Tow Vehicle

With an ATM of 2359kg, the Jayco Expanda requires a heftier tow car than you might initially expect. A Commodore or Falcon with heavy duty tow packs would do the job, but to do it with ease a Landcruiser, or similarly sized, tow car would probably be the way to go.

On the Outside

With its smooth exterior which is dent and hail resistant, and the tinted windows the Expanda isn't bad looking. The walls are made using Jayco's sandwich construction. There's a full length awning for keeping the sun off and enjoying al fresco dining, and an outside light and 240V outlet round out the package.

The Expanda sits on a strong chassis that's been hot-dip galvanised for rust protection and rides on dual axles and a simplicity-style leaf spring set-up, so it's nice and stable, if a little noisy, when towing.

There are grab handles at the front and the back but moving a big dual axle caravan around with just one person can be a bit tough. The gas bottles are located on the drawbar and can be accessed nice and easily, and rather than a front boot, the slide-out bed gets in the way, there's a lockable pole locker. A roof-mounted air-conditioning unit rounds out the package.

Day into Night

Step inside the Expanda and you walk straight into the kitchen which consists of a Dometic 3-way fridge and a Smev three-burner gas cooker with one electric hotplate and gas-powered grill. There's plenty of storage in the kitchen for all the sorts of things you'd want while out on the road, but not so much room that you'll pack loads of stuff you don't need.

The café-style dinette is perfectly sized for two and sits amidships and just forward of the kitchen, the table can be removed to make more room and the seats are comfortable. Practical too, they're all vinyl backed and zippered for easy care and maintenance. Opposite is a large storage cupboard which would be a good spot for the telly.

At the end of the caravan is the slide-out bed. These things are so easy to slide out, although without proper maintenance or, if you spend loads of time travelling through dust, the runners can get a bit sticky. Anyway, with canvas walls the Expanda is cool in summer but cold in winter, don't forget a decent doona.

Right down at the other end of the caravan is a shower and toilet, while this is handy it's not a huge cubicle, so make sure you try it on for size before signing on the dotted line.

Australian Caravan+RV magazine, Issue 8.