Review: Goldstream RV 1860 CE Rhino+

It had been a long time in development, but in 2024, Goldstream RV launched its first line-up of fibreglass sandwich panel vans. Until then, the company had spent its 30-plus years in business focussed on timber builds clad with aluminium. But the market has been evolving. To stay relevant, Goldstream had to evolve too, and the CPX range was born.

Not happy to rest on their laurels, the Goldstream team is further embracing the needs of the market by offering a 48V electrical system. In fact, our review van, known as the 1860 CE (centre ensuite) Rhino+, was the first out of the factory to be equipped with this new Projecta system.

But when you step inside, the innovation continues. As I hitched this van up, I was intrigued. If you are too, read on…

PURE GOLDSTREAM

This particular model is the result of customer feedback. The story goes that customers loved one of Goldstream’s 22ft rear club lounge models in the CPX range, but they didn’t love the fact they needed a Yankie ute or the equivalent to tow it. So the challenge was set: develop a smaller, lighter version of that 22ft beast that retained the rear club lounge, packaged with new technology that is slowly being adopted by the industry: 48V electrical systems.

First, though, it’s important to understand the ‘Rhino+’ in the van’s name. It refer’s to the Rhino package – Goldstream’s top-end feature package. But if you want even more, that’s when you opt for the the Rhino+ package. It’s the cherry on top, and it get’s you a long list of upgrades available on all models, though some individual inclusions depend on whether the van is on a single or tandem axles.

As for the construction, it’s pure Goldstream. Long-time readers know I’m a fan. The wall and roof panels are comprised of extruded polystyrene known colloquially as XPS. The inner and outer skins are a fibreglass and gelcoat laminate, while the panels themselves contain CNC-routed wiring channels as well as high density PVC structural inserts. But it doesn’t end there: we need to talk about Tufflon.

This is a special black protective coating, similar to Raptor. Goldstream offers it as part of the Rhino package and I’m told that spraying it on is a bit of an art form, but it’s one that the manufacturer has nailed because I couldn’t spot any imperfections. As for the strength of the product, Goldstream offers a demo: they’ve coated aluminium soft drink cans in the stuff and no matter how hard I stomped one, I couldn’t crush the Tufflon-coated can. I’m convinced.

Let’s touch on the electrical system. It starts with a 105Ah 48V lithium battery. To the uninitiated, that sounds low, but remember, 48V systems require less current for the same power output. For example, a 1200W load at 12V would be 100A, while the same load at 48V would be 25A. And because current is lower, there’s less heat generated in cables and connections, along with a number of other advantages including thinner cable diameters. The bottom line: it’s a better system and an example of Goldstream moving quickly with the times. The included Projecta power management system even includes a tyre pressure monitoring system!

The Rhino+ 48V package also includes four 220W solar panels and a 4000W inverter. There’s also a 30A DC-DC 48V charger (equivalent to 120A at 12V) and a 48V 70A mains charger (equivalent to 280A at 12V).

The van comes with Cruisemaster Level 3 airbag suspension as well as two 95L water tanks and a single 110L grey water tank. Nothing looks amiss underneath.

The nearside has a new-style picnic table – a sort of module that protrudes slightly but contains pantry storage space. There’s a Fusion speaker, anti-insect awning lights, a fold-out entry step – all the usual gear. Up front, Goldstream has given the van a neat storage box with a tray on top with various tie-down points within the surrounding edge. The tank for the diesel heater is mounted here, protected behind a mesh stoneguard.

The powder-coated aluminium storage box contains dual slide-out trays; however, it would be great if there was an Anderson plug within the nearside tray section to power a portable fridge. That said, Goldstream would easily fit one if you asked, I’m sure.

Overall, nothing looks like an afterthought. And you know what? It looks great.

GOING CLUBBING

Internally, the centrepiece is clearly the rear club lounge. As mentioned, the goal was to incorporate the layout – including the lounge – of a larger model into this smaller format. But is it really a club lounge? After all, it doesn’t wrap right around… But it’s close and it’s comfortable. And if you wanted to, you could omit the tall pantry tucked into the corner next to the door to increase the width of the lounge.

Given the van’s power system, Goldstream hasn’t included traditional gas cooking appliances inside. Besides, because of the centre ensuite design, kitchen bench space is limited, though there is a bench on the offside, where you’ll also find a 28in smart TV on a swivel arm

But when it comes to cooking, you’ll need a 48V portable induction cooktop. Admittedly, without an external kitchen, cooking options on this van are limited, but the Ziggy and the Weber Q were invented for a reason. However, we should note that this van comes with the Hawk 4-in-1 – it’s an air-fryer, microwave, grill and convection oven all in one unit.

Two concertina screens seperate the ensuite from the bedroom and the living quarters. It includes a large shower on the nearside and a compost toilet with vanity and even a front-loader washing machine on the wall above the toilet. I liked the cutouts in the cabinetry to the linen storage and overhead lockers – they help to create an open feel, whereas traditional doors would feel enclosed.

With its padded headboard, perfectly aligned wardrobe cabinetry (which includes bedside niches complete with USB and 240V powerpoints, it’s a very nice space. Goldstream has included 12V fans at the foot of the bed, not to mention the control for the diesel heater at the bedside (where it belongs). Speaking of the heater, it’s located under the bed but it’s been enclosed by finished ply so that it won’t be damaged by your gear.

SUMMING UP

Honestly, who wouldn’t love this van? I can’t fault the fitout, inside or out. These are substantial caravans that will last a lifetime, and kudos to Goldstream for embracing the future, both in terms of its composite construction and its electrical systems.

I’ve only scratched the surface of that this van offers. Go check it out, along with the rest of the CP/CPX range – you won’t be disappointed. 

THE SCORE 

FIT AND FINISH –

LAYOUT –

INNOVATION –

HITS & MISSES

GOLDSTREAM RV 1860 CE RHINO+ SPECS