JB rolls out new EV and hybrid caravans

JB Caravans is starting 2024 with a bang, with the rolling out of a bunch of fresh models including new all-electric variants, a brand-new range of hybrids, and the re-launch of a well-known Aussie RV brand.

On display at this week's Victorian Caravan Supershow at the Melbourne Showgrounds will be two new JB 'electrified' caravans, with 'Full Electric EV' upgrade packs now available on JB's Gator X and Scorpion Sting Air range-topping off-road models.

Both the 'gas free' Gator X EV and Sting Air EV upgrades bundle 13 features into the single optional pack, including JB's timberless construction, a Black Jack electric jockey wheel, Camec ventless, keypad security door, Coast to Coast 24V solar panels and a slide-out electric kitchen, while interior add-ons include an induction cooktop, electric instant hot water, convection microwave, and a 224L compressor fridge/freezer.

JB has not announced pricing for the EV packs yet, but all will be revealed when a 21ft 6in Sting Air EV and 17ft 10in Gator X EV go on display at the 2024 Victorian Caravan Supershow from February 21-25 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

JB Caravans is also releasing a new range of full composite hybrid caravans at the 2024 Melbourne Supershow, including 14ft and 16ft fixed roof, single axle models designed for full off-road travel.

According to the JB Caravans website, the new Gator Hybrid 14 and Gator Hybrid 16 hybrids will be the first JB models since the discontinued Marlin to benefit from fibreglass sandwich panel construction, although the new Gator Hybrids will take it up a notch with honeycomb composite instead of traditional ply flooring as well as a full composite roof.

The Gator Hybrid 16 is expected to have a Tare of 1900kg and an ATM of 2500kg, while the smaller 14ft model (above) will have a Tare of around 1750kg and the same 2500kg ATM.

Designed for off-road, off-grid camping, both new JB Gator Hybrid models will come equipped with Cruisemaster XT coil suspension and a DO-35 coupling, a Raptor coated Duragal chassis, 16in alloys with off-road tyres, a 2kW Ecoflow battery system with 400W rooftop solar, a 130L upright compressor and 55L cabinet fridge, a rooftop air conditioner, NCE 25L microwave, and a Dometic slide-out kitchen.

Both models also feature an internal ensuite and kitchenette, along with 130L fresh water and 50L grey water capacity.

Introductory launch pricing is listed at $79,990 for the 14ft rear door Hybrid, with launch pricing of $89,990 for the 16ft rear door Hybrid.

Meanwhile, JB is also using the Victorian Supershow as the launching pad for a new range of Traveller entry-level caravans.

The new JB-built Traveller vans are being built in JB's Melbourne factory after the owner of JB Caravans acquired the IP assets of the long-standing caravan builder when the business was wound up in late-2023.

The new Traveller vans are built with a galvanised chass, timber frame and aluminium cladding, and a new 19ft 6in Traveller Intrigue tandem axle couple's caravan on display at the Melbourne Showgrounds features a luxury couple's layout including queen bed, kitchen, cafe dinette and rear bathroom with washing machine and separate shower.

It's the second well-known Aussie RV brand that JB has taken off life support in recent times, after the big-selling Melbourne caravan manufacturer took over the production of Paradise Motorhomes in early-2023.