FAQs

Yes, Jayco RV’s must be built to comply with all Australian Design Regulations.

The designing and construction of all Jayco RV’s occur in a purpose built state of the art manufacturing complex in Victoria.

Watch the short video tour of the factory.

We use, predominantly, an aluminium frame for extra strength and longevity including galvanised plating for secure fitment of internal furniture.

The strength and elegance of protective curved extrusions is due to the aluminium framed furniture and high-resilience Dunlop foam is used for the cushion inserts for years of comfort and support.

Our cabinets incorporate an Aluminium frame work beneath the seating areas for lightweight and strength, ply fronts to all drawers and cabinets, and veneer covered solid timber frameworks to kitchen cabinets with the fronts screwed securely in place as opposed to stapled.

Apart from the aesthetics of the fibreglass exterior, it is aerodynamic, makes cleaning easier, has better water seals and is less likely to be damaged due to hail.

Expandas offer many key advantages:

• Due to the beds being fitted externally on an Expanda, it means that the living space is maximised
• They are compact to tow, yet almost double in size when set up for camping
• You can still navigate the inside of an expanda when the beds are packed away, allowing good access to the fridge and cupboards for packing and for a quick stop on the side of the road.
• They afford you the comforts of a traditional Caravan while offering a genuine Camping feel with the canvas bed ends

Jayco RV’s have proven their consistently high resale value, time and time again.

Nitrogen reduces tyre wear & tear, fuel usage and the risk of blowouts whilst improving the ride and handling.

If you’ve purchased an Outback or Off-Road designed Caravan you will be able to venture onto unsealed roads and some outback roads. However you must always exercise caution by planning your trip to ensure the road is safe and accessible at your time of travel and know your capabilities as a driver as well as the capabilities of your tow vehicle and caravan before heading off-road.

If considering towing on the beach, this should only be attempted by very experienced beach drivers who have good local knowledge of the beach you intend to tow on. Conditions can change very quickly when beach driving, and a good knowledge of the tides and beach conditions is essential before towing on the sand. It is best to travel on an outgoing or low tide as opposed to an incoming tide. A support vehicle is also recommended for those who aren't confident or don't own suitable recovery equipment. 

Yes you can, provided the road isn’t too heavily corrugated. Please ensure the road is in good enough condition at the time of travel. If the road is heavily corrugated we do not recommend towing a standard caravan.

A Solar panel will allow you to charge a 12V Caravan battery allowing you to operate your 12V appliances only, unless an inverter is used to convert 12V to 240V. There are limitations with using inverters and they can be quite hefty in consumption. A generator will supply 240V power which will enable you to run 240V appliances such as the Caravan Air Conditioner.

Some Caravanners may choose to carry both, as generators are not always allowed in National Parks, therefore the solar still allows the Caravan batteries to be re-charged to operate 12V lighting and appliances when free camping.

View our range of Alternative Power solutions here.

No, an off-road caravan requires the same maintenance as an on-road model.

Off Road or Outback usually means the Caravan has 15'' or 16'' Off Road wheels and tyres, a stronger chassis, additional ground clearance and can be towed to places such as National Parks, onto Beaches or off the beaten track. They may also feature the use of an upgraded suspension such as the J-Tech Independant Suspension.

We wouldn’t recommend driving with the roof hatch open.

Yes, you can use Swap 'n' Go gas bottles however we recommend that you maintain and fill your original bottles supplied with the caravan as they'll be stamped correctly for use on caravans.

No, the corner stabilisers are only designed to meet the ground and prevent the caravan from rocking on the suspension. You shouldn't attempt to lift the weight of the caravan on the corner stabilisers.

You should level the caravan by using the jockey wheel to level from front to back, and RV Levelling Ramps to level from side to side.

Yes, however we wouldn’t recommend an extended period or staying overnight without the legs down to stabilise the caravan.

It is a good idea to roll in the awning in windy conditions and at the very least using an awning tie down kit to stabilise the awning.

You can choose from a range of Awning Tie-down kits here.

It isn’t essential, however we recommend the toilet being emptied before travel, as you don't want to arrive at your next destination to a nasty surprise!

We still recommend the old trick of pouring hot water down the side of the bottle and seeing where the condensation occurs. Generally speaking this method gives an accurate indication of the gas level, however there are gauges that you can purchase if you wish.

Your jockey wheel is the device you use to level your caravan from front to back. It's always a good idea to mount a T-level  to A-frame to make this job easier.

Levelling from side to side requires the use of RV levelling ramps placed under the appropriate side to be lifted.

There is an in-built charger for your auxiliary battery in all late model Jayco’s. If your caravan doesn't have an in-built charger, you can view some charger options here.

It's a good idea to consider how much space you have for extra equipment as well as your own personal requirements. While it is at your own discretion we recommend considering the following:

• Hydraulic Jack and handle to lift the Caravan, allowing for the removal of a wheel when changing a flat tyre.
• One complete Spare Wheel
• Wheel brace
• An extra set of wheel bearings to suit your Caravan
• Tube of sealant in case the roof or one of the windows develops a leak
• Rivet gun and spare rivets
• Cordless drill and driver for general repairs
• General tool kit with an assortment of tools
• Spare fuses for the Tow vehicle and Caravan
• Spare light globes for the Caravan
• Torch
• Wet Wipes to clean your hands after any dirty work on the road
• Spare set of Caravan keys
• Grease for tow ball coupling
• RV Levelling Ramps to level the caravan on site
• Hammer for the Annexe Pegs
• Tyre gauge
• Fire Extinguisher
• 2 x Wheel Chocks
• First Aid Kit
• T-level to level the Caravan
• Portable Toilet Chemical & Quick break down Toilet Paper
• 10m Sullage Hose or bucket
• 10m Food Grade Water supply hose
• 240V | 15 amp power lead – 10 metres is the recommended length
• Roll of Tape
• Cable Ties

If the 12V pump is left on during transit the pump will be continually searching for water as it splashes around the tank and over an extended period of time this could lead to burn out.

The drawbar is the metal A- frame at the front of the caravan that attaches the caravan to your tow vehicle.

This means the tanks are either out of water, there could be an air lock or the tank breathers are full of water.

Whilst it is possible for an experienced handyman, there are a series of safety procedures which must be followed. It is best practice to let an experienced Caravan technician replace the Anode during a service.

To purchase a replacement Anode, click here. 

Yes you do, you should always a non-toxic Food Grade Drinking Water hose.

Yes, it's recommended to flush your caravan watertanks in between uses and re-fill with fresh water before heading away. Tank Cleaning products can be purchased to help clean your watertank.

Every Caravan or Motorhome should be equipped with a suitable smoke alarm as required by law. Older Caravans or Motorhomes without a smoke alarm installed, will require a smoke alarm to pass a Gas Certificate at time of sale.

Yes, your electric brake controller will need to be adjusted from time to time and this generally is gauged by the feel of the brakes if you want to maintain smooth braking between the tow vehicle and the caravan at all times. If you feel the trailer brakes are activating too heavily or not enough this is a good indication that some adjustment needs to occur by either increasing or decreasing the braking power.

Yes, the jockey wheel does need to be maintained. They are generally fitted with ball bearings in them that may need to be replaced from time to time.

There is no single answer to this question as it depends on the size of your tyres, the weight of your vehicle and on what surface you plan to travel. Please refer to your handbook.

Always check the pressure in your tyres before each trip as a safety measure and if you’re doing extended travelling they need to be checked regularly.

A new Caravan should be serviced once after 3 months or 1,000km then every 10,000 kilometres or Annually, whichever expires first.

To find out more about our range of Caravan Services, click here.

A lightweight yet super strong hot dipped galvanised Endurance Chassis offers lifelong protection against corrosion. However some components of the running gear and chassis fittings are not galvanised and require minimal maintenance.

Yes, it is necessary to adjust the handbrake cable. This will be adjusted when you have an annual service performed on your caravan by your service provider and will require adjustment from time to time apart from that.

Yes there is a break in period for new brakes. Generally they will continue to wear in over the first 1- 2 thousand kilometres and be aware that they may need to be readjusted regularly during this period.

It’s completely fine to refill your tyres with air however Brisbane Camperland use Nitrogen and this is included with your scheduled services.

Whilst Caravan Slide-outs don't require a great deal of maintenace, it's recommended that you conduct regular inspections of the Slide-out seals, keep the Slide-out roof surface clear of debris such as leaves, and ensure that all wiring to the motors is free from obstruction or damage.

Jayco is proudly Australia’s largest dealer, offering a service network of over 100 locations throughout Australia, offering you nationwide support.

To find a location near you, click here.

The electric brake system generally will not need to be serviced unless of course you notice that it is not working as it is supposed to in which case you would need to have it serviced by a qualified auto electrician.

The Personal load is the total weight of any items added by you to your caravan eg, Clothes, Food, Water, Cutlery & Crockery, Camp Furniture, Gas, etc.

Please note that any items that you install in your Caravan, after it was originally manufactured, such as an Awning, Extra Battery, TV, Bikes, etc, will form part of your Personal load.

Heavier items should be stowed over the axles or just forward of the axles.

Much consideration should go into the installation of the generator and each caravan is unique depending on the location of accessories like the gas bottle/s and fuel storage.

We recommend consulting a professional.

Yes, you can however it is recommended to flush them out before using on your trip.

When flushing the tanks you can use products such as Tank Clean to assist in cleaning the tanks.

There are devices available to be purchased to save your tyres from getting flat spot.

Click here to find out more.

As a regular maintenance check on your Pop Top Caravan it’s a good idea to pop the roof and air the caravan out every now and then. This will also ensure everything is in good working order for your next trip. We also recommend the use of Damp Rid to rid the caravan on moisture.

Any small rips or tears in your Pop Top sleeve can be repaired using Tear Aid.

Leaving the fridge door slightly ajar when the fridge is turned off is necessary to keep the fridge free from mould.

Yes safety chains are required by law.

Generally light track radials are recommended for caravans.

No. The brake safe system must be attached to the drawbar itself and not an attachment.

Yes you can but very carefully. Make sure all items are secured and not likely to slide around.

Remain calm and very gently apply the brakes whilst steering

It is recommended at all times to install towing mirrors as they offer superior vision along both sides of the caravan.

To view our range of Towing Mirrors, click here.

Yes, you need to have an Electric Brake Controller fitted so you can adjust the braking capacity of your caravan under tow.

Whilst it’s not a legal requirement, if you aren’t confident in your towing capabilities it is recommended to participate in a towing course before hitting the road.

A key training provider to our industry is Tow-Ed.

The electric brakes on the caravan are controlled by the electric brake controller installed in the tow vehicle. This control unit uses the brake light circuit in your car to activate the trailer brakes in your caravan.

You can find your vehicle’s towing capacity in your tow vehicle manual.

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to travel with the tanks full provided the tow vehicle has the towing capacity to handle the weight.

However, if you are travelling to a location where you have a guaranteed supply of fresh water, you may choose to travel with only enough water for an emergency situation or roadside stop, as full tanks will add additional weight. 

Maintain vigilance in checking for sign posted speed zones at all times and stick to the speed limit, this cannot be stressed enough. However speed limits for towing do vary in some states so it is always a good idea to check beforehand.

To calculate your allowable personal load, deduct the TARE weight from the ATM as stamped on the trailer plate.

In general, for a single axle this allowance should be approximately 300kgs and for a tandem axle 400kgs, however on some models this allowable load may be higher.

‘D’ shackles are constructed from steel and are used to connect the safety chains from the caravan to the tow vehicle.

Avoid jerky or sudden movements both with braking and steering and apply the brakes gently whilst steering slow and steady out of the sway.

In the event of an accident you could be held liable or if pulled over by the authorities they can fine you and make you leave your caravan behind until you adjust your payload.

Friction sway controllers are designed to be used in conjunction with a weight distribution system to prevent caravan sway.

A Weight Distribution Device is a load levelling device used to help eliminate sway as well as level the connection between car and caravan and reduce tyre wear. When using a Weight Distribution System, the ball weight remains the same, however the load is evenly distributed through the vehicle's chassis to all four wheels. It is important that the capacity of the Weight Distribution System is correctly chosen and that the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations are always followed.

View our Weight Distribution Hitches here.

It is the device commonly used to flat tow a vehicle behind a Motorhome without the vehicle being lifted off the ground.

ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) - This is the tare mass of your caravan plus its maximum payload. It’s the maximum your caravan is allowed to weigh in transit. This is a rating set by the manufacturer and cannot be exceeded.

Electronic Stability Control is a computerised technology that improves the vehicle’s stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction.

Gross Combination Vehicle Mass is the maximum allowable weight of the trailer, tow vehicle and the load in the tow vehicle and trailer, including passengers.

GTM or Gross Trailer Mass – This is the maximum weight of the loaded caravan that can be supported by its wheels, not counting the portion supported by the car when hitched – or jockey wheel when parked. This rating is set by the manufacturer and cannot be exceeded.

In simple terms, the GTM is the ATM minus the Ball Weight.

Tow Ball Load is the proportion of the trailer weight that is transferred to the rear of the tow vehicle. 

The TARE is the empty weight of your Caravan. It is a measure of the weight on all wheels plus the ball weight when the caravan contains no payload. The TARE does not include Water, Gas or any of your personal items, as they form part of your personal payload.

The brakes on the caravan are electric drum brakes and the brakes on most modern vehicles are disc brakes.

The brake safe system is a device used to activate the caravan brakes in the event of the caravan uncoupling from the tow vehicle.

Most commonly this is only important where the vehicle is capable of carrying a load over the rear axle in addition to the load imposed by the ball load.

Always stick to the speed limit that is sign posted & if you want to sit below, try to sit at a speed that allows other road users to overtake without going over the limit themselves.

The best practice is to decide on your caravan first. Once you’ve chosen your preferred Caravan, establish what the ATM and maximum Ball Weights are. Once you know these weights, you can match a suitable tow vehicle to the caravan, by ensuring that the tow vehicle has a towing capacity which is equal to or greater than the ATM and maximum Ball Weight of the Caravan you’ve chosen. The vehicles manufacturer establishes a recommended towing capacity which must not be exceeded. Before purchasing a tow vehicle, you should also consider the types of places you wish to travel to, and decide on a vehicle which is going to have suitable power to tow your Caravan into these areas. For example, if you plan to tow your Caravan on the beach, we’d recommend choosing a vehicle with off road ability, as well as ample engine power to ensure you’ll have the power to get you out of a sticky situation when towing.  

Yes. It is always a good idea to travel with spare fuel in an appropriate container specific for the job.

Due to the fact that it takes a significantly longer amount of time to pull up a caravan as opposed to a car on its own, it’s just common sense that you will need to increase your distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. A good rule of thumb is, when towing, double the distance you would usually maintain when not towing.

Always check that the hitch is tight, the chains are connected, and that the caravan lights are connected and working properly. Regularly check the caravan's bearings, brakes and tyres for excessive heat by feeling them. This check can be done when stopping for lunch or at a fuel stop. We always recommend using a towing tips checklist to ensure the caravan is right to travel and you haven't forgotten anything. An example checklist is given below.

• Caravan hitch properly connected
• Safety chains properly connected
• Caravan handbrake dis-engaged
• Roof hatches clipped down
• Gas bottles turned off
• All cupboards and drawers properly shut
• Jockey wheel up/off
• Stabilising jacks wound up
• Step pushed up
• Fridge set to DC and door secured
• Door and windows shut and locked
• Auxiliary battery charger on
• Check tyre pressure (including spare)
• Television stowed properly
• Toilet emptied
• Awning locked for travel

Be sure to re-check items that you have used at any lunch stops, particularly the fridge door catch!! If you do forget, the consequences are generally that bad and annoying that you will only make the mistake once!

All Australian caravans built since 1989 are required to have a VIN plate attached to them. You can find the ATM, along with other specifications, stamped on the plate. 

The VIN plate will usually be located on the A-Frame, inside the Front Boot or Tunnel Boot or just inside the Main Door of the caravan.

As long as your tow bar hasn’t been in an accident and it comply’s with the towing safety standards for the caravan you are towing then you don’t need a new towbar.

If you are buying a new Jayco, they offfer a range of different module configurations, meaning that we can make minor layout changes in particular models.

Check with our sales team to find out more.

A certain level of mobility is required to set up a Camper Trailer however most people of varying ages and fitness levels are able to put up a Jayco Camper Trailer.

You get more for less money from a manufacturer that has the largest buying power in Australia, that's why so many Australians choose to buy a Jayco RV.

A number of things to consider are vehicle size, family size, how many people it needs to sleep, storage areas and storage space for your caravan at home and tow vehicle capacity. So working through all of these aspects is a necessary part of the decision making process to work out what size caravan is best for you.

Buying new offers peace of mind with warranty support and back up, however buying used offers the benefits that someone else has spent additional money on improvements and extras, making it a more economical purchase.

The term Camper Trailer can be used to describe many different styles of camping trailer. It is often used to describe a basic tent style camper built onto a box trailer, however can also be used to describe a Jayco wind-up Camper Trailer. The Jayco wind-up Camper Trailers are essentially a low profile caravan with a wind up roof and push out bed sections at each end of the camper. They are easy to tow and great for smaller vehicles.

A caravan has solid walls on all sides of the structure, can vary in length from 3 to over 10 metres (including drawbar) with a maximum of 4.3 metres in height and require very little time to set up.

A Pop-Top has a vinyl or fabric insert connecting the sides of the caravan to the roof. The roof is able to be lowered for travel, because of this insert, therefore reducing wind resistance and lowering the centre of gravity when towing.

A Campervan refers to a commercial van which has been fitted out for use as a motorised camper. A Motorhome refers to an RV, where a manufacturer has purchased a vehicle cab chassis and fabricated a completely new body on the rear to be used as a Motorhome. They are generally larger in size than a Campervan.

The bottom line is that you shouldn’t add to or modify your caravan without expert advice. As soon as you alter your caravan’s specifications the VIN plate becomes null and void and you will require another engineering certificate and a vehicle modification plate. Failure to do this could affect your insurance and roadworthy certification.

The original purchaser will receive a 12 month warranty on the Jayco Camper and a lifetime warranty on their Camper Trailer roof lifter system.

When you purchase a brand new Jayco product, you will automatically receive 24 hour roadside assistance for 3 years from the date of delivery. This will cover towing to safety if required.

For any Jayco warranty concerns, click here to locate your nearest service centre. ​

When you purchase a brand new Jayco Touring product you receive a comprehensive 2 year manufacturer warranty and a 5 year Structural warranty.