Major overhaul of Jayco Camper Trailers
In the most significant camper makeover ever, gone is the aluminium sheeting for decades used on the sides of its campers, replaced with the same sleek white, high tension, durable fiberglass used in Jayco caravans and pop tops in recent years. Use of fiberglass and blue, grey and gold automotive graphics have reinvented the exterior of the camper trailer, placing it very much back into the same design mold as the rest of the Jayco fleet. Other design firsts for 2007 camper trailers include using curved ABS automotive plastic for its front and back, with a protective pebble guard up front. The Boltaflex material that forms the raised walls and extended bed-ends has also changed colour from brown to a restful, easy-on-the-eye blue, completing the major transformation of the entire camper range, also available in off-road configurations as Outback models.
Inside, designers also turned their attention to the décor, using new colours in the wood panelling and laminex and they have also introduced a new colour range for the hard-wearing, easy-to-clean and maintain fabric used in the cushions, seating and curtains. The major design overhaul is testimony to Jayco's continued commitment to camper trailers, often the first choice entry for families buying a RV for the first time because of their relatively low-cost. They also offer variable sleeping arrangements, some with up to seven berths. Camper trailers have always been favourites among children, because with so many sleeping berths, they are quick to invite friends on holiday. There are seven different camper trailer variants, from the compact designed-for-a-couple Penguin, with no external bed extensions to larger Hawk, Eagle, Swan and Flamingo models, all can sleep up to seven.
In between are the Finch and Dove, both sleep five. The height of conventional Jayco camper trailers remains at just 1.6 metres, which means that there is little wind drag behind conventional tow cars, and almost none behind a 4WD. Brushed aluminium appliance have been retained, including the four-burner stove - with one burner an electric hot plate - and new recessed stainless steel sink add to the new styling. The Dometic top controlled three-way RM 2330 fridge is a standard feature.
Outback range
The popularity of all-wheel-drive and 4WD vehicles and their use as tow vehicle has created a major market for robust, ideal towing companions, like the Jayco Outback camper range. In recent years 50 per cent of all Jayco's camper trailers have been built as Outback models. Outbacks have added strength as the chassis uses 150mm x 50mm RHS members and 125mm x 50mm RHS is used in the "A" frame. Additional bracing is also included in the side frames. Extra ground clearance is achieved with an under-slung axle. For a better ride over rough terrain ALKO Outback leaf springs and ALKO off-road electric brake magnets are used. Shock absorbers also come with guards to protect them from stone damage. The same applies to the water tank.
A full-height pebble guard is available on most models and a checker plate finish offers additional protection to the sides and rear of the Outbacks that also have a bumper bar with spare wheel mounted. The inclusion of a bumper bar and spare wheel increases the overall length by just 600mm. The increased height is kept to only 250mm despite the use of larger wheels and off road tyres that help create extra ground. Experienced Outback owners, while having great faith in their units, use common sense to tackle "rough stuff." To go "rock hopping" they opt to use the camper trailer as a base station and go solo on day trips out from the base, rather than trying to go exploring with their camper trailer hooked up behind.
