We at CaravanSA were privileged to review one of the very first Cascade Roam 2-berth caravans coming out of the Cascade Leisure camp, and what a surprise it was. After a quick flight to O.R. Tambo where we picked up the very capable Ford Stormtrak, it was off to the Cascade Leisure factory in Meyerton to collect the Cascade Roam that was literally “hot off the press”.
After a quick demonstration of the various facets of the caravan, I was off to Sionbergh Campsite for a two day stay. The first thing that struck me on my way to the campsite was just how easily the caravan towed, sitting straight and true behind the Stormtrak.
On arrival at Sionbergh, the Cascade Roam was easily maneuvered into place and we enjoyed a quick setup at one the stands bordering the beautiful dam that is a central feature of this resort. During our stay, let me mention that temperatures dropped to -3 degrees with frost and had it not been for the electric blanket and the aircon/heater, it would have been very, very cold. It was comforting to be snug and warm in the Roam, while temperatures dropped below freezing outdoors.
Join us as we take a walk through the interior of the Cascade Roam in the video below.
Before we go into the finer details of the Cascade Roam, let it be known that we loved the inside-outside living of this caravan, as it adds so much versatility in summer for outdoor activity and relaxation, and equally in winter with everything at your fingertips inside the Roam.
Let’s go outside!
We loved the understated exterior of the Cascade Roam. It’s aesthetically pleasing, even curvaceous, without the excessive flashy decals and bright plastic appointments. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into its classic look.
One exterior feature that stands out is the slide-out kitchen, which we used extensively on the trip. The slide-out kitchen has a basin with hot water from a 30 litre geyser and cold water from the 110 litre water tank. The basin has a folding glass lid which simply adds to the neat overall look of the slide-out kitchen. Our Cascade Roam had a single plate Snappy Chef induction cooker which worked extremely well. We enjoyed the quick heating time of the induction cooker which gives instantaneous heat. If you prefer a gas cooker, Cascade Leisure will happily upgrade the induction cooker to a two-plate gas hob. The choice is yours. This kitchen unit has three drawers housing the cutlery and crockery and some storage under the basin. All drawers in the Roam have the soft close feature.
To the right of the slide-out kitchen is a multi-plug which can be used to power any additional appliances and outdoor lights. Heading to the rear of the Cascade Roam, there is a large storage area with a fold-up door on gas struts that houses all the electrics, DB board, spare wheel and compressor which allows for the leveling of the caravan when at the campsite. This leveling feature is certainly a joy to use and makes for easy camping.
The power connection plug is situated on the side of the Roam, offering easy access to make your campsite connection. Moving to the front of the caravan there is additional storage under a gas strut fold-up door. This storage offers ample space for awnings, poles, guide ropes, camping chairs and other camping necessities. It also houses the aircon/heater unit which brings much needed cool respite in summer and warms the interior on those cold winter nights.
The Roam is shod with alloy rims and 225/70/R15C tyres, offering good ride comfort on tar and easier gravel roads. There are four exterior caravan steadies that improve stability when at the campsite.
Let’s go inside!
The main entrance door is fitted with a dustbin and a separate sliding mozzie screen to keep the buzzing critters out. On entry into the caravan, immediately on the right, is the door to the toilet and full shower. There is a hand basin with hot and cold water and a vanity mirror between the shower and the toilet. The Roam has a 110 litre water tank which services the caravan. The water tank is removable to allow for cleaning, which is a very clever feature. Nobody wants to drink water that has been sitting unused for months during winter.
The Cascade Roam has a fixed roof which is great because no raising of the roof is required, as is the case in many other caravan models, and this simply means less chance of leaks and water ingress. Moving slightly further into the interior of the caravan is a generous work surface with plug points for any appliances that are needed for food preparation. There are two drawers and two cupboards below this work surface that are perfect for housing tinned food, spices and non-perishables. To the left of this work surface is a large double door 222 litre fridge freezer for all the perishables and frozen foods. The benefit of a larger fridge freezer means less trips to town to stock up with supplies when on holiday.
On entry into the Roam on the immediate left is a glass and wineglass rack with storage above and a small counter top below. Housed under this counter top is a microwave oven to warm beverages, defrost meat and make easy meals when you’re tired of braaing. Below that is additional storage.
Join us as we take a walk around the slide-out kitchen unit in the video below.
There is ample storage for clothes, towels and various other camping necessities as you move towards the island queen size bed set towards the front of the Roam. There is a storage drawer under the bed that allows for storage of your partner’s all-important accessories such as a hair dryer and other implements designed for visual improvement.
On either side, next to the queen bed’s headboard, are two reading flexible head reading lights allowing for non-invasive reading during the night. Above the headboard is additional storage. The mattress in the Roam is incredibly comfortable. Natural lighting comes in the form of the skylight and two large windows in the bedroom area. There is also a window in front of the prep area in the kitchen offering ample light when organizing meals or making coffee.
Next to the bed is the wall-mounted bracket that holds the aircon remote, the main bedroom light switch, 2 two prong plugs, 1 three prong plug and 2 USB ports to charge phones and laptops. These plugs are set just above the bedside table/storage units which offer the perfect location for your laptop and other devices while they charge. Good quality fittings and lock latches are used in the Cascade Roam and rear brake lights are highly visible.
The interior blinds offer a combination of full blinds or mozzie screen blinds which can be used in conjunction with each other. There is a skylight as you enter which can be opened to promote air flow through the caravan and this too has a blind and a mozzie net screen.
Consider our verdict!
The Cascade Roam has great flow both inside and out, with lots of storage space and a plethora of appliances and extras that all make camping life much more fun. It is embodied with an understated yet classic appeal that will definitely suit a wide range of buyers. We at CaravanSA can’t wait for our next opportunity to spend a few days in the 2-berth Cascade Roam. It’s the perfect cross-pollination of good looks, understated aesthetics, great comfort and excellent build quality.
Contact telephone numbers:
Riaan van Helsdingen 082 926 0377 or Lorretta van Helsdingen 082 926 0378.
