Adria Altea 542 DT - Practical Caravan

First look, October 2008 Following the current trend for triple-bunks, Adria has introduced a version of its own to the 2009 Altea range.

Verdict

The triple-bunk end-washroom layout is fabulous for families and it’s amazing value too, given the MTPLM of 1300kg.

Pros

The lightweight Altea is big space on a low budget; it should come in at under £10,000

Cons

The washroom’s location means you sacrifice a kiddies’ section that can be shut off

Living

There is space for a family to sit for meals but not together. The front lounge seats four, while two will be relegated to the side dinette. Both convert into decent-size beds, the front dinette to a double and the side to a single. There is a nearside TV stand with drawers below.

Kitchen

The mid-ship, compact offside kitchen features a three-burner gas hob with combined oven and grill and 80-litre Thetford fridge. Strip lighting is fitted under the two overhead lockers, while there are two narrow but deep drawers below the worktop, and a single power point.

Washroom

The washroom has a walk-in shower, Thetford swivel cassette toilet, corner basin with contemporary silver finish, tambour cabinet doors and enough floor space to use as a changing area.

Beds

The 542DT layout features its fixed bunks on the offside but, unlike its rivals’, it has opted for a large washroom next to it in the nearside corner. This should give it huge family appeal.

Each bunk has its own reading light, window and deep-sprung mattress, which look and feel comfy. At lights-out, the bunks can be sealed off with a curtain. However, the washroom’s location means you sacrifice a kiddies’ section that can be shut off.

Storage

There is plenty of storage space, with overhead lockers and seat boxes in the front and side dinettes. The offside wardrobe and an adjoining cupboard with two deep shelves should provide adequate clothing space for all.