Jayco Sterling 2006 Review

By Carlisle Rogers

Jayco’s flagship Heritage caravan range has been superseded by the new and improved Sterling range. Incorporating the same attention to detail, the same tenacious adherence to durability and design, the Sterling range represents the height of Jayco style, comfort and value.

Featuring a slew of upgraded specifications, the new Sterling range has something for everyone.

One of the first models to emerge from the Melbourne factory production line was the 21.65–4 shown here, and CW discovered familiar features from Jayco’s popular Heritage range, as well as some new surprises.

First, the external shape and design has benefited from some subtle tweaking, enabling a larger boot and slightly longer interior space. With a total length of 21ft 8in (6.6m), and an interior length of 19ft 8in (6m), the end result is a pretty efficient design.

Chrome 14in or 15in alloy wheels are standard across the range, instantly lifting the profile of the vans and making them look a lot more classy.

All this is based on Jayco’s proven ‘tough frame’ body construction, introduced on its Heritage range and carried on into the Sterling’s design.

Utilising a 25mm x 25mm tubular aluminium outer frame with four layers comprising vacuum bonded fibreglass, plywood and polystyrene foam, the frame is dent resistant and well insulated.

The caravan rides on Jayco’s Millennium chassis, which is hot dipped galvanised to provide long term corrosion protection, and unique floor members designed to increase strength.

But back to some of the new features Jayco has introduced into the range. Outside, a reversing sensor is fitted in the rear bottom fibreglass moulding in lieu of a bumper bar, which keeps the lines cleaner while still protecting against backing into obstacles.

The new grey fibreglass mouldings are striking, and encase the integrated rear lights, with new LED side and clearance lights are also provided.

Twin Dometic roof hatches let in light and fresh air, and provisioning for air-conditioning is also provided. A rotating 12V television antenna is provided standard across the range.

The vinyl flooring has been updated to reflect the fresh Laminex, wall and material colours and designs inside.

Six windows let ample light into the caravan, not counting the tri-lock Trimatic security door with window.

Through the nearside door, we can step inside into the Sterling’s well-appointed kitchen and dinette.

The front kitchen is in an L-shape, curving around the offside to accommodate the refrigerator, microwave, extra bench and new control panel.

Next to the door is a small bench and cupboard leading into the Newhome four-burner stove and oven/grill.

This has a fold-up glass lid to maximise bench space when not in use. The rangehood overhead with light and twin exhaust fans and the stove below, are both elegant in their new brushed aluminium finishes.

Along the bench, the sink also utilises a fold-up glass lid and splashback. The sink is connected to a mains pressure tap. Extensive cupboards below and overhead provide plenty of storage space. There’s even hidden under-bench pantry space in the corner.

Above the Dometic 150L three-way refrigerator, a unit that could keep you in cold beer and cheese for ages, is adequate bench space and the control panel showing water tank levels and onboard battery status.

A 42A battery and 12V water pump are provided standard, in lieu of a bench hand pump, throughout the Sterling range.

Jayco has considerably developed the overhead cabinets, giving them a swept, wind-carved shape with graceful recessed buttons.

Redesigned overhead lights help provide detailed lighting to critical areas beneath the overhead cabinets.

In the centre of the kitchen area is the dinette, with a rotating rectangular table and seating for four, with an additional settee on the offside.

New cushion colours are coordinated with the curtains, and placed above the extra seats is a new standard DVD/CD/MP3/AM/FM 12V stereo head.

So when you are nestled on some rainy night halfway between Cairns and Perth, and the playing cards are too soggy, pop in a DVD and enjoy the 15in LCD flatscreen television mounted in the bedroom.

A sliding divider separates the front of the van from the rear bedroom and ensuite. An east-west bed is situated with the head at the nearside, and plenty of room to walk around to the toilet and shower.

At the foot of the bed is a small wardrobe on one side and a dressing table and cupboard on the other.

Mounted on the wall here is the television on an articulated bracket, allowing viewing from anywhere in the caravan, and safe stowage when travelling.

On either side of the bed head are matching wardrobe cupboards, with overhead cabinets and a shelf mounted at ceiling height. Wide windows light up both sides of the bedroom, and new swivel downlight reading lamps are mounted on either side of the bed enclave.

Another sliding door divides the ensuite from the bedroom. Inside, a Thetford toilet is sidled on the offside with a wide wood-grained vanity on the rear wall, complete with mirror and mains pressure bathroom tap over a reasonably large bowl.

No hand cramps from washing up in here. On the nearside is a standard-sized shower cubicle replete with twin taps, soap holder and a detachable shower head.

A hinged hammered glass door seals the shower from the rest of the toilet.

The hot water service is provided by a 240V gas boiler, so you don’t have to miss out on a hot shower no matter where you find your camp. And with two 90L fresh water tanks and two gas bottles, you can even linger.

Jayco has always aimed to provide exceptional value across all of its product ranges. The Sterling range is definitely no exception.

With standard inclusions like flatscreen LCD television, alloy wheels, a great refrigerator, and DVD/CD/MP3/radio on top of an already great layout and design, it’s hard not to be impressed.

The Sterling feels like the kind of place you could call home, with an even balance between features to make life easier and more comfortable, and the room to stretch your legs after a hard day sitting around the fire telling tales.

For your local Jayco dealer contact (03) 9791 6599, fax: (03) 9791 2825, web: www.jayco.com.au

We liked:
• Contemporary external design
• Flexible TV positioning
• Plenty of cupboard space

We would have liked:
• More kitchen counter space