Goldstar Caravans

[Marschy]

My wife and I have decided to sell the Ezytrail and move into something easier to setup.

We are heading down to Lonsdale this weekend to check out a fully imported Chinese ensuite caravan which retails from $37K for an 18 footer and upto $40K for a 21 footer called the Goldstar.

We went to the Jayco dealer at Edwardstown last weekend and I must admit, the wife and I were underwhelmed by the quality of the furniture and fixtures, but not having had an opportunity yet to see the quality of the fittings on the Goldstar yet, I have nothing comparable in price range to compare it to yet, apart from the Avan's which again had noticeable superior quality compared to Jayco.

We had a look at Island Star and Kingdom caravans at Noel's Caravans on the weekend, which are admittedly more expensive than your average Jayco, but the difference in the quality of the cupboards and fittings was markedly noticeable.

Has anyone had an opportunity to see one of these Goldstar caravans close up? If so, can you provide any feedback? If not, I will post up what I find after my visit next weekend.

Cheers, Marschy

[Marschy]

I thought I would also share a rumour that the Chinese are also going to start targetting a popular model of camper trailer who's company holds over 40% of the market share at present.

Not sure of how accurate these rumours are, but if there was any doubt that the Chinese are now making caravans for the Australian market, let me dispel that myth.

Caravan for Australia

If they are capable of producing caravans to this level of finish for export, the time before we start seeing pop-top camper trailer knockoffs is just around the corner.

Cheers, Marschy

[HEM19X]

1stly "Welcome to the Dark Side" Marschy, The Goldstar's certainly look the goods, I suppose it's a case of getting value for money.

I certainly don't see the value in spending $100k plus on a Kedron or Bushtracker when there are a lot of well built vans out there for a lot less.. I guess that they have a name so can command a bigger price tag, a bit like Toyota's.

Anyway, good luck with the search.

Regards

Hem

[Snake]

I thought I would also share a rumour that the Chinese are also going to start targetting a popular model of camper trailer who's company holds over 40% of the market share at present.

Not sure of how accurate these rumours are, but if there was any doubt that the Chinese are now making caravans for the Australian market, let me dispel that myth.

Caravan for Australia

If they are capable of producing caravans to this level of finish for export, the time before we start seeing pop-top camper trailer knockoffs is just around the corner.

Cheers, Marschy

I wonder what they will be selling for? They would want to be cheap. I can't see Jayco losing too much sleep over it though.

[Marschy]

Yes, it's going to be interesting for sure. Your average 21 footer caravan retails for around $60K. This Goldstar mob are $20K under that.

If someone starts using a similar business model for pop-top campers (aka Jayco style) I think Jayco will have no choice but to sit up and take notice. Their pop-top camper trailers are probably where they enjoy most of their market share, where there is nothing in the way of cheaper alternatives.

[Marschy]

Gave the Goldstar a miss and put a deposit down on a used 2010 18.5 foot Nova Vita caravan with simplicity suspension, shower/toilet, full oven, 185 Lt fridge, reverse cycle air, solar, TV.

The missus sells cars for a living, so the poor sales guy didn't stand a chance. I just walked away and looked at other vans and when I saw her shaking hands with the dealer, asked her how she went. She shaved $5k off the price, we are as happy as. Just waiting for it to be cleaned and serviced and we should pick it up in about a week.

[Bill]

The missus sells cars for a living, so the poor sales guy didn't stand a chance. I just walked away and looked at other vans and when I saw her shaking hands with the dealer, asked her how she went. She shaved $5k off the price, we are as happy as. Just waiting for it to be cleaned and serviced and we should pick it up in about a week.

Dont ya just love that?
Whenever we go looking for a new car for my misses I just walk away and leave her with the poor sales person.
She isnt a car salesman but she knows what she wants and what she will pay so its always fun watching the sales persons face...
Congratulations on the new caravan.
Bill

[JCOJ]

Congrats on the purchase Marschy!!!

Bet you wont sleep for the next week and we want pics once collected.

Will the SA MySwag Meet be its first outing?

[achjimmy]

Yeah Congrats marshy.

Also interesting you thought Avan was up there? I looked at two ensuite models a few weeks ago and thought wow takes some effort to make Jayco look good but they managed it, very average IMO.

[Marschy]

Yeah changed my mind when i saw a two year old Avan Omeo.it had a hard life in WA. Probably used by fly in fly out people. It didnt hold up well.

[achjimmy]

Had a squizz at those goldstar vans on the website. Hope the suspension looks better in the flesh ? Those u bolts and hangers look average.

[Marschy]

Owned by the same guy who owns Liberty campers