Compass caravans are back

After being off the market for a few years, Roadstar Caravans has brought back the Compass nameplate on a new range of entry level ‘premium’ rough-road caravans.

The first two Compass caravans unveiled at Melbourne Leisurefest share a similar construction to the up-spec Roadstar range, including the use of Roadstar’s exclusive European-sourced MS22 sealant, albeit without some of the more premium Roadstar features like smooth Dibond exterior panels.

As a result, the Compass range kicked off at $59,990 for the 16ft 6in single axle Compact model, with the 18ft 6in tandem axle Navigator retailing for $61,990.

Apart from the new Compass logo, other styling differences included a straight rather than slightly curved rear profile, while weight reductions such as less external checker plate and lighter ply for internal cabinetry ensure ‘Prado-friendly’ ATMs under 2500kg.

Interior differences included a matte polyester rather than high gloss furniture finish, Euro-style ‘handle-less’ cabinetry, new LED lighting and slightly lower-grade appliances.

“The main objective for the Compass range was to be cheaper (than Roadstar) and Prado-friendly,” said Roadstar Caravans’ boss Ken Nizam.

“Roadstar represents the premium, where you have the best of the best, while Compass is the entry level but still top quality… we’re not building rubbish,” he said.

Both Compass models featured a Supagal chassis and Cruisemaster CRS independent coil suspension. The single axle Compact had a 1790kg Tare, 2190kG ATM and 190kg ball weight while the larger tandem axle Navigator had a 2090kg Tare, 2490kg ATM and 200kg ball weight.

They had similar layouts, including a north-south queen bed at the front, kitchen and lounge/dinette in the centre and full width ensuite up back.

Both were well equipped despite their entry-level status with standard features including a Thetford 184 litre three-way fridge/freezer, Dometic awning, wall-mounted washing machine, gas/electric hot water system, two 95 litre water tanks, roof-mounted air-conditioner, Swift four-burner cooktop and grille, microwave, 120Ah battery system, 22in TV/DVD player and CD/MP3 sound system with external speakers.

Nizam said more Compass models including off-road versions are on the cards, but to keep costs down customers will not be able to make the sort of changes available on Roadstar caravans. However, buyers could save around $2000 by opting for a leaf spring or beam axle rather than CRS suspension.

Meanwhile, Roadstar Caravans is close to setting up its own  Melbourne dealership on land next door to its new factory, not unlike what neighbour New Age Caravans has done with its factory-located Caravans on Cooper retail outlet.

Nizam said the new Roadstar Caravans Melbourne located at 828-830 Cooper Street, Somerton will take over Victorian show duties from Roadstar's rural Victoria dealer Cobram Caravans at next February’s Melbourne Caravan Supershow.