We/I have been looking at vans for a couple of years now trying to find the one that suited our needs. The closest we have got to the one that ticked all the boxes was when we checked out a Jayco Silverline 24ft model with the recliner chairs in the front.
To day we went and rechecked that model (2015 new). Now I know there are Nay Sayers on here, but I was impressed. Having just checked out other makes, the Jayco Silverline looked very good. Just about every accessory now as standard, and what we wanted as extra thrown in as well. It was $4000 cheaper than 2014 quote.
Now I gave it a pretty good look over and found no cupboard doors about to fall off, no tinny cupboard door latches and the fridge was a Dometic with good door catches as well. Even the upgrade to an Ibis 3 aircon was included. I can't imagine how other makes can compete. I was ready then and there to put down my deposit.
We plan to have a look at other recliner chairs and probably buy our own for an extra few dollars to ensure they are to our comfort. And then put in a deposit, I have owned a 2003 model Jayco, but this is way better in features and quality.
You're making the right decision buying a new van. Before we bought new we looked at hundreds of second-hand vans.
Most of them had loose wiring hanging out of them or were full of holes drilled by home handyman nomads.
Why do people tinker with their vans all the time? Probably boredom!
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If you haven't ordered your new caravan yet, there would be a couple of things that you could have installed, and something to think about.
1/ replace the 3 way fridge with a 12 Volt / 240 Volt compressor fridge, the 3 way fridges are next to useless any further up north than Alice Springs.
2/ also have about 300 Watts of solar panels installed on the roof and the provisions to up grade to more panels.
3/ same for the AGM batteries you would need about 200 ~400 AH of capacity.
Other than that injoy the new caravan when it arrives.
Ian, it's all a personal choice with Dens and Tugs, whatever you feel comfortable in is the way to go.
I tend to agree with Valiant, mostly. I have a 3 Way 2 door Thetford fridge freezer and has been in 40c+ without a problem at all. That is once the faulty flu was replaced under warranty. Reading about fridges on the forum for the last few years, there are those that speek highly of the 3 way's and those that think 12/240v's are the bees knees so again a personal choice thing IMO.
Enjoy those reliner chairs though.
Keep Safe out there.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Thursday 16th of July 2015 09:22:20 AM
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DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Ian, all the above comments are good. In our case, Jayco do not build a custom van. We wanted to change some of the layout but Jayco refused. Based on that, we went to Golden Eagle/Paramount and gave them the layout we wanted and the van was built. The floorplan is similar to the Silverline, 24 ft reduced to 23 ft with no discernible shortcomings.
Larry
BTW the new Domestic fridge is marginal. Our old one worked heaps better.
Ive got to say we are delighted with our Jayco, must be a dealer thing because we had ours made to what we wanted in the caravan, based on the Jayco plan. I guess we didn't do any structural stuff so I understand where Larry is coming from.
I was under the impression that all the new Jayco vans had tropical rated 3 way fridges.... I stand corrected if that's wrong. I think its important to get that tropical rating as the fridge stays cold in very hot conditions, we have a shade over that side of the van in summer to keep that area a bit cooler and in the shade.
OK lets face it, Jayco are built to a price and there are a number of issues I have had addressed by them (and may I say VERY quickly) and some I fixed myself.
At the end of the day this is a nice, easy tow van that suits our needs. I have looked at the silverline and believe its the ducks guts of caravans. Enjoy your new home.
BTW we have never had issues with our dometic fridge, again may be an isolated dealer thing.
Cheers
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Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
I have just picked up our Silverline after it's 12month warranty check and service. The only thing that need to be fixed was a replacement strip light in the over one window, it only half lit up from day one.
We have used the van for six holidays from one week to two weeks and can't say enough of what a fantastic van it is, tows beautifully and feels very safe when being passed by big trucks coming the other way.
We looked for 2 yrs before buying it and did factory tours of a number of manufacturers and most look like cottage industries. After doing the Jayco factory tour I was impressed with the way they build their vans and the number of quality control checks on the production line. As for value at least $10k less than comparable other brands. Had a 240v/12v fridge installed instead of the three way, an extra battery, additional 120w solar panel (giving 240w on roof) and have another 120w portable.
Over the past 12years we have had three Jayco's and never had any problems with them, not even fiddly bits falling off.
I'm sure you won't be disappointed if you purchase the Silverline.
If you get the opportunity have a look at the Jurgens Stagazer, Lunagazer or Tooradin. Just bought a Sungazer and a neighbour a Lunagazer. It may even help you confirm you are on the right track with a Jayco.
If you haven't ordered your new caravan yet, there would be a couple of things that you could have installed, and something to think about.
1/ replace the 3 way fridge with a 12 Volt / 240 Volt compressor fridge, the 3 way fridges are next to useless any further up north than Alice Springs.
2/ also have about 300 Watts of solar panels installed on the roof and the provisions to up grade to more panels.
3/ same for the AGM batteries you would need about 200 ~400 AH of capacity.
Other than that injoy the new caravan when it arrives.
Thanks valiant81, haven't ordered just yet. I was aware of advice on this forum regarding the compressor fridge over the 3 way, but as it was a Jayco, didn't mention it as I assumed it was one of those "cannot do's" as said they build to a price and the way they do it is quantity, bulk buy and responding to the majority customer needs.
I will however bring the issue up with the salesman. Who I might add was very patient, spent at least 2.5 hours with us going over every detail.
I have not included the second solar panel, but have included a second Gel 100AH battery. I'm still on the thought process on solar panels.
Just to make sure everyone understands, we will be selling our house, retiring and living in this van permanently until when?, and as I pointed out to the salesman, a van used for holidays has different priorities to one where a couple permanently call it home.
Ian, it's all a personal choice with Dens and Tugs, whatever you feel comfortable in is the way to go.
Enjoy those reliner chairs though.
Keep Safe out there.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Thursday 16th of July 2015 09:22:20 AM
Thanks Doug, as you would know I have posted a few questions on the forum, exploring other opinions in different matters, while I have taken on board the information, I have sorted taken down and absorbed all I felt was relevant to my cause. I have been aiming for a Fifth wheeler, and have a layout pretty well down to the way we wanted it, although I wanted to have a smaller bathroom, probably a loo shower combination, and then moving the door to the (side) rear, as the length of the van grew from 24 ft to 26ft. If I had the money I would definitely go fifth wheeler, but the cost is a big chunk out of our "small" life savings. When Southern Cross closed its doors and Jayco announced ceasing the sales of 5 wheelers that was a wake up call for me.
It still makes no sense to me that the industry promotes what is essentially a dangerous vehicle over one that is much safer, considering all the utes now as tugs. The Jayco Silverline will be a longer tow package and has to rely on ESC for safe towing.
The recliners have been part of our design from the start, and while some vans and 5 wheelers include the feature in their design, there isn't enough room for the recliners to recline.
I have just picked up our Silverline after it's 12month warranty check and service. The only thing that need to be fixed was a replacement strip light in the over one window, it only half lit up from day one.
We have used the van for six holidays from one week to two weeks and can't say enough of what a fantastic van it is, tows beautifully and feels very safe when being passed by big trucks coming the other way.
We looked for 2 yrs before buying it and did factory tours of a number of manufacturers and most look like cottage industries. After doing the Jayco factory tour I was impressed with the way they build their vans and the number of quality control checks on the production line. As for value at least $10k less than comparable other brands. Had a 240v/12v fridge installed instead of the three way, an extra battery, additional 120w solar panel (giving 240w on roof) and have another 120w portable.
Over the past 12years we have had three Jayco's and never had any problems with them, not even fiddly bits falling off.
I'm sure you won't be disappointed if you purchase the Silverline.
Rowan.
Hi Rowan, I will ask about the installation of a compressor fridge, but won't be holding my breath. The cost of this package is less than half of what my original custom build was, and for that I have to accept that those things that I wanted I may not have, but that's not the end of the world. Out first van a Jayco Swan, had many things fall apart on the first shake down cruise, and warranty was a nightmare. This unit looked very well put together, far better that other makes I have recently viewed.
If you get the opportunity have a look at the Jurgens Stagazer, Lunagazer or Tooradin. Just bought a Sungazer and a neighbour a Lunagazer. It may even help you confirm you are on the right track with a Jayco.
Yes Spydermann, I have looked at those vans, but they are essentially holiday vans, I (we) need some personal space at times, my wife is sport mad, while I tend to wake up early morning and like to move into the lounge where we don't disturb each other. This morning I got up at 2:30 am.
Ther is a new model Jurgens coming out, called a "Travago" this layout interested me, but it wont be out until November and the sales persons new little or nothing about it.
Hi iana. We have recently gone through the same process as you are now and we have bought a Kokoda caravan (Jayco was our next preference)
After looking at many, many caravans we came to the realisation that the Kokoda caravan was the caravan we kept comparing everything else too. It ticked all the boxes for us and they were more than willing to customise the caravan to our needs. (Kokoda are a small player in a big field, and are building a business on reputation and a good product). Have a look, maybe they are just what you have been looking for
Or maybe the one you are after is the one you have been looking at all the time but just haven't realised it yet.
Good luck with your choice and Safe travels.
Jeff
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G'day Lana we have a 21-63 Jayco Silverline OB great van just minor problems, but the 3 way fridge when it gets over 30 degrees is not efficient. If we were to ever buy another Jayco Silverline OB & they had the same type of fridge we would go for the compressor fridge as we would have an extra 150 w solar panel & an extra 100 amp battery which would be enough to run that type of fridge, other then that very happy.
