At a price of $47,000, the Goldstream Thunder is at the top end of this category of campers, but occupied the position with distinction.

In general, pop-top campers with beds that pull out of the ends are not considered by many as hard-nosed offroaders, but the Thunder set out to dispel that opinion. It is large, but it conducted itself over the offroad course with ease and at the end of the journey showed only the mildest signs of dust incursion, something which no camper avoided.

With a 1512kg Tare, the Thunder is certainly no lightweight. And with an ATM of 2000kg

when fully loaded, it would be a solid item to be moving about, but certainly not one that would daunt any modern 4WD.

These figures give a load capacity of 488kg and with dual 60L water tanks, two jerry cans, two 9kg gas cylinders and a 14L hot water system, that leaves around 300kg spare for your “stuff”. You won’t have any trouble fitting that in as there’s an awful lot of spare storage capacity in this big trailer.

The Thunder, with its “offroad pack”, is well-built, with a solid chassis and Cruisemaster trailing arm suspension with 12in electric brakes. The hitch was the excellent Hyland and the rims

Above: The Thunder proudly owned the top end of this price category as a luxury camper with lots of bling.goldstream rv

thunderAt the top end of this price cAtegory, the

thunder mAkes A sturdy And spAcious home AwAy from home.

FINALIST

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were classy black alloys. However, there was no stoneguard in that offroad pack.

The external kitchen — something all camper trailers should have — features a stainless steel sink and Smev cooker, and a Sovereign barbecue on a slide extension. Bench space is provided by a fold-down side shelf with storage space behind that. Alternatively, Goldstream offer an option of a 30L Waeco drawer fridge instead of the barbecue.

Inside is an extensive bench area and also a pull-out queen bed plus a double at the other end (the front bed can be used without disconnecting) and the ability to convert a bench into a single bed creates room for five. The roomy 110L 12/240V fridge/freezer is well away from the door, making access difficult for

roadside stops.Electrically, the Thunder is equipped with

a single 105Ah AGM battery and Ctek 7A charger (both marginal for the demands placed on them), two 12V outlets and a 130W solar panel on the roof. The system is wired to the alternator through a 12-pin plug and 8B&S cable. There is a 240V system with six outlets.

There are lots of comfort fittings: a Truma 14L gas hot water system, air-conditioning on the roof (you need a 2kva generator or mains power to run it, but by golly it was nice in the Broken Hill heat), stereo with internal and external speakers, a large Fiamma awning (walls are optional) and shower fittings on the passenger side exterior.

For a camper with lots of window space there

CloCkwise from top left: The Thunder can sleep up to five people, making this a good family option; The comfortable lounge area is light and airy; Space for the jerrys on the back; The bench space inside has been freed up by moving the kitchen to the outside; It’s easy to keep an eye on all things electrical here; The external kitchen with barbecue, cooktop and sink.

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cta rates goldSTream rV

thunder

“aimed at families who want caravan comforts in a package that will handle offroad conditions”

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Spare wheelDoor Storage door

2 x gas bottles& storage

Drawers & fridge

Queen Bed

Double bed

SeatSeat / Bed

Cabinet

Slide out kitchen

Battery system

tare: 1512kgAtM: 2000kgSuspension: Cruisemaster independent trailing armBrakes: 12inCoupling: HylandChassis: 150x50mmdrawbar: 100x50mmBody: 42x19mm framed 3mm aluminium compositeWheel/tyre: 16in alloy wheels, aT tyresStyle: Pop-top

> trAiler

Box size: 4600x2130mmlength: 6100mmtent size: N/a

> diMenSionS

Gas cylinders: 2 x 9kgWater: 2 x 60lCooktop: Two-burner Smev plus barbecueKitchen: Slide-out stainless steel externalBattery: 105ah Full river agm

> ACCeSSorieS

$47,000

> priCe AS ShoWn

goldstream rV, Factory 1-4, 75 Bald Hill rd, Pakenham, Vic 3810, (03) 5941 5571, www.goldstreamrv.com.au

> Supplied By

cta specsgoldSTream rV

thunder

David Cook: The Thunder is a big, heavy camper, but one that’s aimed at families who want caravan comforts in a package that will handle offroad conditions.

There is lots of water, gas and solar capacity, but it really needs a second battery to run the large, front-opening fridge if the weather is in any way inclement. I like the black alloys, which give the camper a standout appearance. I also like the strong DuraGal chassis with quality Vehicle Components independent suspension. It has a heavy ball weight of 182kg.

The Thunder handled the offroad course with relative ease and, despite considerable overhang, didn’t appear to touch ground anywhere, even with a number of short, steep gutters.

Stuart Jones: The Thunder will certainly appeal to families as it’s a very comfortable

unit. Offroad, it’s capable for its size and that air-conditioning will have its fans (pardon the pun) in caravan park-land in summer. The movement of the kitchen to outside with the Sovereign barbecue is bold — some argue that you need something inside to cook on in inclement weather — but I like the change, it gives you lots of room and you’ll only cook a chop inside once anyway.

There is lots of bling on this camper and the barbecue, in particular, is a winner for me. As is the four-speaker stereo and the nifty fan lights for placing over each bed. A roll-out awning provides the outside shade.

Set-up took five minutes in 40 degrees — always a plus! It is more expensive than its other competitors, but this is a well-built unit and a good overall compromise for those looking for those extra comforts.

is, thankfully, total blackout curtains, plus midgy screens and a system for hanging shelves around the perimeter of the internal roof.

Much thought has gone into aspects of the design. For example, each canvas section is individually removable for ease of repair if necessary. Warranty is a minimal 12 months.

the JudGeS’ notepAdPhil Lord: For a family of four interested in light offroad touring, the Thunder is a great, versatile proposition. The external kitchen is great and frees-up bench space while also allowing for proper internal sealing when travelling. There is good gas, water and solar capacity, but it would score better for self-sufficiency if it had a second battery.

A very nice fit and finish in the Goldstream — everything is put together neatly and this is generally a very well-built camper. Some great features for the price.

CloCkwise from top left: The Thunder handled the offroad course with relative ease; Plenty of windows provide views all-round; air-conditioning was a real bonus in the 45 degree heat; The stereo has both internal and external speakers, perfect for when you feel like a bit of a boogie.

comforts

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