Think of Pod campers as little RVs in that they share many of the convenient features that make caravans great but in an undeniably smaller package. Just like caravans, most pod campers have hard walls to protect those sleeping inside from the elements. Also, like caravans, there is no set-up. You simply park the pod, drop the legs and climb in.
While not everyone will appreciate the compact size of a pod camper, there’s no denying the advantages. Their compact size means they are lighter to tow and can fit down narrow tracks. This allows you to take them more places than their larger counterparts. It’s also a lot easier to find a place to store them when you’re at home. As you would expect, the compact size is also reflected in a significantly lower price tag than a full-sized caravan.
Also, pod campers just look really cool!
While there are many pod campers on the market, we’re comparing stats on two popular yet similar-priced models: the Jayco JPOD-X and the Lumberjack Enfield.
Let’s start with the basic specs on both pod campers:
| Specs | Lumberjack Enfield | Jayco JPOD-X |
|---|---|---|
| Price: | From $32,990 | From $31,723 |
| Sleeps: | Sleeps 2 on a double bed (4 with a rooftop tent) | Sleeps 2 on a double bed (4 with a rooftop tent) |
| Tare: | Approx. 1000kg | 980kg |
| ATM: | Approx. 1500kg | 1175kg |
| Dimensions closed: | 4.80m(L) x 2.25m(W) x 2.2m(H) | 4.39m(L) x 2.3m(H). The width is N/A |
| Suspension: | Off-road independent suspension system. Heavy duty coil springs and shock absorbers. | JTECH Suspension independent coil |
| Brakes: | Electric brakes and handbrake | N/A |
| Chassis/drawbar: | Hot dip galvanised. Drawbar bolted and welded to the frame | Hot dip galvanised. |
| Tyres: | 16-inch all-terrain tyres + 1 spare | 185/R14 highway-terrain + 1 spare |
| Coupling: | Cruisemaster D035 with receiver | D035 |
| Awning: | Standard 2m x 2.5m | 270-degree batwing |
| Water tank: | 65L | 80L |
Setting up the pod campers
The set up for both pod campers is similar in that you drop the legs and climb in for a good night’s sleep. The JPOD-X has two legs at the back and relies on the jockey wheel at the front. However, the Lumberjack Enfield has four legs, taking the pressure of the jockey wheel. Any rooftop tent (RTT) mounted on either pod camper will require additional setup. Given the JPOD-X’s low ATM, any RTT would eat a large chunk of your weight allowance.
The layout
Both resemble a traditional teardrop-style camper in that the kitchen is built into a hatch in the back. You cannot access the kitchen from inside the pod camper. Nor can you stand up in either of them. You’ll find an access door with fly screens to the sleeping area on either side of both pod campers.
Offroad capability
The JPOD-X has Jayco’s own JTECH independent coil suspension, checker plate protection, and a D035 hitch. However, it’s important to note that Jayco is not marketing this as an off-road pod camper
In comparison, Lumberjack is marketing the Enfield as an off-road pod. This camper features off-road independent suspension, heavy-duty coil springs and shocks, a D035 hitch and Black Raptorcoat on the lower body.
So, we’re not talking about the same level of off-road sophistication as the likes of the Bruder EXP-4, but these pod campers are still a step up from any strictly onroad offerings.
Storage space
By nature, storage in pod campers (or lack of it) is always going to be an issue; however, they both do a pretty good job at making use of available space.
The Lumberjack Enfield has a large toolbox at the front with a dedicated fridge slide and room on top of the box to strap anything that can handle the weather. Cargo railings can be found on the top for a rooftop tent or fun stuff, like kayaks. Inside there is a small cupboard and four pigeon holes. In the kitchen area, you’ll find another three drawers and three cupboards.
In comparison, the Jayco JPOD-X has a top-opening tool box on the front, overhead storage compartments, side bed and under-bed storage on the inside, and cupboard/shelf space in the kitchen area. Cargo railings for fun stuff are also found on the roof.
Cooking in pod campers is always alfresco
Both pod campers have some serious pros and cons with their kitchens, but as expected, you can expect to be cooking and eating outdoors.
The Jayco JPOD-X has a kitchen slide with a two-burner cooktop and sink that slides back into the van when not in use. This leaves the entire galley area at the back free for the upright fridge and a bit of bench space for your ingredients and utensils when cooking. A handy prep/storage table folds out on the end of the slide. Having the fridge at the back in the kitchen area is handy, but it does eat into your cupboard space quite a bit. The water is plumbed in, but if you want a continuous hot water system for your kitchen, that’s an extra.
Much like Lumberjack’s previous model, the Sheoak, prep space is a bit limited in the kitchen. However, the Enfield does have a drop-down table and the ability to fit a cutting board to the sink, which somewhat alleviates that problem. The fridge being up the other end of the van is a little inconvenient, but this also means you gain more storage space in the kitchen, which is always welcome. Plus, given the small nature of the pod camper, it’s only a few steps to the other end of the van.
One little niggle with the Lumberjack is that when the gas cooker is set up, the storage drawers behind it can’t be opened so you need to make sure you have everything you need out of those drawers before you start cooking. Like the Jayco JPOD-X, the water is plumbed in, but if you want hot water, you’ll need to use a portable external hot water system.
Electrical
As you would expect with pod campers, the electrics are simple. Lumberjack Enfield comes standard with a REDARC Battery Management System with solar reg, charging and Bluetooth controls as well as Anderson Plug car connection, 1 x 150ah Lithium battery, 240V connection with multiple GPO points, multiple 12v sockets, dedicated fridge socket and an internal main control panel.
The Jayco JPOD-X also has a built-in battery management system with 240V charger but only offer a 100Ah AGM battery with Lithium being an optional extra. The water tank and battery can be monitored via Bluetooth. Like the Enfield, you’ll find strategically placed charging points around. Of interest is that 200W of roof-mounted solar comes as standard.
Luxuries
The lumberjack has a TV mounted inside with a Bluetooth stereo system. The two side doors feature block-out flyscreen panels and there are two wall ventilation fans. One major irk is that the TV is square shaped. It’s also in a recess which makes it difficult to change shape or increase the size.
JPOD-X comes standard with a Sirocco fan and an inner-spring mattress with room to mount a regular-shaped TV.
The verdict
Given that both pod campers come in at a little over $30,000, their pros and cons kind of weigh each other out. So its really going to boil down to your personal preferences. The small payload in the Jayco will be an issue for many as will the kitchen layout in the Enfield. Not being able to open your draws once you light the gas cooktop wears thin very quick. If you could take all the pros of both and merge them into one, I’d be one happy camper.
Having owned both a Jayco in the past and being a curent owner of a Lumberjack (albeit not these particular models), my experience has been that the quality of build between both brands is on par. I’ve had niggly problems with both brands in the past that were both fixed under warranty. At this price point, I don’t really expect any less but Jayco’s massive dealership and being Aussie-made is also something to consider.
If you are interested in one of these campers, make sure to check them out for yourself at either a show, or by booking an appointment at a dealer before making a decision.
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