Our largest RV manufacturer by a country kilometre, Jayco claims to account for nearly half of all new camper, caravan and motorhome sales in Australia. Offering an almost bewildering array of models, Jayco is the GM or Ford of the local RV market. Mass production equals mass quality but you get what you pay for and with an Australia-wide dealer network and parts and advice on almost every street corner, Jaycos are a pretty safe bet.

Pop-Top & Caravan

Expanda

The Expanda range comprises pop-tops and caravans that - um - expand. Fold-out bedrooms are available at the front, rear or both ends and have a fold-down platform that supports the bed, while an aluminium-framed tent structure protects occupants from the elements. From memory the beds are a bit fiddly to set up and the tent material would need drying out after a wet trip. Apart from multiple double beds - like a camper trailer - some Expanda models have bunk beds and even a bathroom.

Caravan

Sterling

Sitting atop the Jayco model range is the Sterling caravan. There are four Sterling variants that can include double or triple bunk beds - or both - although in all but one instance it appears they replace the bathroom. Still, your kids will probably appreciate that. 

Sterlings are very well equipped, with everything from air-conditioning and a flat-screen TV/DVD/CD/MP3 entertainment system to orthopaedic bed slats and an innerspring mattress. Like all Jaycos (except camper trailers) Sterlings feature fibreglass sandwich-panel construction, Eurostyle furniture and ride on a Millenium Chassis.

Campers

Camper Trailer

Camper trailers are Jayco's entry-level point for family buyers. Fold-out ends (except the Penguin 13) contain a double bed each plus there's usually a convertible dinette, and sleeping capacity varies from two to seven depending on the model. You get an aluminium frame; wind-up roof; canvas ends and side walls; basic leaf-spring suspension; a 90-litre water tank; 9kg gas bottle; main-pressure water tap and more. Specs vary across the range as do dimensions and prices.

Australian Caravan+RV magazine, issue 7, Spring 2008.