jayco journey microwave

• Advertise |
• eMagazine Subscription
• Printed Subscription
• Caravan Reviews
• Camper Trailer Reviews
• Motorhome Reviews
• Classic and Vintage Caravans
• Classic Collectors
• Celebrity Campers
• Environment Heroes
• People & History

Review: Jayco Journey Outback

In 2014 Jayco combined the best of two models, the Destiny and the Sterling, into a new caravan, the Journey. It’s grown to become the most popular in the range of Jayco’s pop-tops, and continues to find new fans thanks to a line-up of sought-after features.

The Journey range is divided into two basic groups, those designed more for highway touring and those equipped for tougher operations on less accommodating tracks. Designated as the 17.55-8 and -9 or Outback models, these are the biggest sellers in the Journey range.

Jayco’s pop-top vans have always been popular with those looking for a lower roof line for enhanced aerodynamics, fuel consumption or storage reasons. They are also sought after by buyers who don’t want to fork out for a larger tow vehicle.

Today they’re increasingly an option for couples moving up from something like a camper trailer, or those moving up from tent camping and looking for more creature comforts. With good ground clearance in the Outback models, tougher set-up and a smaller travelling profile than most caravans, they can still be taken to many of the places you once sought with your camper trailer or tent.

The Outback kit including Jayco’s popular JTECH independent trailing arm suspension package with heavy duty drawbar (120mm deep instead of 100mm), a front jerry can holder, black checkerplate panelling over the lower portion of the body, external 12-volt power outlet, galvanised rear bumper bar, gas bayonet fitting to the exterior for use with an external barbecue and 120 watt roof-mounted solar panel. These vans have a much better resale value and give you that element of extra flexibility no matter what circumstances might throw at you.

The Outback fitout also introduces larger 235/75R15 tougher all-terrain tyres on alloy rims in place of the touring 185R14 rubber found on the highway models.

The downside to this is the weight increases by an extra 150kg and the ball weight increases by 25kg, although neither is excessive.

Since they have a shower fitted they come standard with a 100 amp-hour gel battery for the water pump, a second 82-litre water tank, and a second 9kg gas bottle to run the water heater unit.

image by: Brett Goldsmith

All of the 17ft vans, including the 17.55-8 and -9, also come equipped with a Truma air conditioning system. These excellent German-made units do a much better job in extreme conditions and are worth having.

Like all Jayco vans, the tandem axle shower-equipped models have a 475kg of carrying capacity to accommodate the extra water.

The fitout provides for a range of features that are worth having. There are 12 internal layout styles to choose from across the range. One of the attributes brought over from the Sterling was the higher walls. This allows for tinted Dometic double glazed windows built-in blinds and insect mesh.

With the larger windows, zip-out panels in the pop-top walls and a roof-mounted skylight over the bed, the interiors of these vans are bright and sunny.

The fully separate all-in-one bathroom across the rear is the stand out feature. It comes with comfortable layout, plenty of storage spaces and the shower has been improved with a single-piece unit eliminating the risk of leaks.

There are a range of bathroom and kitchen options to choose from. The Outback model as tested came without a normal oven to allow for extra storage, but it is an option. There is a microwave, Smev three-burner gas hotplates and single electric hot plate gas stove with griller underneath.

The extra electric hotplate comes in handy, saving gas when mains power is available, as does the dual-mode water heater. The fridge, which was 110 litres capacity in the Sterling, has now gone up to a standard 150 litre three-way unit.

For sleeping, there’s either an island orthopaedic double bed or two singles, with inner spring mattresses. For peace of mind, all the Journey vans are equipped standard with a Camec security door.

While the Outback vans are designed basically for two, there is a $299 option to purchase an additional cushion and baseboard, which converts the dinette into another bed.

A stand out feature certainly not available in the 1970s is the electrical and entertainment systems. Lighting is all LED and completely wireless. This eliminates the risk of any wiring problems and also means you never have to get out of bed to switch off a light – there’s a remote for that. A USB charging point is standard as well as an 18-inch LED television/DVD player with mounting bracket and wind-up antenna. There’s a Fusion CD/radio system, complete with external speakers.

To complete the outside living experience there’s an optional external shower (with free-standing shower tent if desired) and an external TV socket. To extend your options all Jayco outlets offer an annexe kit.

All the Journey models come with a white Euro-style fibreglass body, with sloping aerodynamic nose. Smart graphics set off the finish and give a sharp style to these vans.

There are so many options to choose from across the range. One certainly worth considering for off roaders is the Coast to Coast Control Panel ($207) which monitors water levels in up to four tanks (two standard plus optional third and waste water tanks) as well as battery charge levels   There is also the excellent Al-Ko Electronic Stability Control to keep your van where it belongs, as well as a longer A-frame, Tregg offroad polyblock coupling, and leather seat coverings.

Pop-tops have come a long way since the first humble camper was introduced by Jayco in the 1970s and they remain as popular as ever. The reason for that is undoubtedly due to their value for money in terms of quality, resale value and great list of standard features.

At $41,563 RRP as tested, it is excellent value.

Link: Read the full review and specs in Issue 15 of Time to Roam .

Review by David Cook.

REDARC Lithium In-Vehicle Charger

Uniden jump start kit, related posts.

Review: Coromal Element E661s Slide Out

Review: Winnebago Burke

Review: Living Edge Venetian

Review: Jayco Conquest Renault

Jayco Canterbury

Jayco Journey Caravan

Tough yet comfortable.

Get your journey started with NZ's favourite caravan, the Jayco Journey.

The Jayco Journey is ideal for embarking on adventures to discover all of those hidden gems. Durable yet cosy, and offering exceptional value, the Jayco Journey includes features that others only offer as optional extras.

It’s time to get your Journey started! 

Cleverly Designed For Your Next Journey

SLEEPS UP TO 6

200W TWIN CELL SOLAR SYSTEM WITH REGULATOR

FULLY EQUIPPED ENSUITE

95L TWO DOOR 3-WAY FRIDGE/FREEZER

HOT WATER SYSTEM

12V ELECTRIC AWNING WITH LED LIGHTING

Outback upgrade.

If the places you want to get to are a long way off the road, the Jayco Journey Outback Caravan is your perfect off-road companion.

It comes equipped with a host of durable, advanced features including JTECH 2.0 independent coil suspension, off road electric brakes, higher ground clearance and protective side aluminim checker plates. With a 200W solar panel on board, you can comfortably venture into remote locations without the need to hunt for a powered site.

Features and Highlights

• One piece fibreglass shower with exhaust fan including LED lighting
• 171L 3-way fridge with separate freezer compartment
• 4-Burner cooktop with built in griller & oven
• Rangehood with 12V LED light & twin fans
• Custom doona and pillows
• Tanked gas hot water system
• Roof mounted air conditioner
• Seating area with selection of modern fabrics
• Shurflo 12V water pump
• Washing machine with 3.3kg capacity
• Water filtration system to sink
• 12V electric roll out awning with LED light
• 240V power outlet doorside
• Fresh water tanks - 2 x 95L
• Gas bottles - 2 x 9kg
• Light - LED 12V doorside
• Light - LED 12V grab handle
• Picnic table
• Side mount gas bayonet for external cooking
• Ezi-Glide drawers including pot drawer
• Large storage area under bed
• Overhead storage compartment
• Side entry boot
• 100 Ah AGM Battery
• 200W solar panel with twin cell technology
• 24" LED Smart 12V TV with built in DVD player
• Bluetooth enabled for battery and water tank monitoring app
• Built in battery management system with 240V charger & MPPT charger
• CD/Radio with internal & external speakers
• DC/DC charger (Outback Only)
• External Anderson plug solar input to offside
• Roof mounted TV antenna
• Bedlights incorporating USB ports
• Strategically placed USB & USB C ports
• Electric brakes
• External triple lock security door
• Reversing camera
• Sway Command Tow Control
• Tow secure emergency braking system
• Tyre pressure monitor prep kit
• Chassis - Hot dipped galvanised
• Furniture - Euro style with aluminium corners & seat framing
• Roof - sandwich construction, one piece fibreglass skin
• Suspension - axle & leaf springs
• Walls - fully insulated Toughframe, hail & dent resistant

With over 40 years experience here at Jayco Canterbury, we know caravanning, so all our stock units arrive with several options to ensure the ultimate comfort in your new Jayco. Factory fitted options are available via special order as well as dealer fitted options. Ask us for more details.

Available options include:

• Additional 100ah battery
• Upgrade battery to 100ah Lithium
• Upgrade battery to 2x 100ah or 120ah Lithium
• Additional 200w Solar panel
• 95L grey water tank
• Second 95L grey water tank
• Satellite dishes manual or automatic
• NZ Freeview Smart TVs and SKY card readers
• Wireless camera systems
• Wireless brake controller (legal requirement if not on tow vehicle)
• 12v Sirocco fans
• Premium pillowtop mattress upgrade
• Heaters: diesel or LPG
• Air conditioner (230v) can be deleted from factory
• Washing machine (230v) can be deleted from factory
• Divider curtain between lounge & bedroom area
• Triple bunks in lieu of double
• Large side access door (double bunks only)
• Twin single beds (on 19.61-2)
• L-shape lounge in lieu of café seating
• Bed converter squab for lounge
• Bike rack mountings: A-frame or bumper bar
• A-frame toolbox (Outback only, n/a 22.68-3.OB)
• Upgrade to leatherette or leather upholstery

Come by for a Viewing

Come see our range in person! Our expert team can tour you through our stock and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

We have stock arriving at regular intervals. If you are wanting to view a specifc model, please contact us and we will let you know which models are on display.

Stock up for the road

Finance the dream, contact information.

Mike Harris Sales Manager [email protected]

Lee Thomas Parts Manager [email protected]

Service Department [email protected]

Ownership and Maintenance

545 Wairakei Road Burnside Christchurch, 8053

Store Hours Mon-Fri: 8:00 - 17:00 Sat: 9:00 - 15:00 Sun: Closed

Closing at 5:00pm

Closing at 5.00pm

Closing at 3.00pm

STARCRAFT POP TOP

Journey pop top, all-terrain pop top, all terrain, basestation, jrv campervan, optimum campervan, all terrain campervan, conquest motorhome, optimum motorhome, cleverly designed for your next journey, sleeps up to 6, 4-burner cooktop with built in griller, air conditioner, 95 litre fridge, continuous hot water system, 100 ah battery, bright, modern and ready for adventure, floor plans, an option for every type of traveller..

Select a model

Select a floorplan

13.42-1.JY-MY24

Specifications, 360 virtual tour, one of australia's most popular rv's, key features, cleverly designed for your next escape, tyre pressure monitoring system, wind up tv antenna, bed lights with usb ports, full fibreglass exterior including one piece roof, 100 ah agm battery with projecta lcd control panel, 200w solar panel (outback models only), 95l universal energy select 3-way fridge/freezer* 153l 3-way or 12v fridge/freezer to 17ft models, air conditioner, hot water system, unique aluminium framed furniture construction, innerspring mattress, lithium ready transformer, projecta phone app, 4 burner cooktop with built in griller, hot dipped galvanised endurance chassis, jtech independent suspension (outback only), rollout awning - with led strip light, nitrogen filled tyres, side entry tunnel boot, lippert sway command, full insulated side walls, interior decor, because your van should express your personality, shell (standard), why buy jayco, experience the jayco difference, industry leading support.

When you invest in a Jayco, you are backed by 29 dealerships and 100+ authorised service agent representatives nationwide who know your RV better than anyone. Our support network is here so you have the peace of mind, support, and expertise at your fingertips to adventure with confidence. That’s caravanning, the Jayco way.

Built in Australia for australian conditions

Choose Jayco for quality, value, and local expertise. Our RVs are built in Australia for Australian conditions, using premium components from reputable suppliers. As the largest RV manufacturer in the Southern Hemisphere, we take pride in employing over 1100 locally skilled specialists and supporting more than 900 jobs around Australia and New Zealand across our network of Dealers, Service Centres and Suppliers. Invest in a locally made RV and experience the difference of Jayco today.

Construction you can rely on

Built in Australia at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, every Jayco is built from the ground up, using quality materials and the highest safety standards to ensure your RV stands the test of time.

Leading warranty

Guaranteed peace of mind.

Jayco’s comprehensive warranty promise offers 2 years manufacturing and 5 years structural warranty coverage. Our warranty provides added peace of mind for our travelling customers. All warranty repairs are managed by our extensive network of dealerships and authorised service agents, who have direct access to Jayco’s knowledge bank and systems for warranty repairs and delivery of parts.

Relax. You're in a Jayco.

24/7 jayco assist.

*Images shown may have optional extras. Images used for illustration purposes only, please contact your local dealer to view stock in store. Refer to specification and options list. Features subject to change.

Price is RRP based on a standard 2024 model. Drive away/tow away price includes all on-road costs including dealer delivery, stamp duty, CTP insurance, registration and weight tax if applicable in your state/territory according to the postcode you entered on this site. If you did not enter a valid postcode the price displayed is for a NSW registered vehicle. Any optional extras you select may increase the applicable taxes and charges. The Jayco Terms and Conditions apply.

For New Zealand customers, options may vary slightly and we recommend you discuss this with your Jayco dealership

^ This weekly repayment estimate is provided by Jayco Financial Services Pty Ltd (CRN 513573 of Australian Credit Licence: 481374) (“My Local Broker”). Jayco Financial Services is a finance broker.

This repayment is calculated with an interest rate of 7.49% p.a. over a term of 84 months with a 0% residual / balloon payment. Other residual / balloon amounts are available. The Recreational Vehicle price shown may not include other additional costs such as stamp duty, government fees and other charges payable in relation to the vehicle.

The comparison rate of 9.73% is based on a Secured Personal Loan of $30,000 over a 5-year term. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

In order to provide this estimate, Jayco Financial Services is required to make several eligibility assumptions, including full-time employment status and property ownership. To comply with regulations, consideration must be given for credit score and loan to value ratio (LVR), this estimate has been calculated with a credit score of 800+ and an LVR Max of 100%. Home Owner will excellent credit history with 3 Years F/T Employment in the same role and 3 Years in the same residential address.

This estimate is based on several assumptions outlined above and should be used for information purposes only and is not an offer of finance on particular terms. Credit fees, service fees and charges may apply.

Subject to lenders Credit Criteria and approved applicants only, rate and approval are not guaranteed.

A quote, with details of all fees and charges, may be obtained by contacting Jayco Financial Services through our Website or calling 1800 865 262

^2-burner cooktop to 12ft models

‡ Available on shower models only

Jayco E-Newsletter

• Campervan Hire Australia
• | Ph: 1800 151 605
• | Chat with us on WhatsApp
• Get a Quote
• Current Specials
• Price Beat Guarantee
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Terms of Booking
• Search Campervans

Lets Go Journey Motorhome 6 Berth

From leather seats to a Colour TV & DVD, the Jayco 6-Berth Journey Motorhome is a truly amazing motorhome for families looking to explore Australia with all the comforts of home.

The more, the merrier. The Jayco Up to 6 berth Journey is spacious enough for six to travel in luxurious comfort. All you need to drive this motorhome is a standard car license and a sense of adventure.

* These pictures and specifications are indicative of the vehicle that will be supplied under your booking. Actual vehicles may vary according to year of manufacture and availability but your vehicle will be suitable for the required number of people and have similar specifications to those on this website. Vehicles cannot be requested by make, model, year of manufacture, features or specifications.

Daily rates above are based on quotes sent to customers in the past 12 months (>10 days). Daily rates calculation depends on locations, dates and availability. We receive rates from the rental companies and we negociate the best available deal. To get an accurate price for your holidays please send us a request below.

Length: 7.99m Width (inc Awning): 2.39m Height (inc A/C): 3.30m Interior height: 2.00m GVM: 4490kg Overhead Double Bed: 1.40 X 2.11m Rear Double Bed: 1.30 X 1.98m Dinette Bed: 1.00 X 1.83m

Camper Features: CD player and radio (Front & Rear) TV and DVD (+TV Antenna) Provision to add 2-bike rack Internal Walkthrough Power Steering Reverse Camera 240V Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioning Automated Manual Gearbox Awning & Flyscreens 12V & 240V Power Supply 120 Watt Solar System Camp Table & Camp Chairs 24/7 Breakdown Assistance Unlimited Kilometres Included Items Kitchen Equipment: 4-Burner Gas Stove 2 x 9kg Gas Bottle Grill 177L Fridge (12V/240V/Gas) Microwave 100L Fresh Water Tank 80L Grey Water Tank Awning

Also Included: Saucepans, Frypan, Kettle, Coffee Plunger, Teapot, Electric Toaster, Cutting Board, Strainer, Storage Containers. Tumblers, Mugs, Side Plates, Dinner Plates, Bowls. Knives, Forks, Teaspoons & Spoons, Serving Spoon, Spatula, Grater, Can Opener, Tongs, Vegetable Peeler.

Bedroom: Blinds on all Windows Pillows, Quilts / Doonas, Sheets, Tea Towels 2 x Double Beds + 1 x Dinette Bed

Lets Go Journey Motorhome 6 Berth Damage Cover Options

When your rent a campervan, a motorhome or a 4wd, you will have to choose a damage cover option. It will set the amount of bond you will have to pay and the damage liability. The bond is usually payable on pickup and refunded a few days after your vehicle is returned without damage. For full details about damage cover options and what they include, please refer to the Term and Conditions.

Lets Go Journey Motorhome 6 Berth Optional Extras

About lets go motorhomes…, lets go motorhomes locations.

In Australia, Lets Go are available in 6 locations – including Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney.

Similar PREMIUM Vehicles

Star RV Polaris Motorhome 6 Berth

Autosleepers Dynasty Motorhome 6 Berth

Cruisin Discovery Motorhome 6 Berth

Cruisin Deluxe Motorhome 6 Berth

Cheapa Motorhome 6 Berth

Lets Go Royale Motorhome 6 Berth

Maui River Motorhome 6 Berth

Mighty Big Six Motorhome 6 Berth

Apollo Euro Deluxe Motorhome 6 Berth

Go Cheap Derwent Motorhome 6 Berth

Autosleepers Kea River Motorhome 6 Berth

Other lets go motorhomes available….

Lets Go Escape Motorhome 2 Berth

Lets Go Voyager Roamer Motorhome 2 Berth

A great, luxury model motorhome for couples looking to explore Australia with all the comforts of home. These campers are all 0-3 year old, so you can be sure that you’re getting the highest quality vehicle for your rental holiday.

Lets Go Jayco Grandiose Motorhome 2 Berth

Experience luxury travel in a motorhome.

Lets Go Atlas Motorhome 4 Berth

Compact, Convenient and Comfortable!

Lets Go Royale Motorhome 4 Berth

- checking vehicle availability & pricing -.

Jayco Journey

Jayco's re-named and up-market journey is arguably australia's best value pop-top.

Now, are you paying attention?

Jayco's premium caravan is no longer called the Sterling. It's now re-styled, re-equipped and re-named the Silverline .

The Discovery range of pop-tops, which previously sat between the Sterling and Expanda pop-tops, is history.

In place of the Discovery, there's the new 12-model Journey range of 16ft and 17ft pop-tops, 10 with combined shower/toilets and two with full shower-toilet ensuites across their rear.

These latter two, the 17ft 17.55-8 we review here and the 17.55-9, which is identical except for its twin front single beds instead of a single queen bed, are now Jayco's premium pop-tops.

If you want a smaller and/or cheaper pop-top, there are two further Jayco choices: one is the smooth-wall Expanda, available in sizes from 14ft-17ft, where the beds drop down from the ends, or the entry-level Starcraft with its ribbed aluminium walls available in sizes from 13ft-17ft.

Jayco's re-naming and re-positioning upwards of both models is bound to cause a little confusion in the used van market, but not if you're shopping for a premium specification new pop-top.

Quite simply at its price (ex-Victoria) of around $45,000, the 17ft Journey Outback 17.55 has little if any real competition.

While the concept is the same as the now-superseded Discovery – an aluminium wall-framed, but smooth fibreglass-clad full pop-top with fixed ends, there's a world of difference in the detail.

For a start, the Journey's exterior styling is much sharper and less rounded than was the Discovery's, from its new nose to its more abrupt Euro-look tail panel, with the actual pop-top roof now extending all the way to the very end of the roofline.

The black-framed, double-glazed windows are also larger and re-shaped, while on Outback-specced Journeys, the lower, stone-prone side panels are protected by black propeller-plate, whereas it was silver on the Discovery OBs.

However it's inside that you'll find the big changes.

In many ways, the interior look and feel of the Journey is similar to that of the previous Sterling. Jayco's stylish, flush-fit and light-toned timber CNC-cut cabinetry with new chrome handles, off-white benchtops and the light mock timber floor, gives the Journey a light, airy ambiance.

Unzipping the fly-mesh protected 'windows' in the pop-top doubles the effective 'window' area and the light just floods in, particularly into the full-width rear ensuite where the pop-top extends to the outer wall. This gives you the delightful feeling of showering outdoors, yet in total privacy.

The layout is pretty standard for a van of this size: front north-south island queen-size lift-up double bed, with good storage beneath, flanked by half-robes, two overheads cupboards and two huge, double-glazed, hopper-style picture windows.

In the centre there's an L-shaped three-seater dinette on the off-side, with a good-sized galley kitchen with reasonable, rather than exceptional, storage room opposite.

The cupboard to the right of the Dometic three gas and single electric burner cooktop and gas grill looks as though it should be a slide out pantry, but only houses shelves. Prep space is limited but adequate.

There's no oven (I personally don't see the need for them in caravans these days when you can bake cakes in a Weber Baby-Q), but there's a Sphere microwave at a sensible height above the Dometic 150 litre three-way fridge/freezer on the opposite wall.

The full-width ensuite is immediately to the right of the rear entry door, but the long curtain that shields the ablution area from the rest of the van is a cheap touch, as it blows out when the pop-top rear window is open. Even a concertina door would be better, but a sliding door would be best.

Otherwise the ensuite is workable, with a large vanity mirror above the half basin and flick mixer tap. There's a Thetford swivel cassette toilet and a good-sized, square ABS shower. 

This is all pretty good for $45,000, but it's underneath where the 17.55 OB makes its best business case.

Jayco's new independent trailing arm tandem JTECH suspension , which it developed in-house with cooperation from Australian spring and shock absorber specialists Pedders, is standard on all Outback-spec Jaycos, from the smallest Swift Camper Trailer; it's also original equipment on all Silverline models.

Jayco's challenge when it first considered moving to independent suspension was how to make it work in a 'Jayco' sort of way across its wide range of caravans and pop-tops. It also had to fit the existing wheel boxes, whether on a single or tandem axle van, as any change here would have the expensive knock-on affect on the CNC-cut furniture, which in turn would impact on layouts, fridge sizes and venting.

Apart from offering greater ground clearance, thanks to the elimination of the low-slung beam axle between the wheels, JTECH allows Jayco pop-tops like the Journey to go further and travel easier off the beaten track. Thanks to its 40mm diameter foam cell heavy-duty shockers, JTECH also means a softer ride for the caravan and its contents on corrugations.

It all looks beautiful in its red and black livery if you're prepared to crawl underneath – and perhaps for the first time on a Jayco, this is a worthwhile experience! There you'll also find that most wires and pipes are either well protected, or tucked up out of the way of wayward stones, with the exception of some wires we found dangling in the left hand rear.

Outside, there's not much storage space, except inside the generously-sized front boot with its partitioned compartment with the twin gas bottles. It would be good to see some sort of auxiliary storage solution on the otherwise naked (save for a single jerry can holder) A-frame. The Journey OB's ball weight of 154kg unladen would seem to allow some room for this.

My other two gripes are minor, but need attention.

The front left roof-latch for the pop-top cannot be released without either lifting the awning by about 30mm, or else letting it swing out a little. And vice-versa when re-clipping.

What is really annoying about this is I have to do the same thing on my 2008 model Jayco Expanda and I believe people were also doing this with Jayco pop-tops 10 years ago. Moving the awning 20mm to the rear and the front latch 20mm to the left would solve it!

The other one is that the pop-top's wall-mounted awning light is completely obscured when you open the door. And surely you're going to have the door open, even if the flyscreen section is closed, when you're seated outside.

In part compensation, the inside of the Carefree roller awning is fitted with a row of tiny LEDs – looks a bit too much like Christmas lights for my liking! Again, a really simply solution is to just relocate the outside light to the centre of the pop-top body.

But to be fair, these are small grumps for what otherwise is a well-thought out pop-top, made all the better with its new decor, rear full ensuite and above all, its JTECH independent suspension.

The new Jayco Journey 17.55 is a whole lot of pop-top for modest money, with a good, workable layout, a bright, cheery interior and all wanted features in an easy-to-tow, 2.5-tonne package.

Tick the Outback option box and Jayco's new JTECH independent suspension truly makes this a pop-top for all roads and all reasons. It will take many adventurous travelers comfortably well off the bitumen, where it will serve as an excellent base station for even an extended touring holiday.

WE LIKED:  >> Price and standard equipment >> Layout including rear ensuite >> New independent suspension

NOT SO MUCH: >> A-frame finish poor, with sharp dags of galvanizing >> Pop-top heavy to raise at front end >> Location of exterior light and front pop-top latch

JAYCO JOURNEY 17.55 POP-TOP

Travel length: 7.2m External body length: 5.705m Internal body length: 5.186m Interior height: 2.115m External body width: 2.470m (incl. awning) Travel height: 2.655m (including air con) Tare: 1994kg? ATM: 2432kg Ball weight: 154kg Wall structure: Aluminium frame/high-density polystyrene foam insulation/ply inner liner Chassis: 150mm x 50mm hot-dipped galvanised Suspension: JTECH tandem independent trailing arm with coil springs and shock absorbers Brakes: 10in electric?off-road Stability Control: Optional Wheels/tyres: 15in alloy wheels/235/75R15 tyres Fresh water: 1 x 82-litre fresh water Battery: 100Ah deep cycle Air-conditioner: roof-mounted, Truma Aventa Gas: 2 x 9kg in front boot Cooking: Four-burner Dometic gas cooktop, plus gas grill Fridge: 150-litre Dometic three-way Microwave: Sphere Toilet: Thetford cassette? Shower: Separate moulded ABS cubicle with additional external shower Lighting: LED throughout Price (ex-Melb): $45,212 Options fitted (not included in above price):  A-frame extension (spare wheel fitted within the A-frame to allow for bike rack), Fiamma bike rack to rear, 150w solar upgrade in lieu of 120w, External TV point (outlet), Control Panel, External Shower, Picnic Table Supplied by: Jayco Australia , Dandenong South, Victoria

Stay up to date

Become a caravancampingsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.