I am in the process of buying a Jayco Journey Tourer from Bayswater Jayco who advise that there is a regulation problem with the gas hot water system and they cannot provide the caravan with this until the problem is resolved. but they cannot say when there will be a resolution and other manufacturers also have the issue. does anyone know about this problem? where can I get more info on it? I have googled it but cannot find anything about it, just keeps coming up with websites that sell gas hws, nothing about this issue. we are going off early new year with a need for gas hot water in many places we will need to stay, so urgent to have an answer. please put the word out there. thanks. shane.
Peter_n_Margaret said
06:14 PM Nov 27, 2019
Only applies to one brand as far as I know?
Choose another.
Cheers,
Peter
shanem said
06:21 PM Nov 27, 2019
what brand? I don't think Jayco will let me choose another. they haven't been particularly cooperative i'm afraid, and keep being vague in responses to this and other issues I have raised - even went to the trouble of sending a detailed list of questions with some luck in response but not much, including on this issue. keep saying that Jayco manufacturing does it this way and no other when I seek something different, or a reason why. oh well!
Peter_n_Margaret said
07:05 PM Nov 27, 2019
There has been a problem with Suburban units. I don't know if they are solved yet or not.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 27th of November 2019 09:35:32 PM
Snippy said
06:37 AM Nov 28, 2019
Get them to replace it with a Swift.
Cupie said
10:42 AM Nov 28, 2019
Snippy wrote:
Get them to replace it with a Swift.
My limited experience with large manufactures like Jayco indicates that it is extremely difficult to get them to change 'prime items' to a different supplier.
Perhaps they have exclusive contracts with particular suppliers.
Having said that, it is still worth a try. They must have a long line up of vans waiting delivery & final payments, that would pose significant logistical & financial issues for them.
BTW I like Suburban & Jayco.
edit ... missed a critical comma LOL
-- Edited by Cupie on Thursday 28th of November 2019 10:45:09 AM
Davemate said
10:52 AM Nov 28, 2019
The link from Cupie explains it all.
Cheers
David.
Treecrest said
01:28 PM Nov 28, 2019
It could be months before it is resolved - C2C have said as much. I'd suggest you tell Bayswater Jayco to replace the HWS with another brand, so the van can be registered!
Possum3 said
04:05 PM Nov 28, 2019
Posted before lost in ether - Consider getting a Truma water heater fitted they utilise a stainless steel tank so there is no need to replace anode every few months as required with Suburban. You can get a combi unit that includes a space heater as well www.truma.com/au/en/products/truma-caravan-rv-heater/overview.html
shanem said
06:28 PM Nov 28, 2019
Hi Folks,
thanks for all that very useful info. I will ask Jayco to replace it as suggested ... but wont hold my breath ....
Yuglamron said
09:05 AM Nov 29, 2019
Jayco want to sell the van they have no choice but to change the Suburban.
They cannot sell something that is defective. and life threatening.
Bicyclecamper said
09:38 AM Nov 29, 2019
Tell them you will withdraw from the sale, and want a refund if they are not willing to replace the hot water system with something that complies. I sure as hell would not want to have to wait the six months I have heard being bandied about how long this issue with those ho****ersytems may take, and they cannot expect you to wait that long as well as your are quite within your rights to cancel the sale with no penalty. Just my opinion.
TheHeaths said
03:13 PM Nov 29, 2019
Firstly, as Jayco say, this is not their issue alone. It is a Suburban issue on certain HWS's with the certification by the AGA. Thus, most manufacturers will have the same issue with their vans, as many of them use the particular HWS's that are being recalled.
Secondly, those who suggest telling Jayco to install a different unit. Do you know if the units you are suggesting can be installed into the hole left, as the Suburban has a certain size and style of cut out, that may not suit other brands, or may not look terribly nice if just panelled off to fit another unit.
This is a massive issue for many, many people (ourselves included as we had our HWS replaced in Cairns in July after original unit failed), but until Coast RV are advised what the regulator wants done (replacement or repair in situ) I don't see too much happening.
Perhaps your best approach Shane, if you are happy to, would be to 1) ask Jayco if they would swap over to the Instant hot water version of the Suburban, which uses the same cut out I understand, or 2) if not, provide a full refund for you to allow you to seek a different van, even second hand perhaps.
Unfortunately I do not see the fix coming in time for an early new year trip, bearing in mind the recall affects some 17000 units, many of which belong to others who also will be looking for a quick fix to allow planned travel to happen, and who would also consider they are entitled to immediate action.
shanem said
04:24 PM Nov 29, 2019
hi folks,
again thanks for the info and advice.
I have researched the HWS issue and have found the following:
The issue concerns the Suburban Hot Water System licence suspension.
Appliance Models affected Serial numbers affected Suburban Recreational Vehicle Water Heaters SW6DEA SW4DEA SW4DECA SW6PA SW6DA SW4DA SW6DECA (Dual Fuel) From 181315552 to 193002648 Manufactured from 4 April 2018 to 1 August 2019.
Under certain conditions, the water heaters can generate elevated levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) which, in some instances, may spill into the caravan, motor home or camper trailer. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can adversely affect the health when inhaled. Carbon monoxide can be lethal in large concentrations.
The RVDaily website advises a recall is the best course of action.
The ACCC website indicates I can seek a replacement for the HWS rather than await a resolution with an indeterminate timeline, and that the retailer has an obligation in that respect rather than the manufacturer.
I emailed this info to Jayco and await their response.
while we still want their van, it will be useless to us in the New Year given our travel plans and need to have gas for necessary free camping. so I really hope they'll do the right thing and resolve the issue in time or replace the HWS with one that is 'fit for purpose'.
I will keep you posted on the developments.
Hey Ian, where do you get the 17000 units figure from?
Shane
Cupie said
06:29 PM Nov 29, 2019
Shane ..
Looks like a slow road to resolution.
I'm surprised that Jayco haven't worked out a solution. As mentioned in a previous post, the delay must be having significant impact on them.
BTW, I had a good second hand unit sitting in my shed for >12months, but threw it out recently just because I got tired of tripping over it. It was a manual start gas, without a 240v element option though. I had replaced it in error when chasing an elusive fault that turned out to be a faulty (gunked up) regulator. An expensive learning experience.
If I had to change from Suburban, I would look closely at Trauma.
It details 17931 affected vehicles for this recall.
I doubt you will find a different HWS anywhere in Australia as caravan manufacturers fall over themselves trying to get whatever is available to allow them to continue to build units.
Hawk7 said
08:45 PM Nov 29, 2019
Hi all . I had my Suburban replaced earlier this year and just realised the serial number is within the advertised group . I was wondering when exactly was this crisis was first made public and if the installer knew of the problem beforehand ! Cheers !
AlexB said
09:48 PM Nov 29, 2019
Hi
I have one of the affected hot water units in my tiny van, never used so far,
however, rang dealers all around the country to see if I could get reliable information.
1) there are about 18,000 units in the recall (from HWS supplier)
2) 1st to be dealt with are people who live in the vans
3) Problem is supposed to be an ill fitting flange, fault unable to be replicated in other units tested
4) it is an easy fix when resolved, drive in to dealers and they will fix it on the spot while you wait.
5) Jayco are using instantaneous HWS in new build vans to get them out for sale
and NO you cannot buy one yourself as Jayco are buying all the factory can produce (damn)
my solution-
in the interim have purchased a CO detector, will fire up the HWS and see what the result is (Bunnings $38.50)
If OK will use it when free camping until it can be checked by the dealer when they have the solution.
I know it is a risk and will have the detector near the bed, it has a VERY loud alarm.
Alex
shanem said
05:26 PM Nov 30, 2019
umh ... 18,000 units doesn't sound like a near term resolution for us. think i'll ask for the instantaneous HWS as suggested by Ian.
AndyCap100 said
02:09 PM Dec 1, 2019
Hi as has been said its all to do with the very slight chance a possible leak of carbon monoxide into the vehicle when operating. We have never had the gas water heater on full time anyway .I switch water heater on (and open vents )when i make a cup of coffee around 7am and in just 3/4 hr there`s 22lts hot water to cover any showers etc ,and then switch off and then do the same late afternoon /early evening. This scenario is fine for the 2 of us . So if its totally off between these times theres no problem. My Jayco dealer says could be a long process to sort with Suburban/Jayco so, obviously an alarm should be fitted for extra peace of mind . No sweat . Just use your loaf and commonsense .Safe travels out there .
hi folks,
I am in the process of buying a Jayco Journey Tourer from Bayswater Jayco who advise that there is a regulation problem with the gas hot water system and they cannot provide the caravan with this until the problem is resolved. but they cannot say when there will be a resolution and other manufacturers also have the issue. does anyone know about this problem? where can I get more info on it? I have googled it but cannot find anything about it, just keeps coming up with websites that sell gas hws, nothing about this issue. we are going off early new year with a need for gas hot water in many places we will need to stay, so urgent to have an answer. please put the word out there. thanks. shane.
Choose another.
Cheers,
Peter
Cheers,
Peter
Have a look at this post ...
https://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t65974000/suburban-gas-hot-water-heaters-serious/
edit ... Here's another link on the subject
https://rvdaily.com.au/suburban-hot-water-system-licence-suspension-continues/
-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 27th of November 2019 09:35:32 PM
My limited experience with large manufactures like Jayco indicates that it is extremely difficult to get them to change 'prime items' to a different supplier.
Perhaps they have exclusive contracts with particular suppliers.
Having said that, it is still worth a try. They must have a long line up of vans waiting delivery & final payments, that would pose significant logistical & financial issues for them.
BTW I like Suburban & Jayco.
edit ... missed a critical comma LOL
-- Edited by Cupie on Thursday 28th of November 2019 10:45:09 AM
Cheers
David.
thanks for all that very useful info. I will ask Jayco to replace it as suggested ... but wont hold my breath ....
Jayco want to sell the van they have no choice but to change the Suburban.
They cannot sell something that is defective. and life threatening.
Secondly, those who suggest telling Jayco to install a different unit. Do you know if the units you are suggesting can be installed into the hole left, as the Suburban has a certain size and style of cut out, that may not suit other brands, or may not look terribly nice if just panelled off to fit another unit.
This is a massive issue for many, many people (ourselves included as we had our HWS replaced in Cairns in July after original unit failed), but until Coast RV are advised what the regulator wants done (replacement or repair in situ) I don't see too much happening.
Perhaps your best approach Shane, if you are happy to, would be to 1) ask Jayco if they would swap over to the Instant hot water version of the Suburban, which uses the same cut out I understand, or 2) if not, provide a full refund for you to allow you to seek a different van, even second hand perhaps.
Unfortunately I do not see the fix coming in time for an early new year trip, bearing in mind the recall affects some 17000 units, many of which belong to others who also will be looking for a quick fix to allow planned travel to happen, and who would also consider they are entitled to immediate action.
again thanks for the info and advice.
I have researched the HWS issue and have found the following:
The issue concerns the Suburban Hot Water System licence suspension.
Appliance Models affected Serial numbers affected Suburban Recreational Vehicle Water Heaters SW6DEA SW4DEA SW4DECA SW6PA SW6DA SW4DA SW6DECA (Dual Fuel) From 181315552 to 193002648 Manufactured from 4 April 2018 to 1 August 2019.
Under certain conditions, the water heaters can generate elevated levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) which, in some instances, may spill into the caravan, motor home or camper trailer. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can adversely affect the health when inhaled. Carbon monoxide can be lethal in large concentrations.
The RVDaily website advises a recall is the best course of action.
The ACCC website indicates I can seek a replacement for the HWS rather than await a resolution with an indeterminate timeline, and that the retailer has an obligation in that respect rather than the manufacturer.
I emailed this info to Jayco and await their response.
while we still want their van, it will be useless to us in the New Year given our travel plans and need to have gas for necessary free camping. so I really hope they'll do the right thing and resolve the issue in time or replace the HWS with one that is 'fit for purpose'.
I will keep you posted on the developments.
Hey Ian, where do you get the 17000 units figure from?
Shane
Shane ..
Looks like a slow road to resolution.
I'm surprised that Jayco haven't worked out a solution. As mentioned in a previous post, the delay must be having significant impact on them.
BTW, I had a good second hand unit sitting in my shed for >12months, but threw it out recently just because I got tired of tripping over it. It was a manual start gas, without a 240v element option though. I had replaced it in error when chasing an elusive fault that turned out to be a faulty (gunked up) regulator. An expensive learning experience.
If I had to change from Suburban, I would look closely at Trauma.
Try this link from another forum, Shane.
It details 17931 affected vehicles for this recall.
I doubt you will find a different HWS anywhere in Australia as caravan manufacturers fall over themselves trying to get whatever is available to allow them to continue to build units.
I have one of the affected hot water units in my tiny van, never used so far,
however, rang dealers all around the country to see if I could get reliable information.
1) there are about 18,000 units in the recall (from HWS supplier)
2) 1st to be dealt with are people who live in the vans
3) Problem is supposed to be an ill fitting flange, fault unable to be replicated in other units tested
4) it is an easy fix when resolved, drive in to dealers and they will fix it on the spot while you wait.
5) Jayco are using instantaneous HWS in new build vans to get them out for sale
and NO you cannot buy one yourself as Jayco are buying all the factory can produce (damn)
my solution-
in the interim have purchased a CO detector, will fire up the HWS and see what the result is (Bunnings $38.50)
If OK will use it when free camping until it can be checked by the dealer when they have the solution.
I know it is a risk and will have the detector near the bed, it has a VERY loud alarm.
Alex