Caravan review: MY25 Jayco Silverline Outback 22.68-5.SL

Jayco’s Silverline range of slide-out caravans bring an upmarket experience to extended travel. The Outback version adds some dirt road options to the mix.

In brief:

The 22ft Silverline sits at the premium end of the market and will suit a couple who demand room to move and a comfortable retreat. A basic off-grid package will suit most owners and can be upgraded for wider travel.

Last year marked Jayco’s 50th anniversary in the local market. As Australia’s and the southern hemisphere’s largest RV manufacturer, Jayco employs around 800 workers and supports several hundred more across various supply chains. Based in Dandenong, Vic, the company produces a wide range of campers, pop-tops, hybrids, motorhomes and four lines of caravans. Silverline is its premium range, with four floor plans from 21ft (6.4m) to 24ft (7.3m), all featuring a slide-out module for a lounge, a bed or both. The 22.68.5 model reviewed here is a couples tourer with a slide-out club lounge. Decoding the model name, we see a 22ft (6.8m) van with a fifth version layout. The van featured is the Outback version, which includes suspension upgrades and enhancements suitable for a semi-offroad lifestyle. Our test was conducted through Watsons Leisure Centre in Coffs Harbour, a dealership that has been selling Jayco since 1990.

The MY25 Jayco Silverline Outback 22.68-5.SL

The build

The van is built on Jayco’s Endurance Chassis, made in-house from 150mm x 50mm (6in x 2in) Australian steel and hot-dip galvanised for maximum durability. Part of the Outback’s upgrades includes the JTECH independent trailing arm suspension with coil springs and a single shock absorber at each arm. Airbag suspension is an option. Matched to the heavy-duty chassis is Jayco’s Tough Frame composite body construction, in which internal and external 3mm fibreglass skins are vacuum-bonded with adhesive to a welded box-section aluminium structure to form the caravan walls. The voids between the aluminium sections are filled with rigid polystyrene foam that acts as a thermal insulator and provides the wall’s compressive strength.

JTECH independent trailing arm suspension with coil springs and a single shock absorber at each arm

The walls are attached to the chassis and, along with a single-piece domed roof and a composite floor, create a sturdy, durable structure. An extended A-frame features a basic 50mm ball connection, highlighting the van’s limited offroad capability. Upgrades included in the Outback package improve practicality and include low aluminium checkerplate panels along the sides, a powder-coated rear bumper bar, increased ground clearance, heavy-duty corner jacks, a jerry can holder, upgraded 16in wheels with all-terrain tyres and chassis-mounted toolboxes.

Most owners of a van such as the Silverline Outback will be planning extended travel, so storage is essential. The pair of low-slung toolboxes will be great for recovery gear, hoses and so on, but the ABS-lined front boot is brilliant. It features side and front hatches for easy packing and quick access to the contents. There’s room for a slide-out kitchen if that takes your fancy.

The pair of low-slung toolboxes are great for recovery gearPlenty of space in the front storage box

A front storage box houses twin 9kg gas bottles, keeping things neat and adding some security.

I like the look of the Silverline. Finished in bright white with touches of black, it has a classic style, with a few more rugged hints such as its higher stance and larger wheels compared to the standard model. It’s a big van, but there’s nothing too flashy about it.

Liveability

It’s hard not to be impressed by the premium Silverline range, as it’s a step up in quality and finish that’s apparent as soon as you step inside.

All the Silverline range are larger than average, so at 22ft and with the slide-out lounge deployed at the touch of a switch, there is a satisfying amount of room. The club lounge could comfortably seat half a dozen for a meal or relaxing, and the rich European leather introduces an even higher-end impression. The table drops, and the lounge converts to a bed for occasional guests or a couple of smaller children.

The club lounge could comfortably seat half a dozen peopleThe kitchen styling adds to the van’s contemporary feel

Colour options include three leather varieties, three furniture styles and a couple of laminate choices that you can combine. The light Orion leather paired with the Cashmere and Oxford Blue cabinetry in the review van looked inviting against the earthy natural ash veneers and stone benchtops, while the white subway tile splashback in the kitchen enhanced the contemporary feel.

A rear-door, front-bed layout will appeal to most couples because it offers maximum privacy in the sleeping area and easy access to the ensuite, so you aren’t traipsing dirty feet through the van. A generously sized ensuite runs along the back of the van, leaving the living space with a passenger-side kitchen in the centre.

The rear-door, front-bed layout offers maximum privacy and easy access to the ensuiteThe ensuite is modern and well-appointed

Buyers in this class of van demand a roomy bathroom, so the Silverline will appeal. The roomy single-piece moulded shower has a remote-operated frosted door, and the ensuite itself is modern and well-appointed. A 3.3kg top-load washing machine will be handy and reduce washing costs when travelling.

All Silverline versions feature a slide-out of some sort, and the club lounge option in the 22.68-5.SL delivers a very spacious living area and excellent kitchen ergonomics. A 216L 12V AES dual-hinged fridge is conveniently located at the rear of the lounge, and the marble-look kitchen bench incorporates a full oven with four burners and a grill, a deep sink and practical prep space.

A walk-around bed has space underneath for storage, while bedside and overhead cupboards add space for clothes. Part of the Silverline package is an upmarket TEMPUR mattress, which is a big step above those we see in many vans.

The walk-around bed has space underneath for storage

Self-sufficiency

A basic power setup suggests most buyers will opt for a caravan park lifestyle while being able to stay off-grid for a few days. Three roof-mounted 200W solar panels charge a 210Ah lithium battery through a 30A Projector PM535 MPPT/DC-DC charger. So you can power the system when driving if the tow vehicle is wired to suit, while an AC charger will top up the batteries when hooked to mains power. Options include a 400Ah battery and a 3000W inverter for improved off-grid capability.

For the updated MY26 lineup, Jayco has greatly improved Silverline’s off-grid capabilities by upgrading to a smarter, more integrated power system. The three 260W roof-mounted solar panels now feature twin-cell technology for better efficiency, feeding a 420Ah lithium battery located under the chassis through the latest Projector PM635J system. This all-in-one unit combines a 60A AC charger, an integrated 45A DC-DC charger and MPPT solar charging, with the added benefit of Bluetooth app monitoring, giving owners clearer insight and control over their power use both on and off the road.

How did the Jayco Silverline Outback 22.68-5.SL tow?

We attached the Jayco to my Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series, which proved to be a good match. The tare weight is 2671kg, making it lighter than many vans of its size and lighter than I expected, given the slide-out, which adds weight. ATM is 3271kg, which might seem unusual, but it is the tare weight plus 600kg for Jayco’s standard tandem axle payload.

For a refresher on caravan weights and what they mean, check out our guide here. 

The van towed smoothly at 100km/h

Out on the highway, the van towed smoothly at 100km/h with no vices and with ample stopping power. On some country roads into the hills around Coffs Harbour, the van was equally capable with no pitching or rough feedback through the hitch. Most mid-range 4WD utes will suit, and it would be a good match for the ever-popular Prado for some long-distance escapes.

Customer care

Jayco provides two years of coverage under the manufacturer’s warranty for the internal fitout and components, along with five years of structural cover for the chassis, suspension and body. The manufacturer’s warranty is transferable to a second owner. Accessories are covered by their own supplier warranty.

Warranty terms published on the Jayco website are clear, easy to understand and meet the statutory requirements of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). According to the warranty, the Outback range was designed and constructed to give added strength and ground clearance for limited use on unsealed roads. They are not designed for hard impacts or heavy landings, or for rutted roads and tracks suited only to 4WD. Jayco recommends preparing for unsealed roads by adapting to road conditions, including understanding tyre pressures and driving at a safe speed.

Twenty-nine dealers and a network of more than 100 service agents ensure any problems can be sorted wherever you travel.

Final thoughts on the MY25 Jayco Silverline Outback 22.68-5

Even as the Australian caravan industry faces increasing competition from cheaper imports, Jayco has maintained its position at the top of the local market with a range of vans to suit all budgets. The MY25 Silverline reviewed here has a drive-away price of $103,990 which, for a high-end model, is exceptional value.

Anyone looking for a reliable, well-built van with an upmarket interior where you can spread out for evening meals or relaxing, will feel right at home in the Silverline.

Measuring up

Pros

• Nicely finished interior with a large ensuite
• Good towing option for most mid-size vehicles
• Lots of storage

Cons

• Limited solar

MY25 JAYCO SILVERLINE OUTBACK 22.68-5.SL RATINGS

VALUE FOR MONEY — 9/10

Hard to beat the price for such a well-appointed van

TOWABILITY — 8/10

Smooth towing and the 3271kg ATM will suit many mid-size vehicles

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED TOURING — 8/10

Comfortable, roomy interior with a popular rear entry from bed layout

BUILD QUALITY — 7.5/10

Experienced engineering, upmarket materials and a good attention to detail

LIVEABILITY — 8/10

The slide-out club lounge makes a world of difference to how the van works and offers a comfortable caravanning experience

SELF-SUFFICIENCY — 7/10

A basic off-grid setup, which can be optioned for more power

CUSTOMER CARE — 7.5/10

A two-year manufacturer warranty is basic, but the five-year structural cover is industry-leading

INNOVATION — 8/10

I like the side access to the front boot and the upmarket mattress

X-FACTOR — 8/10

Understated but with a high-end experience

MY25 JAYCO SILVERLINE OUTBACK 22.68-5.SL SPECS

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

EXTERNAL

INTERNAL

Jayco Silverline Outback 22.68-5 price from $103,990

OPTIONS FITTED

N/A

MORE INFORMATION

Jayco

Watsons Leisure Centre Coffs Harbour

THE NEXT STEP

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