Goldstream RV Australis: Review
The Goldstream crew make the lot, from campers to pop-tops, and we’ve battered them in country Victoria, the Gulf of Carpentaria’s Lorella Springs, and everywhere in between.
To stay relevant in the competitive caravan manufacturing industry, which is more and more turning its back on traditional ‘stick’ furniture, the company has embraced the CNC-cut ‘flat-pack’ approach to internal cabinetry, investing tens of thousands of dollars in the equipment to do the job in-house. The traditional ribbed cladding has been swapped out for smooth-aluminium composite walls.
The Australis Great Southern Land 19FT Front Ensuite (to use its complete moniker) was released at this year’s Victorian Caravan Show. The stylistic changes represent an acknowledgement by the company that the needs of its original constituency – camper trailer purchasers – are changing. As Goldstream RV’s Shaun Noble put it: “It’s as though they’re saying, ‘thanks for the camper, but now we want more comfort’.”
THE Wrap Up
There are few brands that combine form and function as well as Goldstream RV. The company hasn’t rested on its laurels; rather, it’s exploited 20-plus years of manufacturing and touring experience in developing its current range, and the Australis does justice to a hard-won reputation.
Though it is a weighty caravan, the changes have resulted in a well-finished, contemporary rig that remains true to Goldstream’s philosophy of building vans that outlast the tow vehicle.
With a clever 12V setup, solid and close-fitting cabinetry, and strong chassis and suspension, this van should give years – decades – of dependable touring.
Measuring Up
I liked...
- Redarc battery management system
- Overhauled design and fit and finish
- Inclusion of the front ensuite
I would have liked...
- Window in the ensuite
- Solar as standard, given the inclusion of the Redarc BMS
Goldstream Australis GSL 19FT Specs
Weight and measures
- Overall length 8.17m (26ft 10in)
- External body length 6.17m (20ft 3in)
- External body width 2.39m (7ft 10in)
- Internal height 2.04m (6ft 8in)
- Travel height 2.8m (9ft 2in)
- Tare 2784kg
- ATM 3284kg
- Ball weight 289kg
External
- Frame Meranti timber
- Cladding 3mm composite panel
- Chassis 6in SupaGal Austrail
- Suspension Cruismaster XT with twin shockers per wheel
- Brakes 12in electric
- Fresh water 3x80L
- Batteries 2x105Ah deep-cycle
- Solar 2x90W
- Air-conditioner Dometic B3000
- Gas 2x9kg
- ESC No
Internal
- Cooking Thetford Caprice Mk III
- cooktop, grill, oven
- Fridge 190L Dometic three-way
- Microwave Yes
- Toilet Thetford cassette
- Shower Separate cubicle
- Lighting 12V LED
- Hot water Truma Combi
Options fitted
Cutaway rear; 16in alloy wheels and tyres; water filter tap; top-loading washing machine; black checkerplate; Dometic S7 double-glazed windows; Fantastic roof hatch; external speakers; generator box with slide-out for EU20i; reversing camera; A-frame stoneguard; leather upholstery; high gloss furniture; Truma Combi HWS/heater; solar panels; second battery; third water tank.
Read the full review on Caravan World or check out the full feature in issue #534 February 2015 of Caravan World magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest caravan news, reviews and travel inspiration.