Verdict
This tried and tested layout ticks all the boxes, and in the metal the Compass Omega 540 scores lots of points. If we’re being picky, the exterior carries many Elddis design cues, so to our eyes there isn’t a huge difference here.
Pros
Proven layout
Spec includes Alde heating
Ideal for couples
Cons
No sunroof – not even as a cost option
Compass brand looks just like its parent (Elddis)
The mid-market Omega 540 caravan should sit near the top of the Compass sales charts, because it has the classic rear fixed-bed, end-washroom layout – the UK’s most supplied floor plan.
It’s a layout that is a firm favourite with couples touring on their own who want a fixed bed for convenience, plus a good-sized lounge and well-equipped kitchen for entertaining.
The lounge has a bright and airy feel, and the large rooflight lets light flood in
Pitching & Setting-up
All Compass caravans use Al-Ko chassis and running gear. This differentiates them from Elddis products, which use BPW.
The nuts for the front corner steadies are on the side of the van and we found them easy to locate; the ones at the back run just under the rear skirt. The battery box and hook-up cable are located to the front of the axle on the nearside; water connections are made on the offside.
The main switches and the control panel for the Alde wet central heating are located on the left-hand side as you enter through the two-piece caravan door.
Living
Up front, the Omega 540’s lounge has a bright and airy feel. The light-wood tones create a very pleasing ambience, and there’s a large rooflight to allow light to really flood in – guaranteed to lift your spirits, whatever the weather.
The colour scheme of the fabrics also works well – it’s not too garish and matches the cabinetwork nicely, so should appeal to a range of buyers. The parallel lounge seats convert into a spacious double bed in seconds, so you have always got room for guests when on tour.
Kitchen
There is plenty of space in this caravan’s kitchen. The width across the van is very generous and there’s a respectable amount of work surface area for food preparation, too.
Cooks get the convenience of a dual-fuel hob, so if the gas is about to run out you’ll be able to polish off the evening’s stir-fry using the electricity supply, plus there is a separate oven and grill, and there’s a microwave. And then when it’s time for after-dinner liqueurs, all you need to do is open the drinks cabinet next to the overhead lockers. It’s a welcome touch of class.
Washroom
There is a spacious rear washroom that spans the whole width of the caravan. It features a corner toilet for maximum legroom and a generously sized sink. The washroom acts as an en suite to the bedroom.
Beds
The rear fixed bed gives buyers the comfort and luxury of a double they can leave made up during the day. In addition, the facing sofas in the lounge of this four-berth turn into a spacious double bed in seconds, which is very convenient.
Storage
As well as a full complement of overhead lockers in the lounge, kitchen and bedroom areas, there’s a handy chest of drawers between the sofas in the lounge and more drawers opposite the kitchen, just below the eye-level microwave.
Technical Specifications
Berth | 4 |
MiRO | 1318 kg |
Payload | 152 kg |
MTPLM | 1500 kg |
Shipping Length | 7.24 m |
Width | 2.26 m |