New Toy Expanda from Jayco

Jayco has unveiled its second surprise within a month, ripping the covers off a new Expanda pop-top that blurs the line between family caravan and toy hauler, at this year’s Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow.

The ‘toy Expanda’ concept – given a model code number of 16.49-5 in reference to it being the fifth layout option available for the 16ft 8in long Expanda pop-top – comes just three weeks after Australia’s biggest RV manufacturer unveiled its first fifth-wheeler caravan.

Aimed at active families who want more floorspace inside the caravan to carry bikes, surfboards and other bulky gear, but don’t find Jayco’s traditional toy hauler caravans with their large rear ‘garage’ areas appealing, the toy Expanda concept makes room for a bunk bed in the rear that folds up along the wall while travelling to create extra floorspace.??

Jayco had a mountain bike and portable infants bed on display in the rear, to demonstrate the extra room available compared to a more conventional layout.?

There are two entry doors – one in the usual spot along the side and another at the rear, for loading bikes and other items. However, owners will be limited by what they can squeeze through the rear door. ??

Also missing were any rear steps or a portable ramp to help with loading, or any tie-down hooks in the garage area, although it’s likely these would be available on production models.??

Otherwise, the layout is fairly conventional, with a front slide-out double bed, four-person dinette, kitchen with four-burner stove, 150 litre three-way fridge, microwave and sink, and a decent number of cupboards, drawers and wardrobes.??

Although it misses out on the rear slide-out bed fitted to most other Expanda models, the toy Expanda can still accommodate up to six people, with the dinette converted to a bed.

The new layout would increase the number of Expanda variations to 21, including a range of sizes, layouts and pop-top or fixed roof options.

Fitted with the optional Outback pack, the Expanda concept had a Tare weight of 1623kg, and estimated ATM of around 2000kg.

Priced at $46,514, the display model was fitted with a range of accessories included roll-out awning, Heron air-conditioner, 120 watt solar panels, TV antenna, 18in LED/DVD TV, Fusion audio system with external speakers, external shower, leather upholstery, and 100Ah battery.