Jayco’s Expanda caravans have become a familiar sight on Australian roads and in caravan parks in the couple of years since their release. There are now 10 models to choose from.

The concept is a simple one: blend the space-extending practicality of the canvas fold-out bed-end with the easy setup, storage capacity and no-fuss functionality of a caravan and you end up with the Expanda.

With the capacity in some layouts to sleep up to eight people, there are sizes and configurations to suit many different needs, from the smallest – a cosy 12ft 6in (3.85m) pop-top with one bed-end – through several pop-top 16 footers, with or without showers, to the two 18ft (5.5m) full height versions.

One of the latter has two bed-ends, shower and an electric slideout and the other, the subject of this review, is a family friendly bunk model.

This one was, for me, a stand-out among the usual dense crop of Jaycos on display at the Vic Caravan and Camping Show in March, so we organised a test run down to the beach on a sunny May afternoon with an Expanda from Kevin Clark at Bayswater Jayco at the World of Caravans complex in Melbourne’s east.

As meticulous and obliging as ever, Kevin helped out with the tricky logistical planning (our human models were available only after school, which meant returning the van the next morning) and all was prepared.

The space race

At 5.7m (18ft 8in) long, expanding to an impressive 7.57m (24ft 9in) with the bed out, the bunk/ensuite Expanda had a VIN plate Tare of 1850kg, giving it an ATM of around 2250kg.

It’s built on Jayco’s hot dipped galvanised Millennium chassis, with PSC members supporting the floor which, Jayco says, enables the chassis to be light but still achieve maximum strength. Pressed holes in the chassis protect underfloor wiring and plumbing.

Suspension above the tandem alloy wheels is rocker leaf spring, with moulded wheel boxes, Al-Ko corner stays and jockey wheel.

External features include concealed wind-out windows, chrome bumper bar, one-piece boot liner, triple-lock Trimatic security door, sandwich domed seamless fibreglass roof, LED external lights front and rear, grab handle and light around the door, 240V/gas hot water system on the shower models, two 90L water tanks, dual lockable water filler, 12V annexe light, external mains pressure tap, and coaxial TV point.

The walls are what Jayco calls its Tough Frame sandwich wall construction, consisting of four vacuum-bonded layers of high gloss fibreglass dent/hail resistant skin over ply on an 19mm x 19mm aluminium tube outer frame, with 26mm-thick insulation and interior panelling.

The walls incorporate wiring trunks and galvanised plating to support the furniture and other fittings.

The layout of our Expanda had a front door, with the single bed-end also at the front, a cafe-style dinette, kitchen bench with sink and Smev four-burner (one 240V element) gas cooktop and grill with 12V ignition and drawers under, on the offside, and the ensuite tucked in the offside rear corner.

Â

 The twin bunks were opposite the ensuite with a wardrobe between and the rest of the nearside space occupied by the Dometic RM2553 three-way fridge with microwave and more bench space and storage. It’s a very practical arrangement and gives plenty of living space, as the main bed is in the extended section. Jayco’s interiors have all been treated to new contemporary fabrics this year, and the smart timber cabinetry makes it all look fresh and stylish.

Powder-coated aluminium framing is used for furniture such as the dinette, lounge and beds and all cabinet fronts (with positive door catches) are securely attached for additional strength.

Lighting is all 12V, with a built in battery Trickle charger (13.5V output) to cater for an auxiliary battery. The Setec power converter is a built-in fused power converter which provides a safe 12V supply from 240V mains. When only 12V power is available, the unit is self-sensing and no switching is required.

 There’s a lengthy options list for the Expandas, including TV and DVD/MP3 system, auxiliary battery, bed converter for the dinette, air-conditioning and an Outback pack for off-bitumen adventures.

Â

The bottom line

Jayco Expandas come in a range of sizes, weights and configurations with one or two fold-out bed-ends, to suit travellers with different needs.

This full height, bunk and shower model, priced around $43,000 plus on roads, offers family holidays with a considerable degree of comfort, without losing the camping-out feel that so many of us love. It would also be ideal for indulgent grandparents who like to take a brace of young ones on holiday.

The trade-off in weight is of course that at around 2250kg ATM (check the VIN plate for exact maximum weight) it’s not the lightest camper-style caravan around, but Expanda is a good fit for the many mid-sized tow vehicles with a tow rating of 2500kg and up.

Thanks to Bayswater Jayco for helping us with the shoot.

For your nearest Jayco dealer visit www.jayco.com.au or call

1300 JAYCORV (1300 5292678)

Liked

• Layout – it offers a lot in a 18ft van
• New fabrics
• Value for money

Would have liked

• More windows would brighten the interior
• Extra length has a big impact on weight – but that’s the trade-off

By Ros Bromwich, as featured in Caravan World issue 443, July 2007.

An RVMAA Approved Supplier