Island Star Prestige 2005 Review

By Tom Oltoff 

Although it is often said that there are not many variations in caravan design, the reality is that some have more appeal than others.

Exactly what it is that offers the appeal can be somewhat hard to define. But it is precisely those ineffable qualities of a caravan that ultimately result in a sale.

When Noel Faggotter first invited us into his Island Star Prestige, we were instantly impressed.

It was probably the result of the centre kitchen with angled sink, offset double bed up front and large L-shaped lounge at the rear. All of this made the 5.5m tandem appear more spacious than the dimensions would suggest.

Add to this a nice decor and you have an ambience that makes you feel at home anywhere.

Everyone has their preferences when it comes to internal layouts and as long as the balance is correct, you couldn’t call any of them bad.

But everything considered, a centre kitchen/front bedroom design has many benefits – even more so when it comes to full-height caravans. With the bedroom at the front, the roof can take on a more aerodynamic shape.

As most of the heavier items tend to be in the kitchen area, they end up over the wheels where they should be.

The chassis manufacturer has provided a gross trailer mass (GMT) rating of 2750kg offering plenty of load carrying capacity in reserve. Individual axle rating is 1600kg for two wheels.

ROH 15in x 7in Performance Sunrasia-style wheels are shod with 235/75/15 tyres which, like the wheels, have a rating of 1000kg each.

Four-wheel electric brakes complete with a break-away system take care of the stopping requirements. As the Prestige is classed as an ‘offroad’ model, it uses a Treg Coupling.

The body sits on a strong waterproof ply floor. Framing consists of tried and proven Meranti timber while the aluminium cladding has a blemish-hiding Stucco finish. Insulation is included.

A Camec triple-lock full-height security door is located behind the wheels. Windows with tinted glass are the wind-out type and include screens.

In what seems to be a departure from the norm, there is no front boot. In its place is a spacious full-width locker that is accessible from both sides. This is ideal for gear like annexe poles, TV antennas and fishing rods.

The spare wheel sits on the rear bumper while a 9kg LP gas cylinder is positioned on the drawbar flanked by a pair of jerry can holders.

Frontal stone protection is provided by checkerplate aluminium for the lower section and further up a padded vinyl guard that reaches up to the window.

Internal features

The Prestige is unashamedly a two-person van. However the layout does lend itself to having a bunk bed added above the lounge. The well-padded L-shaped lounge-cum-dinette can easily seat six in comfort which is great for entertaining.

A Pioneer sound system with CD player nestles in the corner above the lounge. Storage under the lounge can be reached by lifting up the cushions or through doors in the front of the seat base.

Up front the offset queen-sized bed with lift-up base and innerspring mattress has a single glass fronted wardrobe on the left side and a double one on the right. A linen press sits in the right hand corner near the foot of the bed with a dressing table tucked in the opposite corner.

A concertina door behind the arched bulkhead separates the bedroom from the rest of the van. An attractive bedspread is standard.

The well-appointed kitchen takes up the centre section of the van. On the left-hand door end of the bench is a Dometic four-burner cooker with griller and a Dometic rangehood to remove the cooking odours.

A stainless steel sink with mains pressure water tap is angled away from the wall nearer the centre of the van.

Located above the sink is a LG Intellowave 800W microwave. Several cupboards and drawers as well as a pantry provide ample storage underneath. And in typical hardtop-style there is a multitude of overhead timber-doored cupboards.

A Waeco Coolmatic refrigerator freezer is a compressor type and operates from the van’s 12V supply.

All lighting is 12V and can be operated from an in-built battery that has its own charger. Alternatively the system can be connected to the towing vehicle to enable the battery to be charged while travelling.

Three large ceiling lights, reading lights above the bed and a light over the sink ensure that no one is kept in the dark. A fuse panel provides the necessary information and protection. Several 240V powerpoints are provided, including an external power outlet.

Some of the Prestige’s appeal must come from the materials and decor used internally. The walls and ceiling are embossed polyester, nicely setting off the Trendy Green curtains and Island Mango multi-coloured upholstery.

The floor vinyl could almost pass for real timber.

Other desirable accessories include the Coleman Faulkner rollout awning and the rooftop Coleman RVP air-conditioner. While the owners have to provide their own TV, a swivel base is provided.

The bottom line

Noel Faggotter has been designing caravans and pop-tops for more years than he cares to remember.

There is no substitute for experience, and the well equipped Island Star range always seems to offer user-friendly and functional layouts. In this respect the Prestige is no exception.  

Noel also owns the Riverside Caravan Park on the edge of the Murray River at Blanchetown.

As Noel says, this gives him plenty of opportunity to talk to caravanners and find out what they like or don’t like about features and layouts. This allows him to fine-tune his Island Stars.

The Prestige represents that school of caravan design. The particular van is centred on simplicity, balance and bel esprit well, in an appealing, useable package.   

For more details contact Noel’s Island Star, 561 Salisbury Highway Greenfields SA 5107, (08) 8250 8566, fax: (08) 8250 8576, email: enquiries@noelscaravans.com.au;

web: www.noelscaravans.com.au