Jayco goes into battle

Jayco has launched a camper 'offensive' at this year's Melbourne Leisurefest, with two new military 'camo' style off-road hybrid and camper trailer models debuting at the annual caravan show at Sandown Racecourse.

Providing strong hints of what Jayco's off-road camper trailer range will look like in 2024, and following the path of other off-road upgrades across the Jayco range, the prototype camper displayed at Sandown sported a new 'tough road' look in stark contrast to the current, sleek Euro-inspired design of the current wind-up camper range.

The prototype ditches the curvy ABS front and rear moulds for a more box-like 'bulletproof' body, with an Army green gloss exterior finish and matching black and grey 'camo' material for the canvas and mesh sides.

As is the current trend among Aussie RV manufacturers, it also sported black checkerplate lower body side protection, along with a large front black checker plate toolbox, with slide-outs, in lieu of the integrated front boot on some current models.

There's also a colour-coded drop-down picnic table, and a basic black rear bar with single spare wheel.

Jayco provided no additional information on the stand apart from a 'New Release' sticker, but a Jayco salesperson said the manufacturer was seeking public feedback on the new model, with a few changes likely to be made before it's released next year including the possibility of a smaller front toolbox.

Sporting a similar new green 'camo' look, a new range-topping CrossTrak 16.48-3 Pop-top hybrid camper, priced from $57,990, also took centre stage on the Jayco stand at Leisurefest.

Blending elements of the existing CrossTrak with Jayco's other pop-top models, highlights of the new new 16ft CrossTrak hybrid off-road caravan included an external slide-out kitchen and fridge slide, a front toolbox and twin gas bottles, rooftop mounted Dometic DRS and 200W solar, while the interior layout incorporated an east-west double bed with two lounge/dinette areas, a rear kitchenette and combination shower/toilet.

The 16ft display hybrid was fitted with a few options including a 24in TV and audio system, 60 litre portable fridge, leatherette upholstery, extra 120Ah lithium battery and rooftop air-con, for a 'show only' tow-away price of $63,856.

Motorhomes are running hot right now, so it's no surprise Jayco is also trying to capitalise on booming sales with a sporty new 'Limited Edition' campervan displayed at Leisurefest too.

The eye-catching camper is based on the Renault-based RM-19-1 campervan, but adds some sporty gold stick-on stripes and decals, along with racy 16in 'JRV' black alloy wheels with grippy Continental VanContact Eco tyres.

It's believed the LE camper also came fitted with a normally optional lithiuim battery and space heater, for its displayed pricing of $102,490, or $2500 more than the standard JRV Renault campervan.

However, you'll need a manual transmission car licence and a bit more patience in heavy traffic to drive one, with the Limited Edition campers only fitted with a six-speed stick shifter, mated to the 2.3-litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine, instead of the usual 'two pedal' six-speed automated manual.

It's believed only 30 will be produced, and they should be on display at Jayco dealers around the country until sold out.