Jayco, Australia’s biggest RV manufacturer is under fire for allegedly misleading buyers about just how off-road their ‘off-road’ vans really are.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched Federal Court proceedings against Jayco, claiming the brand misled consumers by advertising several of its caravans, specifically the Outback, All Terrain and CrossTrak models, as being designed for serious off-road use. According to the ACCC, that simply wasn’t the case.
Looks Tough, But Don’t Take It Off the Tarmac?
The core of the ACCC’s case is that Jayco used terms like “purpose-built off-road hybrid RV”, “our toughest off-roader”, and “can tackle just about any terrain” across its brochures, social media, websites, and even trade show displays. The imagery often showed these models being towed through sandy tracks, rocky trails, water crossings, and rutted bush roads, locations that would be familiar (and inviting) to any 4X4er looking to hit the tracks with a camper in tow.
But here’s the kicker: according to Jayco’s own warranty terms, those exact conditions, 4WD-only tracks, ruts, heavy impacts, and undulating terrain are not covered. In fact, the ACCC alleges these vans weren’t even designed for those environments.
“We allege Jayco misled consumers by advertising the RVs in terrain in which they were not designed to be used and were not covered by its warranty,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh.
Buyers Left High and Dry
The concern isn’t just that the vans may not be as tough as advertised. It’s that unsuspecting buyers could have paid a premium (upwards of $113,000) for an RV based on the assumption it was capable of doing exactly what the marketing showed. Worse still, some customers may have found themselves without warranty support if things broke out on the tracks.
That’s a serious issue in the 4X4 and touring space, where equipment is often bought based on trust, brand reputation, and the promise of reliability off the beaten path.
Not Jayco’s First Rodeo
This isn’t the first time Jayco’s been in the ACCC’s sights. Back in 2021, they copped a $75,000 fine for making misleading claims about consumer rights. And in 2022, the ACCC released a scathing report into caravan retailing, highlighting widespread consumer dissatisfaction.
What Happens Now?
The ACCC is seeking penalties, declarations, injunctions and orders against Jayco, and this case could set an important precedent for how off-road products are marketed across the industry. If successful, it may force manufacturers to clean up their act, and their advertising.
A Word to the Wise
If you’re in the market for an “off-road” caravan or hybrid camper, read the fine print. Marketing photos of vans knee-deep in the bush might look great on Instagram, but if the warranty doesn’t cover it and the chassis cracks halfway down the Gibb River Road, you could be in for a very expensive reality check.
