Jayco appears on the verge of filling yet another niche in the Australian RV market with the release of a new entry-level, small van-based motorhome.
Jayco's Adelaide dealer has posted photos of a new Freedom campervan based on a Toyota Hiace work van, taken at Jayco’s annual dealer conference in Nagambie, Victoria recently. The new budget campervan will be available with up to four berths, and features a full pop-top roof, kitchen, rear bed and swiveling table.
The photos also suggest a starting price of around $60,000, which would make it competitive with other entry-level campervans from the likes of NSW-based Frontline and Victoria-based Achtung Campers. Campervans and motorhomes only represent around five per cent of new RV sales in Australia, with annual local production around 1000 vehicles. Just 155 campervans were built locally in the first 11 months of 2016, according to industry figures. Jayco has confirmed there are some new models coming but has not provided any specific details. However, it’s expected the new campervan, along with production versions of Jayco’s first dedicated off-road caravanJ, will be on display at the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow at the Melbourne Showgrounds from February 22-27.