Full review

Exterior

The first feature of the 636 to catch the eye is that is has two axles, which gives it enhanced stability and makes the whole towing process a more relaxing one compared to single-axle caravans.

Second? The big, bold grey and blue graphics of 2013 Sports are real eye-catchers. The window shapes (slightly tapered, so that they’re wider at the top than the bottom) contribute to the distinctive look of these caravans. And the sheer size of the 636, together with its bold graphics, means it’s a head-turning caravan both on the
road and on a pitch.

Interior

However impressive the graphics and window shape, though, nobody ever picked a caravan because of its exterior appearance (we hope). What matters most is layout…

There are two ways of approaching caravanning for families of six. You can buy a smallish six-berth and a full awning; in that scenario your awning is pretty much essential for every trip. Or you can buy a maximum-length six-berth, and enjoy the option of not having to use your awning every time you go away.

The Eccles Sport 636 is one of only a handful of caravans which can truly accommodate six comfortably. That’s not just about berth numbers. It’s about living space, dining space and layout adaptability to suit differing family needs.

The key to the efficiency of this layout is the central dining area. It’s wide enough for four children to sit, and just about wide enough for adults, provided they’re reasonably slim. This area can create a single bed
with a bunk above. But, think of it another way – if there are four, rather than six, in your family, the 636 is an ideal
layout because it gives you a permanent dining-playing area.

Twin bunks are tucked away in the nearside corner, each with a small light and shelf for books and phones.

The shower room is in the other rear corner. It’s small, by shower room standards but it does have a separate shower.
In between the shower and the bunks is a full-height wardrobe, with shelves down one side and a large space for shoes beneath the hanging space. And there’s a surprise. The 636 has a second wardrobe, just forward of the shower room. It gives you jacket-length hanging depth because it’s above the fridge.

So, clothing storage is brilliant in this caravan and, with seven top lockers plus spaces under two settees, the dining area and under the bottom fixed bunk, storage overall is impressive.

The spacious story continues in the kitchen, with a working surface of over a metre wide and a suite of cabinets and drawers that would match a small domestic kitchen in size. The cabinets give you four deep, wide shelf spaces plus pull-out wire-basket drawers. Three drawers give you ample space for cutlery, cooking utensils and more. And opposite the kitchen, in the cabinet that divides the lounge from the dining area, two more wire baskets and space below give you even more kitchen accommodation.

The Sport range features the Truma Combi central heating system which, in the 636, sends warm air out through four outlets. The heater unit is under the offside settee, and warm air rises from behind the backrest that’s above the heater unit, too.

The settees are long enough to make single beds. That also means they make great daytime relaxing places; time to appreciate the unique design and very supportive forward end bolster-armrests. They’re in two sections and wedge-shaped.

The top section of each settee is angled to perfectly support your back when you sit here with your feet up, or alternatively it’ll support your head, if you decide to stretch out and relax to watch your television on its shelf next to the aerial and power points on the cabinet forward of the ample dining area.

When four want to dine in the lounge, the freestanding table comes into use; it’s stored neatly and handily away in its own cabinet alongside the fridge.

It’s a substantial structure and easily wide and long enough for family dining requirements.