Has Jayco's 16ft Destiny pop-top got what it takes to be the ultimate budget caravan?

In the beginning

Jayco Australia began in Dandenong, Victoria, in 1975 when Gerry Ryan and four employees started producing one camper trailer a day. From those humble beginnings the company has expanded to employ over 600 and produces a new 'van every 13 minutes.

Over 90,000 Jayco caravans and, more recently, motorhomes, have now rolled off the production line. This year sees a move into an all-new factory; the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. With 46 per cent of the Australian RV market Jayco seems set to continue as the main player for many years to come.

Look at the origins of caravanning and you'll find a basic premise: a caravan must have somewhere to cook, eat and sleep. Much has changed since post-WWII when Australians took to the roads with their caravans in droves, but at the heart of it, things are still pretty much the same. So it should come as no surprise that the most popular size, type and layout of caravans today is, I'm told, a 16-foot pop-top with a front kitchen, centre dinette and rear, island bed.

"Why is it so?" I hear you ask. Probably because a 16-footer is easily manoeuvred and light enough for the average car to tow, yet provides sufficient living space even for extended touring. Pop-tops are more fuel efficient on the move, are more easily stowed in garages or under carports and, when in camp, have large zippered openings for plenty of fresh air and light. Most 'vans this size don't offer bathrooms, and that's because they're intended to caravan park hop and make the most of the facilities provided.

Also, a front kitchen usually means a front door, so access is as close to the car as possible, while the centre dinette separates the cooking and sleeping areas and, being right by the kitchen, is simply most convenient. Finally, the island bed - a bed you can walk down both sides of - is easiest to get into and to make, unlike bunks or beds wedged against walls.

Technically talking

Jayco's pop-top caravans are split into two model ranges: Destiny and Sterling, the entry and up-market models, respectively. Sterling has more comforts but Destiny is by no means a stripper. We tested a Destiny 16.52-2 fitted with the cost optional roll-out awning, airconditioning and entertainment system and we weren't disappointed. These are, apparently, very popular and typical of what most buyers tick in the options boxes, and they rounded off what I thought was a good-looking package.

Jayco uses its Millennium Chassis; a combination of conventional and pressed-metal frame members that reduce weight while providing strength. The whole thing is hot-dip galvanised, too, for corrosion resistance. The body comprises the Jayco Tough Frame, using square-section aluminium tubing with an outer layer of fibreglass-on-ply, an inner ply lining and insulation sandwiched in between. It's light and strong, while the nose and tail of the 'van feature fibreglass mouldings. Suspension is simply leaf springs on a solid axle, wheels are 14-inch alloys with light truck tyres and braking is via electrically operated drums.

The front boot houses a single, 9kg gas bottle with room for a second, plus the jack, while the spare sits beneath a fibreglass cover just where the A-frame and body meet. There's an A-frame mounted water tap, which is a nice touch, connected to the under-body 90-litre poly water tank. When in camp you can connect a hose for mains pressure water, but as there's no bathroom on this model there's no hot water, either. Other useful external features include two lights, a 240V power point, coaxial TV connector, a Trimatic security door, the optional roll-out awning and very dark tinted windows.

The inside story

Eurostyle Furniture - another Jayco signature - is the theme inside and it looks quite good. Warm timber colours are nicely complimented by understated upholstery, and although tizzy net curtains still prevail, at least the rest of the interior looks good.

The kitchen is well equipped, with a hob featuring three gas burners and a single electric hotplate, plus a grill and a rangehood. There's a small roll-out pantry, a single sink with two taps; one for mains pressure and the other a manual hand pump, a three-way 90L fridge/freezer, microwave and a handy corner vegetable basket.

The L-shaped dinette comfortably accommodates three, four at a pinch, while across from it is a comfy two-seat settee. Come the evening the dinette converts into a second bed that would be ideal for a couple of kids. And speaking of kids (of all ages), the optional entertainment package, consisting of a 15-inch flat screen TV with an automotive style DVD/CD/radio, is bound to be a hit. Ditto the optional Herron split-system air-con, which does away with those large, roof-top units and also provides heating in cooler weather. Lighting is 12V and switches automatically between mains and battery power, via Jayco's Setec power converter, which also includes a trickle charger for the (optional) house battery.

Down the back the main bed can be extended by 150mm and is easily accessed down either side. The mattress is only foam, although innerspring is cost optional, and for a good night's sleep it would be worthwhile. The whole bed lifts up to reveal a cavernous storage space that can take a porta-potti.

In the end

There's much to like about Jayco's Destiny including a price in the very low $30,000 with all of the extras. It tows well, looks good and is well equipped. In short, it's a lot of van for the money. Jayco has 32 dealers nationally to back it up, which is also hard to beat. In short, it seems Jayco's destiny to sell many more. Is it yours to own one?

Article published in Caravan+RV magazine, Autumn 2007. Words Richard Robertson, photos Phil Cooper.