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Avondale Argente 642-4

Key Features

Model Year 2007
Class Twin Axle
Price From (£) 16,495
Internal Length (m) 6.47
Shipping Length (m) 7.93
MRO (kg) 1388
MTPLM (kg) 1,650
Max Width (m) 2.22
External Height (m) 2.56
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Full review

THERE was a time not so long ago that you could clock an Avondale at fifty paces thanks to its distinctive shape.

The front end, roof and rear end were all unique to Avondale. But then the company started to make changes - like introducing the Dart and Argente ranges.

Gone was the Avondale roof with its lantern light window and the front and rear panels started to look pretty much the same as all the other caravans produced by the competition.

Things certainly ain’t what they used to be - but design doesn’t stand still and the Argente 642-4 is a very nice looking ‘van nonetheless.

The ‘van is a twin axle model with a near-centre fixed bedroom and a rear washroom.

Externally we liked the low level position of the road lights which can be clearly seen by oncoming traffic, but which minimise the risk of damage due to water ingress.

There is a BBQ gas point at the front corner of the nearside panel, just forward of a 13amp socket. Then comes the entrance door forward of the front axle. The door is right-hand hung.

Moving rearwards from the door there is an access door to the space under the fixed bed followed by the access door and filler of the Thetford toilet. Last, but by no means least, is the gas cylinder compartment at the rear nearside corner.

Instead of a window in the rear panel, Avondale has fitted a large obscure glazed one in the nearside wall of the washroom compartment above the swivel toilet.

On the offside, forward of the front axle, is the inboard tank filler and the flue for the Truma Ultrastore G/E water heater.

As you enter the van the kitchen area is facing you. Immediately to the right of the doorway is a dresser unit at the bottom of which is the Ultraheat space heater.

Interestingly, on the wall above the top of the dresser is a group of AV sockets. Continuing on towards the rear of the van you come to the fixed bed area separated from the front kitchen and lounge by a plastic concertina door.

caravan bed
The Avondale's bed
The bed itself is mounted along the nearside wall. It’s 6ft 3in x 4ft 4in, and although we weren’t too worried about the width, anyone over 6ft tall might find the bed a bit on the short side.

Also, the person sleeping next to the wall will have to climb over the person on the inboard side.

At the rear is the washing/dressing room which runs the full width of the van. This is very well appointed and is one of the best features of the 642-4, especially as it includes the wardrobe (which is a bit on the small side for four people’s clothes).

Two places where Avondale hasn’t compromised however, are the fully lined shower cubicle and the huge washbasin set into the marble effect top of the floor cupboard.

The front lounge is fairly standard - a long seat down each side with a chest of drawers between them.

The kitchen is well equipped with a four-burner hob and a separate Spinflo Caprice III grill and oven, whilst a 77-litre capacity three-way fridge with a full width freezer has also been fitted.

caravan lounge
Fairly standard lounge
Like the hob and oven, the fridge has electronic ignition. Although there is plenty of storage space for food, cutlery and crockery in the floor unit and roof lockers, the amount of working surface isn’t great, but that said, you could always use the working top on the dresser opposite the kitchen unit.

It’s also worth noting that the roof locker immediately above the cooker has a 13amp socket for a microwave.

The elm wood finish furniture creates a warm feeling throughout the van while the two panoramic roof lights - one in the lounge area and one in the bedroom - help make it light and airy.

Flyscreens and blinds are fitted to all the main windows - incidentally, the window in the door can be opened and has an insect screen - and sprung upholstery and removable carpets are standard. The only obvious omission is the lack of a full height insect screen at the door.

Our verdict:

The exterior of the Argente 642-4 is anything but exciting and lacks the charisma of the Avondales of earlier years. The interior however, has much to commend it and certainly lacks for almost nothing in terms of equipment specification.

As far as the layout is concerned we’re not too happy that those sleeping at the front of the van have to walk through the fixed bed area to reach the washroom.

E





* A full version of this review appeared in the November 2006 issue of Which Caravan. To order a road test reprint contact Tina Beaumont on 01778 391187.

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