Elddis Avanté 866

The Elddis Avanté 866 is one of the longest, widest six-berths you can buy. It has bunks, a full-sized washroom and a U-shaped central dining area

The Elddis Avanté 866 is one of the longest, widest six-berths you can buy. It has bunks, a full-sized washroom and a U-shaped central dining area.

When Elddis launched the eight-feet-wide six-berth 866, the company redefined family caravanning, offering a maximum width, twin-axle tourer at a price and weight that competes with standard width caravans.

Yet the 866 is 19cm wider than standard width caravans in the Avanté range. That doesn't just mean there is plenty of space.

What's possible with this caravan?

It means that it has a layout that would not be possible in a standard width caravan. The really original element of the design is at the rear, where there's a full-sized washroom with separate shower, a small dining area for children, plus bunk beds, all lined up across the width of the caravan.

The shower room is aligned longitudinally, with the shower at the rear and the washbasin and toilet forward of it. There's as much space in this washroom as many you find running the full width of a caravan.

And there's more.

U-shaped seating

The extra width allows for wide, U-shaped seating around a dining table opposite the kitchen. This area makes into a double bed; the ends of the seating pull out to create a bed that's 1.28m wide and 1.9m long.

The double bed that can be made from the lounge is slightly larger, at 1.43m wide and 2.12m long. So, although the 866 is well capable of sleeping six, it will equally appeal to families looking for a four-berth; in this mode, you can choose to create your double bed in the lounge or in the dining area, so offering very desirable flexibility.

Details

At 1734kg MTPLM this is one colossal caravan that is towable by a wide range of cars.
Heating is the Whale 4.3kW system which runs on runs on gas, electric or both. It has the Whale iVan touchscreen control. The water heater is Whale's eight-litre unit, mounted under the caravan.

The upholstery is Aquaclean, designed to resist stains. Cabinetry has positive catches.

Options include wraparound front seating; you get additional soft furnishings to create a U-shaped lounge, and the buyer also gets the removable chest of drawers. That option costs £259.

Among other options are an alarm system with PIR and leg sensor, at £310, a tracker system for £280 and two AL-KO Secure wheel locks, plus a jack, for £605. Also, you can go for an outside access locker to the lounge under-seating storage space (£77) and a mains power point inside it (£66); that's ideal if you want to use something mains-powered in your awning.

Verdict

If you want a caravan capable of sleeping six and are also looking for plenty of space in all of its areas, the Elddis Avanté 866 is one to consider. Its little dining/playing area alongside the bunks at the rear is a delight; kids love bunks, and they'll like this arrangement even better.

If you want a caravan capable of sleeping six and are also looking for plenty of space in all of its areas, the Elddis Avanté 866 is one to consider. Its little dining/playing area alongside the bunks at the rear is a delight; kids love bunks, and they’ll like this arrangement even better.