jayco journey outback family van

Jayco Journey Outback 22.68-4 OB

Not so long ago at the recently held Sydney caravan show, I was wandering through the very large and busy Jayco stand on the lookout for new or upgraded models to explore when I caught the attention of Brad Slater from Jayco Sydney. He directed me to a just-out-of-the-factory Jayco Journey Outback family van, otherwise known as the 22.68-4 OB model in Jayco nomenclature or the 22ft for short.

Different Layout

I’ve mentioned previously that bunk bed layouts are definitely more common these days and to a considerable degree, many of the layouts have a certain similarity. However, a few manufacturers have stepped outside the design box lately and this particular layout is one of them. 

jayco journey outback family van

For a start there are four bunks, not the usual two or three and in order to avoid an extra-long caravan, Jayco has been a bit creative with the layout. Just to clarify something, although Jayco calls this a 22ft van, it actually has an external length of 22ft 11in (6.985m). To accommodate four bunks and a double bed into this van it has a forward entry door, east-west bed across the front, a nearside dinette and an offside kitchen in the mid to forward area. Towards the rear, there are two bunk beds across the rear wall, two bunk beds along the nearside wall and a bathroom cubicle that fills the remaining offside wall space. 

The internal colours are a bit monochromatic but in various shades of brown and beige, rather than black, white and grey, a not unattractive look. I like the names that manufacturers dream up for the colour schemes. For instance, the décor combination on the seat upholstery is known as Tully/Mondo Charcoal and the benchtop laminate is Furlo! Lighter colours tend to be more user-friendly in confined spaces, like a family van. 

The lighting system has a touch of elegance about it, with mostly a mixture of downlights and strip lights. Neither the double bed nor the dinette have reading lights but the strip lighting fitted under the overhead lockers does an admirable job. Jayco’s unlabelled touch switching system does require a little bit of experimentation to determine what turns on what but it does work quite effectively.

Sleeping Arrangements

Getting to the beds, since there’s quite a few of them. Up front, the innerspring mattress is well sized at 6ft 8in x 4ft 8in (2.03m x 1.42m) and it sits on an orthopedic slat bed base. Like most beds, there’s a storage area underneath but this one is split, the external tunnel storage taking up half the space with the rest being for internal use by lifting the bed base. However, in this case, there’s a nearside external door as well, making this a much more flexible arrangement. 

In the rear area, all the bunks have foam mattresses, the rear pair measuring 6ft 4in x 2ft 4in (1.93m x 0.71m) and having their own window, reading light, curtain and cubby hole storage. Under the lower bunk is a tunnel storage with access from the offside and by lifting the bed base.

The wall bunks are a little smaller being 6ft x 2ft 2in (1.83m x 0.61m) but still of a decent size. They are a little less well-equipped than the rear bunks and don’t have reading lights, nor individual curtains. The lower bunk is different to the rest because it converts into a small two-person dinette. In my opinion, a very clever idea because the main dinette table is too small for all occupants in many family vans, but with this design it addresses that problem by having a table for junior family members. If the dinette is being used, the top bunk can be folded back out of the way too. 

With the bulk of the bathroom in the same space, it is relatively crowded but having a window for every bunk and a decent sized roof hatch makes all the difference. 

A layout outside the box

Combined Facilities

In a van of this length, to get everything in, there’s going to have to be a little bit of compromise. That happens in the bathroom because it’s a ‘wet’ combo unit with a shower on one side and a multiple purpose moulding on the other that comes fitted with a Thetford cassette toilet, fold down wash basin and a shaving cabinet. I’d suggest that with a family on board, there might be a queue particularly in the morning, so this is a van that might spend a fair bit of time in caravan parks or at least places with a nearby amenities block!

Adjacent to the bathroom is a very large four door cupboard that includes plenty of shelf space and a top loading washing machine which comes in handy for families on the road. 

Catering Time

A little surprise in the Journey Outback 22ft is the kitchen — it’s larger than usual with a reasonable amount of bench top space, very handy at family mealtimes. There are the usual fittings — stainless steel sink/drainer, Thetford four burner hob with a grill/oven and a Thetford N4175-A 169 litre three-way fridge and a Sphere microwave oven above surrounded by a good selection of storage space (drawers, cupboards, and overhead lockers). 

Across the way from the kitchen, the L-shaped dinette should accommodate three or four people without too much trouble. 

Construction

Like many Jayco products, the Journey 22ft has an aluminium frame that’s part of Jayco’s vacuum bonded multi-layer wall construction which consists of external fiberglass and 3mm plywood, aluminum framing, insulation and internal 3mm ply. As noted elsewhere, there are back and front tunnel storages and the two 9kg gas cylinders are fitted between the drawbar rails and neatly covered by a purpose designed moulding which is easily removed for access to the cylinders.

Supporting the bodywork is a hot dipped galvanised Endurance chassis with 6in x 4in (150mm x 50mm) rails and drawbar along with Pressed Steel C-Section (PSC) longitudinal members for keeping the strength up and the weight down. Being an Outback variant of the Journey, it has independent suspension; Jayco’s JTECH 2.0 system comes with trailing arms, coil springs and heavy-duty shock absorbers. The stub axles, bearings, and brakes are all suitable for using the Lippert Sway Command system. The 16in alloy wheels are fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system that can be checked on a phone app. 

Designed for short stay remote travel, the Journey Outback 22ft comes with a 100Ah AGM battery and a 200W solar panel as standard. Monitoring the charging system is a Projecta PM235J battery management system that amongst other things has a five stage 30A smart charger and Bluetooth monitoring. Readouts show the water system as well as the electrics. For internet users, the Sphere Wi-Fi and GPS are going to be a welcome feature. 

Customer Care

Jayco now offers a five-year structural warranty on all its vans, meaning everything manufactured by Jayco will be covered under that warranty. There is the usual rider on anything not built by Jayco being covered by individual manufacturer’s warranties, for whatever period of time they specify. A perusal of the Jayco warranty documents reveals a few conditions for Outback models and they include where they can be driven, at what speed (suitable for prevailing conditions) and definitely not on four-wheel drive tracks. 

The lower wall bunk converts into a two person dinette

On the Road

With a tare mass of 2395kg and an ATM of 2995kg, the Journey Outback 22ft will require a tow vehicle like the dual cab Nissan Navara at least, which is what I used. With a full load and a large family on board, you may like to consider something more heavyweight. With this van being nearly 23ft (7m) in length I was expecting a little bit of tail wag but it tracked along very nicely behind the Navara, including a bit of time on some very slippery (regional Sydney, post flood) tracks to get to my photo location. 

The Bottom Line  

There’s something to be said for this Journey Outback layout. Designed for a family of six, the van is not overly long nor overly heavy. There are a few compromises of course, like the east-west main bed and a small bathroom. Overall, though, it’s quite a creative layout and one that comes with generous storage capacities inside and out. 

QUICK SPECS

Weights and Measures 

Body length 6.985m (22ft 11in)         Overall length 8.35m (28ft) Width (incl awn)2.47m (8ft 1in) Height 3.05m (10ft) Tare 2395kg ATM 2995kg Payload 600kg Ball weight 215kg

Frame Aluminium         Cladding Vacuum bonded fibreglass composite Chassis Endurance hot dipped galvanised Suspension JTECH Outback Independent Coil Coupling Ball Brakes 12in electric Wheels 16in alloy Water 2 x 80L Battery 1 x 100Ah Solar 1 x 200W Air-conditioner Dometic Ibis 4 Gas 2 x 9kg Sway control Lippert

Cooking Thetford Triplex, 4 burner with grill         Fridge Thetford N4175-A 169 litre Bathroom Combo shower and Thetford cassette toilet Hot water Suburban 

Options Fitted None 

Price as Shown      $84,490.00

Jayco Sydney 63-76 Glossop Street St Marys, NSW 2760 Ph: (02) 9623 1971 W: jaycosydney.com.au 

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Jayco Journey Outback, A Van Tour And Review

Jayco journey outback - van tour and review.

Jayco Journey Outback – Van Tour, Review and Extras

Traveller Profile

Names: bianca and simon, instagram: @outbackinfront, car: landcruiser thunder series, van: jayco journey outback.

It’s never easy to find a great caravan to utilize for your Aussie Big Lap. Tired of scrolling through hundreds of videos and reading lengthy reviews that don’t show you much of what you need to see? You must have wondered how difficult it is to discover that one review that provides details that you absolutely must consider when looking for THE caravan.

Worry no more, as this video showcases some of the best features of the Jayco Journey Outback. The features that you can include on your caravan, storage tips and where to buy them.

Bianca and Simon from Instagram @outbackinfront give us a quick tour of their caravan held by their Landcruiser Thunderbird series. Check out the modifications they’ve made and how it’s most suited for their family of three.

Jayco Journey Van Tour

Jayco Van tour

Their main area’s best feature is this modified day and night bed-turned dining table. Whether you want to study, prep your food, sleep, or relax as you watch a movie, c onverting this from a bed into a lounge room, into a dining room, is such a great multi-purpose hack for family tours.

Jayco Journey Van Tour - Club Lounge

Club Lounge

Jayco Journey Van Tour - Dining Area

Dining Area

Talking about caravans, is there such a thing as too much storage space? Make sure to stay organised from the bedroom to your dining and kitchen area, and transform cluttered cabinets, linen closets, spice racks, and more into systematized joy. From plain Kmart storage containers, Bianca personalised and kept their things looking tidy and creative by label-printing their names using a Dymo label.

Storage Containers from Kmart with labels made by Dymo Label Maker

Storage Containers from Kmart with labels made by Dymo Label Maker

Jayco Van Tour - kitchen drawer, spice, medicines

Plant lovers wanting to bring some outdoors in can do so with this adjustable open shelf from IKEA. But don’t stop there, from pens to plants, there’s quite a number of things and areas you can use them for.

Ikea Open Shelf - plant pots

Ikea Open Shelf – used as plant pots

To ensure privacy whenever you need it, you can also put a curtain to make your open floor plan divided into two separate spaces like what Bianca and Simon did on their caravan.

Jayco Caravan - Bedroom

Bringing your dream into reality and customising your van to work for your needs really doesn’t have to be that hard. Just write down what you need the most, your budget, and how you decide to live in it. If you need more ideas on sprucing up your van, check this link to learn the most popular caravan essentials for 2021.

Make sure to watch this Jayco Journey Van Tour to know how the Australian-based Jayco Caravan can give you beautiful interiors, customization availability and unbeatable value for money.

Did their review help you decide?

Comment down below your thoughts and experiences.

Want to share your own van tour for the Big Lap community? DM us on Instagram at @biglapbible

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jayco journey outback family van

Jayco Journey 17.53-3 Outback

It’s said that Jayco command half the RV sales in Australia every year. That’s a lot of vans across their vast offering of campers, pop-tops and caravans, and with a dedicated research and development crew they are continually updating their products with fresh ideas. 

The Journey on review is a case in point. It was so new that when we arranged the test, they still hadn’t decided on a model name! So let’s call it the Journey Cargo for its innovative bunk bed design, which converts to a very useful cargo hold.

The Journey 17.53-3 is a seventeen footer in Jayco’s caravan catalogue of budget tourers. It can be optioned as a smooth road Touring version or the dirt road Outback model on review here. Layouts in both versions are the same, but suspension is different, as you might expect. The Touring model is for tar roads and the Outback is designated for graded gravel roads.

jayco journey outback family van

Jayco’s composite wall panels give a smooth clean look to the exterior and efficient thermal protection. A high stance and relatively short length gives the Outback version a mean and purposeful look. Lower sections of black checkerplate against a white body, along with black wheels and chunky offroad tyres add to the rugged impression. 

 In reality, the look and the Outback name might be a tad misleading because the van isn’t intended for serious off-roading. According to their warranty document, the van is designed for limited unsealed roads and, because of mandatory low gas vents, not crossing water more than floor deep. 

That still leaves a lot of country travel and exploring as long as you drive sensibly and lower tyre pressures over uneven surfaces.

THE BUILD 

The van sits on a hot dipped galvanised chassis built in house. A 6” A-frame and chassis uses a tandem Jayco heavy-duty J-tech suspension with trailing arms and a single shock absorber on each arm. Wheels are 15” alloys shod with 235x75 all-terrain tyres. Green valve caps indicate they are filled with nitrogen, which is often recommended to maintain constant tyre temperature in extreme conditions. 

At the A-frame are a standard 50mm ball hitch and a tap with no guard. The ABS front panel is recessed slightly to accommodate two 9kg gas bottles that have a fibreglass covering for a neater look. The tinted front window also has a fold out fibreglass cover to protect the double-glazed Perspex when travelling.

A full-width tunnel boot has generous storage and a smaller one close to the entry door reaches into the storage space under the bed. Other features include a set of weatherproof speakers, 12V and TV connections and an electrically operated awning, which is way cool and very practical. Control from a smartphone through Jayco’s wireless hub adds to bragging rights.

But the best and newest feature is the rear cargo space, accessed through a wide door. Items like bikes, smaller kayaks, and all manner of camping equipment can be stored when travelling by folding the lower bunk inward to its frame. When you arrive at your destination, unload the gear and the bed folds down to its normal position for sleeping. The large side access door is an option on all similar Journey models for $795.

The extra storage space is a smart innovation and again, it shows that the Jayco R&D department is on the ball. This feature will be very useful for families wanting to keep the young ones entertained by bringing their favourite toys when camped. It’s all well and good tying everything to a rear rack, but I am always fearful of losing the lot somewhere on the way. Having everything safely secured inside seems like a great idea.

THE INTERIOR

Unlike some of the other vans on review this month, the Jayco isn’t your quintessential large family van. It’s a compact and pared back seventeen footer with the basic essentials and just enough room to be comfortable. So, while there are compromises on space, it’s ideally set up as an easily towed option, with the ability to get into some more easily accessed off-grid campsites for a few days.

There’s a folding step and, because of the extra height, most folk will need it for access into the Outback model. Interior design dictates an east-west queen bed to the front, bunks along the curbside rear wall, a compact ensuite opposite and a central living space. 

Colours are straight from the understated Jayco palette, with some added zaniness from the Kosciuszko zigzag pattern on the lounge. The overall theme of white walls with light grey curtains and benchtops is a sensible and kid-friendly. Large windows at the bed head and at the dinette light up the interior and give views to the driver side, but surprisingly there are no windows on the kitchen side. This means the only view in that direction is through the door. Additional cooling comes from two small overhead hatches and a roof mounted Ibis 4 air conditioner.

A small drawer under the queen bed makes a handy storage option and leaves room and quick maintenance for the house battery, hot water system a 12V Sureflo water pump, as well as the J35 BMPRO battery management system. In a family van storage is important, so it’s good to see all possible wall spaces are utilised. Cupboards above the bed run along the curbside, across the front and then all the way past the dinette on the near side. 

Seating at the L-shaped dinette would handle two adults and two smaller children around a rectangular table. The table can be dropped for an extra bed with an infill cushion if needed. 

There’s good news and less good news in the kitchen. The good news is that you get a Thetford Triplex Plus oven, grill and cooktop, but on the downside, at first glance, bench space is limited to about 300mm alongside a circular stainless steel sink and the lid over the cooktop. 

But wait, there’s more. In another smart idea, an extension folds up next to the sink for an extra 400mm. It does close off the exit when it’s in place, but I’m sure it will be well used for food prep or washing up.

Feeding older children is always a challenge, especially on the road, so the 171L Thetford fridge/freezer will be a boon. A Sphere microwave sits on top of the fridge for use when hooked up to 240V power, while rearward of the fridge is a floor-to-ceiling pantry to help feed the mob.

The combination ensuite has the essential shower and cassette toilet for bush camping, while a second shower outside will help keep the van clean at the beach. A wind-up roof hatch takes care of ventilation and I liked the handy toiletry cupboard and six-slot toothbrush holder. A moulded sink folds out from the wall to add room when showering. It creates the feeling of a railway sleeper and adds to the fun, holiday atmosphere. 

The double bunks each have an opening window and a reading light, while the top bunk has a movable ladder that seemed strong enough for the job. But I felt the top bunk’s plywood sides looked a bit light for burly teenagers who would inevitably use them to help climb to the higher bed. 

A small cupboard over the dinette houses Sphere Wi-Fi hubs, the main isolator switch and a manual control for the Care Free awning. Alongside is the JHub, Jayco’s version of the BMPRO monitoring system that accesses battery management, power inputs and water levels. 

A winning feature of the Outback is its compact size and manageable weight. At 2107kg unladen and with a modest 475kg payload, there are many medium-sized four-wheel drives capable of towing it with ease. 

Behind the Bayswater Jayco Holden Colorado the Outback felt well balanced and without any vices along metropolitan motorways and out into the shire roads north of Melbourne. We managed minimal dirt driving and over some rutted tracks the suspension worked impeccably. There’s no reason to think that, driven sensibly, the Outback can’t tackle short stretches of rougher dusty roads when necessary.

The warranty is two years on the body of the van and five years on the structure including for leaks, cladding delamination and the suspension and chassis. However, equipment and fittings not manufactured by Jayco, including appliances, are said to be separately warranted by those suppliers.

Starting at $57,990 the Outback is good value in its size range. Extras including: Reversing camera, picnic table, external shower, and 160W solar upgrade take the as-tested price to $59,503.

A lot of vans in the 17’ range have single axles so the Jayco’s tandem suspension on review stands out as a well-engineered rig, despite the builder’s conservative recommendations about its modest offroad ability. 

The modern styling is a winner and younger family members especially will take to the latest technology on board. While the size might be rather compact, it’s a good balance of usable space and ease of towing

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Overall length 7.08m (23ft 2in)

External body length 5.42m 

Internal body length 5.33m (17ft 5in)

External body width 2.47m 

Travel height 3.04m (8ft 1in)

Internal height 1.97m (6ft 4in)

Tare 2107kg 

ATM 2582kg 

Ball weight 151kg

Payload 475kg (calculated)

Frame Composite 

Cladding Fibreglass

Chassis 6" hot dipped galvanised 

Suspension Tandem trailing arm independent with shock absorber

Brakes 10in Drum

Wheels 15' alloy

Water 2 x 82L

Battery 1 x 110Ah

Air-conditioner Yes

Gas 2 x 9kg

Sway control No

Cooking Combination oven

Fridge 171L 3 way

Microwave Yes

Lighting LED

Hot water Yes

OPTIONS FITTED

Reversing camera, picnic table, external shower, 160w solar upgrade

PRICE AS Tested

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STARCRAFT POP TOP

Journey pop top, all-terrain pop top, all terrain, basestation, jrv campervan, optimum campervan, all terrain campervan, conquest motorhome, optimum motorhome, the best family caravan to buy for any type of adventure.

Whether your family is big or small, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your next family caravan. With so many great options and features available, knowing what van to buy can be a little tricky – but not to worry, we’re here to help! We’ve gathered our top family caravan picks to help you gear up for your next family roadie!

Here’s our breakdown:

Best Off Road Family Caravan for the family that likes to venture off the beaten track

For families who like to travel a little further down the bitumen and spend most of their time off-the-grid; the Jayco All Terrain is the RV for you. This off-road family caravan is available in three floorplans with the largest sleeping up to six.

This RV provides some great specifications when it comes to outback and off-road requirements. The Jayco All Terrain has a large front toolbox for extra outdoor-gear storage, The rear section also offers kids their own bedroom space with double and triple bunks available.

Features include:

  •  JTECH Independent suspension & D0-35 coupling
  •  12v awning with LED strip light
  • Higher ground clearance
  •  Dust reduction system
  •  2 x 160w solar panels
  •  Sphere WiFi + GPS
  •  Lithium battery
  • 4-burner gas cooktop
  • Plenty of added storage: pack all the essentials plus more
  • 24” TV to keep the little ones entertained
  • Sirocco fans to keep cool while you’re off-grid

View all floor plans, features and more  here .

Best Family Caravan for the family looking for unbeatable value for money

When it comes to value for money – you can’t beat the Jayco Starcraft. Enjoy all the creature comforts of home, the Starcraft has everything you need on a family holiday plus more, such as a fully equipped ensuite, spacious kitchen, plenty of storage, and sleeping capacity of up to 6. One of our most-loved caravans, the Starcraft includes a refrigerator, shower, and toilet.

If you want to venture a little further off track, the Starcraft offers a Bushpack model which features higher ground clearance.

  • 4-burner gas cooktop and grill
  • Air conditioner
  • 153L refrigerator
  • Shower & toilet
  • Pull-out awning with LED strip light

View all floor plans, features and more  here

Best Family Caravan for the family looking for more features for less

The Jayco Journey is one of our most popular caravans. It features floor plans to suit any family and can sleep up to six people (including double and triple bunk bed options). The Jayco Journey is also available in an outback option, which caters for those that want to adventure further.

The best thing about it? The Jayco Journey features a heap of family-friendly extras, including:

  • Air Conditioning
  • 171L refrigerator
  • 4-burner gas cooktop and oven
  • Added storage
  • Washing machine

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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

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.

image by: Brett Goldsmith

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.

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Jayco Journey Outback

Wow !! What a fantastic all round family van.. The layout is perfect for a family of four and when you team it with a holiday location like this, I can’t think of a better or more comfortable way to spend a few days this close to the water.

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Exploring Jayco Journey Range

Jayco's Journey is an impressive range of caravans, with a wide range of layouts and lengths in both caravan and pop-top models.

One of the major benefits of being Jayco, Australia’s largest caravan manufacturer, is that it can produce many models and layouts. Something for every purpose, budget and road condition be it a sealed road, rough road or offroad. 

The models include everything from a camper trailer to a toy hauler, but undoubtedly one of the big sellers is the Journey caravan range. Available as either a pop-top or full caravan, the Journeys are available in multiple layouts with different body lengths. All are offered as either a touring van or what Jayco calls its Outback range, something designed for handling rough road travel, not offroad. That includes two family vans, one a four berth and the other a six berth. 

Measuring up

Starting with the full caravans, there are eight different models. Jayco distinguishes between them by length, that is 16ft, 18ft, 19ft, 21ft and 22ft. In several cases, like the 19ft and 22ft , there are different layouts for the same lengths. What is slightly confusing is that the lengths are not actually an indication of the external body length, so the 16ft van actually has a body length of 17ft 6in (5.34m) and the 22ft van is 22ft 11in (6.99m) long. In between we have 18ft (18ft 8in/5.69m), 19ft (20ft 3in/6.18m) and 21ft (22ft 3in/6.79m). Consequently, all the vans are longer than might be expected. 

Weighty matters

For any caravan purchase, the caravan weight should be a consideration. Jayco does list all the van weights in its specification listings, but that should be taken as a guide only. Individual van weights will vary depending on the accessories fitted. 

Weights will of course be different with increasing body lengths. Just to give a couple of examples, the 16ft van has a tare mass of 1763kg and the  four-berth 22ft van has a tare mass of 2233kg. Although increasing length usually means an increased weight, that’s not always the case. The 21ft van has a tare mass of 2333kg, 100kg more than the 22ft but there’s a reason for that. All the vans have a payload of 600kg, except for the smallest, the 16ft, a single axle, which can carry 375kg. When comparing all the respective weights, it’s not surprising to learn that the Outback models with similar layouts all have a weight penalty, an extra 82kg in the case of the 16ft van and at the other end of the scale something like 190kg for one of the 22ft layouts. 

Layouts to please

Within the Journey caravan range there are several variations of the much-favoured front bed, and full-width rear bathroom layout. The 16ft and 18ft designs have a forward door entry and the 19ft has a rear door. The reason for the shorter vans having a forward door is that it’s a little more space effective. The alternative 19ft also happens to have a forward door entry but that’s because it’s a bunk van layout with accommodation for four people. To fit everything in, the front double bed is east west, not an island bed. 

jayco journey outback family van

A unique van in the Journey fleet is the 21ft layout being the only Journey with a slide-out. Hence the weight issue mentioned above. Fitted to the offside, it contains the east-west bed. A van designed for two, it has a full-width bathroom and a front club lounge, something appreciated by many. 

There are a few surprises in the longest vans, the three 22ft models. One is a bunk bed layout for four with plenty of room to move. Another family layout has beds for six, with a somewhat unusual arrangement for the bunks and the third has what many regards as the doyen of layouts, a rear club lounge. That’s achieved by having an island bed up front and a split bathroom next to the front bedroom. 

Fully equipped 

In all cases, the Journey vans are well appointed, with the fully equipped kitchen containing essentials such as a microwave oven, 171 litre three-way fridge and a four-burner cooktop with a separate grill and oven. Most of the bathrooms have a separate shower cubicle and cassette toilet. Items such as air conditioners, house batteries (100Ah), solar panels (200W) and two 9.0kg gas cylinders are all standard items. 

Pop-tops are go

A little surprise in the Journey range is the considerable array of pop-top layouts that Jayco has available. There’s more floor plan variety than the caravan range and in many cases smaller and lighter. The respective tare masses vary from 1110kg to 1817kg with payloads mostly between 350kg and 400kg. 

jayco journey outback family van

The pop-top lengths start with a pair of diminutive 12ft (3.83m/12ft 7in) units and extend all the way to four 17ft (5.48m/18ft) designs. Those include single and island bed layouts plus several family van designs. One, the 15ft (4.86m/15ft 11in) is a four-berth unit with an east west double bed and double bunks across the rear. Like the smaller vans, it does not have a bathroom but that keeps the weight down and makes them ideal for lightweight, caravan park style touring. Both the 16ft (5.2m/17ft) rigs have full-width bathrooms and are available in either single bed or double bed layouts. There are four vans in the 17ft (5.48m/18ft) range, two are bunk van designs and the other two are either single bed or double bed variants. Like the 16ft model mentioned previously, one of the 17ft layouts does not have a bathroom but it does have beds for a family of five making it a good budget option.

Jayco Expanda 17ft

Similar to full caravans, the pop-tops are also available with Outback specifications. That does add extra weight of course but also gives more choice of touring destinations and ways to get to them. 

While fully fitted out, the pop-top equipment level specifications are a little lower than for the caravans. So, for instance, there’s a smaller fridge, an oven is optional, and the solar panels are only standard on the Outback models. 

It’s not really in the Journey line up but the 17ft Expanda is in a range all its own with just one model. I mention it because it has a pop-top roof. In addition to the roof though, the van also has expandable front and rear sections with beds at both ends. Having an external length of 5.62m (18ft 5in), its open length of nearly 8.0m (26ft 2in) is truly impressive. To say the least, that particular feature allows for much more living space inside the pop top. Not to mention beds, in standard form there being enough for six people. The tare mass of 1846kg and payload of 500kg makes the Expanda ideal for a wide range of tow vehicles. Like the Journey pop-tops, the Expanda is also available as an Outback version. 

jayco journey outback family van

Construction

Journey caravans and pop tops are all built the same way with most of the manufactured items done in-house. That starts with the hot dipped galvanised steel chassis, which is built with Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) rails and drawbar. C-section steel, with a weight saving punched hole design, is used for the cross-section members. The bodywork is definitely not the ‘sticks n’ tin’ approach but one that uses vacuum bonded quad layer construction. An aluminium frame supports the structure which consists of internal 3mm polyester coated plywood board, high-density polystyrene foam for insulation, external 3mm composite board and finally, a fibreglass panel exterior. The latter, according to Jayco, used to be hail and dent resistant, as well as being easy to clean. 

Outback extras

Touring Journey caravans and pop-tops are all fitted with leaf spring suspension as standard. However, the Outback vans come with a few extras like Jayco’s JTECH 2.0 independent coil suspension. Fitted with coil springs, shock absorbers, stub axles and bearings that are suited to using a Lippert Sway Command. In addition, the Outback vans have higher ground clearance, off-road electric brakes and protective side aluminium chequer plates. 

jayco journey outback family van

The bottom line

There’s an almost bewildering array of caravans and pop-tops in Jayco’s Journey range but the benefit of that is that there’s something for everyone, ranging from a diminutive 12ft single bed pop-top to a six berth 22ft caravan. 

THE NEXT STEP

If you need help choosing your first RV or are considering upgrading your existing one, check out Jayco  range  available on TradeRVs today.

The sellers will be happy to help and answer any inquiries you may have about the products advertised for sale.

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2023 Jayco Journey

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  • 4 Burner Cook Top
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Why Choose Us

South Auckland Caravans started Business in 2005.

Being one of New Zealand’s Biggest dealers of new and used caravans and motorhomes, we pride ourselves on creating an enjoyable experience for our customer when they visit our dealership. Caravan and Motorhome owners appreciate our dedicated support team who offer technical support to all our customers out on the road.

Jayco Auckland offer an extensive range of new and used caravans and motorhome. Our loyal and experienced sales team are passionate about our fantastic products and the lifestyle that is on offer.

Our service includes our dedicated sales team finding you the right product for your RV needs, extensive handover process with our friendly team and experienced technicians only a phone call away offering expert advice while travelling around New Zealand.

Owning a caravan or motorhome is all about enjoying the great outdoors in comfort. We understand that being comfortable on the road is about being equipped with the right accessories to make your journey more enjoyable. A visit to our caravan accessories store should be at the top of your list before heading away on your next caravan adventure.

Call in today and let one of our experienced team help you discover the freedom of owning your own caravan!

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2018 Jayco Journey Outback FX Family

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Are summer holidays on your horizon? If the answer is yes then look no further than this Jayco Journey DX Outback off road family van. At only 18′ long and with independent suspension getting off the tarmac and in to the wilderness is no problem. With 3 bunks there is space for the whole family and if needed you can change the cafe seating into another small bed. ALKO ESC, solar & battery, a/c, external shower, 164ltr 3 way fridge, bike rack and large toolbox with 2 slides are just some of the many other features.

Off road family vans are hard to find and this one is in excellent condition so give our team a call today to avoid missing out.

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Jayco Journey Pop Top 17.58-1 Outback

Approx price: $48,490.

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Journey Pop Top 17.58-1 Outback is a caravan by Jayco and is a caravan that is categorised as being Off Road and can sleep at least 5-6 people .

Click here to find the best price on the market for a Journey Pop Top 17.58-1 Outback by Jayco.

Journey Pop Top 17.58-1 Outback by Jayco is rated as Off Road in terms of capability.

Basic specifications:, is journey pop top 17.58-1 outback a top ranked caravan in australia.

So, when it comes to comparing Journey Pop Top 17.58-1 Outback with the rest, is it in the Top 10 Caravans in Australia? Is it in the Top 20 Caravans in Australia? Well, the best way to find out is to check our Current Australia Best Caravan Rankings and see if Journey Pop Top 17.58-1 Outback makes the list of most wanted Caravan in Australia!

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Moscow Muled

Moscow Muled

Best blackberry moscow mule recipes.

Best Blackberry Moscow Mule Recipes

Mar 05, 2020

In this post, we reveal the best Blackberry Moscow Mule recipes on the internet! We also describe the origin and history of the Blackberry Mule so that you can fully appreciate the cocktail. Let's dive right in!

Introduction

When you think of cocktails, there are usually a couple of different places your mind can go: the sugary, overpriced, watered-down drink you paid an embarrassing amount of money for at the nearest semi-swanky nighttime establishment, or the tasty-but-sloppy concoction your friend threw together in their blender. Of course, there are varying degrees of quality within those categories: some overpriced bar cocktails can taste like a slice of heaven, and your friend could be surprisingly adept at mixing drinks together. But, by and large, those appear to be the most common experiences for a lot of cocktail enthusiasts out in the wild: weak, expensive, convoluted, sub-par.

Why is that? Why do so many cocktails fall so short of the Platonic ideal of what a delicious cocktail should be? Well, there are a number of potential reasons, chief among them being the fact that a lot of cocktail recipes appear to be in a constant battle to come up with the most complicated recipe, throwing together a huge amount of ingredients that may or may not actually gel together as a whole. Nothing worse than a cocktail that tastes like it’s being pulled in ten different directions at the same time. Add to this the bar’s need to make a profit (which affects the price and the quality of ingredients) and the home mixologist’s innate need to show off to their friends by putting together the most elaborate drink (which affects the structural integrity) and what you end up with is often a less than ideal cocktail experience.

But then there are some drinks that are so beautifully perfect in their simplicity that it’s hard to mess them up; where the ingredients list is very brief and each element interacts perfectly with each other. Stone-cold classics of the alcoholic-beverage tradition. We’re talking about iconic drinks that have stood the test of time over the years, and whose simplicity has actually served as the ideal springboard for creativity in coming up with new twists on the original recipe. And, in this particular case, a drink that has traditionally been consumed in its own iconic container: a copper mug. That’s right; we’re talking about the venerable Moscow Mule .

copper mug with lime wedged on the rim moisture on the exterior

You’re probably familiar with the classic Moscow Mule by now -- if not, you’ve likely seen them at gatherings or in pop culture, in their eye-catching presentation. It is an extremely straightforward and delicious cocktail that is just about impossible to get wrong, containing three main ingredients. And because these ingredients complement each other so perfectly, the Moscow Mule has become the drink of choice for a lot of amateur mixologists who want to impress their guests without navigating long and complicated recipes. A Moscow Mule is as refreshing as it is easy to make, containing ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. But there’s more to the Mule than that.

You see, Moscow Mules kicked off a bit of a trend; as the popularity of the drink spread across the land, so did regional variants start popping up. Because the original recipe is so straightforward, there’s a lot of room for creativity and playing around with different flavors and textures, giving way to a whole new world of options. Most of these variations did one simple thing: swap out the spirit for a different one. So, for instance, a Mexican Mule would be a Moscow Mule with the vodka replaced by tequila, a Kentucky Mule would be a Moscow Mule using Kentucky bourbon, and so on and so forth. But some variations of the Moscow Mule did something different instead of swapping out ingredients: they added something to the mix.

The Blackberry Moscow Mule

wooden box filled with blackberries close up view

Enter the Blackberry Moscow Mule, one of our favorite variations of this cocktail. Can you guess what is different about this version of the Mule? That’s right: it adds a whole other layer of flavor and texture by incorporating blackberries. This extremely refreshing and delightfully sweet drink makes for a fantastic summer companion, especially out in the sun with some friends. The kick of the ginger beer, the brightness of the lime juice, and the slight tartness of the blackberries all work together to make this drink a unique experience.

And though it sounds very simple from the description above, there are actually a few different ways to make the Blackberry Moscow Mule. Let’s talk about some of them, and what our personal choice is for the best Blackberry Moscow Mule recipe.

Classic Blackberry Moscow Mule Recipe

Let’s start with the most traditional Blackberry Moscow Mule recipe, which, as you might expect, is also the most straightforward one. This is the basic Moscow Mule recipe with the added element of the blackberries.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large, plump blackberries, or 8 smaller ones
  • 6 ounces ginger beer
  • 1.5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 ounces vodka

Instructions:

  • Place a glass (or, preferably, the traditional Moscow Mule copper mug !) in the freezer until it’s frosty.
  • In a different glass, muddle the blackberries. Feel free to add in a small sprig of mint for some extra brightness.
  • Add in the ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice.
  • Strain the liquid into the frosty mug or glass. 
  • Garnish with more blackberries, mint, and lime.

This cocktail is best served ice cold, which is why we chill our mug before mixing. The best thing about a cocktail this simple is that it’s very easy to customize, meaning that, if you like it a bit stronger, all you have to do is adjust the alcohol levels accordingly. Similarly, if you’re a big fan of blackberries, feel free to add more!

Mint is not an obligatory ingredient here -- your Blackberry Moscow Mule will be delicious without it. But we have found that adding in a small sprig of mint really kicks the whole mixture up a notch, adding a touch of herbal brightness to the mix of flavors and textures you’re putting together. Of course, some people aren’t fans of mint in their cocktails, so feel free to leave it out altogether.

The recipe above uses fresh muddled blackberries which are mixed with the rest of the ingredients and strained into the icy copper mug. This will get you the smoothest version of the drink, since you’re leaving out all the solids. But if you’re the kind of person who likes to have a little chewy treat at the bottom of their drink, you could also muddle the blackberries in the mug itself and pour the rest of the ingredients into it.

To do this, simply place the blackberries and lime juice in the bottom of your ice-cold copper mug. Then squash the berries to release their juice. Add the vodka and ginger beer on top of that, and stir to combine. That’s it!

This saves you the step of straining the mixture, and also takes full advantage of the texture that the blackberries bring to the Blackberry Moscow Mule. On top of that, you get to eat the blackberries at the bottom of the mug once you’re done with the drink.

Moscow Mule with Blackberry Syrup Recipe

Some Blackberry Moscow Mule recipes go the extra mile to really bring the blackberry flavor forward by incorporating other elements. For example, some recipes call for making your own homemade blackberry syrup to add to the mix. If you like your drink a little sweeter than most and you want to make the cocktail’s blackberry flavor significantly more intense, this could be the best version of the Blackberry Moscow Mule for you.

So, how would we go about making that syrup?

  • 2.5 cups water
  • 1.5 cup sugar
  • 2 cups blackberries
  • Put water, sugar, and blackberries over medium-high heat, bring them to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and let simmer 10 minutes. 
  • Remove from heat and mash berries. Make sure to mash thoroughly so as to get as much syrup out as you can. 
  • Allow to cool 20 minutes. Bottle up and store until ready to use.

If you go this route, you end up with a more concentrated blackberry flavor that is also considerably sweeter due to the added sugar. To put the cocktail together:

  • Combine room-temperature blackberry syrup and vodka. Make sure neither of them are chilled, as the syrup won’t incorporate as well if either is cold. Add in the lime juice. 
  • Once incorporated, pour the mixture over ice into a copper mule mug. 
  • Top with ginger beer and lime juice. Fresh blackberry garnish optional.

This version of the drink makes for an entirely different experience. It’s very sweet and definitely loses some of its breezy refreshing qualities, while also being a little more intense and perhaps even more festive. We can see these drinks working well in different contexts, or perhaps even different seasons of the year; while the original recipe is a summery, outdoors drink, we definitely envision the version that incorporates syrup as more of an indoor party drink, perhaps even suited for a holiday gathering in the winter.

Whichever version you choose to go with, the Blackberry Moscow Mule is a delicious twist on the classic cocktail that you’re going to love. And with a recipe this simple, it’s near impossible to mess up!

Did You Enjoy This Article?

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following articles:  Best London Mule Recipes and  Best Montana Mule Recipe

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Newsweek

Russia's Nuclear Deterrent Command Center Imperiled by Winter Freeze—Report

A Russian nuclear deterrent command center in Moscow has been imperiled by power outages that have impacted more than one-quarter of the region's cities amid freezing temperatures, a Russian Telegram channel has reported.

The VChK-OGPU outlet, which purports to have inside information from Russian security forces, reported that the 820th Main Center for Missile Attack Warnings—part of the Russian Space Forces, a branch of the country's Aerospace Forces—near Solnechnogorsk in Moscow is without power.

It serves as the space forces early warning network against potential ballistic missile attacks.

The development comes as Russians are reported to be suffering from power outages in their homes in the Moscow region caused by technical issues at plants amid subzero temperatures.

On January 4, a heating main burst at the Klimovsk Specialized Ammunition Plant in the town of Podolsk, which is about 30 miles south of central Moscow. Since then, tens of thousands of Russians are reported to have no heating in their homes.

Affected areas include the cities of Khimki, Balashikha, Lobnya, Lyubertsy, Podolsk, Chekhov and Naro-Fominsk, a map published by a Russian Telegram channel and shared on other social media sites shows.

Other Russian media outlets reported that in Moscow, residents of Balashikha, Elektrostal, Solnechnogorsk, Dmitrov, Domodedovo, Troitsk, Taldom, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Krasnogorsk, Pushkino, Ramenskoye, Voskresensk, Losino-Petrovsky and Selyatino are also without power.

The Telegram channel said that at the 820th Main Center for Missile Attack Warnings, "the crew...is on duty around the clock."

"It is here that the decision on a retaliatory nuclear strike is executed," the channel said.

Newsweek could not independently verify the report and has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry by email for comment.

Power outages have also been reported in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, in the country's western Voronezh region, in the southwest city of Volgograd, and in Rostov, which borders Ukraine, a country that Russia has been at war with since February 24, 2022.

On Sunday, two shopping malls in St. Petersburg were forced to close because of problems with light and heating, reported local news outlet 78.ru. Hundreds of other homes in the city have had no electricity, water or heating for days amid temperatures of -25 C (-13 F).

Russian authorities have also been forced to compensate passengers of a train that ran from Samara to St. Petersburg (a 20-hour journey) without heating during -30 C (-22 F) temperatures. Videos circulating on social media showed carriage windows frozen over. A passenger also said the toilet didn't work during the trip because of frozen pipes.

Do you have a tip on a world news story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the Russia-Ukraine war? Let us know via [email protected].

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A Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launcher parades through Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 9, 2022. A Russian nuclear deterrent command center in Moscow has reportedly been imperiled by power outages.

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  • Bringing Family Members of US Citizens to America

Immigrant Interview in Moscow Consulate expectations

By VeronikaR January 19, 2011 in Bringing Family Members of US Citizens to America

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Recommended posts, veronikar   0.

I am a US citizen and filled for immigrant visas for both of my parents to come to the States and receive a green card. They have an interview schedule in Moscow Consulate. They are residents of Belarus that does not have a US consulate in the country processing immigrant applications.

Does anybody have any information on what kind of questions they are supposed to expect at the interview?

Also, if the consulate takes and keeps passports for visa processing (2-3 days) after the interview, how are the applicants supposed to travel back home after the interview that day? Should they just plan to stay in Moscow and personally pick up all documents at the consulate?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

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Share on other sites, maria_francesca   0.

I am a US citizen and filled for immigrant visas for both of my parents to come to the States and receive a green card. They have an interview schedule in Moscow Consulate. They are residents of Belarus that does not have a US consulate in the country processing immigrant applications. Does anybody have any information on what kind of questions they are supposed to expect at the interview? Also, if the consulate takes and keeps passports for visa processing (2-3 days) after the interview, how are the applicants supposed to travel back home after the interview that day? Should they just plan to stay in Moscow and personally pick up all documents at the consulate? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Hello there! I am a US citizen from Belarus as you are. And I also filed I-130 for both of my parents (back in October 2010). I am now waiting for my NOA2 to come.

When did you file for your folks and when did you get your approval NOA2? Just wanted to know your time frame during this process to compare.

I am surprised to hear that your parents are going to be interviewed in Moscow, Russia rather than Warsaw, Poland. Do you know why Moscow? From what I've heard, parents from Belarus usually go to Poland. This is the first time I hear that they need to go to Russia.

My parents had to go to Moscow in 2009 (to get their Non-Immigrant tourist visas) and they had to stay in Moscow for a few days till they received their passports back. If your parents want to travel to Belarus (and not to stay in Russia during those few days), I would tell them to ask US Consulate to issue them a document stating that their passports are currently being held at the US Embassy in Russia and your parents would just need to buy train tickets at the railway station in advance using their passports, if they are going by train. If they do not travel by train, there is no border between Belarus and Russian - so they do not really need a passport.

Good luck to your parents!

And please let us know your I-130 time frame. It is so interesting to know how the process is going from somebody who is from the same country originally.

Best of luck!

2010-10-04: I-130 Sent for both parents via Express mail in one envelope.

2010-10-08: NOA1 email and text notification received. Both checks cashed.

2010-10-08: Case numbers assigned: both cases sent to California Service Center. Cases available online.

2010-10-15: NOA1 hardcopy received by mail.

2010-10-18: Both cases "Touched" online.

2011-01-21: NOA2 email received. Cases approved in 3.5 months.

2011-01-27: NVC entered both cases in the system. Auto update by phone.

2011-01-28: Called NVC to update my email address.

2011-01-29: NOA2 hardcopy received by mail.

2011-01-31: NVC sent me emails about AOS fee and Choice of Agent forms. Paid AOS fee of $88.

2011-02-01: Sent Choice of Agent forms to NVC via regular mail.

2011-02-02: AOS fee status online: PAID. Printed Document Cover Sheet.

2011-02-03: Mailed 2 forms (for both parents) I-864EZ, Affidavit Of Support to NVC.

2011-02-04: Called NVC: Choice of Agent forms received on Feb 3, 2011

2011-02-07: Called NVC: IV Bill fee is ready to be paid. $404x2 paid for both parents online.

2011-02-08: IV Bill fee status online: PAID. Printed Document Cover Sheet.

2011-02-09: Received email from NVC asking to complete an Application for Immigrant Visa.

2011-02-12: Mailed DS-230 packets for both parents to NVC via express mail.

2011-02-14: Recieved USPS confirmation that DS-230 packets were delivered to NVC on FEB 14, 2011.

2011-03-01: Called NVC: they received DS-230 and biographic data on FEB 28, 2011.

2011-03-11: Both cases completed!

2011-03-26: Received email from NVC: interview for parents scheduled for May 9, 2011 in Warsaw, Poland.

Sergi9

Sergi9   110

Curious, did you request Moscow as the processing Embassy? If not typically at least until very recently as the other poster said Immigrant VISA processing is done at Warsaw in Poland.. you can request a change but it involves a delay. I hope they have changed this now and it is all done in Moscow as Poland VISA process is a pain in the butt and one more expense for the applicant as well as additional hassle.

The Website at Moscow says they process the VISA the same day for non-immigrant but I think I remember reading something about DHL courier stuff, but that I believe is just for Russian residents, I think they accomodate foreign interview applicants on same day. I would expect they will get it right after the interview if all documents are in order. Its tough to get an answer from the call in number in Moscow they are pretty rude, but the folks inside seemed nice. We dealt with Moscow recently and it was pretty friendly and business like.

If they process at Warsaw its the same deal, morning interview afternoon VISA pick up.

As for questions, would think that the birth certificates are sufficient to prove your relationship to your parents, so my guess is the questions will more likely be about criminal activity, membership in Communist party etc.

Used to be broken   143

Ditto on the Moscow vs Warsaw comments. Have they already gotten a interview appointment?

Also you might want to post in the Russia Ukraine and Belarus (RUB) regional forum for more recent experience in Moscow if that is where they will interview.

  • 1 month later...

Novenkiy   0

I am in a similar boat. Could you please tell me how long it took them to provide you with an interview appointment in Moscow after you mailed the last batch if immigrant visa application documents to NVC ? Thank you!

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. Jayco Journey Caravan

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    2010-10-04: I-130 Sent for both parents via Express mail in one envelope. 2010-10-08: NOA1 email and text notification received. Both checks cashed.