Chris Fincham•10 Dec 2016

REVIEW

JB Dreamline Platinum

New up-spec, entry-level 20ft touring van doesn’t skimp on comfort or style

It’s a cliché, but the saying “There’s never been a better time to buy a caravan” rings true when you witness how keen many manufacturers are to secure a sale from the growing number of first-time buyers, not to mention experienced vanners looking to upgrade.

Jayco has always set the bar when it comes to bargain-basement pricing, but an increasing number of reputable rivals are boosting their value proposition, particularly in the ‘entry level’ $50-60,000 full-height caravan segment.

A good case in point is this new 20ft Dreamline Platinum van from Craigieburn, Victoria-based JB Caravans. New for 2017 the 'Platinum' package adds quite a few desirable features to the already well-equipped Dreamline. It also allows for some minor customisation, unlike the standard model, while adding just over $10,000 to the price...

A TOUCH OF GLAMOUR

Most JB caravans are built using the tried-and-tested galvanised steel chassis, Meranti timber frame, polystyrene wall insulation, checker plate lower body protection, marine ply floor, and stucco aluminium cladding construction. But the fittings and finishes on this 'Platinum' model are decidedly 21st century, reflecting current trends in local as well as overseas RV markets.

Exterior additions on the Platinum include gloss, front and rear aluminium composite panels, in bright blue (as on the review van) or alternatively black or white, with grey checker plate and stucco silver (or standard white) aluminium cladding completing the picture.

Externally, the Platinum also gets bigger 16in alloys, a stronger three arm rear bar, reverse camera kit and plug-in point for a satellite TV connection.

The colour scheme continues inside with gloss grey furniture fascias and matching kitchen splashbacks, distressed timber-look gloss benchtops and blue leatherette upholstery with (optiional) JB stitched insignia. We loved the overall look, but some might find it too avant-garde and opt for a more conservative look.

ON-ROAD SET-UP

Designed for tarmac and the occasional dirt road, the 20ft Dreamline Platinum rides on roller rocker tandem leaf spring suspension, with a single shock per wheel. The striking white painted 16in alloys are wrapped in 245/75 all-terrain tyres.

The underbody is generally neat and tidy, with most hoses and wiring tucked up within the chassis and the two 95 litre poly tanks protected by gal sheeting.

The on-road set-up continues at the front with a 50mm ball hitch, removable jockey wheel, and two 8.5kg gas bottles connected to a gas bayonet. A tap and steel storage grille tray are other items on the A-frame.

Checker plate also protects the front of the van from stone chips, while our review van was also fitted with Al-Ko ESC and drop-down stabilisers in each corner.

The gal-lined, LED lit tunnel boot towards the front is big enough to swallow outdoor gear like chairs and table, plus there’s another large, vertical storage locker on the rear off-side for extra ‘wet’ equipment.

The onside is also well equipped with a Dometic roll-out awning, drop-down table and entry steps, and an ‘entertainment’ locker (including 240V/12V sockets) for watching TV under the stars.

ROOMY FOR TWO

Being a highway tourer, it’s a relatively easy step up inside, through the screened security door with internal roll-down blind. The door lock was a bit fiddly but we liked the fact the two external speakers and LED awning light were mounted high out of harm’s way.

Regular caravanners will be familiar with the couples' layout, which includes a north-south, walk-around queen bed to the left as you walk in, a cafe dinette along the central offside wall facing the kitchen, and a full-width ensuite including separate shower, toilet and washing machine running along the rear.

The angled kitchen benchtop and compact dinette help contribute to a decent walkway through the middle of the van. The van’s length also allows for good walking room around the bed, adding to the overall feeling of space.

Big Dometic windows either side of the bed, and one above the bedhead, along with two skylights add to the light and airy feel. We also liked the storage options around the bed, which include side table and drawers and half wardrobe for each side.

With two reading lights, the only thing missing is a 12V or USB socket for charging small portable devices.

The kitchen is not huge but very workable, with a Sphere microwave and rangehood, stainless steel sink with mixer tap and drainer, Swift four burner gas/electric cooker, grille and oven, and a Dometic 190 litre three way, auto-switching fridge.

One of the overhead lockers in the kitchen hides the electronic control panels for the Projecta battery charger, Pro-Star 30 solar charge controller for the 150W roof-top solar panel, along with various switches and guages for the water pump, Suburban gas/240V hot water heater, and water tanks. As well as an array of 240V inlets, Platinum models also get a double USB socket.

It's also good to see a solid sliding door separating the ensuite from the living area. There are two latches to keep it in place in transit, although the sliding mechanism proved a bit sticky when we tried it.

Overall fit and finish throughout the van appears a high standard, although we did discover some raw timber and exposed staples when poking around under the seats.

STORAGE APLENTY

Another highlight of this 20ft van is storage, with plenty of options inside and out for storing large and small items. We particularly liked the slide-out drawers under the seats and the large wardrobe in the rear ensuite for storing towels and even extra kitchen equipment.

With access from the top as well as front, the slot in the rear vanity for the 3kg top-load washing machine could also be used to carry more gear if you wanted to do without a laundry. Lifting the coil spring mattress under the queen bed also reveals a large compartment for storing a BBQ or similar.

The rear bathroom with large mirror, sink and vanity maintains the spacious feel, with a ceramic, electric cassette toilet in one corner and separate fibreglass shower cubicle with 12V skylight fan in the other.

Although a strict two seater, the café dinette with its extra seat and backrest padding does a particularly good job of doubling as a comfy lounge, especially with the sturdy, lift-up foot rests in place.

JB hasn't skimped much on quality appliances either, with a 24in 'Smart' TV/DVD, Air Command Ibis air-conditioner, and NCE audio-DVD unit included in the price. The TV mounts near the doorway, facing the bed, or can also be connected up outside to the roof-top aerial via the separate locker.

Our Holden Colorado tow vehicle did a decent job of towing the almost 2500kg van, which placed 235kg on the tow ball. The only time the Holden ute struggled was up hills, where the engine felt it had little in reserve.

A payload of 450kg is about par for a tandem axle van of this size and specification.

WE LIKED:
>> Attention-grabbing design and styling
>> Roomy, practical interior
>> Super comfy dinette seating

NOT SO MUCH:
>> Fiddly door lock
>> 'Stiff' sliding bathroom door
>> Some 'hidden' unfinished timber

VERDICT

There’s a lot to like about JB's new 20ft Dreamline Platinum. It looks relatively modern and up-to-date, and the pricing remains sharp despite the Platinum extras adding around $10,000 to the standard Dreamline price.

It also comes across as solidly built, thoughtfully designed and a very comfortable option for couples who plan to spend most of their time on sealed roads, with the occasional dirt road or free camping foray.

JB CARAVANS DREAMLINE PLATINUM 20FT

Travel length: 8400mm

External body length: 6000mm

External body width: 2400mm

Travel height: 2950mm

Internal height: 1980mm

Tare weight: 2332kg

ATM: 2772kg

Ball weight (Tare): 235kg

Body: Ribbed aluminium/aluminium composite cladding over Meranti timber-framed and insulated walls

Chassis: Supagal

Suspension: Tandem roller-rocker leaf springs/shocks

Brakes: 10-inch electric

Wheels: 16x8in alloy with 245/75R16 LT tyres

Fresh water: 2 x 95L

Battery: 1 x 120Ah

Solar: 1 x 150W roof-mounted panel

Air-conditioner: Air Command Ibis reverse cycle

Gas: 2 x 8.5kg

Hot water: Suburban 23L gas/electric

Cooking: Swift four-burner gas/electric cooktop with grill and oven

Fridge: 190L Dometic 3-way AES

Microwave: Sphere

Toilet: Dometic ceramic cassette type
Washing machine: NCE 3kg top-loader

Shower: Interior fibreglass module in ensuite

Lighting: LED throughout

Price $71,990 (drive-away Vic)

Options fitted: None

Supplied by: JB Caravans Melbourne, Craigieburn, Victoria

More info: JB Caravans

JB Dreamline Platinum

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