This year, Erwin Hymer UK has given its luxury Compass Camino a new profile and made all models in the range 8ft wide. There are also new graphics, and a longer drawbar for added towing stability. The 650 is a twin-axle caravan with a spec that includes the improved Alde 3030 Compact 24-hour programmable heating and water system.
The L-shaped lounge has a 32in TV fitted as standard, and there’s a central washroom and a rear fixed island bed.
It’s a caravan layout that should especially appeal to touring couples who like to entertain guests, and its arrangement played a part in it winning the best caravan for couples category at the Practical Caravan Awards 2023. But priced at over £40,000 once you include the £750 delivery charge, does this big four-berth have what it takes?
Pitch and set-up
The new-look Camino comes on an Al-Ko chassis, with the extended drawbar that is a common feature in other caravan brands. It already came with an AKS stabiliser hitch and ATC, but anything that adds to stability on the road with a tourer of this size is welcome.
Heavy-duty corner steadies and smart alloys are fitted, and you also get a spare steel wheel. On the nearside, a wet locker and BBQ point with external mains socket are part of the standard spec, .
The 650 still uses one-piece aluminium sides, built under the SoLiD construction system. The finish is of a high standard, and the sleek graphics contrast with the blue metallic sides to provide the Camino with a sharply contemporary exterior.
Anyone wanting a large front gas locker for extra storage won’t be disappointed. And if you are strong enough to try to move the Camino by hand, there are sturdy grab handles at each corner, at a good height.
The Camino comes fitted with a Teleco caravan TV aerial. It also has a 40-litre onboard water tank and an Aqua Source water line to connect to a mains supply. The caravan solar panel is a £612 optional extra.
Lounge in the Compass Camino 650
The fabulous L-shaped lounge is the real selling point: this is the perfect area for socialising with guests, and for dining at the freestanding table.
The large fixed sunroof allows in plenty of natural light, while the windows are big enough to provide excellent views.
The settees are sumptuous, offering good support and seating four with ease. Curtains on the side windows keep things cosy. Thoughtful design touches include shelving below the wall-mounted TV.
The Stargazer skylight is fitted with a new surround and flyscreen. Economical LED lighting is available throughout, and wireless phone charging is another plus.
The Pioneer radio has speakers beneath the overhead lockers up front, and there are also some mains sockets here.
Kitchen in the Compass Camino 650
The side kitchen has an 800W microwave, a Thetford K1520 oven with dual-fuel hob, and a 153-litre Dometic Series 10 fridge with separate freezer. The stainless-steel sink comes with a domestic-style tap, while the worktop is plentiful (although no extension flap is fitted), and there are power sockets nearby.
An extractor fan aids ventilation, while four LED downlighters offer good night-time lighting.
Beds in the Compass Camino 650
The settees make up a large double bed by pulling out a platform and using the cushions. You could have them as singles, but probably only for children.
In the rear, the island bed rolls back for daytime use. Our test model was fitted with a Hypnos mattress, a £450 optional extra, but the standard one should be fine.
Washroom in the Compass Camino 650
The washroom straddles the van. On one side, the shower cubicle is a moulded ABS unit, with an Ecocamel shower head. LED downlighters provide good lighting.
The main washroom opposite has a roof vent, but no window. It comes with an Alde Anthracite radiator, a Thetford toilet and a standalone handbasin above the cupboard. More storage space is available in the wall lockers, which have a mirrored door.
Storage in the Compass Camino 650
For two, storage in this van is excellent, and even for four, it’s pretty good.
There are deep overhead lockers and corner shelves up front. Kitchen storage includes three overhead lockers above the sink. There are also three drawers (made with dovetail joints, no less) under the worktop and another cupboard with a small workspace above it by the door. The washroom also has good cupboard storage and wall lockers.
The bedroom provides twin wardrobes, underbed storage, overhead lockers, and drawer units on either side of the bed.
Verdict
The Camino has been a good alternative to the Elddis Crusader and has always felt that little bit more upmarket.
The revamped 650 offers buyers a superb lounge, with an excellent specification and a practical floorplan, especially for couples. Check it out and you might find yourselves won over by the chic décor – we were, to the extent that it features in our best caravan guide.
What we like
- Spacious L-shaped lounge, SoLiD build, good storage, ideal for two on tour
What we don’t like
- No solar panel as standard, payload isn’t huge (but you can get a free upgrade)
Technical spec
- Price: £39,899
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1830kg
- MiRO: 1671kg
- Payload: 159kg
Measurements
- Interior length: 6.39m
- Shipping length: 8.18m
- Overall width: 2.45m
- Rear double bed: 1.34 x 1.90m
- Front double bed: 1.38 x 1.95m
Spec list
- ATC
- Alloy wheels
- Spare wheel
- Heavy-duty corner steadies
- Teleco TV aerial
- Two Al-Ko wheel locks
- Exterior BBQ point and mains socket
- Awning light
- Alde heating
- 40-litre onboard water tank
- Thetford oven
- Dometic fridge/freezer
- Alarm
- 32in TV
- Radio
- Extractor fan
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Technical Specifications
| Berth | 4 |
| MiRO | 1671 kg |
| Payload | 159 kg |
| MTPLM | 1830 kg |
| Interior Length | 6.39 m |
| Shipping Length | 8.18 m |
| Width | 2.45 m |
