Disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network
Here’s a list of the most popular Jayco Camper Trailer modifications.
We can’t travel in our Jayco Swan right now…
…so the plan is to do ALL the mods!
But where to start?
Which mods give the best bang-for-buck?
Which ones make the biggest difference to your camping experience?
I asked the Jayco Camper Trailer Owners Group these questions, and asked them to vote for their best modification.
Here’s the list in order of most popular responses:
1. Add a mattress topper
The general consensus is that Jayco camper trailer mattresses really suck.
This was BY FAR the most popular response:
It got 217 votes while no. 2 on the list got 97!
[the weird thing is that this isn’t even really a modification]
After reading A LOT of recommendations the clear winner (by a mile) was the Ever Rest Memory Foam Mattress Topper from Spotlight.
Feedback is consistently that it’s:
- Comfy
- Inexpensive
- You can leave on with the roof down
So I bought one here from Spotlight’s store on eBay
Size?
The double bed topper fits fine for both the double and “queen bed” mattress
(if you get the queen bed topper you’ll have to cut it down)
UPDATE: So I got mine… and it was great! You can read my full review here.
2. Hang some magnetic fly screen door curtains
One of the biggest shortfalls of the Jayco camper trailers are their lack of screen door.
After our last trip in our Swan I can understand why this is the 2nd most popular mod!
There tends to be 2 ways most people go about this:
- Get the Bunnings Magnetic Strip Flyscreen Door Curtain (90cm width) for about $15 then do some trimming, OR
- Buy one that’s already fited to your van from this lady in Victoria on eBay for about $40
I’ve just picked up the Bunnings one… let’s see how I go next weekend
UPDATE: Done! It took about an hour, and I’m really happy with how it ended up. Click here if you want to see how I fitted it.
3. Install a caravan fridge fan kit
This modification is to address an ongoing Jayco camper trailer design flaw:
Heat can’t escape from behind the fridge which effectively makes it stop cooling.
[on a hot day you can end up with a fridge running at over 10 deg]
Installing a 12V fan helps to remove the trapped heat so the fridge can work more efficiently
I started reading up about how to do it and what parts are needed…
…but then I found this review on Facebook:
So I’ve just ordered one from this seller’s eBay store too:
4. Stick marine carpet to the steps
The pull-out steps on the Jayco camper trailers are notoriously slippery when wet.
Lucky it’s a quick fix!
Our Jayco Swan came with this already done…
…both screwed AND stuck down with silicon.
Even then it still started to come loose at the front so I replaced it with some wrap around step covers from caravanmods.com.au:
The price is a little more than buying some silicon and a small piece of marine carpet…
…but it’s quick and easy to install, and no tools are needed
5. Hang a clothesline between the bed support poles
I’ve been completely fine with our portable folding clothesline… until this clotheseline modification!
I think this is pretty cool because it’s a modification that’s unique to a Jayco camper trailer
And it saves space.
There’s quite a few different ways of doing it…
…for our Jayco Swan, I fixed eye straps to the poles and used our Pegless Clotheslines that we got here from Adventure Awaits.
[2 packets are used here in total]
Click here if you want to see the step-by-step photos I took when I did it.
6. Put shelves in the upright cupboard
There’s lots of different ways people go about this.
The easiest way is to hang one of these Flexi Storage 6 Shelf Premium Hanging Organisers (from Bunnings or here on eBay)…
…or if you’re handy you could install some permanent shelves:
UPDATE: Done! I tossed up between the pros and cons of a few different ways of doing it…
Read: 5 Options for Installing Wardrobe Shelves In Jayco Camper Trailers
It’s not on this list, but while I was at it I also added in a lockable false bottom:
7. Install a 12V Water Pump
If you plan on doing any free camping then this is one of the Jayco camper trailer modifications that’s a must.
We were lucky… Our Jayco Swan came with one of these already installed by the previous owner
(and I couldn’t imagine life without it now)
So yeah, it’s no surprise that this is so high up on the list
The one that everyone recommends is the SHURflo 4009
(one of the cheapest places to get is through ouRVan in Rosebud, Vic, through their eBay store)
8. Replace the bag awning with a roll out awning
The bag awnings that come as standard are pretty good…
…but they do take quite awhile to set-up and pack-away
Read: Fiamma vs Bag Awning for Jayco Camper Trailer: Pros and Cons
The Fiamma F45 is the roll out awning that’s most frequently recommended
[I did A LOT of research and compared the pros and cons of the 3 most popular awnings in this article]
This is the most expensive of the Jayco camper trailer modifications on this list:
I’ve read of people paying between $1,200 to $1,700 to have them installed by a dealer…
…but can get one for aroudn $950 from RV Parts Express, Sydney via eBay instead, and just install it yourself
(apparently it’s pretty straightforward though: 3 brackets, bolt on, then hang it up)
Thats what I’ll be doing!
Read: What Size Fiamma Awning for My Jayco Camper Trailer?
UPDATE: Done! Pretty easy, only a few hours, and saved $$$.
Read: Jayco Swan Fiamma Awning Installation [Step-By-Step With Pictures]
9. Install a diesel heater
If you only stay on powered sites then a little electric blow heater is fine.
If you plan on doing any free camping during the colder months?
These are ranked as 9th of the most popular Jayco camper trailer modifications:
They’re surprisingly cheap too at around $200 here on eBay
(the 5 KW is the size that’s recommended)
When I do mine I’ll take step-by-step photos showing how I installed it.
UPDATE: It’s in! It’s the middle of Winter so this one skipped the queue. We love it… if you’re looking at putting one in then check out our Jayco Swan Diesel Heater Installation [Step-By-Step With Pictures]
10. Add dual gas bottles
I’d much rather have two 4.5kg gas bottles than one 9kg gas bottle.
Why?
You can run one fully empty, change to the full one, then you have time to refill the empty one.
This eliminates the risk of running out of gas while you’re camping (or prematurely refilling while you still have some left)
[I wouldn’t bother with two 9kg bottles… two 4.5kg bottles lasted ages for our family of 5 doing a lap of Australia]
Looking forward to doing this one.
11. Install solar on the roof
Our Jayco Swan came with a solar panel already fixed to the roof.
Our last caravan didn’t. We used some folding solar panels that we plugged in whenever we stopped…
I didn’t know what I was missing out on!
I now rate fixed-solar as a ‘must-have’ modification because:
- It saves space
- One less thing to do
- Your batteries are charging even when you’re driving
- No need to plug your caravan in when you’re at home
Let me know if you want to buy some second-hand folding panels, I’ve got some going cheap!
12. Add a bed fly conversion kit
The bed end flys are great thing by themselves. They:
- Keep you and your bed dry if it rains during set or pack-up
- Keep your canvas clean (which means no bird poo on your bed)
This is one of those Jayco camper trailer modifications that gives great bang for buck:
These bed fly conversion kits from Supa Peg via eBay will save you a little bit of time during set-up…
… but the real benefit is less poles and guy-ropes for the kids to trip on.
UPDATE: If you want to read more about this mod, then check out Jayco Swan Bed End Fly Modification (Why It’s Worth Every Cent)
13. Add a second water tank
The thing that usually limits how long you can free-camp isn’t usually solar, it’s water.
The standard Jayco tank is 90 L, so adding another one is a pretty common mod.
To get one installed can cost several hundred… but if you’re handy, you can DIY for less than $200
[They’re about $110 from RV Parts Express, Sydney via their store on eBay]
Don’t forget though:
1 L of water weighs 1 Kg so an extra tank can eat into your payload pretty quickly.
14. Get external gas bayonets fitted
You don’t want to carry a spare gas bottle just to use your BBQ
[or worse, have to mess around with unplugging the one in your van then putting it back in after]
This one isn’t a DIY though:
Get a gas-fitter to plumb in a bayonet gas fitting to the chassis on the front and back of your van.
Then, you can simply plug your Baby Q straight in.
15. Key all locks alike
When we picked up our Swan I couldn’t believe the amount of keys it came with!
I’m not sure how others have done it, but this was how I did this as a simple fix:
Your locks have a code on them (something like B23)
So I called the local Jayco dealer…
…and they ordered in some boot lid locks to match.
Was about $14 each. Took about 5 minutes to change. Worth it.
16. Reinforce bases for bed support poles
The plywood on the bottom of the beds gets pretty chopped up by sliding the poles in and out.
It’s a pretty easy fix though:
You can knock something up yourself like this…
…or the easiest way to go about it would be to get a set from Adam from CaravanMods
[he’s a fellow member of the Jayco Camper Trailer Owners Australia Group]
Side note:
This is also a way to bolster the bed weight limits of these campers
17. Add a second battery
To be honest, right now I’m not sure if I’ll be doing this for our Swan
[our family of five has always coped with a single 100 Ah battery]
But, I can completely understand why this is one of the most popular mod
18. Replace curtains with roller blinds
Installing roller blinds looks like a great way to:
- Eliminate curtain derailment
- Remove a fire hazard from behind the gas cooker
- Make it easier for the vertically challenged in our family!
The most common approach seems to be getting the ones straight off the rack at Bunnings
[Apparently they weigh about the same as the curtains too]
19. Turn the tunnel boot hatch into a table
When I started making a list of modifications I wanted to do to our Swan I was originally going to buy one these caravan picnic tables off eBay…
…but then I saw that someone had done a caravan tunnel boot table modification.
Because I needed to get some bits and pieces for the clothesline modification, I thought I might as well get enough to do this too
[so yeah, I sorted of jumped ahead in the modifications I was doing for our Swan]
This is how it turned out:
What a difference a couple of well placed chains can make!
You can see how I did it and what materials I used here: Tunnel Boot Table Modification for Jayco Camper Trailer
20. Mount PVC tube pole carriers
These PVC tubes are great for storing poles for your awning, bed flys, or annex.
They help keep the tunnel boot tidy, and make it easier to get things out
For our old caravan I went to Bunnings to get everything to make one…
…but it ended up more more expensive by the time I went to get a 3 m length of pipe, a couple of end caps, brackets, etc
[for just one it was cheaper to get one off eBay]
If you plan on having 2 though, that’s when it’s definitely cheaper to DIY.
21. Cover floor with carpet tiles
I love the idea of this modification to:
- Create a bit more warmth in the winter
- Protect the floor from the kids
- Easier to clean than permanent carpet
[something I reckon I’ll do though is cut a single piece of marine carpet to shape]
UPDATE: We did it! Here’s our link to Installing Marine Carpet In A Jayco Swan Camper Trailer
(it’s simple, easy to clean, doesn’t move, and light… glad we did this instead of tiles)
22. Convert one of the beds to king size
When I heard about this I thought it was just for the giants who needed extra legroom…
Photo courtesy Trent Jones (Jayco Camper Trailer Owners Australia)
…but it’s so you can sleep longways instead of East-West
[so you don’t have to climb over each other in the middle of the night]
This isn’t one of the Jayco camper trailer modifications I’m likely to do…
…but if you are interested, pretty much it’s a case of:
- Buy a piece of foam to fit
- Put a length of board underneath to support it
- The fitted sheet holds it all in place
- During the day fold the extra back onto the bed
- When travelling lay it on top of the table
Genius.
23. Install a BBQ Arm
We’ve always just gone with one of the small folding tables from Bunnings…
…but everyone I know who’s got one of these thinks they’re worth it
[and that they’ve also popped up on this list, makes me think I should get one too]
If you’re after one you can get straight from BBQARM’s website.
24. Insulate underneath the mattresses
This’s another of those Jayco camper trailer modications that addresses a design flaw:
They’re notorious for letting the cold in from under the bed.
3 ways you can do this:
- Insulation (make sure it’s the breathable type)
- Marine carpet, or
- K-mart yoga mats with foil insulation on the back
(I’m going to wait and see what effect our mattress topper has first before I do any of these)
25. Add a kids bed divider
This is great to either:
- Allow a little one to get an uninterrupted sleep, or
- Stop 2 bigger ones from fighting over their space
Adelaide Annex & Canvas make this…
…or you could DIY like this one we made for our Swan:
Read: Here’s how we did our DIY Bed Divider for Jayco Swan Camper Trailer
Either way, this is one of the great Jayco camper trailer modifications if you’re a parent
26. Install a Travel Buddy 12 Volt Oven
At first I thought people were talking about replacing the gas oven with a 12V oven to save space…
…but then I saw that these cook your food while you’re driving!
[great for when you’re doing big drives, you can pull over and eat pies, sausage rolls, etc]
It looks like the thing to do is to mount them in the boot tunnel with a divider
Shane Blackwell’s Travel Buddy installation and tunnel boot table modification… awesome!
The moment I found this pic on Google, I was sold!
I wish I’d heard of these when we were doing our lap of Australia
The cheapest place to buy them is here on eBay.
27. Remove the centre pillar from entrance cupboard
The centre pillar in this cupboard just gets in the way.
Removing the pillar (and shifting the doors over so there’s no gap) makes complete sense.
It’s a pretty simple job that gives 2 big benefits:
Not only does it make the dinette cupboard more usable…
…it means you don’t have to rely on those dodgy Jayco door latches
Check out how I did it here: Removing The Centre Pillar From Entrance Cupboard [Jayco Swan]
28. Add USB ports
I can understand why this is a pretty popular modification:
It seems like everything charges by USB these days.
We were lucky enough to have had the previous owner install some of these in our Jayco Swan:
We love them (and at a bit over $5 each from eBay, it’s hard to go wrong!)
29. Remove the roof safety kill switch
This is a switch that’s job is to cut power to the roof when it’s packed down
But, it often malfunctions and stops the lights from working
Now, I’m not going to provide electrical wiring advice…
…but some people say that it’s safe to cut it out and simply join the wires
[if you’ve turned off all the switches and/or disconnected the power before lowering the roof it’s not required anyway]
We’re lucky. It appears the metal tongue has fallen off at some point…
30. Add roof support poles
If you don’t already have roof support poles then they should be at the top of your list of Jayco camper trailer modifications
For something so cheap and simple, they could save you a lot of problems
[Jayco caught on to this one, and they now come as standard]
Some broom handles, a hacksaw, and some stoppers is all you need.
31. Change light globes to LED
LED lights use way less power than traditional globes.
And, they last 10-50 times longer.
To be honest:
Lights use bugger all power in the first place…. I think the main benefit is reducing the risk of having to change a globe while you’re away.
You can get kits here off eBay that are the right fit for Jayco camper trailers.
32. Stick a spirit-level on the drawbar
This one gets my vote…
…it’s one of my favourites things that you can do for only a few dollars and it makes a big difference
[especially if you travel a lot]
These are less than $5 here on eBay, and make setting up so much easier.
Totally worth it.
Hint: When you put it on, don’t just do it based on when your drawbar is level
Read: Caravan Levelling Devices (or check out here for a step-by-step of how to install)
33. Install a pop up power point
This is a pretty cool way of making your caravan a little bit more neat and tidy.
The good thing is you don’t need an electrician to install these:
They just like a power board, and plug straight into an existing power point.
[These ones from eBay also have USB plugs in them]
UPDATE: We’ve now installed ours! Read: Pop Up Power Point for Jayco Swan (Installation and Review)
34. Stick hooks on back of door for long utensils
The spatula, tongs, etc are just that little bit too long for the cutlery holder in the drawer
Adding a couple of dollars worth of hooks from Bunnings?
Cheap and easy.
35. Create a storage room underneath your bed end
I’ll be honest:
This one didn’t make it onto the list
But I thought I’d add it because they look pretty cool…
…and I’ll definitely be getting one
This looks like a pretty good way of tidying up our campsite and keeping out of sight our:
- Barbecue
- Portaloo
- Bikes, rollerblades, toys, etc
You can get them online here from Caravans Plus, NSW’s online eBay store.
UPDATE: Here’s some new additions since we originally published this article…
36. Add some flexi-storage baskets to the side of the tall cupboard
I’m surprised this wasn’t in the original list:
Nearly every time I’ve added a picture of a modification, someone’s asked where to get these!
The good news is that this one’s a simple job with a few parts from Bunnings… these are the Flexi Storage:
- Small Spice Shelving Basket ($11.00)
- Medium Shelving Basket ($11.76)
- Double Slot Wall Strip ($7.67)
Less than $30 and about 5 minutes to install. Bargain.
37. Replace the fold-down kitchen drawer with a shelf
You can almost guarantee that anyone who’s ever set foot in a Jayco camper trailer has asked:
Whats the deal with this funny little drawer?
It’s a waste of space. And the drawer is useless.
This is a great video of how you can make great use of the space under the sink:
[all parts for less than $20 from Bunnings]
38. Add some of Miz’s turn button supports
The 2 little turn buttons are the only thing that’s holding up the door when it’s folded up onto the roof…
…and as you can see by this picture they’re pretty vulnerable:
[this was caused by us the first time we used our Swan… we didn’t know the tip about how to fold the door flat to the roof]
A clever guy who goes by the name of Miz started making these turnbuckle supports:
Find him here in the Jayco Camper Trailer Owner’s Australia group
39. Stick some 8 mm tubing over the tap
The taps in Jayco camper trailers are notorious for splashing water everywhere
[isn’t that awesome considering the 9 V roof plug is right next to the sink?!]
A simple fix is to stick a length of 8 mm clear tubing over the nozzle of the tap:
[Bunnings to the rescue once again]
40. Hang some Sky Tracks for extra storage
These are one of the most popular Jayco camper trailer modifications when it comes to storage:
They’re a great way to hang storage boxes to keep lightweight items out of the way.
We don’t have these (yet) but what I like about them is that you can:
- Pack your gear when your camper is wound down
- Slide the boxes in the door, and then
- Hang them up when you’ve set up at your destination
Check them out here at: The Cardan Group
41. Attach a chain to the sink plug
This just seems too simple and easy to be of any use…
…until the first time you’re trying to do the dishes and sink plug is missing
A few dollars of chain from Bunnings, a key ring, and it’s (almost) toddler-proof
42. Upgrade to Ezi Hockey Sticks
For some campers it’s easy to extend the canvas on the bed ends…
…but for others it’s a team sport or a pain (literally)
AGeckoCan Ezi Products makes these hinged hockey sticks:
We got some of these… if you’re interested then read our full review here
Summary: These are the most popular Jayco camper trailer modifications
So these are the MOST POPULAR modifications that people do for their Jayco Swan, Eagle, Hawk, Flamingo, Swift or Dove…
…but I bet there’s some other mods that aren’t on this list that make a big difference too
Comment below:
What’s your favourite Jayco camper trailer modification?
Otherwise check out one of our other popular articles: 23 Tips For New Jayco Camper Trailer Owners
![Turn Button Supports for Ceiling of Jayco Camper Trailer [Jayco Swan Installation]](https://abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Turn-Button-Supports-for-Ceiling-of-Jayco-Swan-Camper-Trailer-440x264.jpg)
![Jayco Swan Diesel Heater Installation [Step-By-Step With Pictures]](https://abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Jayco-Swan-Diesel-Heater-Installation-Step-By-Step-440x264.jpg)
Thanks for this list! I have been flying solo on the mods and hacks I have been trying. I have found this and found that I have ticked a few off, but a few other ideas I am excited about (the bed end fly’s!)
Another I am particularly excited / interested in is the blinds. Did you end up doing this? If so, did you use the Bunnings option? Seems like a game changer (along with the fiama which I have just ordered!
Hi Johl, thanks! We haven’t got to this one… yet! When we do, we’ll definitely be doing the Bunnings option, this looks like the best way of doing it
Some great ideas here. Wondering if those roller blinds have to be removed prior winding the roof down?
Hi Vlad, I haven’t come across anyone who’s needed to remove them prior to windin down
Hi, just wondering if when you do the pegless clothesline, weather or not you need to leave the bungee cord in the eyelet strap or are the loops big enough to slide the ends of the bungee cord out to take them off? Thank you, and great mods and tips.
Hi Darren, you can take them out with no problems. I keep these, a scrubba wash bag, and some of the Dreambly sheets in a small bag under the sink. To see more info on the clothesline check here: Clothesline Modification for Jayco Camper Trailer [Using Bed Support Poles]
Hi
I saw you blog with all these great mods and found a lot of them very good. But your one number 14 “Get external bayonets fitted” may need some clarification in what can be attached to them. The research I’ve done it appears that in late 2021 the regulations have changed in regards to what’s attached to external bayonet fittings according to AS/NZS 56 01.2 Gas installations -LP gas installations. “All appliances connected to the gas installation must have flame safeguard systems on all burners. This includes appliances connected through a quick connect device such as an external gas bayonet.
I think there is also another law regarding changing equipment ie hoses to suit the bayonet fitting other than what the manufacturer has intended it for, must be” like for like “otherwise it has to be done by a licensed gas fitter and then to be inspected by a type a appliance inspector.
Some clarification should given otherwise people maybe think this a legal modification when it may not be?
Regards Ben
Hi Ben, thanks – you’re correct re the mod. As mentioned in the article, this one needs to be done by a licensed gas fitter. The change is with regards to which barbeques are now considered compliant… unfortunately the Weber and Ziggy aren’t, but they’re both working on aftermarket flame safeguard systems. In the meantime, the marine sizzler is the one to get (thanks for the idea, might do an article on this barbeque and these options). Cheers!
Hi. I went to the blinds last year. Spotlight was half price at the time, just shop around. We have a Swift which of course is small but at the same time we removed 7 of the nine curtains keeping one on each bed end. The unintended consequence was that we now have way more room on top of the beds when we wind down. I think that we have solved the dirt road dust problems.
Hi Robert, that’s great to hear! That’s one of the next things for us to do
Hi Robert, out of interest did you get spring loaded roller blinds or ones with chains. If chains – are these a pain, and is the diameter of the chain mechanism a problem with it sticking out?
Great list, has given me some good ideas. Thanks
Hi, fantastic tips for Swan owners!
Wish we had found this website when we did all our mods on our Swan!
Just another mod we did which has been really worth it.
Install a second annex light on the other side of the camper! Then you won’t trip over stuff or hit your head on awnings at night. We also have an external shower so it’s been great for that too!
Hi, excellent upgrade list, for the insulation under the beds if using foil yoga mats i assume by the photo that its foil side up?
Hi Garry, that’s the way we’ve done it too
Has anyone ever removed the fridge and put a portaloo in its place with a sink with a shower attachment
Wow your site has really got invaluable information for us others!!!
I’ll make sure I post mine if I have any once I’ve kitted my new Swan. Thanks for your tips!
Thanks Sara, good luck with the new Swan and can’t wait to see your tips too 🙂
Hi, has anyone bridged the gap between folded down table and lounge in order to make an extra bed? Thank you
Thank you for the list. We just purchased a Jayco Eagle and we will be making some of these changes recommended. The facebook group is great to get ideas and support.
Hi Anne, thanks… yes, the Facebook group is a good one isn’t it!
I just did # 16 Reinforce base for bed supports. Bought the kit on eBay (didn’t get the free spirit level, I think the offer has expired) and installed the 4 reinforcements. Ours were riveted in rather than screwed which means we had to drilled the rivets out. Not a big deal.
A word of caution, the screws in the kit are a tad too long and when pushing the bed in, they hit the frame hard!! Easy to fix as all you do is remove the screws and place a couple of washers at the top. The beds go in without problem.
I think I will rivet the supports as I am concerned with the extra height of the three washers and the screw head damaging the mattress base. With the rivets and the original washer it sits almost flat.
Does anyone know if I can attach a batwing awning (Darche Eclipse 270 Awning Gen 2) (https://www.snowys.com.au/eclipse-270-awning?s=Passenger%20Side&gclid=CjwKCAjw1K75BRAEEiwAd41h1K6Za0KU5_GyAovvlDb0nyakCg5bV51tSF98f7frOm9dFrULftTfhhoCTY0QAvD_BwE) to a Swan?
The weight is 22kg, so we would probably go with an awning AND aircon combo and that would go close enough to topping out our weight range for the roof.
I’m concerned about the attachment as obviously these normally bolt onto roof racks. I am hesitant to bolt through the side of the roof, but I may not have an option??
If anyone has any experience or advice it would be greatly appreciated!
I found this list last week just before we were heading out on a winter weekend away. So for under-bed insulation we bought a roll of Ametalin SilverWrap 1350mm x 10m Wall Insulation. $30 at Bunnings, Perfect width for the double bed in a single piece. For the queen I ran it the sideways so there’s a big section in the middle with double layer overlapping. No need to attach it, seems quite strong and lays flat. So I used about half the roll.
If you’re interested in carpet tiles in SA, Paramount browns have them for 2.99 each (500mm square). For the Flamingo I need 15, they come in boxes of 20 so bought a box to give us a few spares! Probably I will underlay with the leftover foil insulation too. That’s one of the next jobs on my list.
Hi
Has anyone installed a larger access door big enough to get a gen in and out instead of lifting up out the boot in their jayco Eagle 2019 model. Just wondering if it changes the structural strength of the boot or sides of the walls.
I have had a look and looks like I can do it but just wondering if it’s a no no.
Cheers
Thank you so much for all the great ideas. Have done a few on our Swan before I found this list but now I have a few more to go!! Just a couple of questions, 1. How do you keep the kids beds made when they are sideways and nowhere to tuck sheets? 2. I’ve heard the back of carpet and tiles damage the floor. Can you deny or confirm? Or did you use underlay to prevent this?
Hi Tanya, our kids don’t use top sheets, we bought some comforter sets from Kmart. Yes, we heard that with the rubber backing too – the marine carpet doesn’t have that. We’ve had no problems with it. Cheers!
Loved the magnetic curtain mod! I installed mine yesterday on a Jayco Hawk and it works a treat! Such great value for the money. The curtain was about $10 from Bunnings. I bought some extra velcro (and did a full strip above the door for extra security) (about $5) plus cloth tape (about $4). I taped the sides and the edge to the cupboard as well as the bottom under the curtain – again just for a bit of extra protection on the cut edge. The only thing I would do differently is buy white velcro as the black stands out a bit when the curtain is not attached. But very minor issue. This is a super easy mod (took me about 1.5 hours – i was a bit slow!) and the result is exceptionally good.
I have bought the diesel heater but definitely not trying this one myself!
Step covers ordered !
Thanks for this list – its so useful!
Hi Mel, thanks for the kind words… and great idea about white velcro!
Hi just found your site, packed with so much info for me which I need , as we just purchased a Jayco Lark Bushpackand we added Air con and other extras ready for us in April 2021.
Just had Qu on the bed toppers (which I’m definitely buying) you mention you can roll down the van with the Toppers on which is awesome. But Can you also leave a thin duvet or Doona on the bed as well and roll the van down ?
Hi Annie, thank you! Now that we have our mattress topper on we take the doona off (we roll it up and place it on the couch during travelling)
Some great mods here, I’ll be looking at a few of them for our swan, thanks for putting together this resource.
On another note I would notice that smile anywhere, we served together in the Solomon Islands back in 07 you would remember me as Westy one of the CHQ sigs. Hope your doing well Brother.
Hey Westy, long time no see… would you believe that’s 14 years ago?! I bet “Bill and Ted” are still on the loose… bad VSWR!
Thanks for the tips! The lever switch for the lights is to prevent the van catching fire when hot halogen light bulbs are left on when the van is wound down. I’ve replaced that switch with a 12 volt toggle switch into the doorway cupboard and can turn the lights on and off from outside the van. We just flick the switch before closing it up. It’s also great to be able to turn the lights on as you walk in.
Also, one halogen bulb uses an amp of power and there are 7 in the Dove. I can run all 7 LED bulbs that I replaced mine with and still use less power than just one of the old bulbs… handy if you’re trying to consume less power (if you have kids, that’s important). And they don’t get anywhere nears as hot.
Hi Gordon, absolutely about the lights, LED are a great upgrade. Good idea about the switch just inside the door… reckon I might add it my list of things to do!
Hi, we’re looking at buying our first Swan and wonder what peoples thoughts are on having a hot water service? the 2013 I am looking at doesnt have it but looks great otherwise. I thought it would be a deal breaker for me but wondering if anyone has found a budget friendly way to install one?
Hi Bec, a lot of people go with portable ones… ours came with one, it lives in the drawer under the care seat and just plugs in to the bayonet fitting on the draw bar (the brand most people go with is the Joolca)
Hey have you got a pic of this set up please?
Hi Michelle, which part of the set-up?
Thank you for your tips to upgrade my Jayco swan tourer. Have completed 20. Would like to point out that when clicking on the next page for the tabs at the top it does not work.
Hi Gideon, thank you… and thanks, have just updated my site to fix that. Appreciated!
Buyer beware in Perth. Was quoted $2400.00 to supply and install a rollout awning onto a Jayco Swan.
Got the identical product delivered from Sydney to my home address in Perth for $1,098.00. A couple of hundred for installation is reasonable but $1,300.00 is absurd.
Hey Bob, 100% agree… that’s why I self-installed my Fiamma on our Jayco Swan too!
Did most of these to my Swan Outback. I found the double size mattress topper a bit small though, so ended up upgrading to the queen and cutting it to size.
Hi, thanks for your tips.
I’ve worked my way through quite a few. I originally started looking for a tip on connecting the drain hose to my Swan’s sink drain and found your blog.
It was a pain constantly pushing the drain hose on and not that practical having to heat it to make the job easier. I now have a good solution. I’ve cut a short piece of drain hose, pushed it on to a male camlock connector and pushed the other end on to the trailer connection. It stays there permanently. Then I pushed the corresponding female camlock onto the main hose, so I can click it on quickly and easily.
If you think this is a worthwhile tip, I’m happy for you to use it. I can send pictures if necessary.
Cheers
Peter
I’ve just found this list – great ideas and so handy in one list!
Thanks for the list. We have just purchased our first Swan outback and this list has helped me work out how we can customise our setup. Great list of ideas. One I was looking for some help with is carrying bikes on the swan roof racks. I have a rhino rack pioneer platform that was going to mount on the roof racks but having trouble finding a mounting foot to fit the roof racks. Has anyone fitted bike racks to the roof racks or a pioneer rack to the roof racks? Looking for the best way to carry 4 bikes on the roof. All ideas welcomed.
Well we’ve done as many of your suggestions as we could before we head off on a 27 day adventure across the Nullarbor. Thanks for the website as it was the best place for us to start from.