JB Caravans Marlin 2019 Review

Have you noticed how many caravan manufacturers have broken through the $100,000 barrier with their latest luxury models?

They have to, because the battles for hearts, minds and money at the sub-$55k entry level of the market is now so fierce that there’s little profit once the dealer margin comes out.

That’s goods news if you're upgrading from a camper to a basic couple's or family van, or dipping your toe in the van market for the first time.

The other reason mainstream manufacturers like Melbourne's JB Caravans are in this market is to invest in customer brand loyalty that ultimately will see them trade up to other more featured (and profitable) models in their range, which in JB’s case principally spans from $70,000 all the way to $137,000.

If you’re shopping at the entry level, you’re the winner and in the case of JB's 2019 Marlin you’ll get even more van for your buck than you did in 2018. More importantly, because JB has an image as a quality builder to protect, they can’t afford to skimp on quality at the entry end of their range.

Tick the boxes

In fact, if you tick off the main features of the $54,990 single axle, centre door 17ft Marlin, it’s hard to see why you should spend much more to get a well-made, full composite walled, Aussie touring caravan of this versatile and easy-to-tow size.

The only thing you might want to do is add a second battery and a pair of rooftop solar panels (the Marlin comes pre-wired for solar), that would extend its usability for free-camping at a cost of about $3000 – maybe less with some hard bargaining.

As it sits in the yard, the latest Marlin is easily distinguished from its 2018 predecessor by its bold new blue graphics, but behind them there are few changes to the chunky Marlin that entered the JB range early last year.

Standard on all Marlins, which are available in sizes from 17ft to 22ft, with single or dual axles, centre or rear doors, in couple's or family bunk configurations and priced from $54,990 to $62,990, are Supagal chassis, Al-Ko independent suspension, corner drop jacks and 15-inch wheels.

Each uses full thickness fibreglass composite walls, for light weight, strength and impact resistance, while the bows that support the one-piece fibreglass roof are made from Meranti timber, with fibreglass exterior cladding and insulation between it and the inside ceiling. The floor is also timber (marine ply), with a vinyl covering.

Twin 95-litre fresh water tanks, a full tunnel boot, a reversing camera, an A-frame tap, a gas bayonet and AL-KO ESC stability control are standard items that are often on the option list of caravans in this price range, while inside the impressive equipment list includes a large 190-litre fridge/freezer, a wall-mounted washing machine, standard air conditioning, a 24-inch Smart TV, a BM Pro Trek control for the LED lighting and tank level monitor and large European Dometic double-glazed windows.

Few surprises

Apart from its new blue, black and white nautically-themed stickers, the Marlin is a relatively upright, conventional-looking caravan.

There's no external front boot, so the front stone-protection extends quite high up the window-less front panel, with the Marlin’s twin 4.5kg gas bottles sitting on the 150mm diameter A-frame above the standard stone tray and adjacent to the included brass external water tap.

Without a front boot, a modest ball loading of 110kg and plenty of room left on the A-frame, we suspect many people planning extended travels will fit a storage box up front for all the dirty stuff like hoses and ground matting.

However, if you do, you’ll need to watch your weight, as while the 17ft Marlin’s ATM of 2200kg makes it perfectly suited to being towed by most medium-sized SUVs, its payload of 350kg is less that you'll find in some other caravans in this price bracket.

Reasonably roomy

Inside, the lack of an external front boot results in extra living space and the Marlin feels impressively roomy for a caravan of its modest length.

Part of this impression can be credited to the large windows fitted and the predominantly white décor. However the lack of bench space alongside the cooktop and stainless steel sink is a reality check and if you're cooking up a storm, you'll need to call on the tri-fold table that separates the café dinette seats.

No criticism can be levelled at the storage space offered in the Marlin though. Deep cupboards line the upper walls on either side of the van, while hanging robes and large clothes storage areas flank the bedhead.

Double power-points, each with twin USB power slots, are other thoughtful features above the twin bedside tables.

Larger items, like boxes of wine, beer, or even a small Weber kettle BBQ, can be stored under the lift-up queen bed if they won’t fit in the front through-body boot.

Bathroom basics covered

The rear ensuite is not overly large, but it’s completely adequate and everything is there – a separate toilet adjacent to the wall-mounted Daewoo Mini washing machine, a central above-bench vanity bowl with mixer tap and a fibreglass shower cubicle to the right.

There's good bench space here too and storage cupboards above and below, but I'd prefer a larger mirror than the relatively small round one fitted.

And if I’m being picky, I’d rather a solid sliding door to the ensuite than the concertina one fitted.

But then, I need my own reality check here. After all, this is a relatively light, easy-to-tow $54,990 caravan and you wouldn't want to tamper too much with these strong points.

Summing up

The 17ft JB Marlin is a nice looking, few-frills entry level caravan with an impressive spec level for its relatively modest money.

With its independent coil spring suspension, reasonable ground clearance, 190 litres of fresh water capacity, large fridge and included luxuries like a washing machine and 24in Smart TV, it’s ready to take an adventurous couple on an extended holiday.

2019 JB Caravans Marlin 17ft

Travel length: 7100mm
Internal body length: 5160mm
External body width: 2400mm
Interior height: 1980mm
Travel height: 3000mm
Tare: 1850kg
ATM: 2200kg
Ball weight (Tare): 110kg
Body: Full composite sandwich walls and one-piece roof with plywood floor
Chassis: Supagal steel with 150mm A-frame and 100mm main frame
Suspension: AL-KO Touring independent single axle
Brakes: 12in electric drums
ESC: AL-KO
Wheels: 15in alloy with 235/75 tyres
Fresh water: 2 x 95L
Battery: 1 x 120Ah
Solar: Optional, but pre-wired
Air conditioner: Dometic Harrier roof-mounted
Hot water: Suburban gas/electric
Gas: 2 x 4.5kg
Cooking: Thetford Minigrill four-burner gas cooktop
Microwave: NCE 25L
Fridge: 190L Dometic RMDX21 3-way
TV: 24in Smart LED
Bathroom: Separate shower and Dometic cassette ceramic bowl toilet
Washing machine: Daewoo Mini 2.5kg front-loader wall mounted
Lighting: LED throughout
Price: $54,990
Supplied by: JB Caravans Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads, Qld
More info: JB Caravans