GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #9 | Page 14

LIVE FREE THE JAYCO FREEDOM CAMPERVAN IS ALL ABOUT VALUE-FOR-MONEY TOURING. I’ve told my wife, once or twice, that once the kids have grown up and flown the nest, I’d like to downsize our rig. Why tow a large, family- friendly camper here, there and everywhere, when it’s just the two of us? That’s why Jayco’s new Freedom campervan caught my eye. If I’m not mistaken, this is its first B class light commercial van conversion – the manufacturer had always stuck to cab-chassis conversions on vehicles such as the Ducato and Iveco. Now, we can count the 14 gorv.com.au Toyota Hiace among the base vehicles of Jayco’s motorhome fleet. NEW GROUND? Does the Jayco Freedom break new ground? Not really. While the build quality appears sound, the layout and equipment of this campervan is somewhat basic. I think, however, that therein lies the point of this rig. At $64,350 as tested, it represents a reasonably affordable way for a couple to explore Australia. It’s available in petrol or diesel. Our review Freedom – known as the TH 15-2 – had the 3L turbodiesel, available for extra outlay. It’s not a rocket on take-off, but it gets there and drives