Jayco produces first fifth-wheeler
Australian RV giant tackles fifth-wheeler market for the first time with new, budget-priced 28ft model?
Australia’s biggest RV manufacturer has added a massive, fifth-wheeler caravan to its impressive line-up of RVs.
Unveiled at this week’s South Australian Caravan & Camping Show, the new fifth-wheeler usurps the 25ft Sterling caravan as Jayco’s largest towable RV.
It also boasts the biggest slide-out of any Jayco.
The first fifth-wheeler in the company’s 37-year history, it boosts Jayco's line-up to eight RV types, including standard caravans, pop-top and ‘expander’ ‘vans, camper trailers, toy haulers, motorhomes and park cabins.
Jayco’s RV regional sales manager, Scott Jones, said a fifth-wheeler had been on the cards for at least five years but had been pushed aside due to other projects.
“We’ve been looking at doing it for a while, but finally it all came together late last year,” he said.??The display model measured 28ft 8in long by 7ft 7in wide, with a Tare weight of 3386kg.
Mr Jones said the production version should be lighter due to a new chassis built by Jayco, and he expects it to be towable by a range of locally-available utes including the LandCruiser trayback.??
A cross between a motorhome and caravan, fifth-wheelers offer more space than caravans due to the body extending over the tray of the tow vehicle.
They’re also more stable under tow, due to the pivot (articulation) point being over the rear axle, rather than well behind it.
The fibreglass-bodied Jayco model has the usual fifth-wheeler attributes including a spacious living area, large ensuite, copious storage and a low ceiling in the front bedroom.
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Priced at a competitive $84,990, it featured a four-burner cooktop, grille and oven, large fridge/freezer, wine cooler, two TVs, microwave, air-conditioner, washing machine and electric awning.??
The palatial living area included an entertainment unit with large LCD screen, CD audio and digital monitor, while the dinette, separate couch and two lounge chairs were all plushly padded and leather lined.??
A “free solar pack” comprising 90 watt panel, 100aH battery and 30 amp regulator, was also fitted.
According to Mr Jones, Jayco fans can also expect another surprise at next month's Melbourne Caravan Supershow. ??He hinted that Jayco will be unveiling a “concept van” along the lines of a small, feature-packed toy hauler at the popular Melbourne show.
“It will be fairly stock standard, furniture wise, but we’re going to make it stand out in other ways,” he said.?
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