5 Common Problems with Jayco Outback [Solutions Included]

As a family-friendly and more economical alternative for travelers, caravans like the Jayco Outback have become more popular in recent years. Traveling in a caravan is not like other forms of travel, and owners have to adapt to new dynamics related to operating a caravan.

There is a wide spectrum of issues while operating your Jayco Outback. Some of them happen more often than others. We try to separate those problems that appear more frequently, like dysfunctional electronics, brake malfunction, noisy pump, low battery life, stress crack, etc. Then provide a convenient solution to the problems in detail. 

Hopefully, that will make your travel experience more trouble-free and comfortable.

What Are The Common Problems With the Jayco Outback?

As a Jayco Outback owner, you may face several problems besides all the other conveniences associated with a caravan. Some of them are easy to solve, and some are comparatively complex. Among all the other problems, the following five are the most common for Jayco Outback. 

1. Water Damage
2. Water Pump Issues
3. Leaking Shower
4. 12V System Issues
5. Leaking Roof Problems

How Do You Troubleshoot and Fix Jayco Outback Problems?

For elaboration purposes, we have isolated some common problems associated with Jayco Outback from others. To provide more detailed information about the problems, including symptoms, causes, fixations, and fixation costs, you may peruse the following discussion.  

Problem 1: Water Damage Issues on the Jayco Outback 

The caravan stays out for a long time, sustaining water damage more often. Minor damage mostly stays undetected for a long time, but over time it becomes substantial and develops the following symptoms.    

• Water stains on the walls and roof
• Soft and swollen, the roof, floor, and walls
• Cracked or peeling caulk

What Causes Water Damage Problems on the Jayco Outback?

Water damage happens gradually due to irregular check-ups or inspections. It also causes further damage that can be expensive to repair. The following reasons are mostly behind severe water damage. 

• Leaking roof due to corrosion of roof sealer or corner mold
• Damaged or defective water system and drainage system 
• Damaged accessories like air conditioners, hatches, etc. are replaced and reinstalled defectively
• Lack of regular checkups, maintenance, and age of the vehicle.
• Damaged due to an outside force like hitting something, storm, strong wind, collision, etc.

How To Fix The Water Damage Problem On Jayco Outback?

For water damage, prevention is always better than restoration. Along with regular check-ups, you should replace the sealant every 6 years or less. 

For damaged or leaked plywood floors, wallpaper, fridges, kitchens, toilets, showers, etc., the common solution is a replacement. 

The leaking windows, vents, and cracking joints hardly need any replacement. In most cases, the change of joint sealant is enough. 

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Water Damage On A Jayco Outback? 

A floor repair can cost you as little as 15 bucks. The approximate cost of a shower is 125-300 dollars; for the toilet, you have to spend 295-345 dollars. 

A sealant is between $200 and $500. A refrigerator replacement can cost you 1400-2000 dollars. At the same time, the cost of repairing a damaged roof can reach up to $2,800.

Read Also: Common Jayco Seismic Problems & Solutions

Problem 02: Water Pump Issues on Jayco Outback 

A malfunctioning pump is common and frequently appears at Caravans like Jayco Outback. Which provide the following symptoms

• The pump makes an excessive or unusual noise
• The pump is running, but no water is pumped
• The water pump keeps cycling on and off 

What Causes Water Pump Problems on the Jayco Outback?

The water pump malfunctioned in the Jayco Outback for some general reasons. Most of the problems are related to the pump and the water lining. The most frequent problems are given below. 

• Clogged water filter and supply line 
• Water Line is leaked
• Mechanical issues with the pump 
• The damaged diaphragm of the pump 
• Cracks, faulty valves, or loose connections cause cycling on and off

How To Fix The Water Pump Problem On A Jayco Outback?

To reduce unwanted sound and vibration, put a rubber pad below the pump, insulate the pipe with insulation foam, and wrap duct tape around the foam. 

If you want to repair pipe leakage, inspect the input, output, and holding tank lines and repair the leak you inspected. 

When your water filter is clogged, you can clean it. However, the damaged filter has to be replaced.

Generally, replacing the check valve for leaking water pumps can solve the issue. You can solve the diaphragm issue by cleaning it, but you may have to replace it if required. 

A fuse replacement can sometimes solve the damaged pump issue; if not the whole pump has to be replaced. 

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Water Pump Problem On A Jayco Outback?

A minor leak repair can cost you 10$-20$. A new check valve can cost you between 25-35. A damaged diaphragm requires replacement and costs you between 30-50 dollars. A damaged filter can cost you around $10.

A new pump costs around 75-150 dollars without a service charge. If a fuse replacement can do the job then the cost is reduced to 10-20 dollars.

Read Also: Common Jayco Pinnacle Problems & Solutions

Problem 3: Leaking Shower Problem Issues on Jayco Outback

Shower leaks are comparatively common on Jayco Outbacks compared to other problems when the shower leaks on your vehicle. 

• Water puddle outside shower
• Water all over the floor
• Water is dripping under the van

What Causes a Leaking Shower Problem on the Jayco Outback?

For new Jayco owners, a leaking shower is not uncommon, and there are specific reasons for each problem. We will identify some prominent causes behind these shower leak problems below.

• Did not use sealant around the edge
• Inadequate sealant on shower plug
• No hose clamp on the burb of the plug
• Leak in the hot and cold plastic pipe that feeds water
• Shower tray leaking

How To Fix A Shower Leaking Problem On A Jayco Outback?

For new owners, inadequate sealing is a common problem and can be solved by applying sealant around the edge or shower plug. You can attach a hose clamp to the plug to stop it from leaking. 

You can repair the leaking pipe by sealing the hole. An extension pipe can replace partial damage, and loose connections with a push fit joint. 

Minor damage to the shower tray can be repaired by sealing the crack. Only a replacement can fix the severe damage.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Shower Leaking Problem On A Jayco Outback?

You can buy shower sealant for 75-175 dollars to repair the edge and the plug leak yourself. Repairing the cold and hot water pipes can cost you 150 to 1100 dollars.

Fixing a shower leak yourself can cost you as low as 20 dollars.  Replacing a shower tray costs you around 500 dollars.

Read Also: 4 Common Jayco Eagle Problems & Solutions

Problem 4: 12V System Issues on the Jayco Outback

Jayco Outback has a 12V power system that keeps all its appliances functional. 12V system failure can stop almost all functions in the caravan, and you may face the issues given below. 

• No power for appliances despite the battery being full
• 120V system is not working
• The battery is not fully charging
• 12Vs breaker is tipping

What Causes 12V System Problems on the Jayco Outback?

Malfunction of the 12V system occurs for multiple reasons or part failures. Some of them appear frequently and are discussed below. 

• Dead Battery
• Under charged battery
• Burnet out inverter/converter fuse
• Loose connection
• Lack of battery fluid
• Tipped breaker due to overload

How To Fix A 12V System Problem On A Jayco Outback?

You can solve most of the 12V issues yourself because only a few repairs require special skills. You can solve the 12V system problem by following these procedures. 

For battery problems, charge and monitor the performance. You may have to replace it if it performs inadequately.

Inspect the water level and add some distilled water if necessary. Resetting the tripped breaker can solve the overload issue. 

For the inverter/converter issue, change the burned fuse. You can also tighten the connection when it gets loosened. 

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A 12V System Problem On A Jayco Outback?

Changing the fuse requires some skill and costs you around $5 for the parts. A tipped breaker can cost you 15-30 dollars, and an inverter costs 170-200 without a service charge. 

The cost of a battery replacement depends on the battery type. A lithium-ion battery can cost you between 800$-1200$. Contrarily, a lead acid battery can cost you as little as 100$-300$

Read Also: Common Jayco North Point Problems & Solutions

Problem 5: Leaking Roof Issues on Jayco Outback

Leaking roof problems are associated with age and low maintenance. When your roof leaks, you may find the following issues in your Jayco Outback.

• Water dripping or roof gets wet while raining
• Stress cracks on the fiberglass roof
• Dry rots on the roof timber
• Softened and cracked rubber above gutter and perimeter

What Causes Leaking Roof Problem on Jayco Outback?

Each type of leak has its particular reason. Following the symptoms, the causes are introduced below. 

• A small crack and a gaping hole in the roof  
• Use an electric heater at a very low temperature (-6°C)
• Any blow, impact, or insufficient sealant can cause a stress crack
• When airborne spores meet the wet timber, dry rot starts to appear. 
• Long use without maintenance and dry rot can soften the rubber and crack. 

How To Fix Leaking Roof Problem On Jayco Outback?

Repairing a leaking roof is simple, and sometimes you can do it yourself. Replacing the roof is harder and more expensive, and it’s common for older models. 

For cracks and gaping holes, you can fill them with a rubberized leak stopper. You can apply a sealant to the crack. Getting rid of dry rot is harder and mossy. You have to replace the infected part. 

Damaged rubber on the roof requires different treatment. If the damage is minor, then applying sealant tape is sufficient. For severe damage to the rubbery parts, you can apply a lap sealant.  

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Leaking Roof Problem On A Jayco Outback?

When you reseal your roof, it may cost you between 200$-500$ for ingredients. Dry rot repair costs vary on the status of damage. The approximate cost of dry rot repair is between 100-300 dollars. 

Roof replacement can cost you between 300$-325$ for each linear foot. Based on your model, it may cost between $7000 and $12,000.

Conclusion

Camping vehicle trailers like the Jayco Outback require regular maintenance like any other vehicle you use. 

Long-rested vehicles may save you some money due to low maintenance, but in the long run, they will cost you way more than you think. 

Some parts of your trailer require regular repair and replacement, like joint sealants, fuses, plugs, etc. If you take care of these issues, your Jayco Outback will serve you better.

Read Also: Common Jayco Journey Problems & Solutions