Does anyone know anything about 'Gold Star' caravans?
Wits said
10:01 AM Apr 4, 2015
Hi Everyone, We're considering buying a Gold Star caravan Based in SA. But cannot find many testimonials. The actual van is reputedly made in China and is shipped over in container - not flat packed - and then wheels are fitted to the chassis in Australia. Also all the appliances etc such as A/con,w/machine,stove are fitted in Australia. They are very well priced in comparison to other vans. Wouldn't mind reading other people's experiences.
Dougwe said
11:20 AM Apr 4, 2015
Welcome to the gang Wits, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I flew from Melbourne to Adelaide last year and met a mate that had driven from Warrnambool. We both were very interested in a 19'6" Gold Star with ensuite. Unfortunately for what we both wanted, full time travel was anywhere near good. Maybe for that weekend trip away they would be Ok though. Overall I would probably score 5/10. IMO.
Good luck with your search.
Peter_n_Margaret said
12:28 PM Apr 4, 2015
I know a little about them.
They are built in China as you say, by an Australian company based in Adelaide.
They make semi trailers.. libertyfreighters.blogspot.com.au/
They have also made camper trailers for many years, but I don't know anything about them. www.libertycamperspty.com/
The fundamental construction is fibreglass skin sandwich panel in an aluminium tube frame. Excellent.
Top insulation, strong, rugged, durable, easy to look after.
The 'furniture is not as good as the body in my view and is more akin to some local construction.
Most appliances are supplied and fitted in China and appear to come from the same factory as the European "name" products.
Gas and electrics are fitted and approved in Australia.
Very competitive prices for what you get.
Cheers,
Peter
Wits said
12:33 PM Apr 4, 2015
Hi Dougwe, thank you so much for your feedback. Can I further impose on your kindness and ask why you only give the van 5/10. we would be looking to spend a month or so at a time in the van . We were also seriously looking at the 19.6. Admittedly the work surface is minimal, the seats are pretty basic, but we were impressed with the structure, ie 2 sides FRP sheet alluminium RHS frame as panel structure with plastic insulation in between. when explained to us it looked pretty tough, better than meranti ! But would it be more susceptible to leaks? Who knows. Would appreciate your candid view.
Dougwe said
01:50 PM Apr 4, 2015
Again, my opinion only.
OUTSIDE..I was reasonable happy with the smooth surface and one piece sides and rolled front, roof and back. I was originally looking for this type of finish and not the, what I think is called "Ribbed" surface. I would probably give 7-8/10.
INSIDE..I was far from impressed. I was looking for good quality cabinetry and found the GS far from quality. Having said that, it was only what I was looking for. I noticed in the demo we looked at, sliding door going into ensuite was coming of track. Shower door locking system was weak and didn't hold properly. Two cupboard doors were coming off hinges and two drawers were stuck. This was a demo and had not been put to proper use yet. 4/10. I am a cabinet maker by trade of many moons ago now so maybe a little critical in that department. I personally don't like chipboard or MBF in a caravan situation.
I thought 5/10 was a reasonable score and still will go with that. FOR MY USE.
With the use you are saying the Gold Star might be a good van for the price. Maybe consider future use before you make your mind up.
Feel free to PM if you choose.
Dougwe said
01:57 PM Apr 4, 2015
Further info,
I was speaking with Robbie (GM) for a few weeks and checking their website etc prior to my visit to Adelaide and had pretty much made up my mind to buy the Gold Star. It was only when I got there I made my final decision. I must say I was a little disappointed on my way back to Melbourne later that day.
Wits said
08:41 AM Apr 5, 2015
Hi Dougwe
I know exactly where you're coming from and agree that the furniture inside does not reach ones expectations. It's great to get another persons perspective and thank you for your slant on things and opinion. It gives us more to consider.
Wits said
07:16 PM Apr 6, 2015
Many thanks Peter for your feedback. I think I'm inclined to agree with you, the outside structure outweighs the inside standard. But it is so good to have other people's thoughts and for that it is a great job the grey nomads do. Many thanks.
Hi Everyone, We're considering buying a Gold Star caravan Based in SA. But cannot find many testimonials. The actual van is reputedly made in China and is shipped over in container - not flat packed - and then wheels are fitted to the chassis in Australia. Also all the appliances etc such as A/con,w/machine,stove are fitted in Australia. They are very well priced in comparison to other vans. Wouldn't mind reading other people's experiences.
I flew from Melbourne to Adelaide last year and met a mate that had driven from Warrnambool. We both were very interested in a 19'6" Gold Star with ensuite. Unfortunately for what we both wanted, full time travel was anywhere near good. Maybe for that weekend trip away they would be Ok though. Overall I would probably score 5/10. IMO.
Good luck with your search.
They are built in China as you say, by an Australian company based in Adelaide.
They make semi trailers.. libertyfreighters.blogspot.com.au/
They have also made camper trailers for many years, but I don't know anything about them. www.libertycamperspty.com/
The fundamental construction is fibreglass skin sandwich panel in an aluminium tube frame. Excellent.
Top insulation, strong, rugged, durable, easy to look after.
The 'furniture is not as good as the body in my view and is more akin to some local construction.
Most appliances are supplied and fitted in China and appear to come from the same factory as the European "name" products.
Gas and electrics are fitted and approved in Australia.
Very competitive prices for what you get.
Cheers,
Peter
Hi Dougwe, thank you so much for your feedback. Can I further impose on your kindness and ask why you only give the van 5/10. we would be looking to spend a month or so at a time in the van . We were also seriously looking at the 19.6. Admittedly the work surface is minimal, the seats are pretty basic, but we were impressed with the structure, ie 2 sides FRP sheet alluminium RHS frame as panel structure with plastic insulation in between. when explained to us it looked pretty tough, better than meranti ! But would it be more susceptible to leaks? Who knows. Would appreciate your candid view.
OUTSIDE..I was reasonable happy with the smooth surface and one piece sides and rolled front, roof and back. I was originally looking for this type of finish and not the, what I think is called "Ribbed" surface. I would probably give 7-8/10.
INSIDE..I was far from impressed. I was looking for good quality cabinetry and found the GS far from quality. Having said that, it was only what I was looking for. I noticed in the demo we looked at, sliding door going into ensuite was coming of track. Shower door locking system was weak and didn't hold properly. Two cupboard doors were coming off hinges and two drawers were stuck. This was a demo and had not been put to proper use yet. 4/10. I am a cabinet maker by trade of many moons ago now so maybe a little critical in that department. I personally don't like chipboard or MBF in a caravan situation.
I thought 5/10 was a reasonable score and still will go with that. FOR MY USE.
With the use you are saying the Gold Star might be a good van for the price. Maybe consider future use before you make your mind up.
Feel free to PM if you choose.
I was speaking with Robbie (GM) for a few weeks and checking their website etc prior to my visit to Adelaide and had pretty much made up my mind to buy the Gold Star. It was only when I got there I made my final decision. I must say I was a little disappointed on my way back to Melbourne later that day.
Hi Dougwe
I know exactly where you're coming from and agree that the furniture inside does not reach ones expectations. It's great to get another persons perspective and thank you for your slant on things and opinion. It gives us more to consider.
Many thanks Peter for your feedback. I think I'm inclined to agree with you, the outside structure outweighs the inside standard. But it is so good to have other people's thoughts and for that it is a great job the grey nomads do. Many thanks.