2013 BAV: Jayco Sterling Outback
The Jayco Sterling Outback is built to tackle rough roads and there’s a good reason why the Sterling is one of the most popular caravans in Australia.
JAYCO STERLING OUTBACK RATING CARD
VALUE FOR MONEY
While it’s not the cheapest Jayco on the road, you do get a lot for your money in the Sterling. In the mid-to-upper end of the market, it’s probably also one of the best-value blacktop tourers on the road. It’s the Ford Territory of caravans: reliable, not overtly flashy, and fitted with a swag of features for a reasonable price.
TOWABILITY
The Jayco feels very stable on the road, staying steady and true behind the tow vehicle.
SETTING UP AND HITCHING UP
The sterling has a very clean and tidy A-frame with a centre jockey wheel and plenty of space for WDH brackets.
SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING
Jayco gave this van its ‘Outback’ pack which is intended for some rough road touring. It gets Al-Ko Rocker Roller suspension, underslung axles (21ft models onwards), solar provision, an external 12V point, 16in alloy wheels, 6in main-member chassis, Al-Ko offroad electric brake magnets, side checkerplate and more.
LAYOUT
Given the length of this van, most of the features – front bedroom, full-width rear bathroom, nearside dinette and offside kitchen – are well proportioned. In its extended length, there was very little space to squeeze past the bed, and the dinette was also a little tight on space. The large windows are lovely and there was some good storage in place.
QUALITY OF FINISH
Inside, the Sterling is cohesive and clearly shows the benefits of a mass-produced rig. Everything fits well together, with no obvious gaps. The Sterling proves that high-volume manufacturing doesn’t have to equal poor attention to detail or shoddiness.
BUILD QUALITY
Jayco has made the Sterling to its normal standard, with a few extras to make it an ‘Outback’ model. It is a well-made van, and everything is properly aligned. The cabinetry is precision-cut and well finished.
CREATURE COMFORTS
The Sterling has all the features you’d expect at this price-point, including large fridge and combo washer-dryer, and a few little luxuries such as the Waeco wine bottle fridge and a filtered water tap.
INNOVATION
The new Dometic entry door and very tall rear external storage locker are innovative features of the Sterling, as well as the touch-panel lighting.
X-FACTOR
The Jayco is now so familiar to caravanners that there is not much new or exciting about it. But the sense of knowing exactly what you’re getting is strong with a Jayco.
THE CARAVAN WORLD VERDICT
The Jayco Sterling is one of Australia’s best-selling caravans – it’s the flagship of the largest RV manufacturer in the country – and it’s not hard to see why.
To discover the Jayco Sterling Outback final score be sure to check out Caravan World Issue 521. Why not subscribe today!
