2019 jayco journey outback hot water system

5 Common Problems with Jayco Outback [Solutions Included]

As a family-friendly and more economical alternative for travelers, caravans like the Jayco Outback have become more popular in recent years. Traveling in a caravan is not like other forms of travel, and owners have to adapt to new dynamics related to operating a caravan.

There is a wide spectrum of issues while operating your Jayco Outback. Some of them happen more often than others. We try to separate those problems that appear more frequently, like dysfunctional electronics, brake malfunction, noisy pump, low battery life, stress crack, etc. Then provide a convenient solution to the problems in detail. 

Hopefully, that will make your travel experience more trouble-free and comfortable.

What Are The Common Problems With the Jayco Outback?

As a Jayco Outback owner, you may face several problems besides all the other conveniences associated with a caravan. Some of them are easy to solve, and some are comparatively complex. Among all the other problems, the following five are the most common for Jayco Outback. 

• Water Damage
• Water Pump Issues
• Leaking Shower
• 12V System Issues
• Leaking Roof Problems

How Do You Troubleshoot and Fix Jayco Outback Problems?

For elaboration purposes, we have isolated some common problems associated with Jayco Outback from others. To provide more detailed information about the problems, including symptoms, causes, fixations, and fixation costs, you may peruse the following discussion.  

Problem 1: Water Damage Issues on the Jayco Outback 

The caravan stays out for a long time, sustaining water damage more often. Minor damage mostly stays undetected for a long time, but over time it becomes substantial and develops the following symptoms.    

• Water stains on the walls and roof
• Soft and swollen, the roof, floor, and walls
• Cracked or peeling caulk

What Causes Water Damage Problems on the Jayco Outback?

Water damage happens gradually due to irregular check-ups or inspections. It also causes further damage that can be expensive to repair. The following reasons are mostly behind severe water damage. 

• Leaking roof due to corrosion of roof sealer or corner mold
• Damaged or defective water system and drainage system 
• Damaged accessories like air conditioners, hatches, etc. are replaced and reinstalled defectively
• Lack of regular checkups, maintenance, and age of the vehicle.
• Damaged due to an outside force like hitting something, storm, strong wind, collision, etc.

How To Fix The Water Damage Problem On Jayco Outback?

For water damage, prevention is always better than restoration. Along with regular check-ups, you should replace the sealant every 6 years or less. 

For damaged or leaked plywood floors, wallpaper, fridges, kitchens, toilets, showers, etc., the common solution is a replacement. 

The leaking windows, vents, and cracking joints hardly need any replacement. In most cases, the change of joint sealant is enough. 

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Water Damage On A Jayco Outback? 

A floor repair can cost you as little as 15 bucks. The approximate cost of a shower is 125-300 dollars; for the toilet, you have to spend 295-345 dollars. 

A sealant is between $200 and $500. A refrigerator replacement can cost you 1400-2000 dollars. At the same time, the cost of repairing a damaged roof can reach up to $2,800.

Read Also: Common Jayco Seismic Problems & Solutions

Problem 02: Water Pump Issues on Jayco Outback 

A malfunctioning pump is common and frequently appears at Caravans like Jayco Outback. Which provide the following symptoms

• The pump makes an excessive or unusual noise
• The pump is running, but no water is pumped
• The water pump keeps cycling on and off 

What Causes Water Pump Problems on the Jayco Outback?

The water pump malfunctioned in the Jayco Outback for some general reasons. Most of the problems are related to the pump and the water lining. The most frequent problems are given below. 

• Clogged water filter and supply line 
• Water Line is leaked
• Mechanical issues with the pump 
• The damaged diaphragm of the pump 
• Cracks, faulty valves, or loose connections cause cycling on and off

How To Fix The Water Pump Problem On A Jayco Outback?

To reduce unwanted sound and vibration, put a rubber pad below the pump, insulate the pipe with insulation foam, and wrap duct tape around the foam. 

If you want to repair pipe leakage, inspect the input, output, and holding tank lines and repair the leak you inspected. 

When your water filter is clogged, you can clean it. However, the damaged filter has to be replaced.

Generally, replacing the check valve for leaking water pumps can solve the issue. You can solve the diaphragm issue by cleaning it, but you may have to replace it if required. 

A fuse replacement can sometimes solve the damaged pump issue; if not the whole pump has to be replaced. 

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Water Pump Problem On A Jayco Outback?

A minor leak repair can cost you 10$-20$. A new check valve can cost you between 25-35. A damaged diaphragm requires replacement and costs you between 30-50 dollars. A damaged filter can cost you around $10.

A new pump costs around 75-150 dollars without a service charge. If a fuse replacement can do the job then the cost is reduced to 10-20 dollars.

Read Also: Common Jayco Pinnacle Problems & Solutions

Problem 3: Leaking Shower Problem Issues on Jayco Outback

Shower leaks are comparatively common on Jayco Outbacks compared to other problems when the shower leaks on your vehicle. 

• Water puddle outside shower
• Water all over the floor
• Water is dripping under the van

What Causes a Leaking Shower Problem on the Jayco Outback?

For new Jayco owners, a leaking shower is not uncommon, and there are specific reasons for each problem. We will identify some prominent causes behind these shower leak problems below.

• Did not use sealant around the edge
• Inadequate sealant on shower plug
• No hose clamp on the burb of the plug
• Leak in the hot and cold plastic pipe that feeds water
• Shower tray leaking

How To Fix A Shower Leaking Problem On A Jayco Outback?

For new owners, inadequate sealing is a common problem and can be solved by applying sealant around the edge or shower plug. You can attach a hose clamp to the plug to stop it from leaking. 

You can repair the leaking pipe by sealing the hole. An extension pipe can replace partial damage, and loose connections with a push fit joint. 

Minor damage to the shower tray can be repaired by sealing the crack. Only a replacement can fix the severe damage.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Shower Leaking Problem On A Jayco Outback?

You can buy shower sealant for 75-175 dollars to repair the edge and the plug leak yourself. Repairing the cold and hot water pipes can cost you 150 to 1100 dollars.

Fixing a shower leak yourself can cost you as low as 20 dollars.  Replacing a shower tray costs you around 500 dollars.

Read Also: 4 Common Jayco Eagle Problems & Solutions

Problem 4: 12V System Issues on the Jayco Outback

Jayco Outback has a 12V power system that keeps all its appliances functional. 12V system failure can stop almost all functions in the caravan, and you may face the issues given below. 

• No power for appliances despite the battery being full
• 120V system is not working
• The battery is not fully charging
• 12Vs breaker is tipping

What Causes 12V System Problems on the Jayco Outback?

Malfunction of the 12V system occurs for multiple reasons or part failures. Some of them appear frequently and are discussed below. 

• Dead Battery
• Under charged battery
• Burnet out inverter/converter fuse
• Loose connection
• Lack of battery fluid
• Tipped breaker due to overload

How To Fix A 12V System Problem On A Jayco Outback?

You can solve most of the 12V issues yourself because only a few repairs require special skills. You can solve the 12V system problem by following these procedures. 

For battery problems, charge and monitor the performance. You may have to replace it if it performs inadequately.

Inspect the water level and add some distilled water if necessary. Resetting the tripped breaker can solve the overload issue. 

For the inverter/converter issue, change the burned fuse. You can also tighten the connection when it gets loosened. 

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A 12V System Problem On A Jayco Outback?

Changing the fuse requires some skill and costs you around $5 for the parts. A tipped breaker can cost you 15-30 dollars, and an inverter costs 170-200 without a service charge. 

The cost of a battery replacement depends on the battery type. A lithium-ion battery can cost you between 800$-1200$. Contrarily, a lead acid battery can cost you as little as 100$-300$

Read Also: Common Jayco North Point Problems & Solutions

Problem 5: Leaking Roof Issues on Jayco Outback

Leaking roof problems are associated with age and low maintenance. When your roof leaks, you may find the following issues in your Jayco Outback.

• Water dripping or roof gets wet while raining
• Stress cracks on the fiberglass roof
• Dry rots on the roof timber
• Softened and cracked rubber above gutter and perimeter

What Causes Leaking Roof Problem on Jayco Outback?

Each type of leak has its particular reason. Following the symptoms, the causes are introduced below. 

• A small crack and a gaping hole in the roof  
• Use an electric heater at a very low temperature (-6°C)
• Any blow, impact, or insufficient sealant can cause a stress crack
• When airborne spores meet the wet timber, dry rot starts to appear. 
• Long use without maintenance and dry rot can soften the rubber and crack. 

How To Fix Leaking Roof Problem On Jayco Outback?

Repairing a leaking roof is simple, and sometimes you can do it yourself. Replacing the roof is harder and more expensive, and it’s common for older models. 

For cracks and gaping holes, you can fill them with a rubberized leak stopper. You can apply a sealant to the crack. Getting rid of dry rot is harder and mossy. You have to replace the infected part. 

Damaged rubber on the roof requires different treatment. If the damage is minor, then applying sealant tape is sufficient. For severe damage to the rubbery parts, you can apply a lap sealant.  

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Leaking Roof Problem On A Jayco Outback?

When you reseal your roof, it may cost you between 200$-500$ for ingredients. Dry rot repair costs vary on the status of damage. The approximate cost of dry rot repair is between 100-300 dollars. 

Roof replacement can cost you between 300$-325$ for each linear foot. Based on your model, it may cost between $7000 and $12,000.

Camping vehicle trailers like the Jayco Outback require regular maintenance like any other vehicle you use. 

Long-rested vehicles may save you some money due to low maintenance, but in the long run, they will cost you way more than you think. 

Some parts of your trailer require regular repair and replacement, like joint sealants, fuses, plugs, etc. If you take care of these issues, your Jayco Outback will serve you better.

Read Also: Common Jayco Journey Problems & Solutions

Zayan is an accomplished author and a go-to expert for all things RV and camper-related. With a passion for adventure and a knack for problem-solving, he has spent years exploring the open road and fine-tuning his knowledge of recreational vehicles.

Zayan’s writing is a testament to his expertise, offering readers practical solutions to common RV dilemmas. Whether it’s troubleshooting mechanical issues, optimizing space, or planning the perfect road trip, Zayan’s insightful advice and engaging storytelling make him an invaluable resource for both seasoned travelers and newcomers to the world of RVing.

Similar Posts

What are the Reasons For Jayco Fridge Not Working?

With a Jayco motorhome, you can enjoy your weekend or vacation more comfortably. It might, however, occasionally run into a few refrigerator issues.  Some issues are easy to solve, while some require professional help. The…

5 Common Problems with Nash Travel Trailer and Their Fixes

Nash travel trailers are a great choice of RV if you want to give you both quality and durability. The thick aluminum walls and shock absorbent foam make this a solid unit.  However, occasionally Nash…

7 Most Common Cruiser RV Problems & Their Solutions

Cruiser RV is popular among users for its best user experience and combined features. They are also very well known for their amazing looks and gorgeous interior design and floor plans. However, they are also…

6 Common Problems with Jayco Freedom [Solutions Included]

When talking about popular campers, Jayco freedom is a name that will pop up. They are highly rated among users for their style, comfort, and ease of use. However, like other camper caravans, they also…

4 Common Jayco Silverline Problems & Ways to Deal with Them

The Silverline is a popular aluminum caravan series by Jayco RV. It has its roots in the fiberglass trailer industry, but over time evolved into a product line with more features than ever before. Most…

5 Common Problems with Keystone Hideout & Their Solutions

Like any other vehicle, the Keystone Hideout runs into issues. Some issues are common. Average people with basic mechanical knowledge and the right preparation and research can handle these common issues.  On the other hand,…

Home / Reviews / Caravans / Jayco Journey 19.61-3 Outback Review

Jayco Journey 19.61-3 Outback Review

• Published: April 25, 2021

Australian caravan manufacturers have been building family caravans with bunk beds for decades. Although they are an established sector of their market, they are not so common here in New Zealand. But Jayco Auckland say that is changing. The Outback version of the Jayco Journey 19.61-3 reviewed here is a good example of a family caravan.

INTERIOR LAYOUT

At the front is a large east-west double bed; at the rear are two bunk beds kerbside, opposite the driver’s side washroom. The kitchen is centrally located alongside the entry, with the dinette opposite. Separating the sleeping areas provides some privacy and allows continued use of the lounge area once the bunk occupants have retired to bed. The decor throughout is an understated mix of light greys and dark browns.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

The double bed has an innerspring mattress, and the bunks have foam mattresses. All bed bases have sprung wooden orthopaedic slats. Both floor level beds have good storage space below the mattress, and gas struts take away the pain of lifting the beds for access to this storage.

For added comfort, the lower parts of the walls surrounding the double bed are covered with upholstered panels. Jayco include bed linen, duvet and pillows in the standard package. There are two reading lights at the head of the bed. A TV wall bracket is mounted at the foot, where it can also be viewed from both the kitchen and the dinette. A battery management charger and the house battery occupy a small corner of the storage space under the bed.

For caravanners, bunks are a practical answer to the question, where are we all going to sleep? Tucked away in the rear corner of the Journey, they offer a snug retreat for all ages, especially the younger ones. In the two-bunk option reviewed here, each bunk has a privacy curtain and a window, and the lower one has a light of its own. The upper one shares the corridor light. A curtain screens off the corridor from the front of the caravan so it doubles as a changing room. A three-bunk option is also available.

The dinette provides the only seating in the caravan. It has the distinctive, very comfortable Jayco two-piece back rests. Covered with a soft, warm woven fabric, it makes the dinette an attractive spot for dining or relaxing. Alongside is a large opening window, and there is a ceiling hatch above, so it is a refreshingly light, bright place to be. The drawers below the seats offer more storage.

At around 1800mm long, the kitchen bench includes a four-hob LPG cooktop and stainless-steel sink/dish drainer, with room for meal preparation and serving at the end. It’s a typical Jayco RV bench – you’ll find them in most of their caravans and motorhomes. Jayco fit them because they have met and continue to meet the needs of their RV buyers.

If you like overhead lockers, you will love the array in the Journey: four over the bed, two over the dinette, two with shelves over the kitchen, one over the hob and another in the washroom.

Along with the kitchen under-bench cupboard space, the two pantry cupboards, the drawers and cupboards beside the bunks as well as the 171-litre fridge/freezer, the storage is more than adequate for four people, their clothes, personal possessions and supermarket shopping.

BATHROOM/LAUNDRY

Behind a concertina curtain on the other side of the corridor is the bathroom/ laundry. It’s a four-function set-up with a handbasin to the left, alongside a Sphere washing machine. To the right, behind a three-piece sliding door, is the shower. Roomy enough for the big and tall, it has shelves for soap and shampoo, and a fan vent in the ceiling. The opening window behind the central placed toilet will be an asset. A large wall mirror behind the handbasin makes the washroom feel more spacious. There are cupboards below the basin and a locker over the toilet. A single centre light, two more over the basin and one in the shower provide plenty of lighting.

The bodywork is finished in a light shade of grey, with a skirt of black checker-plate panels down each side, a black bumper across the back, and a black stone-chip resistant panel across the front. The Outback variant, riding on the latest version of Jayco’s JTECH suspension, has higher ground clearance than the standard Journey, adding to its sense of purpose.

Up front is a conventional cast-iron hitch, handbrake and safety chains. An electric breakaway cable system is also fitted to most Journey models. Jayco’s trademark freshwater tap is mounted on the side of the A-frame.

The Journey’s chassis is hot-dip galvanised steel, which is both lightweight and strong. As well as offering increased ground clearance, this chassis/suspension combination is stable, smooth-riding and has excellent handling qualities.

At its core, the body has an aluminium frame. This is inset with high-density polystyrene foam panels for thermal and acoustic insulation, and externally clad with hail and dent resistant fibreglass panels. The rig runs on 15-inch black alloy wheels and higher rated 235/75R15 AT tyres. Altogether a very solid package.

At the front on the kerbside, a tunnel locker that runs the width of the caravan replaces the conventional front boot. It can be awkward to retrieve items from the middle of the locker, but at least they stay clean and dry. There is good external access to storage under the double bed (front) and bunk bed (rear). A fold-out alloy step is fitted below the habitation door to make entry/exit easier. Up above is an electrically powered 5-metre awning, complete with a strip of LED edge lighting. Below is the wall-mounted outdoor entertainment centre, comprised of a fold-down table, 12-volt and 230-volt outlet plugs, a TV aerial plug and a pair of speakers, all under a wall-mounted light. Aussies are serious outdoor entertainers.

Up top is a 160-watt solar panel, two roof hatches – one over the bed, the other over the kitchen – an aircon unit and a TV antenna.

There are two hatches on the driver’s side, one for the toilet cassette at the rear and one for the tunnel storage at the front. A service hatch for the hot-water boiler, a freshwater fill point and a radio aerial round out the equipment list. A well thought out package, well equipped with durable fixtures and fittings.

SAFETY FIRST

Nitrogen-filled tyres fitted to the Journey reduce tyre temperatures and provide more consistent tyre pressures, even on the hottest days, reducing the risk of tyre blowouts. Having the Lippert Sway Command Tow Control Technology aboard reduces the risk of losing control of the caravan in emergency manoeuvres. As mentioned, the electric breakaway system for caravans with electric brakes is fitted as standard to most Journey models. When a caravan accidentally separates from the tow vehicle, the cable connection is severed, activating the electric brakes and brake lights.

OUTBACK UPGRADE

Jayco Journeys are available in both standard and Outback versions. As the name and appearance suggest, the Outback is equipped to cope with more arduous off-road conditions. As well as the suspension/chassis upgrade, it has a larger 160-watt solar panel, Outback corner steadies, an external gas bayonet fitting for the BBQ, Jayco mudflats and an 8-inch jockey wheel.

The interior of the Jayco is pragmatic and unpretentious, quite in keeping with its exterior presentation. A caravan to live in comfortably while you enjoy the things the destination has to offer. Not for the bling-hearted. I find it very appealing.

• Good volume of external and internal storage
• Very practical interior layout
• Efficient use of space in the washroom
• Two slide-out pantries instead of the two pantry cupboards would be good
• No dedicated cutlery drawer

Jayco Journey 19.61-3 Outback Specifications

Price [Updated for 2022 model]: $98,590

Find out more at jaycoauckland.co.nz

Find motorhomes, caravans and RVs for sale in NZ

Related Posts

Review: Bürstner Lyseo IT744 Harmony Line

An elegant experience inside and out, the Bürstner Lyseo IT744 makes the most of its dimensions.

Review: Snowy River SRC-18

If you’re in the market for a well-crafted Australian-branded caravan, then the versatile SRC-18 from Snowy River ticks all the boxes

Review: Swift Voyager 540

The Swift Voyager 540 is an excellent showpiece for creating extra living space by swapping that island bed layout for a rear bathroom

Review: DCB Lincoln

Two NZ businesses have joined forces to showcase the DCB Lincoln – a no-expense-spared luxury motorhome developed and built by Design Coach and Body and available from DeLuxe RV Group

Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations

Get in touch.

Jayco Silverline Outback 2019 Review

Is jayco's first voice-activated caravan a smart buy.

Wireless technology has finally arrived in the caravan market, with players such as Queensland's Zone RV and now Jayco introducing wireless monitoring and control of various equipment in and on the caravan.

But is all this new technology worth it -- and does it even work?

To find out, we recently grabbed a 22ft Silverline Outback, built at Jayco's Dandenong, Victoria factory, equipped with Amazon Alexia voice assistant, 360-degree cameras, smart phone app-controlled electric awning and lights; not to mentnion wi-fi via the cellular network.

Jayco's latest Silverline range comes in six floorplans -- in either Touring or Outback spec -  and all with slide-outs. The model we’re reviewing here is the Silverline Outback 21.65-3, which is roughly in the middle of the range in terms of size, and has a drive-away price (NSW) of $88,929 with a couple of options fitted.

Technology for travelling

Let’s get straight to the technology. There are two parts to the standard Silverline tech suite that can be controlled by a phone app: the awning and the lights.

The Carefree powered awning (which also has button controls conveniently located adjacent to the entry door) requires that you download the Carefree app to control it 'hands free'.

It takes a few moments for the app to ‘find’ the awning and then you can extend or retract the awning at a touch of a (app) button, within Bluetooth range.

The BMPro monitor can also be paired via Bluetooth to an app that allows 'mirror screen' viewing on your phone, to check things like battery state-of-charge and water tank levels, as well as control lighting, the 12V water pump and power.

However, for this to function, you have to pair your phone to the system by pressing a button on the control unit (housed under the bed) for 10 seconds.

While the technology isn’t there yet, there's a good chance that the slide-out will also be able to be controlled via a phone app in the near future.

How to build a Jayco Silverline

Is wireless RV tech a smart move?

Voice control

The Amazon Alexia voice assistant couldn’t be set-up in time for this review but in theory, it will offer the typical internet-based information you get from Alexia when set up at home, but also be able to control caravan equipment such as the lights and so on with further development.

For the Alexia voice control to have internet capability, you have to register a SIM card to fit in the caravan. Unfortunately this wasn’t able to be set up in time for this review.

However, it's questionable how useful this tech is in the relatively small confines of a caravan. After all, much of the information can be found using a smartphone in just the same way as Alexia.

While app control of equipment such as the awning and lights is convenient if, for example you’ve gone to bed and don’t feel like getting up again, it’s less so when you only have to walk a few steps at other times to operate these items ‘manually’.

A potentially more useful tech item on the Silverline is the 360-degree cameras, which can be viewed from a supplied screen within the tow vehicle and provide assistance when towing as well as setting up camp.

Other more practical stuff

Meanwhile, the Silverline’s exterior is loaded with the sort of gear most buyers want, including an outdoor TV entertainment unit, picnic table, L-shaped storage boot,  checkerplate aluminium lower storage locker and a slide-out kitchen.

The external kitchen unfortunately doesn’t include a sink, although there’s plenty of bench space and a two-burner gas cooker -- plus a long slide-out storage compartment above the kitchen slide.

On the offside, there’s a gas bottle storage locker located opposite the outdoor kitchen, not far from an outdoor shower, two more lower storage lockers, a 240volt inlet port and locker for the toilet cassette.

Stepping up into the interior is pretty easy, although I was surprised to see a steel pull-out step rather than a more convenient, powered aluminium one on a van of this calibre.

Once inside though, the neutral decor is pleasing to the eye, although the pale faux woodgrain upper lockers and walls might be too 'European' for some buyers.

This particular 21ft model, together with the Silverline 24.75-2, are the only two Silverline models with am inviting, U-shaped front lounge, along with centre kitchen and east-west slide-out bedroom and bathroom towards the rear (other models feature a front kitchen and centre lounge instead).

It’s a fairly conventional set-up for a slide-out caravan, and should work well for most. The only real disadvantage of this layout is if you want to use the bathroom when pulling up during a transport stage; you’ll either have to climb over the bed-end or extend the slide-out to get there.

Spacious living quarters

Of course, once you've powered the slide-out to open up the bedroom space, you’ve got a very spacious-feeling living quarters.

The front dining area features a table that’ll drop down to serve as a bed base for a double bed, boosting the number of berths to four for when friends or grandkids decide to come along for a holiday.

There are plenty of storage lockers dotted around the living area, as there is in the kitchen, which also provides adequate bench space and nice, deep squared-off sink.

There are a few nice touches in the kitchen, such as a lip to the divider between the kitchen bench and lounge area so there's less risk of dropping items from the bench on to the couch.

The 224-litre fridge/freezer facing the kitchen bench is more than adequate for a couple on tour and could even keep a family of four in coldies and perishable food for a week or more.

Master bedroom

The slide-out bedroom feels spacious, with loads of storage at the bed-end including large hanging wardrobes and multiple drawers and cupboards complemented by high-mounted lockers on two sides.

There are also some neat storage recesses on each the side of the bedhead for books, reading glasses and so on.

The gas strut-assisted bed base opens to reveal myriad items including the 100Ah AGM battery, Truma gas heater, wi-fi unit, BMPro control unit, jack and brace, with some space left over for storage.

The rear bathroom is accessed via sliding door and while it isn’t the largest space, it's easy enough to move around in and is packed with lots of cupboards and open storage spots as well as the Sphere 3.3kg top-loader washing machine.

The shower recess is a fair rather than fantastic size but has all the expected items including exhaust hatch/fan, LED light and adjustable shower rose.

The 2019 Jayco Silverline ticks most of the boxes for a couple wanting all the luxuries and space when on a caravanning holiday.

While the wireless technology is a nice addition to the spec sheet, it could be more cohesive and the question remains whether some of it -- such as the awning control -- is really necessary in the relatively small confines of a caravan.

2019 Jayco Silverline 21.65-3 Outback

Travel length: 8065mm (25ft 5in) Body length (open length): 6760mm (22ft 2in) External body width: 2320mm (7ft 7in) Travel height: 3080mm (10ft 1in) Interior height: 1900mm (6ft 2in) Tare weight: 2665kg ATM: 3120kg Ball weight: 183kg Body: Fibreglass composite Chassis: Galvanised steel 150x50mm Suspension: Independent, coli springs and shocks Brakes: 12in electric drums Stability Control: AL-KO ESC Wheels: 16-inch alloy with 245/70R16 tyres Fresh water: 2 x 82L Battery: 1 x 100Ah AGM Solar: 160watts Air-conditioner: Dometic Gas: 2 x 9kg Hot water: Suburban Nautilus LP gas on-demand Cooking: Dometic three gas/one electric hob, grill, oven Fridge: Dometic 224L three-way fridge/freezer Microwave: Sphere Toilet: Thetford cassette Shower: Separate cubicle Lighting: 12v LED TV: Sphere 24-inch LED TV/DVD Price: $88,929 (drive away NSW) Options fitted: Grey water tank ($619), Truma gas heater ($2475) Supplied by: Jayco Sydney, St Marys, NSW More info: Jayco Australia

Editor's Rating

Rating breakdown.

Build Quality & Finish

Comfort & Liveability

Towability / Handling & Setup

Value for Money

Fit for Purpose

What we like

• Large interior space
• Plenty of equipment for the price
• Storage options

Not so much

• No sink in external kitchen
• Limited access to bathroom when towing
• Tech isn’t as useful as you’d imagine

Stay up to date

Become a caravancampingsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.

• Advertise |
• eMagazine Subscription
• Printed Subscription
• Caravan Reviews
• Camper Trailer Reviews
• Motorhome Reviews
• Classic and Vintage Caravans
• Classic Collectors
• Celebrity Campers
• Environment Heroes
• People & History

Review: Jayco Journey Outback

In 2014 Jayco combined the best of two models, the Destiny and the Sterling, into a new caravan, the Journey. It’s grown to become the most popular in the range of Jayco’s pop-tops, and continues to find new fans thanks to a line-up of sought-after features.

The Journey range is divided into two basic groups, those designed more for highway touring and those equipped for tougher operations on less accommodating tracks. Designated as the 17.55-8 and -9 or Outback models, these are the biggest sellers in the Journey range.

Jayco’s pop-top vans have always been popular with those looking for a lower roof line for enhanced aerodynamics, fuel consumption or storage reasons. They are also sought after by buyers who don’t want to fork out for a larger tow vehicle.

Today they’re increasingly an option for couples moving up from something like a camper trailer, or those moving up from tent camping and looking for more creature comforts. With good ground clearance in the Outback models, tougher set-up and a smaller travelling profile than most caravans, they can still be taken to many of the places you once sought with your camper trailer or tent.

The Outback kit including Jayco’s popular JTECH independent trailing arm suspension package with heavy duty drawbar (120mm deep instead of 100mm), a front jerry can holder, black checkerplate panelling over the lower portion of the body, external 12-volt power outlet, galvanised rear bumper bar, gas bayonet fitting to the exterior for use with an external barbecue and 120 watt roof-mounted solar panel. These vans have a much better resale value and give you that element of extra flexibility no matter what circumstances might throw at you.

The Outback fitout also introduces larger 235/75R15 tougher all-terrain tyres on alloy rims in place of the touring 185R14 rubber found on the highway models.

The downside to this is the weight increases by an extra 150kg and the ball weight increases by 25kg, although neither is excessive.

Since they have a shower fitted they come standard with a 100 amp-hour gel battery for the water pump, a second 82-litre water tank, and a second 9kg gas bottle to run the water heater unit.

image by: Brett Goldsmith

All of the 17ft vans, including the 17.55-8 and -9, also come equipped with a Truma air conditioning system. These excellent German-made units do a much better job in extreme conditions and are worth having.

Like all Jayco vans, the tandem axle shower-equipped models have a 475kg of carrying capacity to accommodate the extra water.

The fitout provides for a range of features that are worth having. There are 12 internal layout styles to choose from across the range. One of the attributes brought over from the Sterling was the higher walls. This allows for tinted Dometic double glazed windows built-in blinds and insect mesh.

With the larger windows, zip-out panels in the pop-top walls and a roof-mounted skylight over the bed, the interiors of these vans are bright and sunny.

The fully separate all-in-one bathroom across the rear is the stand out feature. It comes with comfortable layout, plenty of storage spaces and the shower has been improved with a single-piece unit eliminating the risk of leaks.

There are a range of bathroom and kitchen options to choose from. The Outback model as tested came without a normal oven to allow for extra storage, but it is an option. There is a microwave, Smev three-burner gas hotplates and single electric hot plate gas stove with griller underneath.

The extra electric hotplate comes in handy, saving gas when mains power is available, as does the dual-mode water heater. The fridge, which was 110 litres capacity in the Sterling, has now gone up to a standard 150 litre three-way unit.

For sleeping, there’s either an island orthopaedic double bed or two singles, with inner spring mattresses. For peace of mind, all the Journey vans are equipped standard with a Camec security door.

While the Outback vans are designed basically for two, there is a $299 option to purchase an additional cushion and baseboard, which converts the dinette into another bed.

A stand out feature certainly not available in the 1970s is the electrical and entertainment systems. Lighting is all LED and completely wireless. This eliminates the risk of any wiring problems and also means you never have to get out of bed to switch off a light – there’s a remote for that. A USB charging point is standard as well as an 18-inch LED television/DVD player with mounting bracket and wind-up antenna. There’s a Fusion CD/radio system, complete with external speakers.

To complete the outside living experience there’s an optional external shower (with free-standing shower tent if desired) and an external TV socket. To extend your options all Jayco outlets offer an annexe kit.

All the Journey models come with a white Euro-style fibreglass body, with sloping aerodynamic nose. Smart graphics set off the finish and give a sharp style to these vans.

There are so many options to choose from across the range. One certainly worth considering for off roaders is the Coast to Coast Control Panel ($207) which monitors water levels in up to four tanks (two standard plus optional third and waste water tanks) as well as battery charge levels   There is also the excellent Al-Ko Electronic Stability Control to keep your van where it belongs, as well as a longer A-frame, Tregg offroad polyblock coupling, and leather seat coverings.

Pop-tops have come a long way since the first humble camper was introduced by Jayco in the 1970s and they remain as popular as ever. The reason for that is undoubtedly due to their value for money in terms of quality, resale value and great list of standard features.

At $41,563 RRP as tested, it is excellent value.

Link: Read the full review and specs in Issue 15 of Time to Roam .

Review by David Cook.

REDARC Lithium In-Vehicle Charger

Uniden jump start kit, related posts.

Review: Coromal Element E661s Slide Out

Review: Winnebago Burke

Review: Living Edge Venetian

Review: Jayco Conquest Renault

STARCRAFT POP TOP

Journey pop top, all-terrain pop top, all terrain, basestation, jrv campervan, optimum campervan, all terrain campervan, conquest motorhome, optimum motorhome, guide to your jayco rv: how to fill your water tanks.

Filling up the water tanks in your Jayco RV is easy.

All Jayco RVs are fitted with a single, double, or triple water filler.

This will vary based on your model.

This instructional video applies to J-Pods , Camper Trailers , CrossTraks , Starcraft Pop Tops , Journey Pop Tops , Expanda Pop Tops , All-Terrain Pop Tops , Starcraft Caravans , Journey Caravans , Expanda Caravans , All-Terrain Caravans , Work’N’Play Caravans , Basestation Caravans and Silverline Caravans .

In the clip, Chris demonstrates how to fill the water tanks on a Jayco Journey Outback 19.61-3 Caravan.

Step-by-step guide on filling the tank

First, you will need to use the small white key as supplied with your van to open the water tank access door.

Place the key on the latch and twist clockwise to unlock.

A dual water filler with a rear tank and a front tank filler will be revealed.

In between, you will see the mains pressure filler.

Remove the protective cap and insert your hose.

Turn on the tap to begin filling up your tank.

The tank is full once water begins to trickle out of the breathers above the water fillers.

Once your tank is full, turn your tap off and pull the hose out.

Cover the inlet and shut the door.

To connect to the mains water at a caravan park, use the mains filler in the middle.

Simply remove the protective cap and connect your hose.

When you are connected to a hose at a caravan park, you can close and lock the water filler door.

For more information, tips, or guides, please visit www.jayco.com.au/community/category/how-to-guides .

Jayco E-Newsletter