RV Daily got the scoop on a so-new 20 foot Pacific Islander
Words & images Anthony Kilner
There are a range of new Pacific models hitting the roads which includes vans ranging from 20 to 22 feet and offering a variety of internal layouts and one family van. These are mid-priced vans ranged from $60,000 upwards, and are well equipped in standard form with a few options to make them more individual.
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This Islander was the prototype van for Pacific and it stood up to scrutiny. While there were things not fitting 100 percent and some marks around the place, the van was well put together and I can only see this getting better as Pacific works things out properly.
OUTSIDE
The biggest single change to the look of the Islander is the composite body panel used to create the Pacific’s unique lines, atop a one-piece composite floor. The body, with blue and grey decaling, also features black Dometic double-glazed windows, a black tri-lock door, a black picnic table and a black chequer plate front wall. When you see the twin white 9kg gas bottles that contrast with the black tool box on the front of the van it’s a good look. Now I wonder if you could get white containers for the twin Jerry can holders either side of the toolbox?
The body is supported by a Road Runner Supagal chassis with a hammertone finish. The A-frame has a mesh infill while utilising a Manutec eight-inch jockey wheel. Stabilising legs and a rear bar holding the spare create a simple chassis package.
Mechanical components on this Pacific include a tandem load-sharing suspension system with I-beam axles and 10-inch electric brakes. Road tyres are fitted to 15-inch alloy wheels (black of course). There is a 100 amp hour deep-cycle battery mounted under the body on the chassis. Water to the van and the Truma hot water service is via two 95-litre water tanks with shields fitted under the chassis – these hadn’t been fitted when we were on location. A double fold-out step allows for easy access into the van.
Other body extras include a full-width tunnel boot at the front of the van complete with LED lighting. Actually the whole van has LED lighting minimising the power draw on the battery system. Twin external speaks and an awning – also black – allow for outdoor living. Up on the roof is a 120W solar system, Dometic AC unit and some midi hatches for extra light and ventilation inside the van.
INSIDE
Mounted at the rear of the van is the access door, which had a few locking issues on the day – later a little adjustment was all that was required to fix it.
The ensuite is big enough to move comfortably with a good-sized shower on the passenger side. The main vanity unit features a square bowl and good bench space. Under the bench on the right between the vanity basin and the shower is a Sphere 3kg top-loading washing machine. On the other side of the basin is bench space which is great for practical use. There is good storage under the bench and above it in the overhead cupboards and between them is a huge mirrored wall for grooming. A Thetford toilet is located on the driver’s side wall. In all this is a good use of space.
The café style dinette is comfortable for two and sits in between plenty of windows making it a light and airy space. Finished in grey leatherette and cloth it matches the front bedroom wall and other trim used in the van. It also contrasts well with the white walls and brown cupboard and floor colours. A tri-fold table makes the space very practical when the full table is not required.
Opposite the dinette is the kitchen complete with a Thetford gas/electric cook top, a deep sink with flick mixer tap and black Perspex splash back. There are good storage drawers under the bench and plenty of cupboards above the bench as well. A large Dometic 185-litre fridge freezer sits above a couple of drawers and of course it’s trimmed in black. A Sphere microwave is fitted into the overhead cupboards above the cook top for extra cooking ability.
At the front of the van is the bedroom area complete with queen-size bed on a lumbar support base. The leatherette bed head looks classy against the white and there are plenty of cupboards around this room for clothes and personal items. Mirrored doors on the wardrobes – either side of the bed – add to the look. Pacific has built a storage cupboard on each sidewall between the bedroom and the kitchen and dinette.
Overall the interior is neat, practical and looks classy with a good finish.
VERDICT
The Pacific Islander as a van looks good and is very well laid out for such a small bodied touring van around the $70,000 mark. I liked the open light feel of the interior and I can see this being a popular seller. While doing this review I had to keep in mind it was the prototype van for Pacific and there were a few little things that weren’t finished off to the level I would expect from a van off the factory floor.
A couple of loose drawers, a bit of mess and a few little trim issues, however, the basics of this van and the build appeared to be very good. Once the Pacific assembly line gets into full swing I can see them turning out some good looking and practical vans.
SPECIFICATIONS
Body length: 6.1m (20ft)
Body width: 2.4m (8ft)
Tare weight: 2240kg
ATM: 2740kg
Price as tested: $67,200 + ORC drive away ex Melbourne
PROS
CONS
