Caravan Review: Goldstream RV 1800 EWB Bunk

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Question: how many caravan manufacturers use their own vans for R&D purposes? I don’t mean just a quick weekend trip away; I’m talking about a serious trip with the family into remote Australia. I don’t know the answer, but I do know that Goldstream RV is one of them.

In fact, this single-axle caravan, dubbed the 1800 EWB ST Bunk, has hit the road for a trip to the Top End. One of the owners of Goldstream RV has taken this actual van on a lengthy getaway through the heart of the country. But we had the opportunity to first take it for a test tow.

And let me tell you, this compact family van is packed with so much gear that it’s hard to know where to start…

ENDLESS FEATURES

The first thing to understand is that it is fitted with Goldstream RV’s Rhino Pack, the premium suite of additions that a customer can add to their van. It includes things like a grey water tank, a smart TV, upgraded alloy wheels, a battery management system, a couple of solar panels, Cruisemaster XT independent coil suspension, and so much more.

The Rhino Pack would ordinarily include two 100Ah chassis-mounted lithium batteries; however, Goldstream RV has instead given this particular van a single 200Ah battery.

In addition, Goldstream has included ‘Platinum Pack’ features, which includes raised checkerplate, 17in black satin alloys, mud terrain tyres and upgraded decals.

On top of that, the manufacturer has optioned this van up with a 3000W inverter, LED light bars at the front and rear, a gull-wing tool box on the A-frame, not to mention two 9kg gas cylinders protected by a mesh stoneguard.

A tunnel boot is included, as is a gas bayonet protected by checkerplate – brilliant stuff. Take a look under the van and you’ll find a couple of 95L water tanks with everything out of harm’s way – even the grey water dump valve is protected.

Yet another stoneguard is fitted underneath, towards the front. It resembles a series of four mudflaps, stretching the width of the van. I haven’t seen such an addition very often – it’ll be interesting to hear about the difference it makes on the remote-area trip.

Goldstream RV has given this van acres of black checkerplate, too, while the rest of the van is clad with composite aluminium – I’m a big fan of the decals.

At the rear, there’s a bumper-mounted spare wheel, along with a couple of jerry can holders and a reversing camera (both of which are Rhino Pack features). An external shower hasn’t been forgotten either.

The nearside gets a roll-out awning; however, the rear awning arm must be opened in order to access the toilet cassette – no big deal, really. There’s an LED awning light and a couple of speakers, 12V power, and one of the largest picnic tables I’ve seen.

You might be thinking that this extensive list of features sounds like a lot of weight. Well, it’s actually not too bad. The van tips the scales at 2244kg Tare, with an unladen ball weight of 229kg. The ATM of 2749kg gives it a payload capacity of 505kg – pretty reasonable for a single-axle van. It would be the perfect companion for any mid-size 4WD, whether it’s a Pajero Sport or Ford Everest.

Overall, this is a seriously well-executed caravan that sat obediently behind my tow vehicle regardless of speed or terrain.

CLASSY GOLDSTREAM FITOUT

The thought and attention to detail continue on the inside. The east-west bed in the nose of the van is a space-saver that allows for the van to comfortably include a rear kids’ room with a couple of bunks, a built-in ladder, and a nearside-corner combo shower/toilet. The wardrobe against the rear wall is particularly spacious. It includes numerous shelves and space for hanging clothes.

The dinette has a couple of optional USB points nearby but the best part is that the table lowers electrically to form the base of another bed – just push a button on a remote control and the table will lower itself. It’s a fantastic innovation. All bed lights have built-in USB points as well.

Speaking of innovations, Goldstream RV has given the van an optional ARL pressure hatch. Rather than a traditional pressure hatch, which relies on the van to be towed (and hence the pressure inside the van will change according to your speed, etc.) this one is electric. It uses a fan to provide consistent internal pressurisation in order to keep dust out.

The kitchen is comprised of a Thetford four-burner cooktop and griller, with a microwave below. The glass lid of the cooktop has been finished off with some laminate to match the benchtops – a nice touch. There’s also a stainless steel sink with filtered drinking water along with a few storage lockers. There isn’t much bench space, true, but the dinette table could easily be used for meal prep.

I liked that the BMPRO battery management system (with OdysseyLink) and the inverter are fitted in their own storage nook under the bed, out of the way. This frees up valuable locker space. I did find the mattress base a little heavy to lift, however.

The Trek digital display, which shows things such as the battery state of charge and water tank levels, is mounted above the Dometic three-way fridge-freezer, next to a sound system.

The cabinetry throughout appears to be millimetre-perfect – pure Goldstream. It is made from 15mm ply finished with a high gloss laminate (which is part of the Rhino Pack) and it is difficult to fault. The company has done a great job on the fitout, as always.

GORV’S VERDICT

We’ve really only scratched the surface of what this van offers. The features list is extensive, though much of these features are options that you can have fitted according to your needs and budget.

Nonetheless, this van is a showcase of what Goldstream RV can do. Moreover, the fact that all this gear has been seamlessly packaged into a compact space is testament to this company’s know-how and experience.