Jayco Silverline 20.63-2 Review

The Silverline 20.63-2 is mounted on a Jayco ‘Endurance’ hot dip galvanised steel chassis

Jayco’s Silverline caravans are now in their seventh year of production. New features this year include an updated technology suite, a whole new front panel that includes a lid to access the front boot, and the Nautilus continuous hot water delivery system.

Layout

Inside I found the simplicity of the layout very appealing. To the rear is the washroom, amidships the kerbside fourseater dinette faces the galley-style kitchen, and the north/south island bed is up front. Essentially, the 20.63-2 is a two-person caravan with the ability to overnight a couple of small guests from time to time when the dinette is converted into a bed.

If happy hour is at your place, the extra numbers can always perch on the end of the bed

Lounge

The lounge/dinette occupies a small portion of the total floor space. It seats two in comfort, four at a pinch and is more than adequate for its target market; a couple touring on their own. If happy hour is at your place, the extra numbers can always sit on the end of the bed. And if you think the double-roll settee back cushions look unusual, don’t be put off as they are very comfortable.

The lounge/dinette seats two in comfort, or a cosy four

Permanently mounted on a compression leg, the table top lowers to form the bed base when the dinette is converted to a bed. The top slides and fixes every-which-way so you can always get out from behind gracefully when you need to. Although the TV is discreetly mounted in a corner of the bedroom, it is easily moved to be seen from both the lounge/dinette and the kitchen.

The interior decor is neutral. Light brown leather upholstery, slightly darker timber-grain cabinetry, ivory lacquered drawers and doors, and timber plank patterned vinyl on the floor ready for the new owners to add their personal colourful touches.

The heavy appliances and consumables are positioned right over the wheels where they should be.

Kitchen

Conversely, the galley kitchen appears to be quite roomy. On the right is the twodoor 217-litre fridge-freezer; quite large. Almost alongside, set into the benchtop, is a four-burner cooktop with a full oven below and a butler’s sink to the left of that. The microwave is above the cooktop, sharing the overhead space with three large cupboards. There is more storage below the benchtop; four drawers, a cupboard and a slide-out pantry. The soft close drawers are a nice touch. Note here that the heavy appliances and the bulk of the heavy consumables are right over the wheels where they should be, not at the ends of the caravan where the weight would have a detrimental effect on vehicle handling.

There is plenty of storage above the bed as well as beside and under it

Bedroom

This is not a dream. The bed in the Silverline 20.63-2 features a Cloud Nine innerspring mattress. And from all accounts it lives up to its name. Quite possibly that is because Jayco have gone that extra mile and put it on a sprung wooden slat base.

There are good storage options, with two hanging lockers at the head of the bed plus two overhead lockers for folded clothes and personal items. Storage for larger items is available under the bed. Each side of the bed has a reading light. Room for sitting up in bed? Just, but be careful of the window blind.

A window on each side of the bedroom and a ceiling hatch provide excellent ventilation. Nestled in a corner at the foot of the bed is the TV. A concertina curtain closes off the bedroom when you need some privacy.

The imposing matte black handbasin and tap add a dash of sophistication to the bathroom space

Bathroom

This layout has the washroom at the back of the caravan with the bed at the front. I think that on balance, having a bit of separation between the washroom and the bedroom like this is a good thing, especially in the middle of the night and super-especially if the ‘other half ’ is a light sleeper. This model has the shower stall kerbside, the handbasin in the middle and the toilet opposite the shower.

A decent sized shower takes advantage of the Nautilus continuous hot water supply

A Sphere 3.3kg clothes washer is under the bench beside the toilet. The shower stall is a sensible size to take advantage of the Nautilus instant hot water system. The handbasin is an imposing matte black with a tap to match. It is a well-ventilated space with an opening window behind the toilet, a small roof hatch above and a roof fan vent in the shower.

The rear view camera sits below the stop light above the bike rack

Exterior

A front boot lid returns on the 2020 model and side entry hatches have been retained, making the front storage space very accessible. A black moulded enclosure houses the twin 9kg LPG bottles and this is cleverly mounted low between the A-frame chassis members so it is clear of the front boot lid when it opens.

Down the driver’s side is the Nautilus water heater that provides a continuous supply of hot water. Think of it as an effcient enclosed califont. This heater is factory set at 50°C but a digital controller that offers temperatures ranging between 35°C and 55°C is available for an extra fee. Alongside the heater is the fresh water inlet. Towards the back is the toilet cassette hatch along with the 230-volt main supply into the van and a 230-volt outlet plug.

There is a twin bike rack mounted on the rear panel. Above is the rear-view camera and below is the standard Jayco lightweight steel tube rear bumper. Kerbside is much quieter; just the side hatch to the front boot, a picnic table, the entertainment centre connections and controls and a Carefree electrically powered awning that can be controlled remotely using an app on a smartphone.

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Note the snazzy LPG bottle locker mounted between the A-frame arms

Construction

Jayco call their wall construction method ‘Tough Frame’. Vacuum-bonded, the four-layer (ply/HD polystyrene foam insulation/ply/ breglass) aluminium framed wall construction is strong and light with excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. It has an outer skin of hail-dent resistant fibreglass. The furniture inside, built using Jayco’s patented aluminium frame, adds rigidity and durability.

The Silverline 20.63-2 has a Jayco ‘Endurance’ steel chassis, hot dip galvanised and fitted with Jayco’s JTech Version2 Independent Coil suspension, a trailing arm coil suspension that allows the wheels to act independently. Having no axles improves both the ground clearance and the ride, making the caravan safer and softer to tow.

Tow safely

As well as the safer ‘JTech’ suspension, Jayco have included as standard Lippert’s Sway Command tow control technology on the 20.63-2. This system detects caravan sway and deploys the caravan brakes to control it. Jayco also fit a ‘Breakaway’ system that applies the caravan brakes should it accidentally separate from the tow vehicle.

And it is interesting to note that Jayco fill their caravan tyres with nitrogen in place of air. The tyres run cooler, the tyre pressures are more stable, and the result is fewer tyre blowouts.

Technology

Jayco’s new technology suite brings features used at home into your caravan. This collection of lifestyle technology includes;

• Amazon Alexa, a personal voice assistant that provides voice command for some basic tasks. The command: “Alexa, turn on my RV” will extend the awning, extend the slide-out section if you have one, and turn on your RV lights.
• A smartphone app is available to operate the awning remotely via Bluetooth.
• Also fitted is the Winegard 4G WiFi Extender that improves both mobile internet speed and WiFi signal range.
• A 360° camera system that gives the driver all-round perception of where the vehicle is in relation to surrounding objects, i.e. a helicopter view, not just a view to the rear.
• JHub is Jayco’s exclusive portable control tablet fitted as standard. Get the JHub app to remotely monitor water tank levels and battery power levels.

Summary

Jayco’s uptake of new technology is an interesting development with this year’s models. It will attract younger buyers and challenge those longer in the tooth and perhaps less techno-savvy. Overall it is a well-thought out caravan, well built and well presented at an extremely competitive price.

JAYCO SILVERLINE 20.63-2 specifications

Price as reviewed:  $91,990

Pros

• The new front panel with front boot lid. Much easier access.
• The open-plan interior and the sense of space it creates.
• The kitchen. Quality appliances

Cons

• It’s a pity about the shelf for the morning ‘cuppa’.

Find out more at jaycoauckland.co.nz

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