We almost bought a Jayco despite some of the bad reports about them but due to a bit of bad/good luck couldn’t go and seal the deal. We are very glad we didn’t because we ended up buying a Merc powered Regal Jewel. There has been minimal issues and being a small company personal service and responding to questions immediately has been excellent.
Hi, glad to hear you made the right choice for you and that you have had great after sales service, that is so important. Plenty of companies selling loads of caravans and motorhomes and the after-sale service can slip. We have had pretty good experiences overall, a few exceptions but i guess that's across the board. I will have to look up your motorhome, i have not heard of them.
Thank you. You guys are legends. I’m picking up my merc 24.4 next Tuesday and your videos are just what the doctor ordered. So many fantastic facts and real life experience. I’m very grateful to have come across your channel. Looking forward to viewing all of your work. Safe and happy travels. Rhon 😃🙏
Hi, how exciting for you, good luck on Tuesday when picking up the new MH. We are sure you will love it. The 24.4 is just perfect for us. Thanks for the message and we are very pleased that we can offer some real life experiences. We are getting ready for a more remote trip up to Uluru and will do a video about how we are preparing for that. Cheers.
You guys have the patience of a saint! We had 22 items that needed fixing after we picked our Jayco up in 2020. We understand there are going to be some issues, but there really is not much quality control happening before these motorhomes are released. However, in saying that....we love our motorhome! Looking forward to the video about towing. Love your work!
Hi, not sure about our patience lol, but what can you do but work through the issues. Glad you love your MH. We head off for towing hook up next week so that video will follow in a few weeks. 😊
Another great video! Those portable inflators are a huge time saver. I have the Milwaukee version and even when home, will grab it first despite having a large air compressor in my garage. A few product recommendations, provided they're available and would not cause a safety inspection fail in Australia: 1. I mentioned flow through valve caps in another video. The exact item I use is "Haltec DS-1" - they go on in place of the regular cap, then you attach your fill tool directly on. No need to thread them off and on every time. 2. If the dual wheel valve stem extensions don't work out for any reason, with the caps I just mentioned installed same as the original caps, you can reach those inner stems with a truck tire inflator chuck (like Milton S-693-12), but instead of a compressed air coupler plug use a valve stem to 1/4" NPT adapter. Then clip your inflator onto that, push it through the hole in the outer wheel to seat it on the inner stem and inflate away! Last time I believe I did not offer any item/part numbers, so hopefully this is more helpful for you and others reading it.
Thank you so much for the handy information for us and others. The dual wheel issue is bit of a problem to work through. We will look up what you have mentioned and see if we can get them here. Thanks again.
OMG, the cusion on the bed as a headboard is an awesome idea. I don't know why we didn't think of that😂. Still loving the vlogs, we met briefly at Yeppoon, we were next to you at the Blue Dolphin caravan park. Quick question for you: How did your power last when you went free camping, and what set up do you have solar panel and battery wise? We haven't been free camping yet but will be soon and would love any tips you have. Keep the great vlogs coming.
Hi guys, was lovely to meet you at Yeppoon. Hope your enjoying your new MH, it looked lovely. Our set up is 2 x 200 W solar panels, and 2 x 120 a/h lithium batteries. In our other little MH we only had 1 lithium battery and were off grid for 4/5 days, with no problem. I dont think you would run out of power unless there is no sun for a long time, it constantly re charges when the sun is up. Hope your having lots of fun in the MH.
Fantastic videos and info I first started following you because when I retire I was tossing up between getting a new caravan or getting a motor home I’m now leaning towards a motorhome so all information is good information thanks for all your hard work in producing the video content I can’t wait to see the next leg of your journey
Thanks so much for the comment, it makes us happy that we can provide some good information as you really need to do as much research as you can. We watched lots of other peoples videos to get inspiration before we took the plunge and purchased the motorhome. Some great places to come in the next few videos, travelling through country Qld and NSW.
Great Video your very easy to watch I like how your honest about issues etc Also the tips and tricks are very interesting and the extra things you do to your motorhome. You probably already know that bed control panel you can reset with a pin also you can buy a really good aftermarket panel alot easier to use and no problems with it but it may void your warranty. Thanks
Hi, thanks for the message. We have had to use the pin trick in the first motorhome, so far with this one we reset the seatbelt if we have a problem and that has worked so far. Fingers crossed. We would definitely consider the after market switch, we have seen some people in our Jayco FB group who have swapped it out for that.
Great video on these Jayco issues and they are annoying but we've had a few Jayco van and for the price it's hard to go past them. I do know friends that have paid double the price on top end vans with the same problems, I guess it's van and motorhome thing.
Jayco are definitely good value, interesting to see how much some other brands are. All in all we love the MH. Definitely agree its a van/MH thing, so many being made.
Hi, sorry for the late reply, we are traveling down the South Coast of NSW with not much internet in some places. Glad you found our channel and we can offer some tips. Thanks for the message.
Got rid of the shower screen ages ago , rattled forever and finally fell out . Replaced it with a curtain and extender rod . Saves weight , easier and quieter . Also the slide out pantry. Fitted a basic black rubber door stop in the back of the door . Pushes nicely up against wire basket and stops any noise 👍🏻
A great video full of useful information Brian & Kerry. Great tip with the Key Fob! Luckily you know to look for the issues & getting them sorted. Hopefully Jayco can sort it for you
Thanks for the video. We have the Fiat version of the 24-4 with the different ensuite and extra storage layout. When buying I looked at the chassis of the Mercedes in the dealers yard and noticed exactly the same thing regarding the way they had "sliced and diced" the chassis and left the ends unpainted/unprotected. As for the skylight above the bed, ours is exactly the same - the fly screen side does not completely go back. If you look closely you will see two crimp stops near either end that do not allow the screen to open any further so I simply assumed it was a standard hatch manufacturer issue. As for the bed we haven't had any issues (touch wood) although a word of caution - there is a middle button on the bed control panel which you can't clearly see that's used for resetting the bed limits etc. (it's in the manual if you look). You can just see a slight raised "lump" in your video if you look carefully. I have accidentally pressed this a couple of times while pressing the lower button, both times at night, and you get a colour display of red and green lights and the bed will stop. Just wait 30 seconds until the lights go out and you can go again. Keep up the good work guys and continue to enjoy your travels.
Hi, thanks for the tips, good to know that maybe the hatch issue is just something we have to accept. I have put some cardboard up in the part that wont close to stop the sun coming in early in the morning while still sleeping. Glad you have not had any bed issues. Luckily we have been able to fix each time, i wonder if it has something to do with not being completely level at times, perhaps the bed does not like that. Hope your also enjoying your travels.
great video you two lots of tips and you guys are so patient and forgiving hope jayco get their quality assurance sorted out not good that they do this to yous or anyone it never gets you guys down which says alot about you my mate finds your info very helpful well done safe travels guys
Hi, they came with the motorhome which is a good thing. I think you can buy them but now sure where. Probably online. They are excellent. They keep out so much heat from the cab and therefore motorhome.
You're in good hands with Dr. Nomad! They're a super professional bunch. We got our Jimny hooked up with a Predator about two weeks back. Towing is much less stressful than we had anticipated. Just our luck, the main switch in our motorhome decided to call it quits the night before, but Craig showed up and got us back on the road, just in time for our certification appointment. What a lifesaver! You might want to chat with Craig or Reece about that chassis mod (you said it was cut?). It does seem a bit iffy, especially in relation to your Mercedes warranty. Not entirely sure, but it might be worth a discussion. While we were waiting for the install, we stayed nearby at Wangi Holiday Park, on an unpowered site with a killer view overlooking Lake Macquarie. It's a mint spot and close to Toronto!
Thanks very much for the information, so good to know about Dr Nomad's service because we really had no idea and were just provided with their number from the other installer. We are also going to make a few days of it and stay at a park near them, thanks for the tip on the park. We will tow the swifty home and look forward to travelling with the car. Good tip about the chassis, we will see if they can check it out.
Thanks for sharing we are learning quite a bit. Especially how the dealers can muck you around which would cost a lot if you had to rent or stay in a Motel while you wait
Great tips guys. That’s interesting about the engine immobiliser (not starting if you don’t enter through the door). Also find it disappointing to find all the small faults. I imagine that’s it’s the same with all motorhomes though. The cut through the chassis also surprised me how they never sealed the raw cut with a coat of something. The seat covers look the goods too. Hopefully you’ll be hassle free from here on.
@@brianriddell4830 Yep. I said to my wife recently that we’ve got a small leak in the roof & im taking it back to the dealer for a possible reseal, she was frustrated but then I said it’s all part of it & we’ll be away having a ball in it again soon. That’s life. There’s always something that needs tweaking. As soon as something gets fixed another comes along whether it’s motorhomes, houses, cars etc. safe travels mate. I’m enjoying your vids. 😃👍🚒
Hi, glad the info was helpful for you. We purchased the seat covers from super cheap, not sure of the brand sorry. They are just sheepskin (one size fits all) that were on special and cheaper than any we could find online.
We had a Jayco and these issues don't surprise me at all. I would not purchase another one. We have now purchased a Benimàr Tessoro 486. No problems at all, a great MH.
Just wondering how big your solar system . What is the total wattage for your panels and type and size of your battery. We want to go off grid in our secondhand fiat motorhome and not sure on what size to upgrade too
Hi, we have two 200W solar panels and two 120 a/h lithium batteries. We have had plenty of power so far when off grid. Seems to be enough for us running lights, TV, bed, pump, radio etc, anything 12v as we charge everything we can by 12v usb.
Hi, we don't have an inverter. We have 2 x 200 W solar panels and 2 x 120 a/h batteries. Off grid for as long as the sun keeps recharging us. Comes with 30 amp Dc to Dc charger. We can't run air conditioning while off grid.
Its not too bad, i got some better fitting queen size sheets and re made the bed today. I get up and tuck in the side near the back first, then get off and do the other side while standing on the other side.
Loving your videos .. well done guys 😁 Your bed looks quite large I was wondering can you actually sleep in it the other way (north/south) so you don’t need to climb over each other?
Hi guys, not sure about the sleeping north/south, we have not tried but i have tried to lay on the lounge that way and its not long enough to lay down completely so i think not.
Just wondering how you got on with Lippert screen. Ours resets itself, turns off, we've had to disconnect earth to battery to reset it, very unreliable. It's going to have to go back for a warranty claim.
Hi, we finally had the lippert screen fixed back at Jayco Service Centre. It needed a 1.1.3 upgrade. We also needed someone that knew what they were doing as the service center had completed the same upgrade a few months ago but had not done it correctly. Its working fine now. Good luck with yours.
Thank you. You are legends. I’m picking up my merc 24.4 next Tuesday and your videos are just what the doctor ordered. So many fantastic facts and real life experience. I’m very grateful to have come across your channel. Looking forward to viewing all of your work. Safe and happy travels. Rhon 😃🙏
We almost bought a Jayco despite some of the bad reports about them but due to a bit of bad/good luck couldn’t go and seal the deal. We are very glad we didn’t because we ended up buying a Merc powered Regal Jewel. There has been minimal issues and being a small company personal service and responding to questions immediately has been excellent.
Hi, glad to hear you made the right choice for you and that you have had great after sales service, that is so important. Plenty of companies selling loads of caravans and motorhomes and the after-sale service can slip. We have had pretty good experiences overall, a few exceptions but i guess that's across the board. I will have to look up your motorhome, i have not heard of them.
I added a 6cm door stop to the end of the wooden bed stopper and I keep my doona and a slim pillow on the bed even when its up.
Thank you. You guys are legends. I’m picking up my merc 24.4 next Tuesday and your videos are just what the doctor ordered. So many fantastic facts and real life experience. I’m very grateful to have come across your channel. Looking forward to viewing all of your work. Safe and happy travels. Rhon 😃🙏
Hi, how exciting for you, good luck on Tuesday when picking up the new MH. We are sure you will love it. The 24.4 is just perfect for us. Thanks for the message and we are very pleased that we can offer some real life experiences. We are getting ready for a more remote trip up to Uluru and will do a video about how we are preparing for that. Cheers.
You guys have the patience of a saint! We had 22 items that needed fixing after we picked our Jayco up in 2020. We understand there are going to be some issues, but there really is not much quality control happening before these motorhomes are released. However, in saying that....we love our motorhome! Looking forward to the video about towing. Love your work!
Hi, not sure about our patience lol, but what can you do but work through the issues. Glad you love your MH. We head off for towing hook up next week so that video will follow in a few weeks. 😊
Another great video! Those portable inflators are a huge time saver. I have the Milwaukee version and even when home, will grab it first despite having a large air compressor in my garage. A few product recommendations, provided they're available and would not cause a safety inspection fail in Australia: 1. I mentioned flow through valve caps in another video. The exact item I use is "Haltec DS-1" - they go on in place of the regular cap, then you attach your fill tool directly on. No need to thread them off and on every time. 2. If the dual wheel valve stem extensions don't work out for any reason, with the caps I just mentioned installed same as the original caps, you can reach those inner stems with a truck tire inflator chuck (like Milton S-693-12), but instead of a compressed air coupler plug use a valve stem to 1/4" NPT adapter. Then clip your inflator onto that, push it through the hole in the outer wheel to seat it on the inner stem and inflate away! Last time I believe I did not offer any item/part numbers, so hopefully this is more helpful for you and others reading it.
Thank you so much for the handy information for us and others. The dual wheel issue is bit of a problem to work through. We will look up what you have mentioned and see if we can get them here. Thanks again.
Thanks for the videos. Some interesting tips.
Glad you like them!
Thanks guys for all these tips. There worth their wait in gold. 🥂🍻
Our pleasure!
OMG, the cusion on the bed as a headboard is an awesome idea. I don't know why we didn't think of that😂.
Still loving the vlogs, we met briefly at Yeppoon, we were next to you at the Blue Dolphin caravan park.
Quick question for you: How did your power last when you went free camping, and what set up do you have solar panel and battery wise?
We haven't been free camping yet but will be soon and would love any tips you have.
Keep the great vlogs coming.
Hi guys, was lovely to meet you at Yeppoon. Hope your enjoying your new MH, it looked lovely. Our set up is 2 x 200 W solar panels, and 2 x 120 a/h lithium batteries. In our other little MH we only had 1 lithium battery and were off grid for 4/5 days, with no problem. I dont think you would run out of power unless there is no sun for a long time, it constantly re charges when the sun is up. Hope your having lots of fun in the MH.
Fantastic videos and info I first started following you because when I retire I was tossing up between getting a new caravan or getting a motor home I’m now leaning towards a motorhome so all information is good information thanks for all your hard work in producing the video content I can’t wait to see the next leg of your journey
Thanks so much for the comment, it makes us happy that we can provide some good information as you really need to do as much research as you can. We watched lots of other peoples videos to get inspiration before we took the plunge and purchased the motorhome. Some great places to come in the next few videos, travelling through country Qld and NSW.
Great Video your very easy to watch I like how your honest about issues etc Also the tips and tricks are very interesting and the extra things you do to your motorhome. You probably already know that bed control panel you can reset with a pin also you can buy a really good aftermarket panel alot easier to use and no problems with it but it may void your warranty. Thanks
Hi, thanks for the message. We have had to use the pin trick in the first motorhome, so far with this one we reset the seatbelt if we have a problem and that has worked so far. Fingers crossed. We would definitely consider the after market switch, we have seen some people in our Jayco FB group who have swapped it out for that.
Great video on these Jayco issues and they are annoying but we've had a few Jayco van and for the price it's hard to go past them. I do know friends that have paid double the price on top end vans with the same problems, I guess it's van and motorhome thing.
Jayco are definitely good value, interesting to see how much some other brands are. All in all we love the MH. Definitely agree its a van/MH thing, so many being made.
G'day, just stumbled across your channel. thanks for the videos on the 24-4 Merc, and general motorhome tips. Great work
Hi, sorry for the late reply, we are traveling down the South Coast of NSW with not much internet in some places. Glad you found our channel and we can offer some tips. Thanks for the message.
Got rid of the shower screen ages ago , rattled forever and finally fell out . Replaced it with a curtain and extender rod . Saves weight , easier and quieter . Also the slide out pantry. Fitted a basic black rubber door stop in the back of the door . Pushes nicely up against wire basket and stops any noise 👍🏻
Great tips, thank you. So good to hear what other people do to modify and make things more user friendly.
looking forward to see your tyre valve extentions, and hopefully what might have filmed on your trip. Thanks
your welcome, lots more of the trip to come in the next few weeks, some great spots.
A great video full of useful information Brian & Kerry. Great tip with the Key Fob!
Luckily you know to look for the issues & getting them sorted. Hopefully Jayco can sort it for you
Thank you, we keep on learning new things everyday.
Thanks for the video. We have the Fiat version of the 24-4 with the different ensuite and extra storage layout. When buying I looked at the chassis of the Mercedes in the dealers yard and noticed exactly the same thing regarding the way they had "sliced and diced" the chassis and left the ends unpainted/unprotected. As for the skylight above the bed, ours is exactly the same - the fly screen side does not completely go back. If you look closely you will see two crimp stops near either end that do not allow the screen to open any further so I simply assumed it was a standard hatch manufacturer issue. As for the bed we haven't had any issues (touch wood) although a word of caution - there is a middle button on the bed control panel which you can't clearly see that's used for resetting the bed limits etc. (it's in the manual if you look). You can just see a slight raised "lump" in your video if you look carefully. I have accidentally pressed this a couple of times while pressing the lower button, both times at night, and you get a colour display of red and green lights and the bed will stop. Just wait 30 seconds until the lights go out and you can go again. Keep up the good work guys and continue to enjoy your travels.
Hi, thanks for the tips, good to know that maybe the hatch issue is just something we have to accept. I have put some cardboard up in the part that wont close to stop the sun coming in early in the morning while still sleeping. Glad you have not had any bed issues. Luckily we have been able to fix each time, i wonder if it has something to do with not being completely level at times, perhaps the bed does not like that. Hope your also enjoying your travels.
great video you two lots of tips and you guys are so patient and forgiving hope jayco get their quality assurance sorted out not good that they do this to yous or anyone it never gets you guys down which says alot about you my mate finds your info very helpful well done safe travels guys
Thank you, so glad your mate finds the info helpful. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you😊. Sounds very similar to our set up so we can go with confidence.
Glad it was helpful!
Where did you purchase the shades in the cab. ( front and side windows) and are you happy with them ?
Hi, they came with the motorhome which is a good thing. I think you can buy them but now sure where. Probably online. They are excellent. They keep out so much heat from the cab and therefore motorhome.
You're in good hands with Dr. Nomad! They're a super professional bunch. We got our Jimny hooked up with a Predator about two weeks back. Towing is much less stressful than we had anticipated. Just our luck, the main switch in our motorhome decided to call it quits the night before, but Craig showed up and got us back on the road, just in time for our certification appointment. What a lifesaver!
You might want to chat with Craig or Reece about that chassis mod (you said it was cut?). It does seem a bit iffy, especially in relation to your Mercedes warranty. Not entirely sure, but it might be worth a discussion.
While we were waiting for the install, we stayed nearby at Wangi Holiday Park, on an unpowered site with a killer view overlooking Lake Macquarie. It's a mint spot and close to Toronto!
Thanks very much for the information, so good to know about Dr Nomad's service because we really had no idea and were just provided with their number from the other installer. We are also going to make a few days of it and stay at a park near them, thanks for the tip on the park. We will tow the swifty home and look forward to travelling with the car. Good tip about the chassis, we will see if they can check it out.
Thanks for sharing we are learning quite a bit. Especially how the dealers can muck you around which would cost a lot if you had to rent or stay in a Motel while you wait
Hi, glad you are getting some benefit from our videos. Thanks for watching them.
Yes, keep up the video sharing. Which video is the one on the towing frame set up?
Great tips guys. That’s interesting about the engine immobiliser (not starting if you don’t enter through the door). Also find it disappointing to find all the small faults. I imagine that’s it’s the same with all motorhomes though. The cut through the chassis also surprised me how they never sealed the raw cut with a coat of something. The seat covers look the goods too.
Hopefully you’ll be hassle free from here on.
Thanks we hope so to. A few little issues but we are sure it's common with a lot of brands.
@@brianriddell4830 Yep. I said to my wife recently that we’ve got a small leak in the roof & im taking it back to the dealer for a possible reseal, she was frustrated but then I said it’s all part of it & we’ll be away having a ball in it again soon. That’s life. There’s always something that needs tweaking. As soon as something gets fixed another comes along whether it’s motorhomes, houses, cars etc. safe travels mate. I’m enjoying your vids. 😃👍🚒
Sorry to hear about the leak, your right with always something to do.
Which make and model were your seat covers? We also have a Merc and the info on the arm rests was very helpful.
Hi, glad the info was helpful for you. We purchased the seat covers from super cheap, not sure of the brand sorry. They are just sheepskin (one size fits all) that were on special and cheaper than any we could find online.
We had a Jayco and these issues don't surprise me at all. I would not purchase another one. We have now purchased a Benimàr Tessoro 486. No problems at all, a great MH.
Good to hear you love the Benimar, we are having a look at them now online, have not heard of them before.
Great thank you very useful information 👍😊
Your welcome.
Just wondering how big your solar system . What is the total wattage for your panels and type and size of your battery.
We want to go off grid in our secondhand fiat motorhome and not sure on what size to upgrade too
Hi, we have two 200W solar panels and two 120 a/h lithium batteries. We have had plenty of power so far when off grid. Seems to be enough for us running lights, TV, bed, pump, radio etc, anything 12v as we charge everything we can by 12v usb.
Tell us about your solar set up. Size batteries, panels, inverter, dc to dc charger, how long it lasts, does it. Run the AC and for how long.
Hi, we don't have an inverter. We have 2 x 200 W solar panels and 2 x 120 a/h batteries. Off grid for as long as the sun keeps recharging us. Comes with 30 amp Dc to Dc charger. We can't run air conditioning while off grid.
awesome tips guys...thnks
Our pleasure.
How hard is it to make the bed eg tucking in sheets etc?
Its not too bad, i got some better fitting queen size sheets and re made the bed today. I get up and tuck in the side near the back first, then get off and do the other side while standing on the other side.
Excellent ❤
Thanks 😊
Loving your videos .. well done guys 😁
Your bed looks quite large I was wondering can you actually sleep in it the other way (north/south) so you don’t need to climb over each other?
Hi guys, not sure about the sleeping north/south, we have not tried but i have tried to lay on the lounge that way and its not long enough to lay down completely so i think not.
@@headsortailsmotorhometravels77 Thank you
Is there an Anderson plug for a solar blanket or panel
Hi, no we don't have an Anderson plug.
Just wondering how you got on with Lippert screen. Ours resets itself, turns off, we've had to disconnect earth to battery to reset it, very unreliable. It's going to have to go back for a warranty claim.
Hi, we finally had the lippert screen fixed back at Jayco Service Centre. It needed a 1.1.3 upgrade. We also needed someone that knew what they were doing as the service center had completed the same upgrade a few months ago but had not done it correctly. Its working fine now. Good luck with yours.
Thank you. You are legends. I’m picking up my merc 24.4 next Tuesday and your videos are just what the doctor ordered. So many fantastic facts and real life experience. I’m very grateful to have come across your channel. Looking forward to viewing all of your work. Safe and happy travels. Rhon 😃🙏
Glad to help.