Jayco targets entry-level camper and motorhome buyers

Australia's largest RV manufacturer is enticing budget buyers with some new model launches at this year's Melbourne Leisurefest, which kicked off today.

First up is a new range-topping JPod-XC 'mini-caravan', which is bigger than Jayco's other JPod campers, at 5520mm long, 2220mm wide and 3030mm wide.

Entry is through a rear door, with a bench seat dinette, double bed with Slumberest innerspring mattress and some extra storage, benchspace and standing room inside, while cooking is on an external kitchen with two burner cooktop and sink.

The single axle, twin-berth JPod-XC also gets a 270 degree batwing awning, under-bunk air conditioner, 85L upright 12V fridge, 12V fan, portable speaker and charging dock, and a 200Ah lithium battery system with 260W twin cell solar panel and Projecta manager with 30A DC-DC charger.

It's rough track-ready too, with a DO-35 coupling, 9kg gas bottle and bayonet, and 80L water tank also included. Jayco says the new range-topping JPod is "launching in limited numbers" with a price tag of around $47,000, according to a salesperson at the show.

Jayco has also added a new model to its traditional wind-up camper trailer range. The new 5552mm long CTX-2 comes "packed with off-grid muscle", including a Projecta power system with 300Ah lithium battery, 3000W inverter, twin 260V solar panels, 30A DC/DC charger, MMPT controller and colour touchscreen.

The CTX-2 camper trailer also gets a 115L 12V upright fridge/freezer, leatherette upholstery, Slumberest mattresses at each end, portable bluetooth speaker, continuous hot water, two 80L water tanks and a 9kg gas bottle, a Thule wind out awning and an external shower.

You can cook either inside on the two-burner cooktop with sink, or outside using the slide-out kitchen with twin gas burner cooker.

The CTX-2 sleeps up to five people and had $42,490 tow-away pricing at the show.

Jayco also had updated, entry-level Destiny motorhome and JRV campervan models on display, based on the latest front-drive Renault Master, with 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and nine-speed auto.

The Renault Destiny motorhome had show pricing of $134,486, with standard features including a queen innerspring mattress that drops down from the roof over the lounge-dinette, 188L fridge, continuous gas hot water, a washing machine, and a 12V 600Ah lithium battery system with 520W rooftop solar.

There was also a new Renault-based JRV campervan with the same engine and transmission, priced from $105,900 drive-away, and fitted with a number of goodies including an internal bathroom, kitchen with two-burner cooktop and 116L fridge, gas hot water and a 200Ah lithium battery system with 260W rooftop solar.

Related: