Just picked up a Silverline (21') yesterday. I am hoping that somebody who has one could help me by explaining:-
1. How do I start the fridge? The power is on in the van and the fridge is on auto when I press the button.
2. How do I operate the gas heater. I can turn it on and the gas is flowing into the van but I don't understand the display and find the instruction book of likkle use.
Any help would be appreciated.
Bill B said
07:20 PM Jul 8, 2018
Didn't the dealer do a handover session with you ?
The handover should show you how to use all the appliances etc in the van.
2trout said
07:45 PM Jul 8, 2018
Yes, and he did a good job over about 2 hours, but, regrettably I have forgotten some of it.
As I said in the original post, the handbook was not much use in the detail department. I was hoping for a reply from a Silverline owner. Do you own one?
Bill B said
08:52 PM Jul 8, 2018
No I don't own a Jayco but the same appliances are used in most brands.
What type/model fridge is it ?
Can't help with heater as have a diesel one.
2trout said
09:14 PM Jul 8, 2018
It's a Dometic RUA Series. My understanding was that when you turned it on, it automatically chooses either gas, power or battery. I have turned it on but it is not operating. I am sure that there is something simple that I am not doing.
I have previously owned a van with a Dometic but it is nothing like this model.
iana said
09:23 PM Jul 8, 2018
If you can down load this file, it may help.
-- Edited by iana on Sunday 8th of July 2018 09:28:51 PM
I am thinking that maybe one or another of the fuel sources is not turned on so the fridge can choose. Maybe just check that mains is on ...gas is on..and 12 volt is on as well...as some fridges ...like ours...need 12 volt there to run the gas ignition...plus any interior lights etc.
Just general stuff I know....but its amazing how the little things just damn well get missed hey.
Lets us know how you go ....
Cheers Keith
daffyfrancis said
09:25 PM Jul 8, 2018
Our Dometic fridge is manually operated but I imagine for yours would need the main 12v switch on in the van as when on gas the fridge auto spark ignition would need 12v to operate.
Perhaps a Google search on how to operate you particular model of heater & of fridge models may provide you with some answers or YouTube videos.
David
Edit: Kieth beat me to the suggestion.
-- Edited by daffyfrancis on Sunday 8th of July 2018 09:26:45 PM
iana said
09:28 PM Jul 8, 2018
Yes be aware there are isolation valves underneath the van for each gas service. They are located directly under the floor directly beneath the appliance.
We own a Silverline, but with a 12v fridge and a diesel heater.
iana said
09:53 PM Jul 8, 2018
-----------And ------ on the gas cylinders themselves, is a gas safety switch. Turn the bottle valve on, and then hold the valve plunger in for a few seconds. Light one of the gas hobs to make sure you have gas flowing.
2trout said
10:03 PM Jul 8, 2018
Thanks everyone. I have downloaded the file Jana, thanks.
I have also accidently found the instruction book for the fridge- it was not with the other paperwork but was in the freezer.
If anybody has any tips on the Silverline, I would appreciate your comments and advice.
iana said
11:06 PM Jul 8, 2018
I have a few hints, mods and ideas. Does your unit just have the bed with a slide out, or is it bed and lounge?
If you ever have a chance of loosing or forgetting both door keys, the only way into the van is to break in through the roof vent. We have a spare key hidden outside.
We have a digital clock above our bed, by pushing it, it lights up the numbers, we can see the time any time during the night.
I also have a simple mod, to stop the top vents/sky-lights, when opened a little, to stop them blowing open and back by the wind.
Mounted a Sirco 12v fan.
Modified the top draw so it can be organized to take the cutlery better.
There are some qwerky things with the cupboard, and draw latches.
Desert Dweller said
07:18 AM Jul 9, 2018
Those dealer run throughs when you pick up your new caravan can be bewildering. Information overload!
What seems difficult now will be second nature in a few months time. Enjoy!
2trout said
07:39 AM Jul 9, 2018
Iana,
We have the bed slide out only. Any pics of your mods?
The Belmont Bear said
08:47 AM Jul 9, 2018
Cant help with any advice on a Silverline but we were advised before doing our handover to take an ipad and record what they were showing us. The amount of things that they put into new vans nowadays means that it is getting more complicated all the time especially when you are a first time owner - agree DD we found that we ended up suffering with the information overload. For those who are not on the road full time its easy to forget between trips some of the little things and having something that you can refer to is very handy. I still find it hard to believe that unlike other vehicle manufacturers there seems to be no requirement to supply a comprehensive users manual for a van, Retreat only gave us whatever paperwork came with the various appliances or other components such as the awning.
Cheers BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Monday 9th of July 2018 08:48:25 AM
iana said
11:15 AM Jul 9, 2018
Sounds like your van is the same as ours, except a couple of feet shorter (sensible move) and that ours does not have the lounge, but recliner chairs.
I don't have any pictures, but could take some of what you may be interested in.
Another little mod I did was to install a stainless steel grab handle in the shower, I feel that if one needs to hang onto something, while washing ones feet for instance, if you grab the shower unit, it will come away in you hand, its only plastic. Also put liquid soap dispencers in the shower as well.
2trout said
12:16 PM Jul 9, 2018
Belmont Bear- Thanks for the comments. There is a lot to get your head around at the handover. I thought that, as we had a Jayco already, it would be quite easy. Unfortunately for me, many things have changed. Jayco do have an owners manual and a video but I find both lacking in detail. Bringing along a camera and doing a few recordings would be a very sensible idea.
Iana- If you have the time, a few pictures of any interesting mods that you have done would be appreciated eg The cutlery draw that you mentioned.
Cheers
cjt55 said
05:39 PM Jul 9, 2018
The gas heater will (or should) have an external exhaust vent. The cover must be removed or the heater will not work. When heater not in use put the cover back on.
PeterD said
07:24 PM Jul 9, 2018
Try this document - Dometic AES Refrigerator Wiring - It will assist you to check your refrigerator electrical installation.
2trout said
09:04 PM Jul 9, 2018
Thanks everyone. problems solved. I appreciate the help.
PeterD said
11:18 PM Jul 9, 2018
Could you please enlighten us as to what was the problem?
2trout said
11:56 AM Jul 10, 2018
There was no problem. We just bought a new Jayco Silverline caravan to replace our old van. I was having some issues with operating a couple of items. Once they were sorted out then the van was terrific. I found the operating manuals a bit difficult to follow in a couple of instances.
iana said
12:41 PM Jul 10, 2018
2trout, is the van new or what year is it. When we brought our Silverline, we didn't know what hit us with all the gear, but have it all fairly well sorted at the moment.
2trout said
05:36 PM Jul 10, 2018
Thanks Iana,
It is 6 days old. I think that I have most things sussed out now. We are going to take it on a very short trip, not too far from home in a week or so and see how we and the van handle things. If you have any little tips, I would welcome hearing them.
The dealer that we purchased it from, Jayco Gippsland, were excellent with the delivery and handover but as you said, there is a lot to learn with this van. It was all explained to us but it was a lot to remember. Next time that I run into a Silverline owner, I am going to pick their brains.
Just picked up a Silverline (21') yesterday. I am hoping that somebody who has one could help me by explaining:-
1. How do I start the fridge? The power is on in the van and the fridge is on auto when I press the button.
2. How do I operate the gas heater. I can turn it on and the gas is flowing into the van but I don't understand the display and find the instruction book of likkle use.
Any help would be appreciated.
The handover should show you how to use all the appliances etc in the van.
As I said in the original post, the handbook was not much use in the detail department. I was hoping for a reply from a Silverline owner. Do you own one?
What type/model fridge is it ?
Can't help with heater as have a diesel one.
It's a Dometic RUA Series. My understanding was that when you turned it on, it automatically chooses either gas, power or battery. I have turned it on but it is not operating. I am sure that there is something simple that I am not doing.
I have previously owned a van with a Dometic but it is nothing like this model.
If you can down load this file, it may help.
-- Edited by iana on Sunday 8th of July 2018 09:28:51 PM
I am thinking that maybe one or another of the fuel sources is not turned on so the fridge can choose. Maybe just check that mains is on ...gas is on..and 12 volt is on as well...as some fridges ...like ours...need 12 volt there to run the gas ignition...plus any interior lights etc.
Just general stuff I know....but its amazing how the little things just damn well get missed hey.
Lets us know how you go ....
Cheers Keith
Our Dometic fridge is manually operated but I imagine for yours would need the main 12v switch on in the van as when on gas the fridge auto spark ignition would need 12v to operate.
Perhaps a Google search on how to operate you particular model of heater & of fridge models may provide you with some answers or YouTube videos.
David
Edit: Kieth beat me to the suggestion.
-- Edited by daffyfrancis on Sunday 8th of July 2018 09:26:45 PM
We own a Silverline, but with a 12v fridge and a diesel heater.
I have also accidently found the instruction book for the fridge- it was not with the other paperwork but was in the freezer.
If anybody has any tips on the Silverline, I would appreciate your comments and advice.
If you ever have a chance of loosing or forgetting both door keys, the only way into the van is to break in through the roof vent. We have a spare key hidden outside.
We have a digital clock above our bed, by pushing it, it lights up the numbers, we can see the time any time during the night.
I also have a simple mod, to stop the top vents/sky-lights, when opened a little, to stop them blowing open and back by the wind.
Mounted a Sirco 12v fan.
Modified the top draw so it can be organized to take the cutlery better.
There are some qwerky things with the cupboard, and draw latches.
Those dealer run throughs when you pick up your new caravan can be bewildering. Information overload!

What seems difficult now will be second nature in a few months time. Enjoy!

We have the bed slide out only. Any pics of your mods?
Cant help with any advice on a Silverline but we were advised before doing our handover to take an ipad and record what they were showing us. The amount of things that they put into new vans nowadays means that it is getting more complicated all the time especially when you are a first time owner - agree DD we found that we ended up suffering with the information overload. For those who are not on the road full time its easy to forget between trips some of the little things and having something that you can refer to is very handy. I still find it hard to believe that unlike other vehicle manufacturers there seems to be no requirement to supply a comprehensive users manual for a van, Retreat only gave us whatever paperwork came with the various appliances or other components such as the awning.
Cheers
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Monday 9th of July 2018 08:48:25 AM
I don't have any pictures, but could take some of what you may be interested in.
Another little mod I did was to install a stainless steel grab handle in the shower, I feel that if one needs to hang onto something, while washing ones feet for instance, if you grab the shower unit, it will come away in you hand, its only plastic. Also put liquid soap dispencers in the shower as well.
Iana- If you have the time, a few pictures of any interesting mods that you have done would be appreciated eg The cutlery draw that you mentioned.
Cheers
Try this document - Dometic AES Refrigerator Wiring - It will assist you to check your refrigerator electrical installation.
It is 6 days old. I think that I have most things sussed out now. We are going to take it on a very short trip, not too far from home in a week or so and see how we and the van handle things. If you have any little tips, I would welcome hearing them.
The dealer that we purchased it from, Jayco Gippsland, were excellent with the delivery and handover but as you said, there is a lot to learn with this van. It was all explained to us but it was a lot to remember. Next time that I run into a Silverline owner, I am going to pick their brains.