Jayco has been providing the Australasian market with RVs for over 35 years. Beginning with a small team of eight in VIC, the company now employ over 800 staff. Its RVs, over 120,000 of them, are helping Australian RVers live the dream. To ensure RVers are able to continue their relationship with Jayco as touring requirements evolve, the company has released the Optimum motorhome. This RV is aimed at those who really identify with the RV lifestyle, and are looking for a motorhome with all of the luxuries and comforts of home. Offerings such as a Carefree electric awning, Coleman low-profile air conditioning unit and a high level of running gear mean Jayco is serious about this RV – the fit and finish resemble a luxury hotel. Pairing the body with a Fiat Ducato X250 means there is 115kW on tap and a six-speed automated manual transmission to keep the RV rolling smoothly down the highway. You can't help but imagine the unlimited possibilities with such an RV.

Being the pride of Jayco's fleet, the Optimum makes provisions for the needs of any RV tourer. The Carefree Eclipse awning and plenty of exterior storage options means it takes no more than a few minutes to set up once you pull over for the day.

The design and finish of the interior in the Optimum are both well thought out and executed. Appliances such as the oven are built strategically into cupboard space, and there is plenty of room to store cooking and eating utensils with three large slide-out drawers. The marble finish splashback completes the kitchen in style.

Switching systems on the Optimum are well appointed. In an effort to centralise and minimise set-up procedures, Jayco has positioned the battery monitors, light switches and slide controllers all in one easy to access location. Safety precautions, such as the maximum occupants sign shown, indicate that Jayco is serious about safety.

The gas system on the Optimum is well thought out. The two bottles are housed in a purpose-built external compartment, which is lined and fitted with a steel bottle strap to ensure maximum security when travelling. The gas is then plumbed through a regulating system and neatly under the carriage. This gives the owners comfort in knowing gas will be there whenever it's needed.

The en suite is well appointed, with the marble finish wet areas continuing on from the kitchen splashback. Royal teak cabinetry provides a good looking exterior for plenty of practical storage, and shower and toilet fit neatly on either side of the centrally placed vanity.

The double bed is a pillow-top innerspring mattress, which makes it easy to get a good night's rest. Well thought out design features, such as the bedside cabinetry adjacent to the en suite, are a regular occurrence throughout the Optimum. There is little to be done to get this tourer ready for any big trip!

The L-shape seating arrangements provide good flow through the middle of the RV, and are finished in leather upholstery. An under-seat storage drawer makes for a great place to store table dressings, and the whole package is raised slightly on a platform creating a real feeling of space within the van.

Unique to Jayco, the dual slide-out walls mean there is plenty of space inside when you need it. The flexibility of the dual slide system means you can create varying degrees of space – from a quick stop standard set-up right through to a fully open, extended stay set-up.

A Coleman low-profile air conditioning unit mounts neatly on the ceiling of the vehicle, keeping occupants cool on those hot summer nights. The attention to build detail is certainly a feature in the Optimum, with everything right down to the ceiling joinery receiving the attention it deserves.

Jayco has utilised Fiat's Ducato X250 in the build of the Optimum, providing a solid foundation for the living space. The cab is well appointed, with a six-speed automated manual transmission, air conditioning and CD player. Jayco has wrapped the driver and passenger seats in leather to match the dining area.

UNIQUE SELLING POINTS

• DOUBLE SLIDE-OUT – UNIQUE TO JAYCO PRODUCTS

• FIVE-LAYERED VACUUM BONDED FRAME FOR GREATER INSULATION AND STRENGTH

• BRAND NEW LAYOUT FOR 2011

• HIGH LEVELS OF FIT AND FINISH

• DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE RV LIFESTYLE – EVERY NEED IS CATERED FOR

TECHNICAL SPECS

MAKE/MODEL: Jayco Optimum 26 motorhome

EXTERNAL BODY LENGTH: 8375mm

EXTERNAL WIDTH: 2330mm (including awning)

EXTERNAL HEIGHT: 3210mm (including airconditioning)

TARE WEIGHT: 4300k

g GVM: 5000kg

TOWING CAPACITY: 1200kg braked

FOR MORE INFORMATION

JAYCO AUSTRALIA

PH: 1300 JAYCO RV

EMAIL: info@jayco.com.au

WEBSITE: www.jayco.com.au

Please note that current prices may vary from this review. Please confirm with the manufacturer.