We round up some of the great new arrivals from the major caravan manufacturers
As interest in the market continues to surge, caravan manufacturers are unveiling their offerings for the coming season. We highlight great new launches from the major brands
Slovenian manufacturer Adria updates its three main caravan ranges on a rotating basis. So while last season, it was the turn of the mid-ranking Adora models to have a revamp, this year, that honour has passed to the top-range Alpinas.
For 2022, they include a feature that was first introduced on the Adoras last season: a wind diffuser on each front corner.
But there are other changes to the outside, too, including a new design for the gas bottle locker door, and a more automotive-style rear panel, with an LED light cluster running right the way across the caravan, and a black bumper below. There is also LED lighting along the awning rail.
New profile
Inside, the corner headrests on the front lounge seating are now height-adjustable, and come with more of a curve.
The overhead lockers have a new profile, while remaining concave in shape, and come with removable shelving. The fixed beds are now 4cm taller than in previous models, to allow for more storage space underneath.
There are new USB ports in some of the spotlights, while another welcome addition is the portable, chargeable light that you can use in different locations, both within the caravan and outside.
The control panels over the entrance door now also include settings for the lighting, and for Adria’s MACH remote control and monitoring system.
As in the previous season, the Alpina range comprises just two four-berth models: the single-axle Mississippi and twin-axle Colorado. The only other new model comes in the specialist Action range, designed for sportier types. The four-berth 391PH has been sold on the Continent for years, but is being made available in the UK for the first time this season.
Elsewhere, the Adoras now come with Stone Island upholstery, while Alteas have Flavie as standard and Gilles as an option.
Bailey doesn’t do season launches in the same way as the other companies do, with everything for the new year revealed at the same time. But the main focus this summer has been on launching the Bristol firm’s fifth-generation Unicorn range.
Now no longer its most upmarket offering, following the launch of the Alicanto, and still a conventional width in contrast to both the Alicanto and the Pegasus Grande SE, the Unicorns have, however, been given quite an overhaul, with an even bigger central front window and pre-wiring for Wi-fi.
Seamless integration
That window on the new Unicorns is 50% bigger than it was on the Black Edition, and has been more seamlessly integrated into the Alu-tech shell.
Following customer demand for more payload, MTPLMS have been increased on all continuing models. The caravans also come pre-wired for Wi-fi, with an Avtex router available as an option.
There are still seven versions, with all of the island-bed models remaining as before. The corner-bed Valencia has been dropped, along with the two-berth Merida, but in their place the Madrid, a four-berth with a side dinette, has been reintroduced to the range, while the two-berth Seville continues with a slightly altered rear washroom.
The four-berth fixed-single-bed Cadiz completes the Unicorn line-up.
The Buccaneer brand had the lion’s share of new models last year, and the range is also the main focus at Erwin Hymer UK for the 2022 season, with a completely new look for all models, inside and out.
For the new season, all Buccaneers come with a redesigned front profile, offering a flush-fitting tinted window with a new leakproof hinge, a cantilevered gas bottle locker door, and a wider skylight.
The rear panel gets a smart new light cluster, while there are new alloy wheels and graphics down the side of the van.
Interior design
Inside, there’s a fresh look for the front corner lockers, and new locker door handles. In addition to the new-season Rococo upholstery scheme, all worktops throughout the van, except for the front chest, come with two-tone brushed edging.
The washrooms have also had a complete overhaul, with new lighting, a redesigned shower cubicle, improved storage space, and a smart splashback that co-ordinates with the shower tiles.
Options available include a mobile internet and Wi-fi system, and a rack
for an e-bike. Five models remain in the range: Bermuda, Commodore, Cruiser, Aruba and Barracuda.
Among the other Erwin Hymer UK brands, the main development is a new 585 layout in Xplore, Elddis Avanté and Compass Casita ranges. This features an L-shaped lounge at the rear – ideal for children – which can be converted into a bunk and a double bed as required.
All Erwin Hymer models now come with Dometic’s Series 10 two-way opening fridge where appropriate, and all of them, like the Buccaneers, have a mobile internet and Wi-fi system as an option. Avanté/casita models get extra lighting, Affinity/capiro vans have a drying rail in the washroom as standard, and Crusader/camino have a new kitchen splashback design and a wireless charger with two USB ports.
Knaus is offering a special electric-only edition of one of its Sport models for 2022, which comes with a smart control unit that automatically adjusts the power distribution in the caravan, depending on what you are doing, so that you never blow a fuse.
Adjustable power
The epower option is available on 10 Sport and three Südwind models on the Continent for 2022. These are 50kg lighter than gas-powered alternatives. Only one, the rear-corner-bed Sport 500UF, is being imported into the UK.
That model will also feature ‘One Night Stand’ battery
aoption that is designed to give you enough power to operate your caravan’s lights, water pump and fridge for one night if you go off-grid.
Meanwhile, the German manufacturer’s budget brand, Weinsberg, will be introducing a larger 83-litre compressor fridge in its Caracito model.
A new induction hob and a smart power control unit will also now be fitted as standard in the electric-only version of the Caracito.