Roadmaster Affinity 2005 Review

By Malcolm Street

If there is a foolproof way of knowing that you are on the right track, it must surely be through personal recommendations, and if this is so, then Roadmaster Caravans no doubt delivers what customers are looking for.

According to Roadmaster’s owner for the last 30 years, Larry Weepers, little advertising is required as the company is in constant demand when it comes to designing custom built caravans and fifth wheelers.

While there is no shortage of fifth wheelers on the market, these are not necessarily all built with any particular tow vehicle in mind. Not so at Roadmaster Caravans. Larry Weepers will not put pen to paper until the tow vehicle to be used, and all the customer’s wishes, are known.

And this is where the art of designing a custom built unit comes in. It is one thing to find a place for all the equipment, appliances and accessories, but only skill and experience will ensure that the finished product can be towed safely and will suit the tow vehicle.

In the past there have been vans that have had too much, or too little, ball load because the desire to please the customer overrode the need for an easy-to-tow and stable trailer.

Correct wheel and/or axle location relative to the length and load to be carried, should always be the most important consideration.

Moving an axle backwards or forwards because the customer doesn’t want to step over a wheelbox when a certain layout is desired can have disastrous results.

In comparison to caravans, fifth wheelers all have somewhat similar layouts. But the scope for locating the shower, toilet, lounge, dinette and kitchen in different corners means the customer can choose different layouts.

Once the prospective owners have identified their preferred tow vehicle, they sit down with Larry and decide on the equipment and accessories.

It is only when the wish list is completed that Larry begins drawing up the floor plan. Often he will make suggestions as to location or type of equipment if he believes it will enhance the end result.

In the case of Roadmaster’s latest fifth wheeler to come off the production line, its owner, John Anderson, didn’t want anything completely innovative but there had to be room for a washing machine. Larry has accommodated these sorts of needs before.

The full height Camec security door with a fold-out step was placed behind the wheels so that the separate toilet and shower compartments could be located amidships.

The rear wall is taken up by a floor-to-ceiling pantry in the left hand corner, and a comfortable reclining lounge that doubles as a seat for the cafe-style dinette which is positioned along the right hand side.

The 150 litre Waeco 12V refrigerator and Lemair washing machine fit nicely between the toilet wall and dinette seat. Opposite is a spacious bench with stainless steel sink and cooker, set into the top. As the shower compartment is smaller than the space taken up by the toilet and vanity, there is room for a wardrobe between the shower and front bedroom, and the large queen-sized bed with innerspring mattress measures 6ft 4in (1.95m) x 4ft 9in (1.5m).

In typical Roadmaster style, all the equipment and materials are of the highest quality, as is the standard of construction and finish. The chassis for the 6.75m x 2.3m RV is made from RHS Duragal steel. This, together with the floor, is coated with a bitumastic type compound for long-term protection.

Four-wheel independent Knee suspension absorbs the bumps, while the wheels themselves are 16in alloy and add to the appearance; four-wheel electric brakes and a break-away system (needed on trailers over 2000kg) make the braking legal. A pair of electrically controlled legs near the front makes hitching and unhitching effortless.

Sides and roof are clad in aluminium and the unit is fully insulated. Windows are tinted acrylic. On the roof there is a versatile Four Seasons hatch and a Fantastic 12V hatch to provide plenty of ventilation.

 Additional ceiling vents with 12V fans are located in the ceiling of the toilet and shower. Year-round internal comfort is assured with an Aircommand Wren rooftop reverse cycle air-conditioner.

Walls and ceiling are covered with polyester ply while the cupboards are coated with a two-pack lacquer. Door catches are the Hafale push button type.

Two 100a/h deep cycle batteries provide power for the 12V lights and accessories like the JVC radio/CD player with ceiling-mounted speakers. There is even a charging point for the mobile phone. A 25A charger keeps the batteries topped up when 240V is available. 

The bottom line

The Affinity has all the trademarks of a Roadmaster classic. The upholstery, floor coverings and window treatment are all high quality, but it’s space and attention to detail make it special.