Review: Gold Class Caravans LC19C

Last issue, we introduced you to a new brand of caravan: Gold Class Caravans. Specifically, we looked at the first model in Gold Class’s offroad range, the Adventure Class.

This new brand of vans was brought to market in two distinct variants: the offroad Adventure Class, and the touring range known as Luxe Class. One thing to be aware of is that this new brand of van falls squarely under the umbrella of Market Direct Group, the company behind the ever-popular MDC stable. 

vMarket Direct Group has become one of the largest suppliers of caravans to the Australian RV market. It’s no secret its vans are made in China and shipped to Australia for finishing, which in some cases includes gas lines, electrical work, the fitment of the suspension, etc. It’s the same process with the Gold Class Caravans range, but ‘made in China’ are no longer the three dirtiest words in the local caravan industry. The quality here is absolutely in line with, and in some cases superior to, vans built entirely in this country.

Where the Adventure Class vans are built for rough-and-tumble travels, the Luxe Class is intended for blacktop highways, holiday park stays and the occasional gravel road. So let’s hitch it up and check it out. What sets our review van, the LC19C (Luxe Class 19ft, Couples) apart, and would it suit your style of travels?

BUILDING THE LUXE CLASS

Like the Adventure Class van reviewed last issue, the Gold Class Caravans LC19C is framed in laser-welded aluminium and clad with composite aluminium and powder-coated aluminium sheeting for protection, rather than old-fashioned black checkerplate. It rides on a 6in hot-dipped-galvanised chassis with independent coil suspension and 16in wheels with 12in brakes.

However, before you fall in love with the van, it’s important to realise that the ability to customise these rigs is very limited. The designer of the van, therefore, set out to make it as comprehensive from the outset.

The 12V system is decent. It starts with a single 300Ah Enerdrive lithium battery, which is mounted in a vented offside locker, backed with 700W worth of roof-mounted solar (with 40A MPPT regulator). Gold Class Caravans has given the LC19C a 2000W/80A inverter, too, as well as a Simarine digital display screen inside, providing real-time updates on the battery’s state of charge. There’s even a 40A DC-DC charger. Further, there’s no excuse for not being perfectly level each time you unhitch, thanks to the Simarine inclinometer that’s fitted.

There’s a few small but welcome touches to this van’s exterior that I particularly applaud. First, the setup of the water fillers and town water inlet, specifically how they’re each integrated on a steel plate and neatly labelled. I also loved the design of the offside Anderson plug, which allows you to expand your solar input via a portable panel. The plug is set within a protective housing, rather than being bolted carelessly to the chassis, which demonstrates some forethought by the van’s designer.

Underneath, the van is fitted out with three water tanks: two for fresh water (80L each), and one 80L grey water tanks. At first, 160L of fresh water seemed a bit light; but in the context of the type of touring this van for which the van is built, it’s probably about right. Naturally, each tank is given some stone shielding too.

Along the nearside, the slide-out kitchen is a highlight. It contains a three-burner Thetford gas cooktop, a sink with hot and cold water, and some storage space. The kitchen unit slides out from the tunnel boot, just behind the a-frame-mounted storage box, which is fabricated from powder-coated aluminium sheeting. There’s storage for two 9kg gas cylinders in the central compartment, and yet more storage space on the offside.

There’s a spare wheel mounted to the rear of the LC19C, along with a reversing camera, while on the roof is a Dometic Freshjet 7 Series Pro reverse-cycle air-conditioner and antenna for the onboard Google-ready 28in smart TV (a Fusion sound system is provided too).

The Gold Class Caravans LC19C has an average Tare of 2780kg, and each has an ATM of 3500kg, providing more than enough payload capacity. While you’ll need a 3500kg-rated tow vehicle, there’s no shortage of options on that front.

Other external features include an electric awning – just push a button – a fold-down picnic table, anti-insect awning lights, the tank for the Eberspacher diesel heater… the list goes on. As I said, there’s very little scope to customise these vans. What you see is virtually what you get. That said, there’s very little I’d want to change about the exterior of this van, and that’s the point: the Gold Class range might be ‘off the shelf’ but that doesn’t equate to minimal features and shoddy workmanship – quite the opposite.

I also happen to know that compliance with Australian Standards is very important to this company, and have no concerns on that front. Now let’s take a look at what this van offers on the inside…

GOLD CLASS CARAVANS LC19C INTERIOR

I think most people would agree that the interior is elegant and refined. The layout itself doesn’t break new ground but it does make good use of space. Starting in the front, there’s a queen-size bed surrounded by wardrobes and lockers. Some of the storage space beneath the mattress is occupied by the housing of the tunnel boot, but there’s still room for some gear, though this is also where the diesel heater lives. 

I can’t fault Gold Class Caravans for positioning the control for the heater next to the bed, and I certainly wouldn’t say no to the wireless charging points either side, or the USB/12V points.

Because the TV is mounted on a swing arm at the leading end of the kitchen overhead lockers, it can be comfortably viewed from the bed or the L-shaped dinette on the nearside, which is upholstered in faux leather and looks very good. 

Here’s something clever: the table can be lowered or raised at the push of a button on a remote control, taking all the fuss and bother out of setting the table height. Now, some people might scoff at the idea of motorising a table pedestal. I can understand that. But anyone who has ever struggled to get their table to the optimum height will applaud this idea.

A couple points about the kitchen: first, I loved the waterfall benchtop. It simply adds a touch of class. Of course, I mentioned that Gold Class fitted an induction cooktop instead of a gas burner, but you can still cook up a storm inside thanks to the inclusion of a Thetford Duplex electric griller/oven combo.

Further, the full-height pantry is a winner. It is divided into three separate sections, but rather than having a pull-out system that takes up space, Gold Class has simply fitted shelves – fantastic. One of the overhead lockers in this area also provides a switch panel that allows you to easily isolate various 12V circuits, from the lights to the fridge.

That leaves the bathroom, which is just as classy as the rest of the interior. It includes a cassette toilet on the offside, a vanity unit, a front-loader washer/dryer mounted to the rear wall, and of course a shower on the nearside. A solid sliding door provides privacy.

GORV’S VERDICT

Have I covered every feature and detail of the LC19C? No, but I hope that I’ve given you enough of a tour that you’ll take a look for yourself. From a value for money perspective, it’s a solid proposition. No, you won’t be forging new trails in the bush, or eyeing off Gunshot… but the LC19C by new name Gold Class Caravans offers all the features and comforts inside a well-made caravan that demonstrates excellent attention to detail. There was no aspect of this van that made me cringe or wonder what they were thinking.

Market Direct Group certainly builds quality vans and the Gold Class arm of this business appears to maintain the standard. While the full Gold Class range is yet to be developed, I’m looking forward to seeing how this brand evolves and as I mentioned, from a price perspective, it is a very appealing proposition. Check it out for yourself – I think you’ll be glad you did.

THE SCORE 

FIT AND FINISH –

LAYOUT –

INNOVATION –

HITS & MISSES

COMPLETE SPECS