Roadstar Limited Edition 2005 Review

By Doug McIvor

 A run of sales has prompted Busselton, WA, Roadstar dealer Peter Williams to scale back his other business interests and focus on selling new caravans.

And we’re not talking small vans in the $20,000-$25,000 range – Peter’s clients have opted for the upmarket Voyager, Grange and Limited Edition models, most with ensuites, costing in excess of $40,000.  

“Our Roadstar franchise is proving so successful that I’ve decided to stop manufacturing trailers and we’re getting out of selling and hiring out campers,” Peter said. “We are going to concentrate on new van sales and warranty work through our Quality Caravan Repairs business.

“Roadstar has kept a lid on prices and gradually opposition models have gotten more expensive, so now when people go looking for a full-sized caravan, we factor into the equation.”

Peter set CW up in a 6.38m (21ft) tandem-axle Limited Edition for an eight-day break at Beachlands Holiday Park. The LE model had a side-kitchen layout, with a double bed, ensuite, 150 litre fridge, stove, grill and four-burner hotplates plus a microwave – in fact, everything you’d need for an extended stay.

The van had a distinctly solid feel about it, with none of the flexing you sometimes get when a chassis has cross members spaced too far apart. By contrast, Roadstar puts one every 450mm. This also explains the neat fit of the entry and ensuite doors, and the precise cabinetwork inside.

After seven nights in the Limited Edition, my wife Denise and I found it very easy to live in, especially with the luxury of an ensuite.

The fridge, a Dometic three-way, was highly efficient, helped by having the vent higher at the back so the hot air being expelled didn’t ‘sit’ on top of the fridge. Also, Peter insists on fitting the Tropical model in caravans destined for WA, because of their ability to handle extreme conditions.

We loved having a water filter outlet, which would be terrific on your travels, considering the poor quality of drinking water you often experience in remote areas.

We found the cherrywood panelling and cabinets to be a little too dark, and this was magnified by the jarrah-look vinyl on the floor. However, Peter later showed us the same model van with a pine-coloured interior and the difference in shade was amazing.

Buyers might consider the darker version to be better for bush-style venues, where Australia’s red dirt is likely to be brought inside, while the pine panelling and cupboards would better suit beachside holidays.

In our test van, circular fluorescent ceiling lights and reading lamps over the bed brightened things, plus a rollout awning meant we spent plenty of time outside where two external lights illuminated everything after dark.

Safety first is obviously a priority with Roadstar: the Limited Edition featured a pressure relief valve on the gas cylinders; smoke detectors; electric brakes on all wheels; an earth leakage detector and a fire extinguisher and blanket.

A short trip back to Peter’s dealership showed off the van’s excellent road manners, with the tried and tested beam axles and leaf springs (independent suspension is optional) providing a stable ride. The roof is also angled at the front which, being a full-size van, improves windflow and therefore would help reduce the towing vehicle’s fuel consumption.

Overall, the Roadstar has the solid feel expected of a product from an experienced and competent caravan maker. Everything works well, the layout is ergonomically sound and all the creature comforts are there to enjoy.

While perhaps lacking the glitz and glamour of some of the more modern designs on offer, the LE benefits from Roadstar’s unwavering formula that has stood the test of time.

For more information on the LE contact Quality Caravan Repairs: 24 Barlee Street, Busselton, WA, (08) 9754 4434. For your nearest Roadstar dealer call (03) 9305 5633.

We liked:
• Side kitchen layout allowed plenty of elbow room
• The water filter was handy for remote destinations
• Ensuite had a basic design but was useable
• Lack of floor flexing, which highlighted the sub-frame’s strength

We would have liked:
• A lighter interior – readily available when ordering your van
• A longer bed, or at least a foam bolster
• Adjustable day/night screens on the two skylights