JB adds more Sting to its off-road caravan range

Melbourne's JB Caravans has added a new, smaller tandem-axle variant to its range-topping line-up of Scorpion Sting and Sting Air full-size off-road models.

Loaded up with dirt-road and off-grid features, the new 2024-spec, 19ft 6in JB Scorpion Sting couple's van rides on Cruisemaster's 4.5-tonne rated ATX coil suspension which boasts piggyback reservoir shock absorbers to cope better with long stretches of highway corrugations.

It also gets the latest 5kWh (416amp/hr)) Ecoflow 48V lithium battery system, complete with 3600W inverter, 800W rooftop solar and touchscreen manager, capable of running many of its appliances while camping off the grid including a Dometic 224 litre compressor fridge-freezer and Ibis 4 reverse cycle air conditioner, 3kg washing machine, 25L microwave, Fusion stereo and 24in Smart TV.

Other standard features on the new 2024-spec 19ft 6in Scorpion Sting include a 'chip free' Raptor coated 6in chassis and one-piece honeycomb floor, Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling, 16in alloys with off-road tyres, 12in electric brakes and an AL-KO ESC stability control system.

The Scorpion Sting comes standard with aluminium stucco and checker plate side panels and aluminium composite front and rear panels, but can be optioned up with a full 'rot free' body construction including timberless wall framing to go with the aluminium roof and composite floor.

Inside, the new 19ft 6in couple's layout includes a walk-around queen bed with innerspring pillowtop mattress, a cafe dinette with leather upholstery, tri-fold table and pull-out foot rests, kitchen with pull-out pantry and a full width rear ensuite with ceramic toilet and separate shower.

Other standard kit designed to make things more comfortable when camping off the beaten track include a full size internal cooktop and oven, twin Sirocco fans and a Truma gas space heater, while externally there's an entertainment locker, electric entry steps, a dual reversing camera and a hot-cold shower.

Also included is a roll-out awning, front toolbox, mesh stone guard and a rear bar with jerry and spare tyre holders, along with 225 litres' fresh water and 95 litre grey water capacity.

JB Caravans says the 19ft 6in Sting is both smaller and lighter than the 20ft 6in tandem axle model with a similar layout, making it a bit easier to tow and park up for the night, with its Tare weight listed at 2935kg and an ATM of 3500kg.

The latest Sting and even better equipped Sting Air caravans also benefit from other MY24 upgrades, including a new marine-carpeted tunnel boot, black internal tapware and handles, Premium Diamond upholstery and Milenco TV antenna.

The 19ft 6in Scorpion Sting is priced from $133,000 driveaway, while the higher-spec Scorpion Sting Air with its Carafan instead of Dometic 'dust buster', bigger 10kWh battery system with 1000W rooftop solar, external slide-out kitchen and ATX airbag suspension, starts at $156,000.

All JB vans are backed by a five year structural warranty and a three year manufacturer warranty. Further details on the JB Caravans website.