Introducing the Jag Teardrop Camper: A new take on a retro classic

We take a look at the brand-new Jag Teardrop Camper built by father and son duo, Frank and Jack Gosdschan, a new take on a retro classic.

With parents who were members of the RACV caravan club for over 50 years, it’s no surprise that Frank Gosdschan developed a passion for camping and the outdoors, which he seems to have passed down another generation to his own son, Jack.

But as you already know, camping and caravanning is a ‘progression’ that begins with roughing it in a two-man, not-so-watertight tent to something more comfortable. For Frank and Jack, this natural progression saw the last of the tent-dwelling trips cease with the creation of the much more comfortable (and watertight) Jag Teardrop Camper.

How the Jag Camper came about

The Jag Teardrop Camper was developed due to the COVID lockdowns when Jack, who was completing an Industrial Design Degree and Frank got together and came up with a new take on a retro idea. Focusing on developing a camping solution that was easy, provided the comforts of home, and fit into a standard garage, the first Jag Camper was completed in 2021 after a year of designing, redesigning, and finally building.

“We travelled extensively throughout Queensland, and to our surprise, we discovered a strong interest in our little teardrop camper,” said Jack. “So much so, that we had a friendly entrepreneurial type camper tell us he would hunt us down if we didn’t start building these things commercially.”

A seed was planted. So in 2023, Frank and Jack redesigned the camper, making it better than the original by introducing a few options to make camping even more comfortable. What they landed on was a camper that is easy, comfortable and stylish with a touch of glamour.

What’s the deal with the Jag Teardrop Camper?

Designed and engineered using cutting-edge 3D CAD tools, every Jag Camper is fabricated in Brisbane utilising advanced CNC router machines down to millimetre precision. A composite sandwich panel construction, usually seen on hybrid campers, ensures the Jag Teardrop is both strong and lightweight. This same material is also beneficial for helping you to stay cool in QLD summer and warm in Tasmanian winters.

With a hot dip galvanised steel chassis made from 100x50x3mm RHS, Cruisemaster GT independent suspension and a tough underbody made of 3mm checker plate, the Jag Teardrop Camper can be used for semi off-road conditions, such as the beach, national parks and un-maintained dirt roads. This also ensures highway driving is more comfortable.

What’s on the inside matters too

Boasting a full-size Queen bed, all five windows (2 x side, 1 x sun-roof, 2 x windowed doors) open to let in the fresh air, are lockable and have inbuilt mosquito screens and blinds. Two high-flow Sirocco fans keep the air flowing when there’s no breeze, and the cabin features two dimmable reading lights and LED downlights.

In a nod to its retro heritage, the Jag Camper’s roof is finished in wood slat, and a beautiful Falcatta Plywood is used for the cabinetry. You’ll find a large 560L storage space under the bed (lifted via an automatic actuator), two cupboards and no less than six drawers, giving you ample space for your clothes and toiletries.

Advanced electronics

I did say this was a modern take on a retro concept, and this is noticeable with the electronics. As you would expect from a modern-day camper, the power storage system allows you to charge your battery via mains power, solar power and your car engine while you drive, coming standard with a 100AH LiFePo 4 deep-cycle lithium battery. Power outlets and inlets include:

4x 240v mains power outlets
240v RCD switch mains inlet
2x 12v DC outlets
2x USB/USBC outlets
Solar Input
TV Antenna input

However, the most unique feature is the 24” 12 Smart TV. What’s so unique about a TV, you ask? Well, this one is mounted on a custom rotating system that allows for viewing both inside the Jag Camper and also when you are outside using the kitchen. Speaking of which …

Alfresco kitchen

Like most teardrop campers, the kitchen is Alfresco and can be found at the back of the van. Here, you’ll find a 60L upright adjustable fridge/freezer, a pullout pantry, three drawers, two cupboards and a central spice rack cupboard.

Probably of most appeal is the 1500 x 700mm hardwood benchtop for food prep, something small RVs often lack. Cooking is on a Thetford two-burner gas hob with electric ignition, and a 12v pump gets the water flowing from the 82L water tank to the stainless sink and tap.

A switchboard in the kitchen area allows you to monitor the water level and power consumption, and turn the fridge, power, kitchen lights and water pump on and off.

Standard specs

Length: 4.8m (including drawbar)
Width: 2.2m
Height: 2.05m
Battery: 100 A.h
Water: 82L
Tare: 860kg
ATM: 1500kg
Payload: 640kg
Road type: Semi off-road
Warranty: 5-year structural & 2-year manufacturers. External products built into the camper come with their own individual manufacturer warranties.

Popular add-ons

Popular add-ons include:

EcoFlow Wave 2 portable aircon and heater
Caravan mover
Custom air-tent gazebo
Awnings
Induction cooktop conversion

Cost and information

A brand new Jag Teardrop Camper will set you back $44,990 standard drive-away. Visit the Jag Camper website for more information and to contact Jack and Frank for a viewing.