Custom JB caravan is a big hit with golfers
Melbourne-built 20ft Golf Daze trailer goes from towing to teeing off in minutesJB Caravans is best known for its off-grid and off-road touring 'vans destined for retail yards, but the Melbourne factory is also developing a nice side business in custom and commercial builds.
Recent examples include a 'Benz-based luxury limo, and a self-drive mobile showroom for RV off-grid power specialist EcoFlow...
Now JB is manufacturing a first for Australia: a new range of towable mobile golf simulators, for Newcastle, NSW-based startup Golf Daze.
The 20ft (body length) Golf Daze tandem axle trailers share a lot in common with regular JB off-road 'vans, including a tandem axle steel chassis and aluminium frame body construction.
However, instead of a comfy cafe dinette and full ensuite inside, the 'vans get a side wall that drops down to form a hitting platform for the golf simulator set-up inside.
There are stairs to get up on the platform, and corner stabilisers to keep it all nice and steady for that pitching wedge to a tucked pin.
Also fitted are side nets and screens to prevent errant drives from causing any damage, plus there's a small kitchen/bar area with fridge and microwave, that's powered by the built-in EcoFlow lithium battery system.
From unhitching to fairway hunting, the full open-air hitting stage takes around 30 minutes to set up.
Rolling out across the country
"We're the only business in Australia that does it... (the 'vans) are a full custom design and weigh around 1900kg," explained Golf Daze general manager and co-founder Mark Forster.
"The beauty of the concept is simple - if you can park a caravan there, we can play golf," he continued. "Whether it’s a corporate event, school, sporting clubs, or a special occasion, we can bring the golfing experience directly to people, creating opportunities for all ages and skill levels to get involved.”
The simulator experience includes access to more than 1000 courses in 4K resolution.
Golf Daze investors include Camplify founder Justin Hales, and Clint Newton OAM, who's the son of Aussie golf legend Jack Newton.
Golf Daze has big plans to roll out 120 Golf Daze 'vans in Australia, and 40 through New Zealand.
A Golf Daze franchise is priced from $149,000, and includes the 'van, Full Swing KIT technology, booking system, support, clubs, computer, and an exclusive territory.
"The only other things you need are insurance and a Working with Children check," he said.
Booking opportunities range from private events, birthday parties and weddings, to larger festivals and golf tournaments.
July events for the Golf Daze team include the Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Festival, and the Melbourne Royal Show.
Forster said there are another five Golf Daze 'vans currently in production at the JB factory, with the business also looking at introducing other custom 'van variants.
Mobile showroom
Meanwhile, JB has also released details of its new custom-built, self-drive mobile showroom for the latest EcoFlow battery products for recreational vehicles.
The all-black EcoFlow motorhome is based on JB's Iveco Daily-based Touring model and, like the Golf Daze 'van, opens up via a large door on the passenger side to reveal a big empty space with various EcoFlow products on display, along with a small kitchenette with fridge.
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