Jayco tops 120 models!

New Airstream and Adventurer models are just the start of a significant range re-shuffle of Jayco’s line-up for 2018, which was on full display at this year’s Victorian Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow.

For starters, Jayco has repositioned and effectively cut $2000 off the price of its former Starcraft ‘middle-order’ caravan and pop-top range. At the same time, Australia’s largest RV manufacturer has introduced four new models to plug gaps in its line-up, which now numbers a bewildering 120 different models and layouts.

Gone for 2018 is the Starcraft nameplate for Jayco’s most popular ribbed-aluminium and optionally fibreglass clad range, replaced by Journey models – all with Tough-Frame and vacuum-pressed fibreglass exteriors.

In the process, Jayco has effectively discounted Journey models by $2000, as it has frozen prices for the new range at former 2017 Starcraft levels without the increasing-popular ‘TL’ (Tough Frame/Leatherette upholstery) option.

Super-sized fridge for Silverline

While Silverline models still top the Jayco line-up, they get a unique new 218 litre Dometic three-way fridge as standard for 2018 and new internal décor at no additional cost, with air suspension remaining an option.

At the other end, Jayco has brought in ‘Freedom’ as its entry carvan range – all clearly identified by their ribbed aluminium exterior cladding.

To showcase this new budget range, Jayco has introduced two new models – the 13ft Freedom Expanda, with a rear entry door, a combined shower-toilet bathroom and a front drop-down queen bed and a new forward front-door entry bunk bed family model – both with twin 82-litre fresh water tanks, Thetford 3-way 93 litre fridges, tare weights that can put them behind many compact SUVs and each priced at a keen $29,990.

Jayco’s National Sales Manager Shane Holloway said the aggressive pricing reflected Jayco’s intention to cover all market bases – in this case the second-hand market – “by offering a new Jayco and all the benefits that go with the brand as an alternative.”

Compact toy hauler for thrill-seekers

Also fresh from Jayco at the Melbourne Supershow was the new Jayco Work ‘N’ Play, a compact toy hauler with a front kitchen and up to three berths, including a unique fold-out double side bed.

The new model will be available in two sizes – the 4.48 metres-long 14-43-1 and 5.09 metres 17-51-2, with the latter without side bed, but a combined shower/toilet bathroom -- priced from $42,490.

A bigger campervan too

The Australian RV giant, which claims 11,000 annual sales, has also expanded its motorhome range with a new, long-wheelbase campervan model based on the Fiat Ducato Maxi van.

Priced from $98,990, the new Conquest campervan packs in a four-person dinette, combination shower/toilet and rear double bed in its 6.365m long by 2.1m wide by 2.75m high body.

The four tonne GVM camper will offer more free camping potential than the smaller Toyota Hiace-based Freedom campervan, as it's available with a 90 litre fresh water and 90 litre grey water tank as well as more interior storage options.