Roadstar has been around for 20 years and has built a solid reputation for quality, durability and range. In fact, my research found they offer the largest selection of family friendly layouts of any manufacturer - and they put basic prices on their website.

Construction is all based on a Meranti timber frame that is glued and screwed, not just stapled. Standard equipment is quite reasonable and there's an extensive option list with everything from independent suspension to alloys wheels, solar power systems and more, including a Safari Pack on selected models. Family vans are available in the following model ranges.

Pop-Top

Retreat

Another take on the pop-top-with-an-extending-bottom design, the Retreat has a solid-walled slide-out rear bedroom that looks secure and weather proof. One floorplan with bunks is offered and it's kid friendly i.e. no bathroom.

Pop-Top & Caravan

Dreamtime

Dreamtime 'vans are billed as value-for-money units, for people on a budget wanting quality - and isn't that most of us? There are two bunk layouts on offer and while these may be billed as budget conscious caravans, it's worth noting caravan models include air-conditioning.

Pop-Top & Caravan

Daintree

The Daintree range is basically a custom range. It offers a myriad of possible floorplans to mix-'n'-match, leaving you free to design your own custom pop-top or caravan. I counted at least 10 Daintree layouts with bunks, culminating in a mighty tri-axle raised-chassis beast with enough room for a tribe of indigenous North American native persons.

Caravan

Vacationer

The Vacationer series is a more up-market 'van with standard air-conditioning; a roll-out awning; gas/electric hot water system & more. There are two bunk layouts listed and both have bathrooms. Sorry kids.

Australian Caravan+RV magazine, issue 7, Spring 2008.