Australia’s leading caravan manufacturer, Jayco, faces legal action in the Federal Court following allegations from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that the company misrepresented certain caravans as off-road capable. The ACCC contends that Jayco advertised its caravans from the Outback and Adventure series as suitable for rough terrains, showcasing them in promotional materials navigating off-road conditions that they were not equipped to handle.
The allegations stem from marketing practices dating back to January 2020. Jayco is accused of integrating footage and images of their vehicles on unsealed roads, sandy beaches, and even water crossings into their advertising through various platforms, including their website and social media. In addition to these visuals, the ACCC highlights that Jayco referred to some of their RVs as “purpose-built off-road hybrid RVs” and described them as “the toughest off-roader, purpose-built to tackle the tough Australian terrain.”
Despite these claims, Jayco firmly denies any wrongdoing, asserting that their advertising did not deceive customers and that they will contest the allegations vigorously in court. The ACCC notes that the warranties for the affected models—such as the Outback, All Terrain, and CrossTrak—specifically exclude coverage for off-road use. This stipulation makes it clear that the vehicles are not designed to be used on 4WD-only tracks or on terrain subject to harsh impacts or heavy landings.
Some of Jayco’s models carry price tags ranging from $19,000 to $113,000, highlighting significant financial implications for consumers if the allegations are proven true. The case has raised concerns regarding consumer protection and the integrity of marketing practices within the caravan industry.