Roadstar Retreat ensuite model

Roadstar Caravans has built an impressive reputation in the caravanning market since its inception 16 years ago. With a large range of luxury to budget model vans, a reputation for innovation and dealers all over Australia, the company has a lot to be proud of.

One of its SA dealers, Maytow Caravans, shares in that pride, especially when it comes to the new-look Retreat model. The Roadstar Retreat is already a popular van, mainly due to its compact setup or, more precisely, its fold-out bed-end: when packed away, it gives the van a 5.02m (16ft 4in) length.

The fact that the Retreat is also a pop-top with an ATM of 1900kg gives weight to its reputation as an uncomplicated and versatile caravan.

The Retreat that CW checked out at Maytow Caravans was the new Luxury Ensuite model.

Maytow proprietor Ben May told CW that the new ensuite layout was designed in response to a number of customer enquiries.

"Quite a few people who liked the Retreat asked about having a shower and toilet," he says. "So we put their requests to Roadstar and they came up with the Luxury Ensuite model."

NO DRAMAS
On the outside, the Retreat features an aluminium-clad shell built on a Meranti timber frame, on top of a heavy duty, boxed-steel SupaGal chassis. There are 14in wheels and electric brakes. On the drawbar are two 9kg gas cylinders and the jockey wheel is located in front of a deep storage bin. The van uses quick-release stabilisers at each corner.

The compact nature of the van means it will be no drama to tow for mid-range 4WDs. The Retreat is popular for its rear fold-out double-bed area – the solid walls and roof provide a strong sense of security.

This fold-out system is easy to set up: after lifting up the rear section, which is the roof of the fold-out, the base is pulled down and set in place. Then, the solid side walls are clipped into position, and finally, the back wall, which has a window, is pulled up.

The outside of the van features a Dometic awning for relaxing in shaded comfort. The awning extends to the back of the van. The entry door is a tried and true Camec tri-lock with security grill.

Beneath the van are two 60L water tanks.

BIG THINGS, SMALL PACKAGE
The interior of the Retreat Luxury Ensuite is elegantly decorated and, considering the amount of space there is to work with, it is well laid out.

At the front of the van is a small lounge setting, next to the ensuite on the offside. Along the nearside is an L-shaped lounge dinette, which can seat three people.

Two more people could be seated on the lounge at the front, but they would be a little too far away to reach the table.

For such a compact van, the Retreat Luxury Ensuite has a large amount of kitchen bench space. Stretching from the ensuite almost to the bed in the fold-out, the benchtop includes a Dometic RM 7401 fridge, stainless-steel deep-bowl sink, and an NEC microwave.

The microwave is set rather low, but because this van is a pop-top there’s not enough room to have it any higher. To the right of the microwave is the Swift four-burner cooktop with oven.

These appliances are set into well-designed cabinetry, which includes a range of storage options, from a number of drawers for pots and pans below waist level, to a couple of overhead cupboards.

At the rear of the van, in the fold out, is the double east–west bed with innerspring mattress. Next to the bed there’s a mirror cupboard for hanging clothes, which is a nice touch, but there’s not a great deal of space for gear here.

And now the main attraction: the ensuite sits opposite the entry and has been designed to be as inconspicuous as possible. The toilet is a Thetford cassette with a small hand sink above it and a small window to aid ventilation and provide natural light. Such a well-designed ensuite in such a compact caravan is impressive.

There are 12V fluorescent ceiling lights throughout, aided by reading lights in the bed and dinette areas. An Opal FX21 lights up the ensuite.

Options to give that extra homely feel include a 15in flatscreen TV and DVD player combo. The optional Offroad Pack includes heavy duty wheels and extra batteries.

THE BOTTOM LINE
For couples downsizing their vans or about to begin a big trip who want something easy to tow, the Roadstar Retreat should be considered, and the new Luxury Ensuite layout makes it an even better proposition.

Ben May expects this model to be very popular and says a few have already made it out onto the road.

"The concept of the Retreat’s folding back having solid sides has been a good selling point for these vans," he says, "and we think the ensuite will make it even more popular."

Add the fold-out bed-end and comfortable interior, and the $36,990 price tag will leave buyers in high spirits.

NOW I'M BEING PICKY

Maytow Caravans
602-606 North East Road
Holden Hill, SA 5088
1300 629 869
Fax: (08) 8266 4470
email: info@maytow.com

For your nearest Roadstar dealer, visit www.roadstar.com.au