Jayco to sell Airstream vans

It’s official! Jayco is the new Australian distributor of the iconic Airstream caravans, otherwise known as ‘silver bullets’ for their aircraft-style, polished and riveted alloy bodies.

Airstream’s funky little 16ft 3in Basecamp model, which features a rear door, combination shower/toilet and 1200kg Tare weight, will make its Australian debut at next month’s Victorian Caravan Supershow, with two larger ‘International’ models to follow later this year.

The distinctive caravans will initially only be available at five Jayco dealers around the country, but that will be three more than that offered by the previous distributor, Airstream Australia, which was based in Batemans Bay, NSW and had a small display at a Melbourne boat dealer.

It’s believed Airstream was impressed with the wider distribution network that Jayco could provide. Airstream was also recently relaunched in the UK, by top-selling UK manufacturer Swift.

Airstream executives met with Jayco management in Australia almost two years ago, when Airstream caravans were displayed by Victorian dealer Page Bros at the Melbourne Supershow.

“Jayco’s national network of dealers, combined with their industry-leading in-country support, will serve Airstream customers well for many years to come,” said Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler, who was in attendance at Airstream's original launch in Australia back in 2012.

Jayco owner Gerry Ryan is a fan of the sausage-shaped vans, converting an Airstream for mobile catering duties at his Michelton Winery.

“Jayco is pleased to announce this partnership with Airstream USA,” Ryan said. “The iconic nature of Airstream caravans, combined with the great reputation the company has had for more than 85 years, should serve our dealers well while offering a unique product to Australians across our great country.”

Three Airstream 'travel trailers' were sold through the previous Australian distributor – a 19ft single axle 579 Sport, 624 International and 762 International, all with lofty six figure price tags.

Although Jayco has not revealed specific details about the relaunch, the new entry-level Basecamp should be priced significantly lower than previous Australian-spec Airstreams.