Chris Fincham•27 Dec 2016

REVIEW

Goldstream 1800 Bunk ST

New four-berth pop-top van for adventurous families who like to travel in comfort

It was a few years ago that we reviewed a novel twist on the popular camper trailer theme, in
Goldstream’s then latest camper with internal bathroom.

Until then a shower and toilet inside an entry-level, wind-up camper was an oddity, with most family campers even today making do with a porta potti and outside shower… with some hot water if you’re lucky!

But now the 23-year-old Pakenham, Victoria-based manufacturer has done a similar trick with its latest family

pop-top model, squeezing a combined shower/toilet alongside two bunk beds, kitchen, L-shaped lounge and queen-sized bed, into an internal layout measuring just 5.3m long x 2.2m wide.

Catering to the growing number of family ‘glampers’, the just-released Goldstream 1800 ST Bunk is aimed at buyers who want something relatively light (sub-2500kg fully loaded) and easy to tow as well as set up. With the off-road-oriented Adventure Pack option fitted to this particular example, it’s also a viable option for accessing the more remote and rugged regions of Australia.

WELL SCREWED TOGETHER

Like all Goldstream models built in the last couple of years, the 1800 Bunk ST features smooth aluminium composite walls and roof on a sturdy Meranti frame.

It all sits on a solid 150 x 50mm Duragal A-frame and chassis, with 12in electric drum brakes and 16in alloy wheels and all-terrain tyres. There’s Goldstream’s trademark silver checker-plate lower body protection all round, with a spare wheel mounted on the rear bar.

Judging by a quick tour of Goldstream’s Pakenham, Victoria factory, it’s clear the vans are built with quality and durability in mind, right down to the CNC-cut furniture made from lightweight, moisure resistant 15mm European Poplar, which is securely screwed and glued to the frame.

Fitted with an optional Adventure Pack, the review van rides on Al-Ko Enduro independent trailing arm suspension to provide a more forgiving ride than the standard leaf springs with shocks set-up.

Two underslung, gal-protected, 80 litre poly water tanks sit either side of the single axle, with an Al-Ko drop-down stabiliser for each corner.

Given the rough road potential of this van, it was surprising to see a standard 50mm ball hitch fitted, and no gas bayonet to hook up a BBQ. However, the gas bayonet and a DO-35 off-road hitch are available as extra-cost options.

The A-frame was pretty bare except for two 9kg gas bottles and detachable jockey wheel, so there’s room to fit a mesh stone deflector if required. Other external fixtures included a Dometic roll-out awning, LED strip light, and 12V and 240V powerpoints.

The only external storage space is a decent-sized gal-lined tunnel boot in which the supplied Kojak jack is stored. Given that Goldstream advises not to exceed 30kg in the boot, the generous payload limit of more than 600kg on this van is unlikely to be reached, unless perhaps you carry some heavy items like a generator or coffee machine inside.

EASY TOWING

One of the main reasons to buy a pop-top van like this is easier towing due to the lower travel height, and in this regards the single-axle Goldstream lived up to expectations. Our Holden Colorado tow vehicle easily handled the sub-two tonne Tare weight, with little movement on the freeway, while the off-road suspension kept the van in control over some dirt roads including corrugations.

After pulling into a roadside stop, setting up was also a breeze, with the roof raised in less than a minute. The only potential issue we discovered is the positioning of one of the awning supports, which blocks access to the toilet cassette locker unless the awning is opened.

Entering through the security door via the pull-down entry steps, the first thing you notice is the flat floor in lieu of the usual entry step that helps keep dirt out of the van. With the foot of the bed right near the door, the flat floor is to avoid any potentially nasty falls when going to the toilet at night. However, this can be changed to a normal ‘drop’ entry if you prefer.

Likewise, the half-wardrobe and drawer in the front nearside corner can also make way for a longer east-west double bed that extends the full 2.4m width. However, unless you’re particularly tall or wide, the standard queen mattress should provide more than enough sleeping space for two adults.

The extra space at the end of the bed is also used to house four, 240V sockets with connections for the standard 19in LED TV and the remote control for the under-bed air-conditioner fixed to the wall above.

There are three, under-bed storage compartments, but two of these are already taken up by the ducted air-conditioning unit and hot water system, house battery and battery charger. Two overhead lockers and a reading light complete the front bedroom section.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Considering the relatively compact dimensions, Goldstream has done an excellent job of squeezing in all the major requirements of modern caravanning families, without feeling too cramped inside.

The biggest compromise has been made in the kitchen, which is small but well equipped with stainless steel sink and drainer, rangehood, three gas/one electric cooker, grille and a microwave in the space you might otherwise put an oven.

This van was fitted with the bigger, optional 190 litre Dometic fridge/freezer, with a Finch RV audio/CD/DVD unit hooked up to two internal speakers mounted above.

Storage in the kitchen is limited to four drawers, a large cupboard and two overhead lockers. There’s no room for a slide-out pantry, and one of the overhead lockers is jam-packed with electrics including a water tank monitor and solar controller for the optional 80W roof-top panel.

Only problem is there’s no room for a strut to hold the locker door open while you’re fiddling with things; a side-hinged cover might be a better option here. Kitchen bench space is also limited so you’ll need to use the adjustable dinette table for food prep.

The L-shaped lounge/dinette easily seats four people, with the comfy foam cushions covered in an attractive brown and white pattern upholstery, which looks great but might need some Scotchgard to prevent stains.

With the table dropped down, you could also possibly accommodate a fifth family member or friend here.

Otherwise, interior storage options are limited to two more overhead lockers, a half-wardrobe along the rear wall, and under the dinette and bottom bunks, although the wheel arch cuts into some of this space.

WATER-TIGHT SHOWER

Unlike the coil-sprung front bed, the two rear bunks feature thick foam mattresses but are at least long enough for lanky teenagers.

Each bunk gets a reading lamp and 240V powerpoint but we couldn’t find any 12V or USB sockets anywhere inside the van -- an oversight in an age where portable electronic devices need constant charging.

However, there are some thoughtful touches inside the combination shower/toilet, like the vinyl screen that pulls across to help keep the dunny seat dry when showering. There’s also plenty of tough vinyl above the fibreglass walls and solid glass door, to prevent water from splashing out.

Other ensuite features include a moulded basin, 12V fan hatch and variable height, flexible hose shower.

Our review van also came with a Winegard TV aerial, optional Dometic windows with built-in blinds and screens, and a roof pressure hatch designed to keep dust out of the van.

WE LIKED:

>> Solidly built and nicely finished

>> Easy to tow and set up

>> Family-friendly layout

NOT SO MUCH:

>> Limited storage capacity

>> No internal USB/12V powerpoints

>> Door for ‘electrics’ compartment needs a support

VERDICT

For families stepping up from a camper trailer or looking for something smaller and lighter than a full height caravan, the 1800 Bunk ST makes a lot of sense.

Having an internal bathroom is really handy especially with younger kids, and the overall fit and finish inspires confidence for those seeking longevity as well as good resale value.

GOLDSTREAM RV 1800 BUNK ST

Overall length: 7.35m

Internal body length: 5.3m

Internal body width: 2.2m

Internal height: 2.1m

Travel height: 2.6m

Tare: 1892kg

ATM: 2500kg

Ball weight (Tare): 212kg

Body/frame: Aluminium composite wall, Meranti frame

Chassis: Duragal 150 x 50mm RHS

Wheels: 16x7in alloy/Trazano AT tyres

Suspension: Al-Ko Enduro independent trailing arm

Brakes: 12in electric drum

Stability control: Optional

Cooking: Thetford Minigrill MKIII gas/electric cooktop, grille under NCE rangehood

Microwave: NCE

Fridge/freezer: Dometic 190 litre three-way

Toilet: Thetford electric cassette

Shower: Combined

Air-con: Finch HB9000 ducted, reverse cycle

Hot Water: Truma 14 litre

Fresh water: 2 x 80L

Gas: 2 x 9kg

Lighting: 12V LED

Batteries: 1 x 105Ah AGM

TV: 19in LED

Solar: 1 x 80W roof-top panel and Topray solar controller

Options fitted: Al-Ko Enduro suspension, 190 litre fridge, Dometic windows, reversing camera, solar panel and controller, air-conditioner

Price: From $54,700. As reviewed: $63,600 (drive-away, Vic)

Supplied by: Goldstream RV, Pakenham, Victoria

Goldstream 1800 Bunk ST

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