jayco journey outback 2019

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

Profile: Palomino Puma

Paul Owen visits NZRVs in Canterbury to check out the Palomino Puma range of travel and destination trailers the company imports and adapts for the NZ market

Review: Hilltop Kościuszko 23’ 4”

The Hilltop Kościuszko 23’ 4” features a strong character and thoughtful design, creating a lasting impression. Paul Owen reviews.

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

Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations

Get in touch.

• 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

RVs for sale

Sell your RV

News & Reviews

Help & FAQs

2019 JAYCO JAYCO JOURNEY OUTBACK

TRV-ID 110029

New South Wales

Off-Road Van

About the seller

• Sell Online
• Help / Contact

Jayco Journey Outback 2019

• Direct message
• Show Number
• Get directions

In excellent condition inside and out. Sleeps 5, 1 Queen bed and 3 bunks. Heaps of extras: – Washing machine – External shower – 2 batteries – 2 external picnic tables – 2 160watt solar panels – external entertainment connections – DO35 Hitch – 3 Watertanks – Sirrocco fans – Truma Gas Heater – Electric Awning with curved roof rafters – External light above outdoor shower – Stone stopper – Slide out aluminium BBQ tray – 2 Gas Bayonets – 2 jerry cans and ARB cargo bag included. Definitely a must see!!!! Contact Kevin on 0404856180 $79,000

• VIN: VIN 6AM000000 K1 X82348
• Chassis Number: n/a
• Condition: Used
• Warranty: No
• External cabin length: 22.6
• Empty Ball Mass: n/a
• Tare Mass: n/a

Please be advised to exercise caution when contacting sellers. For more information read our help article .

Related listings

Jawa, Lowdown 13, 2023

Mars Endurance Forward Fold Camper 2023

• New South Wales

Hybrid Off Road Samphire Cross made by Urban Caravans

• Littlehampton
• South Australia

Network RV, 23ft Rear Club Lounge, 2021

• Lake Munmorah

Windsor Royal 2010. Port Macquarie.

• Port Macquarie

MDC XT10E-SB 2023 Hybrid

Buying and selling made simple.

Explore Listings

Help and support.

• Dealer Page

Loan Details

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this calculator, the results should be used as indication only. They are neither a quote nor a pre-qualification for a loan.

OBLIGATION FREE.

Current time by city

For example, New York

Current time by country

For example, Japan

Time difference

For example, London

For example, Dubai

Coordinates

For example, Hong Kong

For example, Delhi

For example, Sydney

Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

City coordinates

Coordinates of Elektrostal in decimal degrees

Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

Elevation above sea level is a measure of a geographic location’s height. We are using the global digital elevation model GTOPO30 .

Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia