The Sterling Eccles 590 from 2017 provided a great spec, including the optional Alde heating and the Lux pack, which offered all sorts of attractive extras.
This example was in really first-class condition and would make an excellent choice for a larger family shopping on a limited budget for a 6 berth caravan.
With GRP sides, a solar panel and ATC, the Eccles was a great range of tourers during the 2017 season. There are also no fewer than nine caravan layouts to choose from – something for everyone!
Model history of the Sterling Eccles 590
As makes of caravan go, Sterling, a division of the Swift Group, was considered a trendsetter in its time, and the brand grew to have its own set of dealerships. The Eccles name is the oldest in the caravan world, associated with quality and innovation – in fact, it appears in our best used caravan guide, courtesy of the Sport 524 (2015). In the 1930s, it set endurance records, too, including a hugely impressive 1934 trip across the Middle East, taking in the Sahara with just a team of three.
The 590 itself was originally launched for 2016, although the layout had been used before.
This six-berth provided a very popular configuration in the family market, offering a large lounge, kitchen and washroom.
The offside was fitted with double bunk beds, with a side dinette opposite that could be made up into another bed, and a folding bunk above that.
The Eccles was contemporary in both design and décor, and came with superb spec. Truma blown-air heating was standard, but as an option, Sterling added Alde heating when the caravan was purchased new.
There was also the Lux pack, which provided some valuable additions, such as a barbecue point, an illuminated kitchen splashback, an exterior mains socket, external-access locker, and a key-fob operated alarm and awning light.
This was introduced for 2017 as part of an upgrade option, and it’s worth looking out for.
Price checker
Checking prices, we found there were not that many 590s around, indicating that keen owners tend to keep hold of them. But we did find a few, and all with the same spec. From dealers, these were on at about £17,995. Private sales were on or near the £16,995 mark. For the rest of the range, you can expect to pay:
- 480 £14,405-£15,995
- 510 £17,995-£18,495
- 530 £17,495-£17,995
- 560 £17,995-£18,295
- 565 £17,995-£18,495
- 580 £18,595-£18,795
- 635 £18,765-£18,995
- 645 £18,999-£19,595
What to look out for in a used 2017 Sterling Eccles 590
- Repairs to GRP side panels
- Faded gas locker/front panel
- Secure internal fittings
- Functioning solar panel
- Damage to tyres and alloys
- Cracking in sunroof window
- Signs of wear and tear
Alternative models
An Elddis Crusader Tempest (2011) is ideal for caravanners with a growing family, with the six-berth offering excellent locker storage and a spacious lounge. Alternatively, if you can get by with four-berths, the Bailey Discovery D4-4 (2021) is lightweight and distinctively styled, yet surprisingly spacious inside.
Verdict on the Sterling Eccles 590 (2017)
The Eccles was a great range, and if you find one with the Lux pack, even more desirable.
They still look modern, and the build quality is excellent. Check for the usual problems and on the family-sized 590, watch for signs of heavy use and wear and tear.
Swift’s SMART construction means there’s no wood in the bodywork. Our 590 was a great used buy, and unlikely to stop for long on the forecourt.
Technical spec
- Berths: 6
- MTPLM: 1600kg
- MiRO: 1419kg
- Payload: 181kg
- Internal length: 5.84m
- Width: 2.24m
See what I made of another tourer from Sterling too, the Sterling Eccles Sport SR 564, a lightweight and well-appointed caravan.
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