True blue Jag Pod coming

Brisbane-based Jag Campers will be hoping the popular phrase 'Every cloud has a silver lining' rings true, after an unexpected turn of events at this year's Queensland Caravan Supershow held in early-June.

Father and son team, Frank and Jack Gosdschan, launched their unique Brisbane-built and retro-design Jag TD teardrop camper at the 2023 Queensland Supershow, and returned to this year's event with an exciting new, entry-level addition to the range, called the Jag Pod.

The glossy, egg-shaped compact camper stood out with its eye-catching bright exterior, super light towing weight and just about everything you need for a secluded, romantic getaway including a small kitchen, water tank, lithium battery, leather bedhead, mood lighting and a moon roof for star gazing -- together with an appealing price-tag of $29,000.

However, it was too good to be true, for buyers as well as the Aussie importer which discovered some unexpected truths after the Chinese-built teardrop camper was displayed to the public for the first time at the five-day event.

"We are in an interesting position right now regarding the Jag Pod," Jack Gosdschan told caravancampingsales after the show wrapped up.

"As we discussed, we are importing the Jag Pods right now from China. We are not happy with their total weights. The whole idea is that they would be light enough for a (Suzuki) Jimny to tow them, however, it turns out the supplier lied to us. The campers are significantly heavier than we were led to believe," he said. 

"We were also told by the Chinese manufacturer that they had the design IP for the camper, which turned out not to be true. We have since been contacted by Mink Campers, the holder of the IP and are currently in positive discussions with them regarding how we could work together." 

However, after talking with Iceland-based Mink Campers, Jack said the decision was made to go it alone, as the pair did with their original TD Camper.

"By the time shipping costs are factored in, we believe the price of the Mink will be too high for the Australian market to swallow," he explained.

"The features of the Mink camper are very basic compared to what is offered on the Australian market for much cheaper prices." 

He said Jag Camper is now working on "creating our own Jag Pod with the target of an ultra-light 500kg Tare weight and 50kg ball weight.

"The camper will come packed full of features including a double bed, storage for kitchen items and clothes, water tank, shower, gas cooker, slide-out fridge, etc.

"To keep the weight down while including all these features we will have to utilise some quite innovative construction techniques. 

"We also want to allow the customer to choose from a wide range of pretty out there colours."

"It will be designed with off-road capability in mind as well, featuring independent suspension and a large clearance. 

"We are also in talks with Suzuki Queensland, with the design being a collaborative effort to ensure it is suitable for the Suzuki Jimny."

So far, Jack who has an industrial design background has come up with a three-dimensional concept model, with the father-and-son team now working on the design of their first Jag Pod prototype. 

"I think this has the potential to be quite a unique and innovative product in the Australian and international market," he concluded.

Stay tuned!

Related: Jag teardrop goes back to the future