Jayco J Pod

Hi Chris J, there are a number of comments on this subject on " The Grey Nomads Forum". Hope this will also help you out.

Chris
If the J pod models suit your useage then that is ok, but whatever you look at with the intention to buy, take a long time looking at THE actual unit you intend to purchase. Check every fitting and connection and sealed edges and any plumbing etc. I purchased a T van a long time ago and despite it's claim of perfection there were many issues. Some not found until a while later.

Ensure all screws, the Philips head variety are not stripped in their cross, because any damage means you probably cannot fix the issue or even tighten the screw.
Any sealed area between panels or edges needs to be bonded and properly sealed. Any failure to remove production wax will affect the seal and let in dust.
A simple thin paper sheet or poly strapping from box of print paper, slid between the rear door seal rubber will reveal gaps and uneven tightness.
My experience with the T van was similar to above plus finding the inner radius of the inner wheel bearing did not match the axle machining radius and the bearing did not seat as it should have done. No one smart enough to check such things it seems.
Do your checks!

I've looked them as well but put off by quality issues. There are more expensive alternatives that may be better.

https://camper.hemax.com/Reviews/11340/Lumberjack_Sheoak_Review

unforunately i would agree that jayco seem to have dropped off in the QC area , they are normally a good brand. 2 vehicles now, 1 x jayco fiat, 1 Jayco discovery . both had annoying (NEW) faults found on road trips taken within next yr.
looks like QC not that good if a factory screw is straight into the pwr line from roof solar( not noticed by QC) and later shower paneling comes loose.... then pwr bed sticks 1/2way. fiat engine mgmt system had occurrences of showing engine light but difficult to know what was fault- call 1300 assist or similar. drive carefully to nearest dealer with laptop diagnoser. ( in my case 2 day drive) from 1980-2000 travels.
May be better now.
MG.

I knew a couple who were considering a J-pod for the same reasons you are. I suggested they'd be better off with a small pop-top caravan - which is what ended up buying (I'm sure not just on my advice), and they've since confirmed that was definitely the right way to go.

The J-pod is basically a bed in a box - there is no room to sit or cook your dinner if the weather turns foul (I don't think they even have a kitchen). For a lot more weight, cost and the restrictions the come with towing a trailer, it doesn't really offer much more than a rooftop tent (except obviously you could leave the J-pod set-up at the campsite if you needed to go somewhere in your car).

Have a look at some of the smaller caravans on offer (including pop-tops) - I think you'll find the extra space and function will be well worth the extra cost and travelling weight.