Detailed Review

LIKE the Adria Adiva 642UP, this caravan is aimed squarely at older couples with two full size single beds towards the rear.

But where the Adria believes its buyers would probably prefer to use site facilities - therefore installing a small (and not very practical) unitary washroom - the DD640 goes in the opposite direction providing a full width washroom at the rear. 

So what about that layout? No surprises at the front with familiar parallel settees complete with the traditional chest of drawers plonked between.

Centrally on the offside is the galley, with entrance door, TV top and wardrobe opposite.


Further back come the full-on nearside and offside single beds with the washroom stretched across the back. 

Full width it may be, but don’t imagine full depth like many UK equivalents such as the Swift Conqueror 655 or Elddis Crusader Super Cyclone, both of which could just about fit a bath in as well.

Dethleffs has obviously decided that as long as the washroom functions perfectly well (which it does) with ample space around loo, sink and within the shower, then the space saved can be used elsewhere - sensible thinking in my book. 

The only drawback we found was where the Conqueror and Super Cyclone also squeeze the wardrobe into the washroom, there’s no room in the Nomad’s washroom for that.

Whilst Dethleffs seem to have the dimensions just right in the washroom, it’s not all perfect.

The Thetford loo forgoes a separate flush tank, and as there’s no onboard water tank to double available water capacity, the ‘van’s external supply is constantly being depleted.

Neither is there any sort of blind or screen to the rear washroom window, which, although opaque, still shows a little too much with the lights on, if you know what I mean.

Otherwise the large cupboard behind the loo, various shelves and cupboards both above and below the sink, all help to make this a washroom more than fit for purpose. If only it were a little more attractive in here for a £20,000 tourer.

Good were the UK-adapted electrics. Bad was the push button handbrake which was the hardest I’ve ever come across to operate, and a constant battle throughout our time with the Nomad.

The interior décor is neutral, made up of varying tones of beige and brown with suede edging to cushions, draught boards, bed heads and pelmet.

The effect is definitely modern but not quite so well executed as we’ve seen elsewhere.

Where our Adria offers a front L-shaped lounge, the Nomad remains traditional with its twin settees, the nearside being around 12 inches shorter than the offside.

Nothing remarkable this end, but there are lower entry flaps to the timber-framed under seat spaces (handy as seat bases don’t self support) whilst two of the four Panasonic radio/CD/MP3 speakers serve this front end.

Most aggravating here is the central chest of drawers that has to be removed every time you make up the forward double bed, and just where do you put it?

We accept very few buyers will make up this front bed, but it is marketed as a four-berth so therefore could be a serious issue with some potential buyers.

The kitchen manages to contradict itself. It provides an excellent high-level cupboard count with varying sizes, shapes and depths. But there’s virtually nothing in the way of or cupboards below, the anorexic knife and fork tray is the only pullout drawer.

Overall, it’s a decent kitchen, but it’s in here that it feels the least like it represents nearly 20 grand of caravan, simply not feeling special enough for the money.

Other than that problematic lower kitchen storage space, finding space to load and store gear around the rest of the caravan is a cinch.

That includes under bed spaces ably held aloft by twin gas struts on each, the wardrobe and the array of eye level lockers above.

Whilst both super singles are as comfortable as the Adria’s, they too lacked anywhere to put spectacles, novel or glass of water.

•    A full version of this review appeared in the February 2007 issue of Which Caravan magazine. To order a road test reprint contact Tina Beaumont on 01778 391187.

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