GORV - Digital Magazine GoRV Guide | Page 41

RV MINI REVIEW Caravan storage. It’s one thing to have plenty of places in a caravan to put things, but it’s another for that storage space to be easily accessible. And that’s where the Goldstream RV Australis 2150 EWB RE shines. STEP INSIDE THE AUSTRALIS The layout, with its ‘captain’s chairs’ recliners, side desk/storage unit, and full-width cabinetry up front, is very different to much of what’s on the market at the moment. Now, this layout would not be for everybody. The two recliners somewhat impede the ‘walk- through’ space between the entrance and the bedroom, especially with the footstools in position; however it is still manageable. If you prefer something a little more traditional, an L-shaped or cafe dinette can be fitted instead of the desk, recliners and tri-fold table. A van with lots of storage space needs a decent payload capacity. Fortunately, the Australis does well in this regard. The Australis is built on a 6in Austrail chassis, with Cruisemaster XT independent offroad suspension, meranti timber frame with 42x19mm studs, and 3mm composite aluminium cladding. Our review van was decked out with Goldstream’s Offroad Package (which includes the Cruisemaster suspension), along with a number of other options, including the slide-out Dometic kitchen. The underside of our review Australis was neatly presented; however, given this van has some offroad capabilities, the PVC grey water plumbing at the rear could do with some armour plating, especially the grey tank’s tap, which does protrude slightly. SUMMING UP The Australis 2150 EWB RE is a substantial van with a lot of gear, built on a solid chassis with proven suspension. While its weight puts it out of contention for Prado owners, couples who want to hit the road full-time, and who have a suitable tow vehicle, will find a lot to appreciate about this van. VERDICT HITS • Huge wardrobes • Well-appointed bathroom • Unique layout MISSES • I’d like armour plating for the rear grey water plumbing FIT & FINISH starstarstarstarstar StarStarStarstar LAYOUT starstarstarstarstar StarStarStarstar INNOVATION starstarstarstarstar StarStarStar READ FULL STORY COMPLETE SPECS gorv.com.au 41