional extras so not all have them. Just try and get one that has been stored under cover as they age if sitting outside all the time

[gspy4u Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gspy4u]

Go the hard lid ones as the soft ones tend to always have wet canvas. Definitely go for one with the bigger 150ltr fridge and should be able to get one with batteries and maybe even solar. I prefer the OB ones like our 17.56-2OB as you never have to worry about driveways, gutters and speed bumps. Standard ones unless under slung are way too low in my opinion.

Just check underneath to see how rough a life it has had, wheel bearings, etc like usual. Can smell the mold inside if it's had a wet life.

[The Alberto Member Find all posts View Profile Close The Alberto]

Try looking on here - http://www.expandasdownunder.com/ - pretty good site, I have an 18' expanda and have found the info there great.

[pand65au Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pand65au]

thanks for the replys,i have now spent quite some time in the expanders fourm,
thanks peter

[dagree Member Find all posts View Profile Close dagree]

Also spent many a night on expandasdownunder after we bought our 16'. Plenty of helpful info there same as here.
We have the soft top version and fit fly's and never had any water issues (touching wood).

The expanda's are a great little unit. Opened up ours is 1' larger than the 22 footer we parked next to last weekend And easier to tow and park.

[Wil Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Wil]

I am looking at getting an expanda 17.56.02 outback. Looks the goods to suit us and youtube shows me it can take on fraser so i am in. Just setting up the car to make it easier. Our car is a 2014 diesel auto and with the 2500kg rating the 17 footer is as big as you can go in the outback expanda range

Already done
Bullbar, towbar and brake controller
50amp anderson plug off 2nd battery
Rear locker
Winch
Led driving lights
Installed tranny cooler but yet to run hoses
Bought dobinson 2in suspension kit but yet to install

On the yet to commence list
Upgrade underbody protection
Snorkel
Raise breathers
Extra fuel filter - but have bought amts combo bracket
Egr restrictor plate - bought but havent worked out how to fit yet

Anyone have any comments good or bad about these vans or mods to the car or van for the better?

[gspy4u Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gspy4u]

17.56.2 OB towed with a 2007 120kd manual. The auto will make life easier when reversing as you do slide the clutch a bit if you can't use low range with the manual. Other than that, as long as you have upgraded the OEM suspension to something that can handle the extra weight it should be fine. Ours drops the rear when on but car is still level and it behaves very stable on the rear. Have done over 20,000k's towing this and never had any problems.

If buying a used van try and get a hard lid one, the older have canvas over the bed ends and can get a bit moldy from getting wet. Check all the drawers and cupboards for and broken hinges, latches etc. They are made to a budget but are pretty good vans. Love ours, and have never had any issues. Shower and especially toilet are definitely worth it especially with the kids. The longer draw bar would be a good option but can live without it.

(if used) Make sure no bubbling of the fiberglass on the hard lids, check underneath for any impact damage and of course wheel bearings. Best mod you can make is to add a screen to the front and back bed ends for heat or cold or rain. Can buy covers for a bit of money but we just got some white or clear tarp material, a hole punch and eyes and cut to size. You hang it on the eyelets that the privacy covers clip onto on the hard lids and it insulates the canvas ends for winter, keeps in the cool much better from the aircon in summer, and also always keeps the ends dry if rain comes along.

[Wil Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Wil]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Thinking of buying new at this stage as they seem to hold there value well and not much saving between new and 3 to 4 years old.

[dagree Member Find all posts View Profile Close dagree]

Wil, If getting a new 17.56.2OB be aware that they now come with the Jtech independent suspension and will more than likely have an ATM of more than 2500KG's!

We traded up to a new 2014 17.56.2OB (But was built on a 2013 chassis as it was ordered by Caravanland as a floor stock demo) and has leaf spring suspension with an ATM of 2433KG's.
Our Prado is a 2004 petrol auto and tows it OK..... Just doesn't like hills. Upgraded the suspension to Monroe 35mm HD Lift with Polyair airbags and no need for WDH system with 26PSI in the bags.

As mentioned above join Expandas Downunder Forum and pop in and say Hi

[Wil Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Wil]

Good to know. Looks like i need to do some more research.

I thought development in technology was meant to make things better lighter cheaper. Not the case here it seems.

Looking at buy in 6-12 months so plenty of time to get the research done. Thanks for sharing and keen for opinions of others with experience with these units.

We currently have a jayco dove outback, but with long service due in 24 months looking for something with more space and some basic ablutions as my girls will be 2 and 4 years old at the time.