Jayco releases teardrop camper

In its 40th year of manufacturing, Jayco Australia has officially released its smallest, and possibly cheapest, model to date in the form of a 1930s style teardrop camper.

The J-Pod production versions unveiled at the Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow are significantly changed from the first J-Pod ‘prototypes’ unveiled at the Sydney Supershow almost 12 months ago. Most noticeable is a taller, less rounded body shape with squared off rear end, a smoother, all-white exterior with flashes of blue and green, and 40th anniversary badge.

Instead of a big front boot there’s a smaller, front tunnel locker, but buyers can opt for a toolbox on the drawbar for extra storage.

While still very much a minimalist camper capable of being pulled by the smallest tow vehicle (or by hand!), the production J-Pod also comes with a few more standard features including a 12V LED internal light, roof racks, spare 13 inch alloy wheel (located under the lift-up queen-sized bed), two push-out, double-glazed  windows with internal blinds/screens, fire extinguisher, roof hatch, and spare wheel jack.

As a result it's  priced $2000 more than originally proposed, with a starting price of $9900. However, the cheap and cheerful J-Pod still undercuts the very similar Avan Weekender, which comes with more reading lights and internal power points but starts at around $12,000.

The 3.63m long and 2.1m wide J-Pod also comes with a bigger rear tent, which zips on the back and can accommodate extra family members or provide extra indoor living space.

The J-Pod’s moulded fibreglass body shell sits on a galvanised chassis, and with an ATM of 749kg (and Tare weight of 520kg and ball weight of 38kg), there's no need for electric brakes. 

Gas struts open the top-hinged rear door to reveal the queen-sized innerspring mattress occupying much of the interior floorspace.

Two, slightly different layouts were on display at the Melbourne Supershow, with storage space located either behind or in front of the bed.

Jayco, which claims to have built 160,000 RVs since 1975, is the latest Aussie manufacturer to hop on the retro teardrop bandwagon, with a number of interesting examples hitting the market recently.

The tiny teardrop mini-caravans first became popular in America in the 1930s, when DIY magazines published plans for plywood versions you could piece together in your garage.