Cool Change
With their new production facility in full swing, Jurgens have started to roll out a fresh range of caravans. John Ford reports on their new pop top that has a lot of features for an entry level model.
I have always admired the clean, streamlined look of Jurgens Caravans and the new low profile of their latest pop top version continues the distinctive style that makes their van so easily recognisable.
For a company that started production in Australia only five years ago, Jurgens have certainly stamped their mark on the local caravan scene with innovative production methods that deliver lightweight but sturdy models suited to local conditions.
Now completing around 700 vans a year for the local market, Jurgens is a South African brand that maximizes resources by importing some components from the parent company for assembly in Australia. And with an investment of $5m on a new factory at Pakenham in Melbourne’s outskirts, they are making a serious commitment to Australian manufacturing.
Our newly released test van is the very Australian sounding Jindabyne PT2210, an 18’ van with an all up weight of 1660kg, so it’s capable of being towed by medium sized family cars. The compact pop top design also has advantage of lower height when being stored and as well as less wind drag on the highway for better fuel economy.
This entry-level van will appeal to couples intending to travel on the black top and without an ensuite, to stay in caravan or national parks although there are features built in for a certain degree of self-sufficiency.
Jurgen’s production method helps create their own characteristic styling of flat side panels and rounded ends. Whereas most builders use a frame to which the external and internal lining is attached, Jurgens makes their sidewalls from a single lightweight composite sheet of aluminium, timber, insulating foam and PVC into which openings for windows and doors are cut. Moulded fibreglass panels form the front and rear sections of the van with a single piece fibreglass roof panel that is strong enough to walk on and which should remain completely waterproof.
The van is built on a lightweight galvanized chassis that is designed for maximum strength and light weight on Jurgen’s Finite Element Analysis computer program. Underneath it is supported by an Al-Ko rubber torsion suspension that utilises the twisting motion of solid rubber inside a metal axle to dampen suspension travel over bumps. The system is a simple and long lasting design that requires little maintenance.
The profile of the lightweight chassis is on show at the A-frame that connects to the tow vehicle with a 3500kg Al-Ko hitch on a standard 50mm ball. There are two 4.5kg gas bottles in a large lockable front boot that also has a rack for the spare wheel. A removable travel blanket covers the front window and corner handles assist moving the van around when stored.
Along the kerb side is a good-sized forward storage locker that extends under the caravan’s bed and for outside living I found a fold down picnic table, an overhead LED light as well as a full-length rollout annex.
Access is at the rear of the van through a triple lock door with fly screen and although it’s not particularly high, some owners might like to add a small step to assist entry.
Once inside with the top lowered there is 5’6” of height to get into the van so It’s easy to get in and lift the pop-top on frames at each end to its 6’8” of raised height. Once erected there is a nice open feel inside especially with the screens around the pop-top opened to allow masses of light and air to flood in.
The light coloured timber of the cabinetry and floor surface enhances the airy open feel of the simple layout – a well-equipped kitchen set to the rear of the van with the living area central and a double bed at the front. Those looking for more accommodation could opt for the 2230 model that has a larger dinette that converts to sleeping for an adult or two children, however this layout sacrifices kitchen bench space.
Our test van had a good amount of preparation space on the charcoal and grey benchtop that extends in an L-shape along the back and round the driver side. A Thetford mini grill is set towards the right side of kitchen and there’s a 12V Swift rangehood overhead. Further to the left is a stainless steel sink with a small draining board, flick mixer tap and mains pressure or a hand pump from an onboard tank. Along the side is an overhead Daewoo microwave and a floor mounted three-way Thetford fridge freezer.
While the pop-top style restricts the amount of overhead cupboards, this means that weight is kept down and the centre of gravity of the van is lower. There is, however, plenty of storage with two cupboards over the bench, five drawers and three low cupboards, a two-tier pullout pantry and a lift out basket built into the bench.
I liked the finish of the joinery that is made from lightweight poplar ply and vinyl wrapped MDF. Cupboard interiors are well finished with neat edges and stainless steel handles. Routed features of the cupboard doors are a smart modern feature that lifts the overall look.
Alongside the fridge are a double seater lounge and a bench with power points that would be a handy location to charge phones and computers. Over the bench is a Heron reverse cycle air conditioner that is standard on this deluxe version of the Jindabyne model.
Opposite the lounge is an L shaped dinette with a cantilevered table that swings around into desired locations. Again there are overhead cupboards and more storage under the dinette seats. Electrical fuses and controls are under the lounge and there are gauges for water level and battery condition.
Upholstery in the test van was a charcoal and grey and although the light timber cabinets are the only colour choice for the joinery, there is a good range of materials from which to choose for soft furnishings.
In the front of the van an island double bed with innerspring mattress on orthopedic slats has a north/south orientation and walkways either side for easy access. There are hanging wardrobes either side as well as bedside tables. Overhead cupboards also house an analogue clock and a centrally located iPod stereo with speakers either side.
Light inundates the van from large double glazed windows along the side and at the front of the van but they can be blocked out for privacy or sleeping with curtains running behind neat pelmets. Apart from looking more homely, the advantage of curtains over built-in blockouts is that they can allow air to circulate through the van from an open window. More light and air is available from a large overhead hatch.
With 60L of freshwater storage, three-way fridge, gas cooker and 12V power for lights from an on-board deep cycle battery there is a useful amount of self sufficiency in the van which allows free camping or cooking on the roadside without the need to be reliant on mains power.
Behind a Pajero the van was hardly noticeable and towed easily without any jolts or sway. As an entry level van the Jindabyne has a lot going for it and at around $35,000 it’s well priced. All Jurgens vans come with a three year warranty and a nationwide dealer network of support.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Jurgens
Model: Jindabyne PT2210
Country of manufacture: Australia
Body length: 5.53m (18’2”)
Overall length: 6.34m (20’10”) (includes drawbar)
Width: 2.35m (7’9”)
Travel height: 2.35m (7’9”)
Tare weight: 1360kg
Gross weight: 1660kg
Ball weight: 130kg
Price from: $35,000
Find Out More
Jurgens Caravans
13 Sharnet Circuit, Pakenham, Victoria, Australia, 3810
Phone: 03 5943 7700
Email: info@jurgens.com.au