Jag teardrop goes back to the future

Its cute aerodynamic shape might be based on the original 1930s design, but a new Aussie-built teardrop camper that was developed in Queensland by a father and son team, is a "highly advanced modern build," according to its creators.

Launched at this year's Queensland Caravan Supershow, the new Jag TD teardrop camper was developed over three years by Frank and Jack Gosdschan, who share a passion for camping and bring a combination of skills in industrial design, engineering and production to their fledgling Brisbane-based RV manufacturing venture.

"Cutting edge" construction methods used to build the Jag two-berth camper include a locally engineered steel chassis with a composite body made from XPS/FRP sandwich panels, and 3mm aluminium checker plate for underbody protection, while a 50mm ball coupling, Cruisemaster GT suspension, Elecbrake wireless trailer braking and a spare wheel are also part of the compact, lightweight package.

Security doors on both sides of the camper provide entry to the cosy twin-berth interior, which includes two large side windows and an opening sunroof, a queen bed, twin Sirocco fans, LED downlights and reading lights with USB chargers.

The rear kitchen gets a 65 litre slide-out fridge, large hardwood benchtop, two gas burner cooktop, and a stainless sink and tap that draws water from an 84 litre tank via a 12V pump.

Adding to the premium feel is the use of Falcatta plywood furniture, while the bed automatically lifts up at the press of a button to access 600 litres of underbed storage area.

The 24in Smart TV mounted on the rear wall also has a rotating system so it can be viewed from either inside or outside of the camper.

The Jag Teardrop also comes standard with a 100Ah lithium battery with 40amp mains power charger and 40amp solar DC-DC charger, a battery and water monitor and electrical sockets including 240V, 12V and USB points.

Pricing starts at $44,990 drive-away, with options including a 'gas free' pack with induction cooktop, 200Ah lithium battery, and 3000W inverter; an inflatable annexe, Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling, Bluetooth speaker, 200W solar blanket or flexible roof panel, exterior wrap, hot water service, external shower and roof racks.

The Jag camper measures 4.8m long by 2.2m wide by 2.05m high, with a Tare weight of 860kg, 80kg ball weight and ATM of 1200kg.

The low-volume manufacturer is moving into a new factory in Brisbane in January and also has plans to introduce a more off-road ready version.

"The current model is semi-off-road capable which we are defining as safe to take through national parks, un-maintained dirt roads and for beach use," Jack Gosdschan said.

"We will be looking to produce a more off-road capable version in the very near future. Only slight changes would need to be made like upgrading to the Cruisemaster CRS2 suspension as we have already over-engineered everything in the camper."

Further details on the Jag Camper website.