14
NEWS
Jayco releases $20,000 JPod
Bigger, better and pricier JPod camper breaks cover at Melbourne SupershowExactly two years after the original, production version of Jayco’s smallest model broke cover, Jayco has unveiled a bigger, better equipped and much more expensive version of its JPod teardrop camper at this year’s Victorian Caravan Supershow.
Rushed to the Jayco stand at the end of the first day of the Supershow after finishing touches by Jayco’s R&D department, the Jayco JPod ‘MKII’ is more of a mini-caravan than the original, bare-boned JPod that was shunned by some buyers for being too small, too basic and too impractical for anything but an overnighter.
Unlike the original the new JPod will be available in three versions, to better cater to different budgets and requirements.
At 4.07m long by 1.825m wide by 2.035m high, the MKII JPod is 44cm longer and 10cm taller overall than the original, although at 1.825m wide, the latest version is 28cm narrower.
It’s also a lot heavier, with the top-spec JPod Sport prototype on display boasting a Tare weight of 768kg and 1068kg ATM, for a 300kg payload. The JPod Sport will be fitted with electric brakes as standard, whereas the lighter, entry-level JPod Lite and mid-spec JPod Touring variants will have mechanical over-ride brakes.
The new JPod Sport also boasts more storage options, including a half-locker and front toolbox on the galvanised chassis riding on leaf spring suspension.
Inside, two small, storage cabinets in front of the queen-sized (1370mm x 1880mm x 100mm) mattress hold a 40 litre portable fridge along with light switches and monitors for the 100Ah battery and 45 litre underslung water tank. There’s also some overhead shelving, as well as plastic storage tubs within the ply cabinetry and under the bed.
The range-topping JPod Sport also comes standard with a roof hatch, two wind-out windows, 12V water pump, 4kg gas bottle, premium slide-out external kitchen, roof racks, 2.5m awning and rear annexe. The electrical system includes a full complement of internal lights, 12V/240V plugs and powerpoints as well as an external socket for a solar panel.
The top-spec JPod Sport is further distinguished from the other, all-white variants by a grey exterior finish with black corner moulds.
Jayco’s Regional Sales Manager Scott Jones said that unlike the first JPod, which was built from an imported body shell, the latest version will be fully constructed ‘in-house’ at Jayco’s Dandenong, Victoria factory. The prototype had fibreglass composite walls similar to Jayco’s top-spec Silverline caravan, along with a 12mm ply floor and galvanised furniture fixings.
The RRP for the JPod Sport is $19,990, while the entry-level JPod Lite and mid-spec JPod Touring are likely to start around $14,000 and $16,000 respectively.
Jones said the original JPod, which is currently priced from $10,498, will still be available to buyers looking for a more basic, lightweight camper.
“We got a lot of feedback over the last 12 months and what we wanted to do was improve the product dramatically,” Jones said.
“We really wanted to offer something that showed a lot more value than a mattress in the back of a trailer… It’s a really good option for people to get out and about now, whereas the original one was very basic.”
Share this article
Written byChris Fincham
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a caravancampingsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the caravancampingsales app
