JB expands composite caravan range

Melbourne's JB Caravans has officially released the second model in its new Gator Hybrid range, aimed at buyers who want to head off-road and off-grid for longer in a lighter weight and fully insulated luxury couple's caravan.

Unveiled at the 2024 Queensland Caravan Supershow in early June, the all-new Gator Hybrid 16 single-axle off-roader joins the smaller Gator Hybrid 14 launched earlier this year at the Melbourne Supershow, in JB's new full composite Gator Hybrid range.

Like the Gator Hybrid 14, the larger 16 foot model boasts timber-free, 25mm thick fibreglass sandwich panel construction with a honeycomb floor, and is designed for off-road touring with a Raptor coated Duragal chassis and lower body sides, mesh stone guard, Cruisemaster XT independent coil suspension and DO-35 coupling, AL-KO ESC, Dometic DRS, 12in electric brakes and 16in alloy wheels with Cooper Rugged Trek off-road tyres, all fitted as standard.

For off-grid camping it also comes well equipped with an EcoFlow 2kWh lithium power pack with a 2600W inverter and three 200W rooftop solar panels, along with two 95 litre fresh water tanks and a 50L grey tank.

The cosy but inviting couple's layout includes a north-south queen bed, two-person cafe dinette that converts to a single bed, and a combination shower/toilet at the rear. Being a hybrid cooking is largely outside on a Dometic slide-out kitchen with triple gas cooktop and a sink with mixer tap, and a 55L slide-out fridge, to go with the Dometic 130L upright fridge and microwave fitted inside.

The Gator Hybrid 16 also comes standard with a Bluetooth audio unit with internal and external speakers, a roll-out awning, reversing camera, entertainment hatch, front work light, external shower, gas bayonet, drop-down picnic table, Dometic rooftop air conditioner, 24in Smart TV, Sirocco fan, and instant hot water.

There's also an upmarket interior fit-out including leather upholstery, innerspring mattress, laminate benchtops, and concealed hinges.

With a Tare weight of approximately 1960kg and an ATM of 2800kg, the Gator Hybrid 16 offers an above-average payload of more than 800kg, to help make the most of a number of storage options available including a double slide-out A-frame toolbox and rear bar-mounted jerry holder outside, and a number of overhead and floor-mounted cupboards and drawers located inside.

Being a hybrid, the new single-axle model should also be a little more maneuverable than your average 16ft caravan at 2.3m wide, 6.8m long (overall) and 3.0m high, while the internal height of the hard-top caravan is 1.98m.

Like other JB caravans, the new Gator Hybrid 16 is backed by a five-year structural and three-year manufacturer warranty. The new model is currently being offered at $84,990 launch special' pricing, available in eastern states only, and down from the regular starting price of $94,990.