Travelling Australia a conquest of discovery

The lure of the unknown and the realisation among baby boomers they now have available to them the ability to discover what’s really out there across Australia has them turning to recreational vehicle (RV) ownership, and for many rather than towing they are opting for motorised models.

Responding to the demand for motorised RVs has seen Jayco, Australia’s No. 1 RV manufacturer of caravans, pop-tops and camper trailers, in just over two years become recognised as one of the country’s premier builders of motorhomes.

Jayco’s 2006 range has four Conquest Series motorhomes available either in “high roof” or “low roof” configurations and all reflect the kind of luxurious finish that has is used in its top-of-the range towable RVs.

The Jayco motorhome has been a remarkable success story, but it has come about both because Jayco chose the Fiat Ducato as the base vehicle for its motorhomes and because of its ability to apply the manufacturing expertise it has developed over years of building luxury caravans.

The turbo diesel Fiat Ducato is Europe’s No. 1 vehicle used in motorhome manufacture both for the hire and private touring markets and it has an established track record as a highly efficient and reliable turbo diesel vehicle in the commercial transport sector. An automatic transmission model is to be released later in the year.

Its performance levels make it an easy vehicle to drive, with an extremely comfortable driver’s cabin layout. Jayco has added a cruise control that also makes driving over long distances much easier.

Jayco’s design expertise comes to the fore in building accommodation modules to the same exact standards applied to its top-of-the-range caravans, released in 2006 as Sterling models.

Conquest models start at $ 92,990 plus on road costs. Jayco’s competitive pricing stems from using high tech state-of-the-art processes, including computer-driven engineering systems and the experience it has gained in over 30 years of RV manufacturing this year.

The look of the motorhome is extraordinary as it has an automotive finish, developed from using Jayco’s Tough Frame construction methods of sandwich panelled walls, that have a high-gloss, almost dent resistant sheer, fibreglass finish. New 2006 striping and decals add to the automotive styling.

Vehicle length is 6.9 metres (22ft 7in) and internally Jayco’s experience in layout design provides lots of living space in two layouts with the double bed in two different configurations - one crossways, the other lengthways.

The height of the beds is around thigh height (approximately 700 mm – 2ft 3½ in) providing an enormous storage locker, accessed easily by raising the gas-strutted bed.

“High roof” layouts offer an extra double bed compartment above the driver’s cabin and “low roof” models offer an option of additional cupboards in lieu of sleeping space in the luton (the above-cabin area).

Extra storage is available under dinette seating, in kitchen and overhead cupboards and in a wardrobe.

The shower and toilet compartments are easy to access and have their own ceiling vent.

Motorhome furniture has Jayco’s Euro-styling and smooth, distinctive lines. The 2006 range use new colours in the walls, cushions, curtains and bench tops have new coloured laminenx with curved edging.

Fixtures include brushed aluminium Smev appliances, including a four burner gas stove with one electric element, range hood, microwave oven, large RM4401 Dometic refrigerator, 240 volt - gas hot water system, with 80 litre water fresh water tank and 55 litre grey water tank. There is also a 100 Amp/H auxiliary battery and provision for a second battery.

A recessed stainless steel sink with glass lid are also being included.

A Coleman air conditioner 17in flat screen TV and DVD/CD/MP3/AM/FM 12 volt stereo and a Jayco clock are standard. The TV is connected to a wind-up television antenna. A Fiamma F45 awning extends the living options of the Jayco Discovery to the outdoors.

© Copyright 2006 Driveguide.com.au

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