Jacob Expanda 6 seater..Best family caravan for easy towing

May 06, 2025

Photo courtesy : carguy(www.carguy.kr)



The first Jaco Expanda has sold about 20,000 units since its appearance in 2000, firmly establishing itself as an easy-to-tow tourist for families looking to transition from camping trailers to caravans.Traditionally, Expanda is a hybrid model that offers both advantages.

The reason for its steady popularity is that it has all the convenience of a full-size caravan, including the compact size of a camper van, low price, traction, foldable bed and indoor bathroom, and ample living room and storage space. Twenty years ago, caravans with bunk beds were not easy to get. Expanda was a great choice for the family. Used models with bunk beds quickly sold out. Expanda has become Australia's most popular family van.

Expanda was once released in a total of 10 models, including five pop tops and five caravans. It had a variety of layouts and sleeping areas.However, Jacob has recently drastically reduced his popular lineup. Now, both touring and outback versions offer only one layout of the six-seater, 17.56-2 size Pop Top tandem Axle model.






Jaco said the reason for the reduction in sales was due to increased sales of larger and more comfortable vans.Young families want something more luxurious and comfortable when they go camping. JACO currently only produces one Expanda, which includes a tandem axle, shower, and toilet.

Expanda is still popular with families. But big caravan sales are on the rise as customers seek more comfort.






Expanda 17.56-26-seater tandem pop-top camper. Towed with a 2022 Isuzu MU-X 3.0 for a trip to Potarington on the beautiful Bellarin Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. It creates a neat appearance of Expanda with minimal decals.

We've been using Jaco for almost 18 years.Considering the experience of using Expanda 1 (around 2004) and Expanda 2 (around 2011) in the Swan camper van, I compared it with the new model.




The internal structure of Expanda 17.56-2 has not changed significantly over the past few years. Technically, this vehicle is a six-seater van.There are two double beds at both ends and a bunk bed on the wall opposite the bathroom. If you change the restaurant to a small double bed at night, two children can sleep more, but it's too narrow for an adult to ride.



If you enter the front gate, there is a four-person restaurant opposite. There is a small bench on the left, and on top of it is a cupboard for TV wall hanging. To the right of the entrance is a sink with a faucet, a cooktop with four gas burners (no electricity), a grill and a kitchen with a microwave underneath.

The 153L compressor refrigerator runs opposite. It is big enough for a family of five to use.I was trying to plug in an electric kettle and thought I made a mistake because there was no noticeable outlet in the kitchen.I checked and it's hidden in the cupboard below. It's very neat because you can plug a wire through a small hole in the worktop.



The kitchen has everything you need. A small closet with some hangers and a small partition with a combined shower and toilet seat are located.This small partition even has a cassette toilet and a sink that can be folded and used in the shower. A small mirror is attached to the outer wall.

The mattress has improved the Expanda mattress I used previously. The existing large, thick cloth-covered foam bundles were split into a third and could be folded. After a few nights, I was generally not satisfied.



Fortunately, the mattress condition has improved significantly.The mattress has become thinner, but the proper spring mattress is built in and folds in the center. Couples can sleep much more comfortably.

Opposite the bathroom is an upper bunk bed, and below it is another small dining table that can be converted into a bunk bed.This small space can be a space for children to play on a rainy day. The back bed and double bed allow four children to sleep comfortably.

The interior stands out with a dometic heater mounted on the roof, an air conditioner, ample storage space, and a wide window that can fill natural light.

Source:Caravan World

CD radio, which can be accessed directly from the dining area, is provided as an option for both touring and outback models.It has built-in internal and external speakers.The Projecta power management system display is also here.Various colors and interiors are available in a wide range of options, from fabric to leather and artificial leather.

The plastic cover on the front tow bar protects two 9kg fuel tanks from the elements.The spare tire is hidden under the fuel tank. In the past, it was inconvenient to take out at least one fuel cylinder to take out a spare tire. On the outside of the vehicle, there are locking trunks, external lighting, 240V and 12V power outlets under the front seat. The door to empty the toilet is at the front of the vehicle.

Source:Caravan World

The review model does not include a picnic table, but it is available as an option. The touring model has a 100Ah battery, which is optional for additional and lithium batteries.

180W solar panels are standard for the Outback model. The Touror model is available as an option.Frame A has two 80L freshwater tanks and an external faucet.

Source:Caravan World

Jaco has significantly scaled back its extensive range of Expanda Poptops and caravans that have served Australian families well for more than two decades. Nevertheless, the Expanda is still a great option for families who want to switch from tents or camping trailers to more comfortable camping cars. Reasonable price, traction, and Jacob's reputation are key to this choice.

The biggest advantage of the new Expanda is that it is easy to tow because it is not heavy, and it is equipped with most of the latest convenience facilities.The downside is that only one layout can be selected.

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Editor Song Moon-chul mc.song@carguy.kr





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.