We are just getting into caravanning, have watched all your videos,you are a natural presenter . Great very informative video. Our budget will not stretch that far but what a lovely van.
Hi karina , we have bought this van as we gave up on the 14months wait for our buccaneer cruiser. Glad we did as we have since seen the cruiser in the flesh and feel the build quality is far better on the coachman
Guys love your videos, what I’ve noticed I’ve missed a few because when you put a red frame around the thumbnail I it take it ive watched it,keep up the good work 👍
Hiya... we've watched loads of your fab videos and this one is no exception! Always really helpful and full of great info....love that van by the way!.... cheers Paolo and Roger aka 'The Camp Caravanners' x
We bought the 575 Xcel 2022. , We love the open layout which is the best and works for us. Agree on the bed but what we find is the mattress is as hard as nails.So we just bought the Topper and yet to try.Great ,vlog and the picture quality was excellent too.
Hi Karina, I watched a few of your videos prior to buying a caravan. I started with a diy van conversion then a professional van conversion before buying a Bessacarr E410 in 2011. Then upgraded to a Burstner Nexxo 55 in 2014. So my level of expectation on a caravan was very high and once all the homework was done this was the van I bought in February this year from Broadlane. My choice was dependent on quality, equipment level, craftmanship and ease of use and quick set up time. Having been motorhomers for a long time, we became very adept at a quick set up when arriving on site and wanted a caravan with minimal fuss. With the self levelling system and direct water and waste connections (site dependent) this definitely meets our requirements. We also wanted SPACE. Yes, the L-shaped lounge of other caravans have plenty of floor space but you have to ask yourself how 4 people can sit around the table and eat? With the standard table 4 can sit on the sofa's but only 3 can use the table. This caravan met all our requirements and so we purchased it with the added extras of wifi, (never really felt the need for aircon, a fan suffices for most of the time and we would rather have the skylight), movers, tyron bands, payload upgrade, Truma I-net, Tracker, tow cover, paintseal, 2 x gas bottles with auto-changeover and the best bit (direct from Rose Awnings) a Thule roof mounted awning for the warmer months and also an inflatable porch awning for the colder / wetter days. It's a great van and tows well and having been away numerous times and a summer holiday to France (a bit tricky getting on the Eurotunnel but at just under 13m long and 2.4m wide we did fit....... just) it definitely gives us the space and versatility we were looking for with a young child. The last holiday we took with the motorhome we also took a car which kind of defeated the object of motorhoming really. The disappointing bits - mastic sealant needed redoing completely (Coachman sorted this quickly and efficiently), no underfloor heating at this price range, plastic jockey wheel was rubbish for turning and in gravel just skidded so changed for the Alko nose weight one with large rubber tyre wheel and this is spot on, the tape over the panel joins on the inside keep peeling at the sides but Coachman have assured me these will be replaced with new tape which adheres with no peeling. The T-bar handle for emptying the water from the inboard tank is poor when a flip tap could have been used. There are no coat hooks by the door or a shelf above the bin for bits and pieces - I have rectified both of these items with quality matching after market parts that Coachman could very easily add during the build for a few pounds. All in all - a great caravan but definitely on the upper limit of justifying the price, luckily I had a motorhome to sell which fetched good money.... Keep up the good reviews - always honest and detailed. Thanks Ray
Thank you for your brilliant and informative comment. Broadlane are very good and I really like Coachman caravans. Im glad you are enjoying yours and Rose Awnings are a very good company too. Enjoy your trips and travels, especially if you go to Europe again. 😊 Karina
Love the openness of this van similar to my own caravan. Centre washroom, end bedroom layouts feel too compartmentalised for me. Lovely van but don’t think I’ll be changing.
Loved you review on the caravan we have just bought. Underfloor heating would have been a no, no for us with two big dogs but like you said, the build quality is amazing. Thank you for sharing
Professional review again! Wow been a few years since we caravan but the prices today + plus pulling that along with today's prices of diesel ⛽ 😳 got to be pretty well off! Thanks Karina!
Very good review, love your “warts and all” comments, we are looking at a new Coachman Excel, but it’s a different layout to this, still going to be in the same price bracket though ☹️, like you say see you in the next one 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Cracking caravan, love the coachman’s, I don’t know why they don’t build in a top feed shower from the ceiling it would be so much better than a handheld
Thank you for watching David and I like the Coachman brand too. A top feed shower would be a nice addition to their Lusso maybe. Have a great weekend 😊 Karina
Great review as always! How do you think this caravan compares to a similar Buccaneer? We have a 2022 Elddis Magnum 840 on order (right price and right layout for us) and would struggle to see where the extra £15,000+ is worthwhile for either a Laser Xcel or Buccaneer. What is your opinion?
Morning Roger..having recently reviewed the Elddis Buccaneer and Avante 860 Special I can give you my thoughts. The Avante based dealer special gives better value for the money over the Buccaneer. I was disappointed with the Buccaneer and personally cannot see the quality or finish reflected in the price. The Coachman is very different, solid build, wow factor and an absolute step up. The Coachman and Avante are £15k difference having seen them both but one is top end and the other entry. You would be best comparing a Coachman Acadia for the price but even those come well equipped. Enjoy your new dealer special when it arrives.. I am sure you wont be disappointed with it. 😊👍 Karina
Being 8’ wide surely Coachman could easily have made the bed 3 or 4” longer. Having said that (being only 5’9”) it wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me. A lovely review of a fantastic caravan but,wow, haven’t they gone expensive!
Good review. But not a fan of the dark wood. I noticed on the exterior of the caravan the side panel left and right of the door and other side seems to be in two pieces not sure why that would be as it looks like a crease in the body work even thou it’s not . And like you l would of liked underfloor heating included in the price and maybe they could of made that bed 3 or 4 inches longer would of been good and still had plenty of room to walk around the bedroom area. Paul and Linda.
Thanks for watching..the side panels have a line that makes it look like separate panels.. it seems to have been a “feature” for quite some time which is unique to Coachman. Have a lovely weekend 😊 Karina
When you have reviewed caravans previously with that drawer unit in the middle of the lounge window , it always puzzled me that the sofa cushions went right into the corner meaning that if you sat in there your legs are squashed out ? if you get my drift , whereas with this caravan the sofa stops at the drawer unit. I like that . Why do you feel that manufacturers dont take notice of reviews as in the placement of that damned microwave , |I mean , how many times do they have to be told its not good practice to place it above the actual burners of the stove . Personally i would have placed it opposite above that small unit next to the fridge . Nice deep sink unit and the counter tops are beautiful . I agree with you about the length of the bed and I like the centre bathroom too.
Thank you for watching.. I think manufacturers should have more consumer focus groups.. Adria are the same, dont listen to what people have asked for year after year 🤷🏼♀️ Have a fantastic weekend 😊 Karina
I'm 24 I'm looking to get a caravan instead of getting a mortgage as it looks like a great affordable Home solution. I don't currently drive tho. Would you say buying a caravan as my home is a good idea?
Thank you for asking a good question..personally I would advise that if you are considering this then buy as older caravan and find a good value seasonal pitch. A seasonal pitch is one where you leave your caravan on it. You may be able to save more money for a deposit that way. Long term I wouldn’t advise living in a touring caravan. Most sites wont let you stay full time in it and if it is damaged or needs repairs you will lose your home. It is also harder to insure if it is your full time residence. It is a temporary option though and many people have chosen to live in their touring caravan instead of a house. All the best, Karina
Have they pushed Alko to resolve the design-flawed AKS 3004 stabiliser? Many people have had their caravan locked to their two vehicle because of the faulty stabiliser friction pads, which Alko say is user error……
I haven’t heard of any updates on the hitch problem so cannot offer an answer to that question. I would hope it is rectified as that would be very upsetting if it happened to you, I wouldn’t be very happy. Thanks for watching, Karina
Hi Karina, another informative video, thank you. However I do not think that the payload is sufficient. Add a mover, air con, satellite and leisure battery and you have used your 200Kg of payload. No food, clothes, chairs, tables, water etc. Not insurmountable but a pain to carry in the car when paying £46K for a van. Shame as it looks a lovely van.
Thanks Colin..payload seems to be a constraint across all UK manufacturers due to the choice of Alko chassis. I know it makes it more accessible to people due to weights. It would be good to see an option of having a 2500kg chassis which would give you more payload. Insurance companies would have to come on board as many will only cover for up to a 95% match on kerbweight, if you check the small print. Have a lovely weekend 😊 Karina
This is the current 2022 model but any 2023 changes are likely to only be to cushion colours and curtains. The Coachman press launch is in a few weeks so I will have more content then with 2023 information. Karina
Hi Karina another great display of your caravan knowledge showing us this beautiful caravan love the compromises 👍
Thank you 😊
We are just getting into caravanning, have watched all your videos,you are a natural presenter . Great very informative video. Our budget will not stretch that far but what a lovely van.
Thank you and I hope you find something. Prices are unbelievable I know..I would be priced out now..
Hi karina , we have bought this van as we gave up on the 14months wait for our buccaneer cruiser. Glad we did as we have since seen the cruiser in the flesh and feel the build quality is far better on the coachman
I really like Coachman, their build quality is very good.
Guys love your videos, what I’ve noticed I’ve missed a few because when you put a red frame around the thumbnail I it take it ive watched it,keep up the good work 👍
Thank you for watching and I am glad you have caught up on the missed ones..good point about the red 😊👍
Hiya... we've watched loads of your fab videos and this one is no exception! Always really helpful and full of great info....love that van by the way!.... cheers Paolo and Roger aka 'The Camp Caravanners' x
Thank you 😊 and I love your name 😍That’s fantastic… Karina
We bought the 575 Xcel 2022. , We love the open layout which is the best and works for us. Agree on the bed but what we find is the mattress is as hard as nails.So we just bought the Topper and yet to try.Great ,vlog and the picture quality was excellent too.
Good choice and a great quality caravan 😊👍 The topper should make a difference. Have a lovely weekend.. Karina
Hi Karina, I watched a few of your videos prior to buying a caravan. I started with a diy van conversion then a professional van conversion before buying a Bessacarr E410 in 2011. Then upgraded to a Burstner Nexxo 55 in 2014. So my level of expectation on a caravan was very high and once all the homework was done this was the van I bought in February this year from Broadlane. My choice was dependent on quality, equipment level, craftmanship and ease of use and quick set up time. Having been motorhomers for a long time, we became very adept at a quick set up when arriving on site and wanted a caravan with minimal fuss. With the self levelling system and direct water and waste connections (site dependent) this definitely meets our requirements.
We also wanted SPACE. Yes, the L-shaped lounge of other caravans have plenty of floor space but you have to ask yourself how 4 people can sit around the table and eat? With the standard table 4 can sit on the sofa's but only 3 can use the table.
This caravan met all our requirements and so we purchased it with the added extras of wifi, (never really felt the need for aircon, a fan suffices for most of the time and we would rather have the skylight), movers, tyron bands, payload upgrade, Truma I-net, Tracker, tow cover, paintseal, 2 x gas bottles with auto-changeover and the best bit (direct from Rose Awnings) a Thule roof mounted awning for the warmer months and also an inflatable porch awning for the colder / wetter days.
It's a great van and tows well and having been away numerous times and a summer holiday to France (a bit tricky getting on the Eurotunnel but at just under 13m long and 2.4m wide we did fit....... just) it definitely gives us the space and versatility we were looking for with a young child. The last holiday we took with the motorhome we also took a car which kind of defeated the object of motorhoming really.
The disappointing bits - mastic sealant needed redoing completely (Coachman sorted this quickly and efficiently), no underfloor heating at this price range, plastic jockey wheel was rubbish for turning and in gravel just skidded so changed for the Alko nose weight one with large rubber tyre wheel and this is spot on, the tape over the panel joins on the inside keep peeling at the sides but Coachman have assured me these will be replaced with new tape which adheres with no peeling. The T-bar handle for emptying the water from the inboard tank is poor when a flip tap could have been used. There are no coat hooks by the door or a shelf above the bin for bits and pieces - I have rectified both of these items with quality matching after market parts that Coachman could very easily add during the build for a few pounds.
All in all - a great caravan but definitely on the upper limit of justifying the price, luckily I had a motorhome to sell which fetched good money....
Keep up the good reviews - always honest and detailed.
Thanks
Ray
Thank you for your brilliant and informative comment. Broadlane are very good and I really like Coachman caravans. Im glad you are enjoying yours and Rose Awnings are a very good company too. Enjoy your trips and travels, especially if you go to Europe again. 😊 Karina
Love the openness of this van similar to my own caravan. Centre washroom, end bedroom layouts feel too compartmentalised for me. Lovely van but don’t think I’ll be changing.
Thanks for watching Colin.. enjoy your weekend and time away 😊 Karina
Loved you review on the caravan we have just bought. Underfloor heating would have been a no, no for us with two big dogs but like you said, the build quality is amazing. Thank you for sharing
Thank you for watching and you have made a very good choice 😊👍 Karina
Great review and totally agree with you on the layout, end wash rooms all the way.
Thank you for watching David 😊
Short seating, short bed. I reckon for that sort of money a better designing team is required. Great info.👌👌👌👍
Thank you for watching 😊👍
Professional review again! Wow been a few years since we caravan but the prices today + plus pulling that along with today's prices of diesel ⛽ 😳 got to be pretty well off! Thanks Karina!
Thanks for watching Paul..yes, certainly not a cheap holiday and a luxury item. Have a fantastic weekend 😊 Karina
Very good review, love your “warts and all” comments, we are looking at a new Coachman Excel, but it’s a different layout to this, still going to be in the same price bracket though ☹️, like you say see you in the next one 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Morning Pete.. I would buy an Xcel (if I wasnt such an Adria fan 😛).. in this price bracket I think it leads the way. Have a lovely weekend 😊 Karina
Cracking caravan, love the coachman’s, I don’t know why they don’t build in a top feed shower from the ceiling it would be so much better than a handheld
Thank you for watching David and I like the Coachman brand too. A top feed shower would be a nice addition to their Lusso maybe. Have a great weekend 😊 Karina
You did an awesome job
Thank you Jim 😊👍 Have a lovely weekend
Great review as always! How do you think this caravan compares to a similar Buccaneer? We have a 2022 Elddis Magnum 840 on order (right price and right layout for us) and would struggle to see where the extra £15,000+ is worthwhile for either a Laser Xcel or Buccaneer. What is your opinion?
Morning Roger..having recently reviewed the Elddis Buccaneer and Avante 860 Special I can give you my thoughts. The Avante based dealer special gives better value for the money over the Buccaneer. I was disappointed with the Buccaneer and personally cannot see the quality or finish reflected in the price. The Coachman is very different, solid build, wow factor and an absolute step up. The Coachman and Avante are £15k difference having seen them both but one is top end and the other entry. You would be best comparing a Coachman Acadia for the price but even those come well equipped. Enjoy your new dealer special when it arrives.. I am sure you wont be disappointed with it. 😊👍 Karina
Being 8’ wide surely Coachman could easily have made the bed 3 or 4” longer. Having said that (being only 5’9”) it wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me.
A lovely review of a fantastic caravan but,wow, haven’t they gone expensive!
Thank you for watching and the prices sure are climbing. I couldn’t afford to buy now..have a great weekend 😊 Karina
Good review. But not a fan of the dark wood. I noticed on the exterior of the caravan the side panel left and right of the door and other side seems to be in two pieces not sure why that would be as it looks like a crease in the body work even thou it’s not . And like you l would of liked underfloor heating included in the price and maybe they could of made that bed 3 or 4 inches longer would of been good and still had plenty of room to walk around the bedroom area. Paul and Linda.
Thanks for watching..the side panels have a line that makes it look like separate panels.. it seems to have been a “feature” for quite some time which is unique to Coachman. Have a lovely weekend 😊 Karina
When you have reviewed caravans previously with that drawer unit in the middle of the lounge window , it always puzzled me that the sofa cushions went right into the corner meaning that if you sat in there your legs are squashed out ? if you get my drift , whereas with this caravan the sofa stops at the drawer unit. I like that . Why do you feel that manufacturers dont take notice of reviews as in the placement of that damned microwave , |I mean , how many times do they have to be told its not good practice to place it above the actual burners of the stove . Personally i would have placed it opposite above that small unit next to the fridge .
Nice deep sink unit and the counter tops are beautiful . I agree with you about the length of the bed and I like the centre bathroom too.
Thank you for watching.. I think manufacturers should have more consumer focus groups.. Adria are the same, dont listen to what people have asked for year after year 🤷🏼♀️ Have a fantastic weekend 😊 Karina
I'm 24 I'm looking to get a caravan instead of getting a mortgage as it looks like a great affordable Home solution. I don't currently drive tho. Would you say buying a caravan as my home is a good idea?
Thank you for asking a good question..personally I would advise that if you are considering this then buy as older caravan and find a good value seasonal pitch. A seasonal pitch is one where you leave your caravan on it. You may be able to save more money for a deposit that way. Long term I wouldn’t advise living in a touring caravan. Most sites wont let you stay full time in it and if it is damaged or needs repairs you will lose your home. It is also harder to insure if it is your full time residence. It is a temporary option though and many people have chosen to live in their touring caravan instead of a house. All the best, Karina
Have they pushed Alko to resolve the design-flawed AKS 3004 stabiliser? Many people have had their caravan locked to their two vehicle because of the faulty stabiliser friction pads, which Alko say is user error……
I haven’t heard of any updates on the hitch problem so cannot offer an answer to that question. I would hope it is rectified as that would be very upsetting if it happened to you, I wouldn’t be very happy. Thanks for watching, Karina
Wonder how my Boss will react when I ask for a 20% pay rise to keep up with the rising cost of a new Caravan or Motorhome?
After they have stopped laughing I am sure you would get your answer! 😛 Have a great weekend 😊 Karina
Hi Karina, another informative video, thank you. However I do not think that the payload is sufficient. Add a mover, air con, satellite and leisure battery and you have used your 200Kg of payload. No food, clothes, chairs, tables, water etc. Not insurmountable but a pain to carry in the car when paying £46K for a van.
Shame as it looks a lovely van.
Thanks Colin..payload seems to be a constraint across all UK manufacturers due to the choice of Alko chassis. I know it makes it more accessible to people due to weights. It would be good to see an option of having a 2500kg chassis which would give you more payload. Insurance companies would have to come on board as many will only cover for up to a 95% match on kerbweight, if you check the small print. Have a lovely weekend 😊 Karina
Is this the 2023 model or 2022 model
This is the current 2022 model but any 2023 changes are likely to only be to cushion colours and curtains. The Coachman press launch is in a few weeks so I will have more content then with 2023 information. Karina