Full review

Two newcomers to the Sterling Eccles gemstone range arrive for 2009 at the same price, with the same fixed-bed appeal - but very different bedroom arrangements.

The Ruby gets a nearside bed with a full-width rear washroom; the Quartz gets an island bed with washing arrangements forward of the bed; the shower and toilet rooms are opposite one another.

Both Ruby and Quartz give you the luxury of a fixed bed, end washroom, separate shower layout but without the size and weight of a twin-axle. At less than 1600kg MTPLM it doesn’t need a leviathan to tow it.
     Ruby specification is high. It includes shock absorbers, LED spotlights, fluorescent lights above the lockers and thick pile carpet (it has a 45-ounce pile weight) and an alarm system.

The Ruby, though, has much more than Sterling high spec and this year’s pale woodwork to clinch its appeal. It has style in spadesful and some superbly innovative features. Topping this list has to be the television cabinet. In the wall that divides bed from lounge is a slim cabinet. This is a cleverly disguised television cabinet. It has a button-catch handle below it. Open the catch – use both hands because the housing, when a television is in place, is heavy – now your television is lowered to its watch position.

The Ruby’s star feature is its end washroom. You’ll notice the amount of floorspace in the centre of the washroom – and then your eyes will be drawn to the door of the shower, totally domestic in design, in plain, clear plastic. There are two good-sized cabinets, one under the sink, the other above the toilet. It’s a well-designed washroom with lots of space. Full marks to Swift, also, for the inclusion of three towel positions, one loop and two hooks. With most caravans offering only one towel loop, it’s good to see the Ruby’s triple towel arrangements.

Wherever you look in this Ruby you see refinements to admire. Look up and you’ll noticed the pleated rooflight blinds. Move them into the flyscreen position and they’re still pleated style, but in tough black net-type fabric that lets in some light but keeps out strong sun-rays. Now look to shoulder height, right the way round the caravan, and you’ll notice a design feature that seems to pull together the whole light-and-dark colour scheme: a strip of dark wood. Above each locker is a hidden fluorescent tube, delivering a soft white light.

The more time you spend in a Ruby, the more we think you’ll feel at home in the refreshingly different light wood décor. Add in Sterling quality and we think this new arrival will persuade a great many caravanners that now is the time to change.