Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme 2020 Review

What's the Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme all about?

Launched at the Melbourne Supershow in early-2020, the Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme was one of two new fully-loaded 'Extreme' off-road models displayed at the show by the 30-year-old Melbourne caravan manufacturer.

'Extreme' in this case means more off-road body armour and off-the-grid power and water capability, plus a more premium fit and finish than Roadstar's standard Safari Tamer off-road caravan, which retails for around $40,000 less than the Extreme version but misses out on Roadstar's 'six star' full composite construction, first seen on the range-topping Sirius caravan.

The 18ft 6in Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme is primarily aimed at the increasing number of caravan buyers who want the space, comforts and convenience of a full-size van, but also want the confidence to drag it along corrugated Outback highways and rough tracks without causing too much damage. And when they get to a remote location, stay comfortably off-the-grid for an extended period of time.

But with the $144K asking price of the Safari Tamer Extreme, coupled with cost of a suitably heavy-duty tow vehicle like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 we used, it's a dream caravan for most people.

However, you do get a lot of equipment in the Safari Tamer Extreme not often found in cheaper off-road caravans, including a high capacity lithium battery system, in-built petrol generator, high-end appliances, and a ready-for-battle exterior accessories pack.

How much does the Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme cost?

With its industry reputation for high build quality, Roadstar Caravans are never among the cheapest options for full-height caravan buyers. At more than $140,000 the Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme is also on the high side for a Campbellfield, Victoria-built caravan, although the brochure does list a dizzying array of standard features (100-plus by our count!).

The premium pricing is also justified by Roadstar's use of its top-spec 'MK2' full fibreglass sandwich panel, body construction. The labour-intensive build process includes the use of a premium polymer adhesive sealent to create a 'no joins' fully bonded body shell.

Mounted on a heavy-duty HiTec hot dipped galvanised chassis, the monocoque-style body is formed using a one-piece 30mm thick, extrusion core panel for the front wall, roof and rear wall; a one-piece 30mm panel for the side walls, and a one-piece 50mm fibreglass/timber ply sandwich panel for the floor.

The proof is in the pudding, with excellent sound and temperature insulation during our overnight camping trip in the beefed-up Roadstar; the interior holding some heat despite near-zero overnight temperatures.

It was a pity then, we couldn't get the Extreme's $5000-plus, in-built Dometic TEC29 petrol invertor generator to work, possibly due to a lack of fuel. Tucked away at the offside end of the tunnel locker, it should provide enough grunt when running to keep the roof-top reverse cycle air-conditioner humming overnight, although we're not sure how noisy the gennie would be while sleeping.

Fully kitted out underneath

Another high-cost but worthwhile feature on the Safari Tamer Extreme was the Cruisemaster Stage 3 ATX airbag suspension. Manually height adjustable via a remote control fob, it not only delivered a smooth ride when towing but proved very useful in levelling the van on uneven ground.

Also top shelf were the six Mickey Thompson Baja all-terrain tyres; six in total including two rear-mounted spares, fitted on stylish 17-in alloys. They weren't quite as over-the-top as the chunky 35in Mickey Thompson muddies fitted on Roadstar's show-stopping BigFoot van a few years back, but big-ticket items all the same.

Roadstar didn't skimp on many of the Extreme's appliances either, from the top-spec Truma Aventa air-con to the all-in-one, indoor/outdoor Fusion sound panel, which worked a treat pumping Spotify tunes tirelessly from the iPhone.

Also fitted externally was a Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling, two 9kg gas bottles, A-frame toolbox, jerry cans, an entertinament locker and large drop-down picnic table, extra-wide ATRV Sunburst awning, rear bar-mounted firewood carrier, external shower, gas bayonet, and a rear camera.

There's no upswept rear chassis like the smaller 16ft Little Rippa Extreme to improve the rear departure angle (just rear skid rails), but plenty of body armour including full underbody checkerplate protection, side and rear rock sliders, a stone mesh guard, to go with recovery hooks, front and rear spotlights and an electric entry step.

Unfortunately all this heavy metal bumps up the unloaded weight as well as the price, and together with the beefed up Hitech chassis and extensive use of exterior checker plate, the Extreme boasted a 2760kg Tare.

Fill up the two 95 litre fresh water (and single 95L grey water) tanks, stock up the kitchen cupboards and 224L Dometic compressor fridge, and pack the tunnel boot and toolbox full of gear, and you'll need a big tow vehicle like our 4500kg tow rated Chevrolet Silverado 1500, to handle the 3500kg fully loaded weight.

Why should you buy a Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme?

As already mentioned, the Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme's full composite construction and adjustable airbag suspension, make it a good proposition for fussy, regular travellers, especially those who don't like to get their hands too dirty...

The biggest chore when setting up is winding down the corners stabilisers and mounting the awkwardly located removable jockey wheel.

After hitting the switch to drop down the entry steps (and dropping the airbags), it's an easy step up into the Extreme's smart and spacious couple's layout that includes a north-south walkaround queen bed, central kitchen and cafe dinette and full width rear ensuite.

Fit and finish appeared up to Roadstar's usual high standards including the handle-less overhead gloss cabinetry, soft-close kitchen drawers, marble-look laminate benchtops and nicely stitched padded leatheretted upholstery for the dinette, bedhead, wall pouches, and entry area.

There's also a full contingent of LED lighting including 'soft glow' mood, strip, ceiling and reading lights to add to the luxury feel.

There's also decent natural light and ventilation in the main living area, thanks to large double glazed windows and two big roof-mounted hatches, a Sirocco fan and roof-mounted air-conditioner; not to mention a 'positive pressure' ceiling unit to help keep out the dust when travelling on dirt roads.

There's also plenty of room on all sides of the extendable (190cm x 150cm) coil spring queen mattress, which features a handy cubby hole on both sides with internal light and 240V sockets.

The kitchen is adequately equipped with a large stainless sink and drainer and separate filtered water tap, three gas/one electric hob cooktop with grille and oven and a laminated ply cover, along with a rangehood and a big 224 litre compressor fridge/freezer.

The controls for the instant hot water unit and in-built generator are located in an overhead kitchen locker, while when not being used outside the 24in LED TV slots into a mount facing the bed.

The lounge-like cafe dinette comfortably seats two, with a sturdy tri-fold (25mm thick ply) table, underseat storage and some handy flip-up footrests for stretching out, along with two reading lights and other 'half' of the Fusion sound panel.

Three's a nice solid, sliding and lockable door to the ensuite, which runs the full width of the rear wall and includes an upmarket ceramic toilet and matching 'floating' basin, big mirror and a 3.5kg top-load washing machine hidden inside the cabinetry. Showering should also be a nice experience with a decent sized fibreglass cubicle with smokey glass door and extractor fan/light.

Who will the Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme appeal to?

Cashed-up grey nomads wanting to head off on a Big Lap including some dirt road adventures visiting some bush campsites, should find the Extreme Roadstar appealing. Fussy buyers will also appreciate the range of premium finishes and high-quality appliances, and excellent insulation from the full composite body.

For those wanting to avoid caravan parks for a while, there's 190L fresh water (and 95L grey water) capacity, plus a 200Ah lithium battery system, fed by two 150W roof-mounted solar panels and controlled by a a BMPro battery management system with touchscreen display.

And if the sun's not out, the batteries can be recharged using the in-built generator which has a 10L petrol tank mounted on the drawbar to keep it running.

The Safari Tamer Extreme is also set up to carry enough stuff for longer trips. There's an above average 720kg payload, and decent exterior storage including a tunnel locker, toolbox and rear firewood rack.

Interior storage options are also above average, including a large space under the bed, and lots of cupboards and overhead lockers around the bed, kitchen, dinette and bathroom areas.

The 3.0m high and 2.5m wide Roadstar won't be ideal for dragging some bushy tracks, but should easily handle corrugated and potholed Outback highways, with suspension height easily adjustable to suit varying terrain and conditions.

So, what do we think of the Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme?

With its premium pricing, we wouldn't expect Extreme-spec vans to be among the biggest sellers at Roadstar dealers. However, you do get a lot for the money, and the Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme is suitably equipped for remote dirt-road adventures.

You also shouldn't need to panic about running out of power, water or supplies, with enough carrying capacity on board for a week or so of off-grid camping.

If you're after a very solidly built and nicely finished off-road van that's a step or two above the average 'Campbellfield checkerplate' model, it's worth checking out...

How much does the Roadstar Safari Tamer Extreme cost?

Travel length: 8240mm
Body length: 5680mm (18ft 6in)
Body width: 2500mm
Travel height: 3000mm
Interior height: 1940mm
Tare weight: 2780kg
ATM: 3500kg
Ball weight (Tare): 290kg
Body: Full composite fibreglass sandwich panel, 30mm thick walls and roof, 50mm floor
Chassis: HiTec RHS 150mm A-frame and chassis, galvanised
Suspension: Cruisemaster ATX Airbag Stage 3 3.7t, DO-35 coupling
Brakes: 12in electric drums
Stability Control: Optional
Wheels: 17-inch alloy with Mickey Thompson Baja 285/70 AT tyres
Water: 2 x 95LL fresh water, 95L grey
Battery: 2 x 100Ah lithium
Solar: 2 x 150W roof-top
Air-conditioner: Truma Aventa
Generator: Dometic Tec29
Gas: 2 x 9kg
Hot water: Truma AquaGo instant
Cooking: Swift 1 electric/3 gas hob, oven/grill
Fridge: Dometic 224L 12v/240v compressor
Microwave: dLuxx 240v
Toilet: Thetford ceramic bowl cassette
Shower: Separate cubicle
Washing machine: Destination RV 3.5kg top load
Lighting: 12v LED
TV: 24in LED smart TV
Audio: Fusion sound bar
Price: $144,990
Supplied by: Roadstar Melbourne, 828 Copper St, Somerton, Vic
More info: Roadstar Caravans