Camper trailers for decades have been the first choice entry into recreational vehicles both because they offer a relatively low-cost ownership option and just as importantly families love them because they provide variable sleeping arrangements, with many able to accommodate up to seven.

For that very reason Jayco concentrated on retaining the many sleeping configurations in its 2006 camper trailer releases, which have proved exceedingly popular for the first six months of the year.

As there are lots of berths, camper trailers are very much favourites with children, because they often want to take friends along on holiday. Those extra beds make it possible.

Jayco retained seven different camper trailer models for 2006, from the compact designed-for-a-couple Penguin, with no external bed extensions to larger Hawk, Eagle, Swan and Flamingo models, each with the capacity to sleep up to seven. In between are the Finch and Dove that sleep five.

Jayco too has ensured that it has retained its standard camper trailer height at only 1.6 metres, which means that there is little wind drag behind conventional tow cars, and almost none behind a 4WD.

Externally the most obvious change is the new look automotive graphics and inside the décor is very fresh with the introduction of new colours for walls, curtains, cushions and floor vinyl.

The inclusion of a brushed aluminium four-burner stove - with one burner an electric hot plate - and new recessed stainless steel sink add to the new styling. The Dometic top controlled three-way RM 2330 fridge remains a standard feature.

Jayco camper trailers come as either standard road models or in Outback mode, which transforms them into more robust, ideal towing companions for all-wheel-drive and 4WD vehicles.

The Outback range now counts for at least 50 per cent of all Jayco camper trailers built each year as more RV owners seek out remote holiday locations.

Outbacks have added strength as the chassis uses 150 mm x 50 mm RHS members and 125mm x 50mm RHS is used in the “A” frame. Additional bracing is also included in the side frames.

Extra ground clearance is achieved with an underslung axle. For a better ride over rough terrain ALKO Outback leaf springs and ALKO off-road electric brake magnets are used. Shock absorbers also come with guards to protect them from stone damage. The same applies to the water tank.

A full-height pebbleguard is available on most models and an aluminium checker plate finish also gives additional protection to the sides and rear of the Outbacks, which also have a bumper bar with spare wheel mounted.

The inclusion of the bumper bar and spare wheel increases the overall length by only 600 mm and the increased height because of the larger wheels and off road tyres and extra ground clearance is just 250 mm. Such a level again ensures wind drag is negligible.

While Jayco has built a reputation and loyal following among Outback owners, experience has shown that for the really “rough stuff” common sense touring simply comes into play, with the camper trailer used as a base station rather than trying to “rock up” with anything hooked up behind.

Nissan to Introduce New Family of Global Cars
14th July, 2006
Nissan has announced it would release a new family of global cars over the next two years with sales of the first variant to start in China in late 2006 ..... more

One Millionth Ford Focus For London Motor Show
13th July, 2006
Sales of Britain's top-selling car have broken seven figures, with car number 1,000,000 scheduled for display at the London Motor Show next week ..... more

One Million Renault Scenic IIs
13th July, 2006
The one millionth Scénic II has rolled off of the production line in Douai, France – less than three years since its launch ..... more

Caparo T1 For London Motor Show
12th July, 2006
The Caparo T1 will join a showcase of exotic vehicles in a ‘Super Car Paddock’ feature area at the London Motor Show later this month ..... more

London rules with world's fastest car
11th July, 2006
Currently priced at Euro 1.1m plus tax, the world's fastest car is powered by a W-16 1001 hp engine, it is capable of more than 250mph ..... more

Mitsubishi Continues To Improve Its Market Position
10th July, 2006
Mitsubishi Motors has continued to improve its market position, with the release of the June sales results showing a 35% sales increase over the previous month ..... more

Falcon & Territory Head Ford June Sales
10th July, 2006
Sales of Ford's locally manufactured large car family – Falcon, Territory and Falcon Ute – have performed strongly during June, heading up a solid finish to the second quarter for Ford Australia ..... more

Suzuki Grand Vitara Sales Break Record
10th July, 2006
Suzuki vehicles continue to experience unprecedented growth as the popular Japanese manufacturer and its latest model line-up win over Australian motorists ..... more

Saab Record Sales Result - Locally and Globally
10th July, 2006
Saab has become the fastest growing premium car brand in Australia this year ..... more

Small Cars Drive Half Yearly Vehicle Sales
10th July, 2006
Strong sales of small cars have helped the automotive industry to an encouraging sales result in the first half of 2006 ..... more

Mégane Phase II: Safety for All
4th July, 2006
Renault has released the latest generation of its Mégane range in a choice of three body types - Hatch, Sedan and Coupé-Cabriolet, plus the high performance Mégane Renault Sport versions - all of which feature a distinctive, individual personality and an increased level of safety equipment ..... more

All-New Triton Tough One-Tonne Ute
3rd July, 2006
Mitsubishi Motors has released its all-new Triton four-wheel drive utility onto the Australian market with the promise that it retains all the attributes that the brand has been known for over the last 27 years - toughness, reliability, and the ability to "get the job done" ..... more

Peugeot 307 Hybride HDi Diesel
23rd June, 2006
Peugeot has extended its diesel hybrid technology programme, applying it to the popular, stylish and versatile 307 CC Hybride HDi, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in February ..... more

Mitsubishi 380 Tops Its Class
21st June, 2006
Mitsubishi's sporty and agile 380 sedan has topped its class in the two topics of most interest to today's motorists - safety and economical running - in the last two days ..... more

New Ford Territory Turbo
21st June, 2006
"The Territory turbo range of vehicles continues the innovation and groundbreaking development associated with the original Territory programme," said Ford Australia President, Tom Gorman ..... more

Holden Astra Diesel Arrives
19th June, 2006
Australia ’s biggest-selling European imported car, the Holden Astra, is now available in two turbocharged diesel five-door hatches ..... more

Astra SRi Turbo Roars Back Down Under
16th June, 2006
The new generation of Holden’s four-cylinder performance hero, the Astra SRi Turbo coupe, will roar into Australian showrooms later this month ..... more

Suzuki APV Receives Significant Upgrade
12th June, 2006
Suzuki's APV has received an upgrade further contributing to the versatility and appeal of the commercial van, making it an ideal choice for small business ..... more

Changes For Mitsubishi Outlander
12th June, 2006
Mitsubishi's Outlander compact AWD wagon has had some specification revisions as part of its final upgrade before the new model arrives later in the year ..... more

Volkswagen Caddy Life
9th June, 2006
New Caddy Life is the ingenious people mover built on Volkswagen's acclaimed Caddy platform. Caddy Life can seat up to seven adults comfortably with ample headroom ..... more