Full review

Masters Collection is now the name used by Richard Baldwin Motorhomes for its exclusive special edition range.

This Halifax dealership entered the dealer specials market in 2011, with a range of three coachbuilts built by Elddis. Since then, it has regularly offered something unique in the sector – from safety systems to five-year warranties.

Now, RBM has perhaps the most comprehensive line-up of special editions in the market and has just added two new VW T6 campervans to its range.

Several firms were approached to build these, but it was the quality and safety of Hillside’s vehicles that sealed the deal.

So, now the Masters range includes the Caravaggio Lo (pop-top) and Caravaggio Hi (high-top) models, both based on the short-wheelbase T6 and with an identical conversion below roof level.

Up top, the Caravaggio Lo has the usual German rear-hinged rising roof with a full-sized roof bed as standard (maximum weight for occupants 150kg). The Hi version (priced at £49,488) uses a glass-fibre high-top (also from SCA) with additional cupboard space in the roof, but this is a two-berth only.

It’s no surprise that both Caravaggios adopt a classic campervan side kitchen layout, but this is not just a Hillside Birchover with a new name. RBM specifically wanted a design reminiscent of the dearly departed Auto-Sleeper Trooper/Trident, which was once a big seller.

That explains the lower kitchen unit here, as well as the traditional exterior graphics and the dark wood cabinets. As for upholstery, the Caravaggio features the same Burberry-style pattern (Aquaclean for easy maintenance, too) as RBM’s Masters coachbuilt motorhomes.

These campervans also benefit from the same high-spec equipment level as their bigger brothers. A key feature is the DPS 360 system added to the Elddis vehicles in 2018.

This includes four cameras (front, rear and each side) that monitor and record all around the vehicle. On the in-cab monitor you can choose one view or all four. Not only that, but the system is linked to a Category 1 alarm.

The base vehicle is a T6 Highline with 102PS (101bhp) diesel engine and five-speed manual gearbox. The 150PS engine (148bhp) is available for those wanting the DSG automatic. Again, in line with the Masters motorhomes, this little camper gets alloy wheels and heated cab seats. A further nice touch is the powered soft-closing sliding door, while an external barbecue point and solar panel are also standard.

The new Caravaggio campervan comes in Mojave Beige metallic, while inside there are twin swivel cab seats with armrests, an RIB rear bench/bed with adjustable headrests, a walnut-effect dashboard trim kit, Whale water filter system, a kitchen with 45-litre compressor fridge and Smev grill, as well as storage for a portable toilet under the rear seat (and the Dometic loo is included, too). Unusually, the camper comes with a five-year warranty.

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