2017 Compass Camino 660 touring caravan

Here comes Camino…

There’s plenty going on at Compass for 2017 – not least a whole new flagship range called Camino. There are four models, topped off by this, the 660 transverse island bed twin axle showstopper!

That bed is retractable, and the 40cm extra floor space it generates when it’s in its retracted position is all-important. It just makes getting around the bed so much easier. Also, it means you can sit up with full upper back and head support in daytime mode – ideal for watching TV, for example.

At 1.35m, it’s a generous width, too, yet there’s still space for wardrobe/drawers/bedside table units either side and lockers overhead, plus a corner vanity unit that’s accompanied by sockets which – in theory, at least – mean you can add a TV here.

Needless to say, it’s all made using parent company Elddis’s SoLiD bodywork construction techniques, with smooth aluminium sides in an eye-catching Azure Blue adding to the appeal. Compass-spotters will notice that’s a new front locker design, too, in ABS.

There’s a traditional three-window front here, supplemented by a small non-opening sunroof. But, there’s also a huge Heki Lux Stargazer over the lounge – it’s a massive rooflight that opens for the fullest of ventilation. Neat panelling all around it also incorporates LED lights.

As you’d expect, the front settees are long enough to do duty as single beds at night. No doubt about it, though, most buyers for this model will be couples, particularly those who appreciate a bit of luxury.

The kitchen spreads along the offside mid-‘van and there’s a full complement of kit here. Thetford’s Aspire 2 cooker is set far right, with sink and swan-neck mixer tap immediately next to it – it’s not an arrangement all caravanners like, some preferring to have worktop between the two appliances, for obvious reasons. Nevertheless, it leaves a decent amount of worktop to the left of the sink, even when the drainer is added.

It’s perhaps a little surprising Compass hasn’t included a worktop extension, nor indeed a plastic splashguard, but the twin 230V sockets will certainly come in handy, as will the microwave oven, set at an acceptable height over the fridge. Overhead lockers (like the rest, with easy-action positive catches) have a cream finish, to help differentiate the “working area” that’s the kitchen from the rest of the living zones.

All the washroom facilities are en-suite to the master bedroom – split between a generous, plastic-lined shower cubicle on the nearside, with the toilet room directly opposite. The lack of a window in the latter is the only obvious omission here – there’s certainly space for one – in an otherwise impressive set-up that includes heated towel rail, two lockers and a plinth sink with push-operated plug.

Eco Camel’s Orbit showerhead is the big boon in the shower cubicle.

Camino standard equipment is impressive. Alde heating, Ozio Coolsoft mattress, Dometic 155-litre fridge/freezer top the list. The Camino’s standard Thatcham approved tracking device with a year’s subscription should also guarantee an insurance discount for buyers.

In case you’re wondering about the seeming lack of shelving in the lockers, there’s an optional pack that your dealer can fit.

It all weighs in at what has become the 1,800kg norm for an upmarket twin axle tourer – so it’s going to demand a pretty hefty towcar and, despite a somewhat low payload, there’s no chassis upgrade opportunity.

Verdict: Stylish newcomer

Plus: Generously equipped, comfortably wide bed

Minus: Limited payload, no washroom window

In-a-nutshell: Camino sees Compass pointing the right way

There’s more information on the Camino range on the Elddis website www.elddis.co.uk. To find out more about our low-cost premiums visit the caravan insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Coachman Laser 635, Elddis Crusader Zephyr, Lunar Delta RI, Sterling Eccles 635, Swift Challenger 635