Jayco Starcraft goes premium

Jayco has narrowed the gap between its range-topping Silverline caravans and its popular budget Starcraft caravans by introducing a new ‘TL’ (Tough Frame / Leatherette) option for 2016.

Replacing the aluminium-framed and ribbed aluminium clad walls of regular Starcrafts, the fibreglass wall option available since mid-2015 at a retail cost of more than $2000 has allowed buyers of full-height Starcraft vans to option similar pre-formed fibreglass sandwich walls to those produced in-house for Silverline models.

The main sales pitch that has seen around 30 per cent of Starcraft caravan buyers take up the option to date is the vans’ more modern look (hence better resale), combined with improved hail resistance and superior insulation.

Now Jayco has sweetened the deal for 2016 by offering the fibreglass walls as a ‘TL’ package with upmarket leatherette upholstery instead of cloth, with up to 50 per cent of all Starcraft buyers expected to take the plunge for a (relative bargain) additional $1990 retail before the year is out.

The Starcraft’s bold move upmarket was clearly on display at last week’s South Australian caravan show in Adelaide, where the new range-topping, 22ft Starcraft with TL pack and ‘double length’ slide-out was on display.

Boasting a Silverline-like pricetag of around $63,000, the top-spec Starcraft (pictured) features an attention-grabbing layout of east-west walkaround queen bed and almost full-width, mirror-faced sliding wardrobe at the front, huge U-shaped lounge/dinette and kitchen in the middle, and spacious rear ensuite.

The Tare weight (non-Outback version) of the 8313mm/27ft 8in (overall) long Starcraft 22.68-2 is quoted as 2390kg, with a tow ball mass of 195kg.