LIVE-IN TEST REPORT ESCAPING IN A SEASCAPE historic road... · LIVE-IN TEST REPORT ... Relative newcomers to the motorcaravan-constructing world will invariably bring a different

LIVE-IN TEST REPORT

MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY MARCH 2005 I 157

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Relative newcomers to the motorcaravan-constructing world will invariably bring a differentview to the business of stuffing as much aspossible into as small a space as practical. Andthis will be, hopefully, in as stylish, inexpensiveand user-friendly form as can be managed.Avondale’s thirty-plus years of experienceproducing caravans might just bring somethingnew to the task of building motor-driven, ratherthan tugged, homes on wheels.

The motorcaravan market is an expanding one,and producers of caravans must be eyeing it upwith more than a degree of interest. It is becomingthe ‘in’ thing. The detractors of caravans (a certainMr J Clarkson comes to mind as one of the mostvociferous) are not nearly as rude, for somereason, about caravans with engines. I think Idetect that we, the motorcaravanning members ofthe camping fraternity, are becoming fashionableand, with this in mind, it’s nice to welcome anexpansion of the choices that we are offered. Itcan only be for the good of the buyers, and it willcertainly keep established producers on their toes.

I may be exaggerating Avondale’s newness tothe motorcaravan world. After all, awards havealready come its way, an important considerationwhen parting with your hard cash. The companyhas been in the business of producingmotorhomes for four years, and Graham Foxall,the designer (who has a pedigree that includesmany years spent at Auto-Sleepers), states thatAvondale is aiming for the quality end of themarket. It is producing an expanding range of‘vans, of which the 5 Series Seascape SLX is butone. The Seascape range includes a centrelounge, an end lounge, a side dinette, fixed bed,and now the side lounge model tested here.

UPWARDLY MOBILEIf the Seascape were a home it would be a small,detached two-bedroom property in a desirablearea. With an overcab bed and rear double it’seminently suitable for an upwardly mobile youngcouple with a child, or plans for one. Though stilla white coachbuilt box, its modern looks arefriendly and approachable, and livening up the

white is a maroon graphic that has a suggestionof golden grass drifting across it.

The glossy GRP exterior has enough curvesto soften the shape. The view presented tofollowing traffic was, I thought, particularly welldesigned. A window is inset into the largerecessed panel that covers the top part of therear, which allows it to form part of the design.This is balanced by three raised horizontal stripesbeside it. A similar design is worked into theplastic-faced wall in the kitchen. I think this couldbe rightly described as ‘themed’ styling. Thesides are skinned in 1.6mm-thick GRP with ahigh-gloss finish.

A rooflight in the pregnant bulge over the cabprovides a lovely light cab, but puts an extra75mm of branch-collecting equipment on theroof. Unusually, after the bulge, there are raisedsections down either side, which taper away tonothing at the rear. As this could conceivablycollect water (should one be parked with thenose downhill), there are four circular holes eitherside, cleverly inserted through the graphics, to

ESCAPING IN A SEASCAPEAvondale Seascape 5-SLX on 2.8 JTD MWB Fiat Ducato

ROADTEST✔✘✘✔✔

Long-time caravan manufacturer Avondale also makesmotorhomes. Di Johnson takes a look at one of the company’svery latest creations

157-167live-in test 1/28/05 2:46 PM Page 1

allow effective drainage. On the rear nearside is the gas locker, which

accepts two 7kg cylinders. As the Seascapecomes with an Eberspächer D2 Airtronic spaceheater, which utilises diesel from the vehicle’sfuel tank, two cylinders should last a long time.This gas saving will be particularly useful whentravelling abroad, where it’s difficult to get refills.

The rear offside houses the, all-important,cassette toilet hatch, with the filling inlet for theseparate flushing water tank above it. Behind thedriver’s door along the skirt is a lockable wetstorage bin, suitable for such essentials aslevelling wedges, electric cable, muddy bootsand other bits of kit you might not want to bringinboard.

Behind the offside rear wheel I discovered therod that operates the underslung waste watertank dump-valve in the centre of the vehicle.Some drains require precise positioning. I couldimagine a situation where the driver andnavigator could end up yelling at each othertrying to get the vehicle in the right place (as thevalve is out of sight underneath the ‘van).However, once in position, the dumping ofwastewater from this ‘van will be quicker thanyour average motorcaravan due to the large boreoutlet, a fact that will be much appreciated whenqueuing for the use of the waste water facility.

Forward of the rear axle lies the fresh watertank. The flexible fresh water drainpipe and tap is

tucked up underneath the offside skirt, behindthe driver’s door, and is secured by a clip. Notideal as it’s inconvenient to access, but as it’sonly for infrequent use, not too bad.

GETTING TO THE LIGHTThe robust one-piece caravan door boasts threehinges, top and bottom fastenings, and a largeopening window that beckons us to get insideand make ourselves at home. The outside doorhandle is sensibly positioned low down at (my)chest height.

Entering easily, using the electrically operatedstep plus a recessed platform step, we find insidewhat modern young things (and even us moremature types) crave, a light, airy interior.Motorcaravanning is about being outside asmuch as possible and if you can’t be, because ofbad weather, you should at least feel as if you are.Every opportunity should be grabbed to get asmuch of the view on the outside presented to theoccupants on the inside. Too often, motorhomesend up with the bare minimum of views to thegreat outdoors, which rather defeats the object ofthe exercise. So well done, Avondale, for ‘a doorwith a view’.

LAYOUT FOR A FAMILYAs you enter you notice that interior decor ismore ‘Tate Modern’ than ‘British Museum’; lovelycappuccino colours on the upholstery, with pale

wheat-coloured removable carpet. However, Iam told Avondale has decided that the wheatcolour is impractical and will be fitting somethingmore appropriate. Behind the swivelling cabseats is a captain’s chair, which has a higherdegree of comfort than the cab seats, equippedas it is with upholstered armrests. This is the onlyrear seat fitted with a seat belt.

In the middle of the ‘van on the offside is thekitchen area. To the rear is the L-shaped loungesettee with the short side running along the backof the ‘van. Occupying the offside corner is thebathroom. Above the cab is a bed, suitable, Iwould suggest, for children, such is its small size.

I really liked the overall layout. It felt spacious,stylish and well coordinated. There is no feelingthat Avondale has tried to cram too much into asmall space. For some reason I can’t fathom, thesingle swivelling captain’s chair beside the doorgives the layout an atmosphere of luxury. I knowit’s been done before but not that often. There isa small bulkhead between the front passengerseat and the captain’s chair but it doesn’timpinge too much, and wouldn’t prevent eyecontact. A further four can sit, still within sociabledistance, in the rear L-shaped lounge.

Beside the captain’s chair is a deep side-hinged opening window. Once again Avondalehas opted for maximum view and light and thisis carried on throughout the body of the ‘van. AHeki rooflight is situated in the centre,

AVONDALE SEASCAPE 5-SLX ON 2.8 JTD MWB FIAT DUCATOON TEST:

158 I MARCH 2005 MOTORCARAVAN MOTORHOME MONTHLY

A wet locker, on the offside, solves the problem of where to put muddy boots andelectric cable.

I wish more manufacturers would fit large-bore waste water dump valves like the onehere. This was a ‘test dump’ using clean water.

The gas locker’s two 7kg cylinders will last a long time, asthe Seascape comes fitted with a diesel-fired space heater.

The toilet’s flush water filler is situated above thecassette servicing hatch.

Only the captain’s seat is equipped with a three-pointseatbelt for a rear passenger.


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augmented by two smaller skylights over the caband end lounge. Windows are as large as can beaccommodated, and there is even an openingwindow in the bathroom.

DRIVING WITH THE WINDSettling into the cab of the Avondale remindedme that I am lucky enough to find the Fiat drivingposition suits me perfectly. Everything is withinreach (well, maybe the handbrake, low on theright-hand side, is a bit of a stretch) and I can seeall the instruments and controls. The indicatorstalk on the older-style Ducato sits too far underthe wheel for me to flick easily, but the currentmodel has it in the right position for my shortfingers. I’m 5ft 3.5in tall and my better ‘arf, Pete,

is 6ft 1in. Nearly a foot difference, but we bothquickly found comfortable driving positions andan unobstructed view through the windscreen.

Switch on the ignition and fire up the bigturbo-diesel engine and you will soon discoverthat all the power you need is awaiting your rightfoot. The 2.8 litres under the bonnet were morethan capable of whooshing the Seascape up oursteep west country hills with verve and style.

A view through a rear window while driving isone of those things that is not necessary, but isdefinitely nice to have. It’s particularly reassuringfor first timers to motorcaravanning to drivesomething where you can see out of the back.

My finely tuned ears (I’m not deaf, it’s just thatpeople don’t speak up) picked up louder than

average wind noise, though I admit this was ona breezy day. Plenty of rattles from the ovenreached our ears as we drove along our bumpyDevon lanes. These would be easy enough tosilence with some packing material, but aknocking sound emanating from over my headon the driver’s side could not be so easily dealtwith. It was not the tables or ladder stored there;we moved these to no avail. Avondale assuredme that this was an isolated incident.

COLOURING THE SEASCAPECoffee-coloured leaf and stripe patternedmaterial decorates the upholstery, with suede-effect top and front edges all finished off withchocolate piping. Large cushions, covered inmatching fabrics, add to the luxurious feel. Thesuede effect, on one side, is not only attractivebut it has a hidden benefit. After you’ve placedyour cushion comfortably it doesn’t seem to slip.

Pale mushroom-coloured walls have a faintindented white patterning and, as well as theusual blinds and flyscreens, the Seascape hascurtains throughout. These are made of a looselywoven coffee-coloured material, which hasdrawn threadwork. I wonder if these might end

Looking forward we see the offside kitchen with swivel chair opposite. The cab seats become part of the frontlounging area.

Drawn threadwork in the curtains showed the interiordesigners had been at work. From the left: Eberspächercontrol, light switch, TV aerial and 12V sockets, and230V socket.

The interior layout breaks from the norm with a captain’s seat behind the cab, opposite the kitchen. In the rear is the side lounge with the wardrobe and washroom on the offside.


up looking a little scruffy if the drawn threads getcaught, but maybe I’m over pessimistic.

CHOOSING WHERE TO LOUNGE Swivel the two cab seats and the captain’s chairbehind the front passenger seat, and you findyou will have a lounge area for three at the frontof the ‘van. The small table, on a swivel leg,allows for drinks or nibbles. Further back on thenearside is the L-shaped lounge. Four couldcompanionably sit here, which gives us animpressive score of seven for lounge-ability. Not

position. It’s difficult to see how designers canget around this problem of trying to make it wellproportioned for everyone. Feet-up lounging ismy solution.

The TV aerial socket is set above the setteeon the nearside with a 230V and a 12V sockettoo. It’s difficult to think where to put a televisionin this ‘van. It’s not something we bother to carry,but I know it’s an important consideration. Thefreestanding table would be a possible home orperhaps the small table near the cab, though thelatter would mean trailing the cable across the



bad for a ‘van of under 20ft.Now for the feet-up comfort test, which was

not quite so easily achieved. But it was only thework (brainwork that is) of moments, before Isussed that if I removed the corner backrest Icould sit with my back against the bathroom wallwith my feet into the nearside corner (with a niceview from the rear and side windows). So thatwas me taken care of, now for Pete. Yep, therewas room for his great long legs if he sat with hisback to the door. It almost goes without sayingthat I couldn’t reach the floor in a normal seating

A small table enables the front seats to become part of the social seating area.

Large cushions, which stay where you place them, made Pete luxuriously comfortable in the L-shaped lounge. ��


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door, which is not ideal. A flat screen television,built into the curved wardrobe door, might be onesolution. This would be better fitted when the‘van is being converted (wiring and such) ratherthan a retrofit. I asked Avondale for an opinionand the company said it envisaged ownerswould use a flat screen.

A FULL COOKERNow we come to the kitchen, which sits oppositethe caravan door. Differences in expectations forthe kitchen area in motorcaravans are legion.There are hobs that only ever see the odd kettle.‘I don’t expect to have to cook when I’m onholiday’, is something I’ve often heard mutteredthrough gritted teeth. But even if you don’tregularly cook you ought to be able to catercomfortably for you and your family, should theneed arise.

The Seascape is blessed with a cooker thatwould look quite at home in a domestic kitchen.A four-burner hob is a great start. A grill andseparate oven, quite capable of producing aSunday roast, is more than most of us expect in amotorhome. The base of the cooker providesstorage for saucepans, but the space is a littlecompromised by the fresh water filler pipe, whichruns through it. However, I successfully managedto store two saucepans and our kettle, despite thesmall obstruction. I was very careful to ensure theywere completely cool before stowing them, as oneof them had to rest against the plastic pipe.

A 77-litre Dometic absorption refrigerator isplenty big enough, and the stainless steel sinkand drainer (yes, that’s right, you did read‘drainer’) pleased me no end. It certainly solvesthe problem of where to put the dishes to drain.Over the sink and cooker are glass lids, which

have to double as worktops.A reasonable amount of food storage space is

provided under the sink and in the overheadlockers. One of these contains the white crockerythat comes with the ‘van. The cupboards havebars or lips to prevent accidental emptying of

contents, but others are left unobstructed foreasy insertion of bulkier items.

Underneath the wardrobe lies dedicatedstorage for four bottles, with clips to hold themin place. This replaces, in part, the traditionalBritish cocktail cabinet and is a great idea.

Four burners, a grill and a decent-sized oven should keep the cook happy in thekitchen.

Plenty of overhead lockers populate the interior. Here, above the kitchen, they include the fitted crockery set.

The 77-litre fridge should be big enough allow you toshop less frequently.

A novel take on the ‘cocktail cabinet’ is this dedicatedstorage for four bottles, with clips to hold them in place.


However, I could find no evidence of a cutlerydrawer, but I am told this will be rectified inproduction models.

Which brings me back to worktops. Apartfrom a tiny strip 550mm x 220mm (1ft 9.5in x8.5in) of worktop beside the sink, it is only theglass tops of the sink and hob that provide any

working space. If you need to use the sink whilepreparing a meal there is only a tiny space left.

The small area of worktop beside the sink hasa 230V socket above it and will inevitably behome for an electric kettle. The safety consciousmay not approve, but it’s the only place available.

The freestanding table goes some way to

making up for the lack of worktop, but tables arenot of a convenient height for working. Okay, theanswer is to sit down whilst you are shelling thepeas, but any small amount of extra worktopspace would add to this ‘van’s obviousattractions.

If I were cooking up a storm in this ‘van,



It’s good to see a proper draining board, but I would have liked a spot more worktopto go with it.

The bathroom doorpost restricts the ability to place the freestanding table close to therear seat, but this only matters if you are trying to seat more than two diners.

Washroom is roomy and light in white and ice-green. Good ventilation is provided by the large opening window and skylight.

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especially in the colder months, I would miss anextractor fan. Three Heki rooflights and largeopening windows go a long way to ventilate the‘van while cooking, but nothing beats an extractorfan for getting rid of steam and cooking smells.

FEEDING THE FAMILYThe table is substantial, freestanding and ishoused in the overcab area. It’s such a sensiblenotion to also be able to utilise the main table foralfresco dining. (So many Continental ‘vans havehuge, heavy, fixed tables that get in the way mostof the time.) Although four could relax in the rearlounge, it would be tricky to seat four at the tableas the bathroom door curves outwards leavinglittle room at its end. Dining would be lessconvivial, but more practical, if two sat in the rearand a third sat in the captain’s chair using thesmall swivelling table.

Though substantially built, the big table wasnot wobble-proof. Nothing too disturbing, butworth remembering when serving a meal or,worse, full mugs of coffee. I found the table a bitheavy to lift down from the overcab bed. If Ibought the Seascape, I think I would substitutea lightweight picnic table and save the heavy onefor the new owners when I came to sell.

GET THE SOAP OUTOpening the curved door I found a roomywashroom with separate showerhead and mixertap, which is the first thing I look for. But Peter,silly boy, accidentally knocked the shower tapwhile sitting on the loo… with predictable results!The two drain holes in the shower tray floor werethe next thing to score high marks on my mentalchecklist. Another sensible idea.

A white basin and shower tray and white andice-green walls made the washroom look

pulled, allowed the squab to be slid into the bodyof the ‘van. The backrest then drops into placein one movement and, ‘lo and behold’, apart fromremoving two extra backrest cushions, that’s it; adouble bed awaits!

We found plenty of room for duvets andpillows under the rear part of the settee, whichlifts up and is supported by over-centre struts.The space under the nearside squab is occupiedby the Eberspächer space heater, leisure battery,nearside wheel arch, mains hook-up controllerand charging unit. Despite this plethora ofessential hardware there is still some storageroom left.

The bed, when made up, is flat, firm, and notspoiled by awkward ridges. It was a little too firmfor my taste (to be fair, most motorcaravan bedsare) but it was long enough for us to sleepcomfortably. Spotlamps above our headsprovided us with plenty of light to catch up on ourreading. And there was unrestricted headroom,something that isn’t always available.Comfortably propped up with a good book,utilising the big cushions that come with the ‘van,I mentally thanked Avondale for thinking throughwhat’s required to keep us motorcaravannershappy. Rear steadies are fitted too, but honestlywe never felt a need for them.

There’s always got to be something tocriticise. My only complaint with the sleepingarrangements is that access to the bathroomwas a bit tight. If future owners chose sleepingbags it would not be quite such a problem; weuse a duvet that overhung the side. This createda narrower space between the bed and thebathroom door. I feel it might be worth sacrificinga tiny bit of the washroom to improve access. Itis, after all, of a generous size. This would alsomean improved space for the table when dining.

reassuringly clean and inviting. If there were anygrime present it would be obvious.

Beside and above the manually flushedcassette toilet was a long towel rail. This wasgood, but not perfect - the shower curtain didn’tcover the rail. Nevertheless, it would be great fordrying your towel on once you’ve had yourshower. Toothbrush holders are built in beneaththe high-level cupboard with room toaccommodate girlie bits. A slim mirror to the leftof this provided somewhere to apply myscaffolding (as one of my friends calls her make-up). Beneath the basin another cupboard haddifficult, rather flimsy doors. Despite their ratherfrail appearance, I had to resort to force to closethem. But hey! I don’t want to knock storagespace in bathrooms, which can be as rare asgood garages. The doors and catches will bemodified, says Avondale.

When I opened a couple of the cupboards ashower of the wrong sort occurred. I soon learnedto practice my catching skills (it had begun rainingcosmetics containers), in order to protect theshower tray and my head. A third cupboard abovethe towel rail was above my eye-line and couldhave done with a restraining bar too.

There was no trigger on the showerhead;something I would notice when water was inshort supply. I wondered whether a 50-litre freshwater tank is adequate?

The two downlighters, a large opaque windowand rooflight ensure oodles of light flood theroom. Good ventilation is supplied courtesy ofthat same (opening) window, as well as themesh-screened rooflight.

SNOOZING IN THE DALESWhen it was time to hit the hay I found the leveron the front of the side settee, which, when

Bedding easily fits under the rear portion of the settee.

Despite all this kit, there is still some room for storage under the nearside portion ofthe sofa.

Toothbrush holder, mirror and cabinet. What more is required? You have to be careful when opening the cabinet, as it was inclined to throw its contents at you.

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A person sitting on the rear seat could pull thetable closer than can be achieved at the moment:altogether a better arrangement.

UP THE LADDER TO SLEEPThe overcab bed has a mattress more suited toa child’s weight and, although there is roomenough for two children, with only the one extraseatbelt any extra lodgers would have to travelindependently. There are no windows here, butthe mini Heki skylight in the roof and its proximityto the large Heki provides plenty of natural light.Two spotlights give occupants a chance to readin bed and, though sitting upright is not possible,I’m sure kids could hunker down on the pillows



with a propped book. Although I wouldn’t fancy sleeping in the luton

on the lightweight mattress provided, an extralayer of foam or spare duvet underneath mewould be perfectly acceptable.

The fixings for the ladder had been suppliedwith the prototype ‘van that we were testing.However, they were still in the plastic bag with theladder, so we made the assumption that the ladderwill be secure. I made do by leaning the ladderagainst the edge of the bed and being careful. Ifound it was easy to access the luton bed, withplenty of space between its base and the ceiling.

Curtains hang from a track around the cabwindows, a sensible arrangement as it allows you

to make full use of the front seats for lounging inthe evenings. Additional to this are a further setfor screening the overcab bed.

Two travelling alone in the Seascape wouldenable the overcab area to become a massivestorage bay for lightweight items such as tables,chairs, bedding, or maybe a gazebo. Alternatively,the bed base can be folded inward, making asmaller storage area, but giving more open spaceabove the cab. I like these flexible arrangements.

STOWING YOUR KITThere are numerous overhead aircraft-stylestorage lockers in the rear and forward loungeareas. A good-sized wardrobe with room enough

There’s only room for one (or two) kids in the overcab berth. Remember, the SLX has only three belted travel seatsincluding the driver.

A wardrobe with double doors opens to reveal a hanging rail with a drawer beneath, plus a set of open-frontedshelves.

The rear lounge converts to a double bed with minimum fuss.

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to take posh frocks and jackets also benefitedfrom a series of open shelves to the side of thehanging rail (great space for shoes, sweaters orT-shirts).

The wardrobe has two doors, the smaller ofwhich is restrained by a single drop bolt. At itsbottom is a large drawer, which could stowfamily-sized amounts of socks and underwear.To access the drawer it is necessary to open bothdoors, but I found it was easy to foul the beadinginside the door with the drawer runner. Onceagain Avondale responded to my observation, byreassuring me that the drawer will be narrower,and the front will enclose the runners.

DOES THE SEASCAPE GET THEBLUE FLAG?Avondale’s Seascape 5-SLX is a valuableaddition to the company’s range of motorhomes.Its flexible lounging arrangements, generousbathroom, good-sized cooker and fridge all addto the undoubted attractions of this ‘van. Thecabinets are stylish, well put together and solid.The colours of the fabrics and curtains, thoughfashionable, are of a style that will not becomedated after a year or two.

I loved the layout. The designers have fitted alot into a conveniently short body length withoutthe interior looking cluttered. The storage spaceprovided would keep me happy for a prolongedtour.

Shed-loads of natural light in the interior show

that someone has worked out what it is that webuy motorcaravans for. It’s also a nice ‘van tolook at on the outside, which is not of thegreatest importance, but, if something is going tocost you in the region of £34,000, it helps if its

looks are something that you can be proud of.If, like me, you enjoy the experience of

camping for the outside ambience, rather than the‘tucked up at home’ feeling, have a good look atthe Seascape, it might just be the ‘van for you.


specification



ROADTEST✔✘✘✔✔

I LIKEDAiry, uncluttered layoutEasy to make lounge bedFull-sized cookerStainless steel drainerSwivelling captain’s chairVersatile lighting optionsBottle clips below wardrobeLarge waste water dump-valve

I WOULD HAVE LIKEDMore kitchen worktopLarger shower curtain to keepthe towel rail dryExtractor fan in kitchen

I DISLIKEDFirmness of the bedNarrow bathroom access whenlounge bed is made up

summary THE VEHICLE� Base vehicle and engine type: Fiat Ducato 15 MWB chassis cab with

galvanised steel extension, 2.8-litre common-rail turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder diesel engine

� Output: 94kW (127bhp) @ 3600 rpm� Max torque: 300Nm (221lb ft) @ 1800rpm� Gearbox and drive: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive� Brakes: All-round self-adjusting discs with dual-circuit and servo

assistance� Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion� Suspension: Front – independent MacPherson strut type, with coil

springs and integral telescopic dampers. Rear – semi-elliptic leaf springs with telescopic dampers, rigid axle

� Tyres fitted: Michelin XC Camping 215/70 R15C� Spare wheel position: Underslung in cradle at extreme rear of chassis� Fuel tank capacity/type of fuel: 80 litres (17.6 gallons), diesel� Instruments: Speedo, rev counter, fuel level, LCD panel with trip/total

mileage and digital clock� Warning lamps: High coolant temp, brake warning, check engine,

alternator charge, low oil pressure, diesel preheater, fuel low, headlamps main beam, sidelights/dipped beam, rear fog lamps, water in fuel, indicators, airbag function

� Windscreen wiper controls: Stalk-mounted, two speeds plus intermittent, flick and wash/wipe

� Immobiliser/alarm: Electronic ignition immobiliser, ignition key activated. No vehicle alarm fitted

� Other features: One-touch electric windows, electric mirrors, 12V socket,cigarette lighter, map/document holder, lockable glove box, headlamps adjustable from cab, driver’s airbag, Blaupunkt single CD/radio, adjustable steering column, adjustable upper seatbelt mountings


LIVE-IN TEST REPORT


Avondale Seascape 5-SLX kindly supplied for evaluation by:Avondale Coachcraft Ltd, Carlyon Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV91JE (tel: 01827 715231; web site: www.avondalecaravans.co.uk)

E&OE

supplied by

PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY� Achieved 30-50 mph acceleration time: 8 seconds (3rd gear)� Fuel consumption during test: 28.4 mpg overall

THE CARAVAN� Body type and construction: Sandwich construction coachbuilt with

GRP clad walls. 5mm moulded GRP roof, nose and rear panels � Insulation: Sides and roof - 24mm polystyrene between outer skin and

3mm faced ply inner. Floor - ply and Styrofoam sandwich, total 40mm� Conversion NCC badged as EN1646 compliant: Awaiting approval at

time of test� Warranty: Three years base vehicle, three years caravan� Number of keys required: Four. One for cab doors/caravan door/ignition;

one for gas locker/toilet servicing hatch; one for water filler; one for skirt locker

� Windows and doors: All double-glazed acrylic. Door window side-hinged. Nearside window, adjacent to swivelling chair, side-hinged. Others top-hinged: one in kitchen and two in rear lounge area. One in bathroom (obscured)

� Additional ventilation: Heki II rooflight in central kitchen area. Mini Heki rooflight above rear lounge. Mini Heki rooflight above overcab bed. Push-up rooflight in bathroom

� Blinds/curtains: Cassette blinds and flyscreens on main rooflight, and allwindows except door (no flyscreen). Pleated blinds and flyscreens on mini Heki rooflights. Flyscreen only on bathroom rooflight. Curtains in heavy, loosely woven textured fabric on all windows except door, kitchen and bathroom. Similar curtains around cab and in front of overcab bed

� 230V AC system: Mains hook-up feeds integral control and distribution/battery charger unit with RCD and MCBs feeding refrigerator and three 13A sockets (one at floor level, one near sink, one adjacent to TV aerial socket)

� 12V DC system: Single caravan battery feeds DC circuits via control panel above caravan door. Touch pad operates water pump, lighting and auxiliaries. LCD display shows clock, freshwater level, internal temperature, lighting on/off and vehicle/caravan battery condition. 12V socket adjacent to TV aerial socket

� Capacity of caravan battery: 85 amp hr� Lighting: All 12V. Three fluorescent strips on main ceiling. Adjustable

halogen spots: two over cooker and sink, two beside swivel chair, three above L-shaped sofa, two in overcab area. Two halogen downlighters in bathroom. Tungsten awning light, step light and wardrobe light

� Cooking facilities: Spinflo Caprice 2002 full-sized cooker. Hob with four gas rings and hinged glass lid, separate grill and oven. Push-button ignition throughout

� Extractor fan/cooker hood: None fitted� Refrigerator: Dometic RM6271 with three-way operation and full-width

freezer compartment. Capacity 77 litres� Sink and drainer: Rectangular stainless steel sink and drainer with

hinged glass lid� Water system: Underslung fresh water tank, Shurflo pump. Pressurised

hot and cold water to kitchen, bathroom basin and shower mixer taps� Water heater: Truma Trumatic Ultrastore gas-only operation, capacity 10

litres (2.2 gallons)� Fresh water tank: Outboard mounted, between main chassis frames

forward of rear axle, capacity 50 litres (11 gallons)� Fresh water level gauge: Push button to read graduated LCD display� Waste water tank: Outboard mounted, between main chassis frames

rear of rear axle, capacity 50 litres (11 gallons)� Waste water level gauge: None fitted� Space heating: Eberspächer D2 Airtronic diesel-fired blown-air, two

ducted outlets, one each in living area and bathroom� Gas locker: Externally accessed, fixed regulator, capacity two 7kg

cylinders� Washroom: Offside rear located washroom with corner basin, mixer tap

and mirror, cabinets above and below. Showerhead on riser rail, with separate mixer tap. Thetford swivel-bowl manual-flush cassette toilet. High-level cabinet with towel rail under. Full shower tray with two outlets, nylon shower curtain

� Seating: One four-seater L-shaped sofa, one swivelling captain’s chair, two swivelling cab seats

� Table(s)/storage: One freestanding table with folding legs, one small table on swivelling swan-neck beside captain’s chair. No dedicated storage

� Berths: Three/four: two in lounge double, one/two in overcab (see text)� Rear restraints: One three-point seatbelt to captain’s chair� Wardrobe: Offside located, two door. Left-hand door to side-to-side

hanging rail. Right-hand door to shelved storage. Wide drawer in base� Flooring: Removable carpet over wood block-effect vinyl in living area.

Fixed carpet in cab� Additional features: Rear stereo speakers, additional storage under rear

sofa, ten overhead aircraft-style lockers, external skirt locker, electric cassette step, rear steadies

Overall length 5.86m (19ft 3in)*

Ove

rall

wid

th2.

25m

(7ft

4.5

in)*

DIMENSIONS (*Denotes figure supplied by base vehicle manufacturer or converter)� Overall length: 5.86m (19ft 3in)*� Overall width (excluding mirrors): 2.25m (7ft 4.5in)*� Overall width (including mirrors): 2.49m (8ft 2in)*� Overall height: 2.95m (9ft 8in)*� Length of wheelbase: 3.20m (10ft 7in)� Length of rear overhang: As measured from centre of rear wheels,

1.75m (5ft 9in) - 54.68 per cent of wheelbase� Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 12.10m (39ft 8.5in)� Driver’s max leg length: 1.00m (3ft 3.5in)� Step-up height to caravan: Step one 300mm (1ft), step two 220mm

(8.5in), step three 200mm (8in)� Door aperture: 1.87m x 530mm (6ft 1.5in x 1ft 9in)� Interior length from dash: 4.40m (14ft 5in)� Interior length behind cab: 3.45m (11ft 4in)� Interior width at waist height: 2.04m (6ft 8.5in)� Interior height: 1.90m (6ft 3in)� Work surface height: 870mm (2ft 10in)� Table dimensions: Free-standing table 900mm L x 600mm W x 680mm H

(2ft 11.5in x 1ft 11.5in x 2ft 3in). Table on swivel arm 450mm L x 400mm W x 730mm H (1ft 5.5in x 1ft 3.5in x 2ft 4.5in)

� Bed dimensions: Overcab:Mattress length: 1.70m (5ft 7in)Mattress width: 990mm (3ft 3in)Mattress depth: 50mm (2in)Available headroom: 610mm (2ft) maxLounge double:Mattress length: 1.96m (6ft 5in)Mattress width: 1.20mm (3ft 11in)Mattress depth: 150mm (6in)

� Shower compartment: 1.18m W x 820mm D x 1.91m H (3ft 10.5in x 2ft 8in x 6ft 3in)

� Wardrobe: 530mm W x 560mm max D x 1.23m H (1ft 9in x 1ft 10in x 4ft 0.5in)

� Gas locker: 545mm W x 280mm D x 592mm H (1ft 9.5in x 11in x 1ft 11.5in)

� Gas locker door aperture: 310mm W x 460mm H (1ft x 1ft 6in)� Max authorised weight: 3400kg� Unladen weight: 2898kg*� Load capacity: 502kg*

PRICE (All prices include VAT)Standard model (as tested): £33,995 (on the road)

OPTIONAL EXTRAS� Base vehicle options: Maxi chassis (£2000), 2.3JTD engine (less £1000),

ABS (£1044), ASR (£120), air-conditioning (£1560), alarm (£396), cruise control (£238), passenger airbag (£262), walnut-effect dashboard trim (£95)

� Caravan options: 230V air-conditioning (£1150), bicycle rack (£195), Omnivent (£275), Omnistor awning (£560), Status TV aerial (£175), water tank winterisation kit (£195)


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