Verdict
An attractive van with very clever storage solutions but too hefty for many caravanners.
Pros
The storage options throughout are very impressive
There are some nice detailed touches such as the slide-out cabinet and fixed unit in the lounge, which make it an attractive caravan to walk into.
Cons
There is no rooflight in the lounge and the mains light is small making the area quite dark
Extra cushions are needed to make up the front double and bunks and these must be stored
Its plated weight may put potential buyers off
Accommodating a large family of 5 or 6 has always been a challenge to manufacturers, usually solved by a triple-bunk layout. This van offers an alternative layout that is more flexible. Adria’s Adora range was the first to offer this fixed-bed 6-berth layout and they did it on a single-axle. The layout was quickly picked up by Bailey and the Swift Group who chose twin-axle models. They later followed with single-axle versions along with Sprite, Elddis and Lunar.
This layout offers families the luxury of a fixed bed, but with the option of bunks and the front double for children, as well as plenty of space for lounging in the evenings.
This is a big caravan to have on a single axle, giving extra space for plenty of storage, bigger beds and a more functional wash-room. Bed options include the fixed double at the rear of the van, a side dinette that converts into two bunks and a large make-up double at the front of the caravan.
Storage in this van is plentiful, with specialised storage such as a spice rack plus dedicated table storage below the shelving unit that divides the lounge and kitchen. The interior styling is traditional and the caravan packs extras such as a 97-litre fridge, a domestic style washroom door, a TV stand and a drinks cabinet. Does the layout really work well for large families, though?
Only one mains socket is provided which is awkwardly placed low down next the oven
Pitching & Setting-up
New silver and blue graphics have freshened up the Adora range this season. It has an Al-Ko chassis and stabiliser, buttonless handbrake and 13-pin electrics. The front locker lifts up high on a single gas strut and has space for two gas bottles and spare wheel. The front steadies are set back at an awkward angle making access difficult. External kit includes a gas barbecue point and awning light.
The split entrance door has a chunky domestic handle, flyscreen and waste bin. Inside the mains controls and heating dials are positioned in the lounge.
Living
The neutral upholstery is easy on the eye and complements the warm woodwork. A cream trim and brushed silver handles on the lockers also add a modern twist.
The lounge seats are a good length and have deep knee rolls plus scatter cushions for extra comfort. An additional bolster gives the option to create wrap around seating.
A lack of roof light means natural daylight is restricted. Other lighting includes a row of three ceiling lights with day and evening settings, two corner and two spotlights.
In place of a centre chest there is a flip-up table large enough to rest a couple of plates and glasses. When the extendable dining table is up it sits neatly in line to make a good sized dining area. A side dinette also provides extra seating and dining space.
The main lounge is completed with two speakers and two mains sockets.
Kitchen
The Adora’s kitchen is equipped with a three gas burner hob, separate oven and grill, sink with recessed drainer and 97litre fridge. Both the sink and hob have glass covers that can be used as workspace if needed. There is also a decent amount of worktop at either end of the kitchen plus a clever slide out extension.
Only one mains socket is provided which is awkwardly placed low down next the oven. Plugging in a kettle or toaster may prove difficult and dangerous. It would be better if situated above on the wall, which is an option that some dealers will offer.
The kitchen benefits from a large rooflight, mains ceiling light and strip lighting under the lockers.
Washroom
Great use has been made of the offside washroom space. The basin sits opposite the fixed bed and there is a large mirror with spotlight above. The storage around the basin is impressive. There is a large curved cupboard under the basin with shelves, plus numerous open cubbies and another large cupboard with shelving.
A solid domestic door leads into the shower and toilet. The shower is at the front and has a fabric shower curtain and rail for towels. Behind is a Thetford bench toilet with electric flush. There is a shelving unit above this with spotlights. However there isn’t a rooflight, loo roll holder or hooks.
Beds
The nearside fixed bed measures 2.10m x 1.36m and has padded head and wallboards. There are shelves in both corners that are large enough to rest a cup on. Two frosted tubular spot lights complete the cosy area which can be shut off with a solid wood sliding door.
The dinette area converts swiftly into bunks. The table is used to convert the lower bunk while the top sits on brackets. Fitting cushions in the top bunk is a squeeze when the guardrails are on. The lower bunk is less of a struggle and requires extra cushioned strips to make the bed snug. There are no spotlights for the upper bunk but the lower benefits from one.
The front lounge converts to a large double bed using pull-out slats. Two spotlights are based at the far end of the lounge, so if both people require a reading light they’re restricted to sleeping length ways.
Storage
As well as impressive washroom storage, the rest of the Adora’s storage is also good. Under the fixed bed there is masses of room for larger items and an external locker for easier access. Overhead there are four lockers and an attractive frosted corner unit. These are all a good size but lack shelves.
The kitchen offers great solutions too. Above the sink there are three lockers with dedicated plate and cup racks. Either side of these there are rows of open shelves. Between the fridge and oven are also three deep slide-out drawers, and it doesn’t end there. At the far end of the kitchen is a slide-out unit which houses a rotating spice rack /TV stand and illuminated drinks cabinet.
Plus beneath this is another cupboard with three huge deep drawers and pockets in the door. This cupboard would be a great space for clothes or groceries. Opposite the kitchen is a wardrobe with large hanging space and a shelf.
The dinette has three decent sized overhead lockers without shelves, and there is storage under both seats. A tall shelving unit splits the lounge and dinette. Besides being an attractive feature it is ideal for display items or extra workspace. A dedicated cupboard for the dining table is under the unit.
In the lounge there are four overhead lockers. Two of these are small but deep enough for books and magazines. There is good storage space under both seats. Access to these is via a fiddly process of removing the cushions and balancing the MDF cover, as there are no front flaps.
Opposite the entrance door there is an additional cupboard with shelves.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 6 |
| MiRO | 1380 kg |
| Payload | 320 kg |
| MTPLM | 1700 kg |
| Shipping Length | 7.98 m |
| Width | 2.29 m |
