We've always wanted a Jayco Penguin but the ball weight was always too heavy for whatever car we had at the time. but when Jayco reversed the interior and put the bed at the back in 2015 the ball weight went down considerably. We saw a 2015 model in a yard and enquired. The Penguin was bought new by an elderly couple, they used it once, didn't like it so traded it on a caravan. When we first saw it we thought it new, it had the extras we wanted a Fiama and a Fusion and was cheaper than new so we grabbed it.
On the way to pick it up the dealership rang to say the Penguin had been recalled for modification to the roof lifting system, so we turned around and went home. Two weeks later we picked up the camper and went on our first trip. Whilst packing for our second trip, the roof collapsed so we took it in for repairs. When I got it home I found the dealership had neglected to replace a frayed cable, so I took it back for repairs again. Not real happy over this saga, the dealer messed us around terribly. Due to health problems we haven't had a chance to use it again, perhaps when the weather warms a little.
I've added a few extras: I installed a 150AH AGM and made up a box for same, mounted a 100 watt semi flexible on the roof, a digital voltmeter, USB charging ports, extra 12 volt sockets. I also threw out the horrible innerspring, replaced the ribs with ply and installed a foamy, made up an antenna bracket, a swivelling, height adjustable TV stand, added a couple of extra storage compartments over top of the cable inspection pits, hinged the rear inspection cover so I can inspect before each trip, added a HD cable and Anderson for the fridge, installed a manual toggle switch, added an anderson to the rear for portable SP or generator, bought an electric jockey wheel, welded up a longer roof winder handle, replaced the sink drain hose and re-directed it to the rear of the Penguin. I've just finished installing an under table drawer I made up for remotes, keys, tablets, ebooks, etc, there's probably a few other bits I've missed, but that's all I can remember at the moment.
We have been towing with a 2013 ASX diesel which has been brilliant but yesterday we traded on a new Ford Escape diesel. If it's anywhere near as good as the ASX we'll be happy. So, a little extra power, heavier vehicle and slightly more room in the vehicle.
I also threw out the horrible innerspring, replaced the ribs with ply and installed a foamy,
I hope you have not thrown out those ribs. Do you realise why they put slats under the bed instead of using the cheaper option of Ply?
Many years ago I constructed a bed with a solid base. I drilled 30 mm holes in a grid pattern of 150 mm (both directions) and put a Dunlopillo mattress on it. The result was condensation under the mattress. I ended up having to drill many more holes through the base to cure the condensation problems, so many that the extra holes weakened the base so much I had to install extra cross members to stop it sagging. I suggest you replace the slats.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Slats under foamies work really well, with only half of the foam being supported underneath, guess what happens? That aside, we've had no problems with condensation.
Just remember the ASX is not a 4WD! Definately not made for some of the tracks you can find in Kakadu or litchfield. I found that out in a Suzuki Siera back around 98. Did a little damage to the undercarriage.
