JackaJay Electric Roof Lift System: Cost, Installation, and Everything You Need to Know
What Is the JackaJay System?
If you own a wind-up camper trailer, you already know the drill — manually cranking the roof up and down with a winch and cable system every time you set up or pack down camp. It works, but it's slow, physically demanding, and the cables and winch mechanisms wear out over time.
The JackaJay is a 12V electric roof lift system designed to replace that old manual winch entirely. Made by Jacka Industries — a father-and-son operation (Stuart and Malcolm Badman) based in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney — the JackaJay uses precision linear motor drive technology to raise and lower your camper roof at the touch of a button.
It's not a patch-up or an add-on. It's a complete redesign of your lift system that fits into the same mounting points as the original winch and cable setup. No structural modifications to your camper are required.
How Does It Work?
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Key Features
- Plug-and-play design — colour-coded corners and pre-assembled components
- Touchscreen controller — full-colour 4.3-inch capacitive LCD display
- Roof lock — powerless auto-locking mechanism keeps the roof secure when the controller is off
- Fault detection — obstruction detection prevents damage if something gets in the way
- Battery monitoring — live voltage display and undervoltage protection to prevent flat batteries
- 5-year warranty — for private/domestic use (2 years for commercial use, including Camplify rentals)
Two Models Available
Jacka Industries offers two versions to suit different camper sizes and weights:
JackaJay (Standard)
- Designed for smaller Jayco campers with limited roof accessories
- Suits campers with a roof corner weight lighter than 50 kg
- Ideal for basic setups without heavy roof-mounted gear
JackaHD (Heavy Duty)
- Built for larger Jayco, Goldstream, or Coromal campers
- Suits campers with a roof weight over 200 kg
- Required if you have a roof-mounted air conditioner or other heavy accessories
Compatible Camper Brands
The JackaJay system is compatible with most popular Australian wind-up camper trailers, including:
- Jayco (the most common fitment)
- Goldstream
- Coromal
- New Age (Wayfinder series)
- Avan Golf
- Other wind-up camper manufacturers
If you're not sure whether your camper is compatible, Jacka Industries can advise based on your specific make and model.
How Much Does the JackaJay Cost?
This is the question everyone asks — and unfortunately, Jacka Industries doesn't publicly list their prices. Their FAQ page states the price is "equivalent to many other camper and hybrid electric roof lift systems."
Here's what we can piece together from available information:
Estimated Cost Range
| Component | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| JackaJay kit (Standard) | ~$2,500 – $3,500 |
| JackaHD kit (Heavy Duty) | ~$3,000 – $4,500 |
| Professional installation | ~$500 – $1,200 (labour) |
| Total installed (approx.) | ~$3,000 – $5,500 |
Important: These are estimates based on the fact that New Age added a JackaJay-based electric roof to their Wayfinder campers for approximately $3,000 as a factory option. Aftermarket retrofit pricing (kit plus labour) will vary by installer and model.
The only way to get an accurate price is to contact Jacka Industries directly or request a quote from an authorised installer.
How to Get a Quote
- Jacka Industries website: jackaindustries.com
- Phone or email via their contact page
- Authorised installers can also quote on supply and installation as a package
Installation: DIY or Professional?
One of the JackaJay's selling points is that it's designed to be DIY-friendly. But whether you should tackle it yourself depends on your confidence with tools and electrics.
DIY Installation
Jacka Industries says the kit is "totally DIY friendly" with:
- Colour-coded corners so you can't mix up components
- Plug-and-play wiring harness (no complex electrical work)
- Pre-assembled components to minimise fiddly setup
What you'll need:
- Basic hand tools
- Battery drill with hole saw, drill bits, and driver bits
- Timber roof struts (cut to length) to support the roof during installation
- A mate to help — they recommend allowing a full day for a DIY install
Professional Installation
If you'd rather leave it to the experts, professional installers typically complete the job in around 8 hours. This includes removing the old winch system and fitting the full JackaJay kit.
Installation cost varies by repairer, but you'll generally pay standard workshop rates for approximately a day's labour.
Authorised Installers Across Australia
Jacka Industries has a network of authorised installers across the country:
South Australia
- Dario Caravans and Repairs — St Marys, Adelaide
- Murray Bridge Caravan Centre — Murray Bridge
- Jayco Mt Gambier — Mount Gambier
Queensland
- AllBrand Caravan Services — Sandgate, Brisbane (07 3869 2969)
- Caravan Xpress — Brendale
- Jayco Mods — Cannon Hill
- Fixed Caravan Repairs — Gold Coast
Victoria
- Peninsula Caravan Services — Hastings
- Advantage Caravan Repairs — Campbellfield and Moolap
- Emu Caravans — Ferntree Gully
Western Australia
- DJM Caravan Repairs — Kelmscott
Tasmania
- Tassie RV Solutions — Hadspen
Northern Territory
- Caravans in Katherine — Katherine
For Adelaide residents, Dario Caravans and Repairs in St Marys is your closest authorised JackaJay installer. They've been recommended by other owners who have had the system fitted there.
What's in the Kit?
The JackaJay kit includes everything you need for the conversion:
- 4 x electric lift actuators (one per corner)
- Touchscreen controller with mounting bracket
- Plug-and-play wiring harness
- All necessary mounting hardware
- Installation instructions
Jacka Industries also sell complementary accessories:
- JackaMast — a stainless steel replacement for the Jayco 3-stage telescopic mast (stronger, more durable)
- Jayco Roof Bolt Upgrade Kit — 316 stainless steel replacement bolts for all four corners
- Auxiliary Battery Kit — AGM deep cycle battery, case, wiring harness, and 10W solar panel
Alternatives to the JackaJay
The JackaJay is the most established aftermarket electric roof lift in Australia, but there are a few other options worth knowing about:
Linear Actuators Australia (Brisbane)
A 12-volt roof lift system designed to work with existing gas struts on pop-top caravans. Installation available at their Brisbane factory. Better suited to pop-tops than wind-up campers.
RV Air Lifter Systems
A pneumatic (air-powered) alternative for pop-top caravans, campervans, and motorhomes. Uses air pressure rather than electric actuators to assist with lifting.
LeverM8
A budget manual tool (not electric) that provides mechanical advantage for easier manual roof lifting. Not a full electric conversion but much cheaper if you just want to make the manual process easier.
Factory-Fitted Options
If you're buying a new camper trailer, some manufacturers offer electric roofs from the factory:
- New Age Wayfinder — comes standard with a JackaJay-based electric roof system
- Avan Golf — offers an electric roof option on some slide-out camper models
Things to Consider Before Buying
Weight
The JackaJay system adds weight to your camper. The four actuators, controller, and wiring will add a few kilograms. If you're already close to your ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) limit, factor this in.
Battery Draw
The system runs on 12V and includes undervoltage protection, but it will draw from your leisure battery. If you camp off-grid frequently, consider whether your battery setup can handle the additional draw. Jacka Industries sell an auxiliary battery kit specifically for this.
Warranty Implications
If your camper is still under manufacturer warranty, check whether an aftermarket roof lift modification affects your coverage. Most reputable installers can advise on this.
Backup Plan
One common concern raised in forums is what happens if the system fails while you're travelling. The JackaJay includes fault detection, but it's worth understanding the manual override options before you head off on a remote trip.
Is It Worth It?
For anyone who regularly sets up and packs down a wind-up camper, the convenience factor is significant. No more cranking, no more worn-out cables, and the roof goes up and down in a couple of minutes with zero physical effort.
The investment is substantial — likely in the $3,000 to $5,500 range fully installed — but for frequent travellers, especially those with physical limitations or heavy roof setups, it can transform the camping experience.
If you're on the fence, the best next step is to contact Jacka Industries for a quote specific to your camper make and model, and reach out to your nearest authorised installer for a total installed price.
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