The Elddis Avanté range was introduced as a response to the ever-increasing market share taken by Bailey’s Ranger line-up – for 2001, Elddis added the Avanté to offer an excellent spec for a reasonable price.
The new range was a hit with buyers, with a choice of layouts to tempt families and couples.
It also spawned the Compass Corona line-up, and soon after, proved the ideal base for many dealer specials. By 2009 it was well established as a selection of tourers offering large front gas lockers and generally good storage. The end washrooms also benefited from their very spacious design.
Microwave, full oven, fridge, blown-air heating, overhead extractor fan and a Status TV aerial – the Avanté wanted for little in terms of kit. The BPW chassis with Winterhoff hitch stabiliser added stability.
One small minus point was the 2009 upholstery, which wasn’t particularly popular.
Model history
The 505 is a generous tourer, sleeping up to five. The double dinette, with a large lounge, central kitchen, and washroom and wardrobe opposite, proved especially flexible for families.
The rear dinette has a fold-up bunk for the fifth berth and will seat four people with ease.
There’s really good storage throughout the interior, with plenty of overhead lockers.
First launched for the 2001 season, over the years, the 505’s double-dinette layout would fall out of favour with customers. Elddis added the 505, a stretched version, but sales dropped. From 2008, the profile was changed and the width was increased.
As a used buy, this layout is once more very popular – find one in the current market and you’ll have to move fast!
The 505 did have quite a long run, however – it was available from 2001 to 2010 – so excellent examples can still be found on the forecourts.
The spacious interior and good level of spec made the Avanté Club 505 a very desirable choice for families who are in the market for a high-quality, roomy tourer that sleeps five and offers and adaptable layout.
Check for
- Cracking in back panel
- Damp in rear of van
- Good support from mattresses on fixed beds
- Delamination in floor
- Interior wall edging tape coming away
- Fading in the front and rear GRP panels
- Loose cupboard hinges
Alternatives
You might take a look at the lightweight Bailey Ranger GT60 500/5, which has a great spec and keeps its width to 7ft 2in. Expect to pay £9000 to £10,000 for a good one.
Another lightweight option is Lunar’s 2014 Quasar 525, with the same layout and good spec, at around the £9,495 mark.
Price checker
Trying to find another 505 for comparison was no easy task – they are snapped up at the moment! However, you can expect to £7995 to £8995 for one in good order and more like £10,195 for excellent condition and a motor mover. Others in the range are priced as follows:
- 362: £6995 to £7695
- 462: £7995 to £8295
- 474: £8195 to £8595
- 524: £7995 to £8195
- 544: £9195 to £9695
- 556: £8995 to £9495
- 624: £9995 to £10,495
- 626: £10,495 to £10,995
Verdict
The Avanté is popular because it has a selection of layouts and a good spec. The storage is very generous and end-washroom models have a sizeable shower cubicle – another plus.
The 505 we saw was in good order, except for a dent on the offside and a grazed awning rail. The only other minus point in the side washroom is the fold-down basin, not everyone’s choice.
Interested in a more modern Elddis? Then see what we made of the Elddis Avanté 550 when we reviewed it.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.
The 505 is a generous tourer, sleeping up to five. The double dinette with a large lounge, kitchen and washroom, proved flexible for families
