2016 Hymer Nova GL 585 caravan

Worth the weight…?

Imagine having a free role in a caravan designed with the kind of features you’d expect, at a build quality you demand. This must come close.

There are riders, of course. Heavy-duty corner steadies are the first clue – this is no lightweight.

Hymer uses its near-legendary PUAL construction methods here. The German company has long been well ahead of the pack when it comes to water-tight bodyshells with superior insulation, plus a longer drawbar that bodes well for stable towing. There’s also a double floor, again for extra insulation, but also with a GRP skin for external protection.

The door on the UK offside will put off many, but on the right campsite it’s barely going to be an issue. Just inside the door, look immediately left and there’s a handy area for hanging coats etc, plus floor locker space for footwear.

The internal layout here is rather unusual, too. It’s all very open-plan – with the wider body also contributing to a very spacious feel. There’s a U-shaped front lounge with a free-standing pedestal leg table on a large enough base to give perfect stability. The kitchen is ‘amidships, followed by a French bed along the same side, with full-width washroom across the back.

Daylight is courtesy of a single window front with opening sunroof and a second, wind-up sunroof over the lounge.

The kitchen is along the nearside mid-van and it’s a bit of a gem. Thetford’s Aspire cooker with dual-fuel hob and separate oven and grill are at the centre of this, with a circular sink to its right and Dometic’s narrow but spacious fridge/freezer to the left – it boasts a 148-litre total capacity. There’s good storage all around – drawers and lockers, with easy to use catches for all, plus solid runners and a soft-close action for the former. A flip-up extension to the right of the sink adds some extra worktop.

Opposite the kitchen is a kind of leisure unit – here, housing a flatscreen TV on a bracket, and a Kenwood stereo (with speakers in the lounge and bedroom area). Also here is a generous wardrobe and a wide drawer with a mesh base. Alde’s main unit is underneath, and the warmth generated from it will keep the contents of the drawer cosy!

There’s sleeping for up to four, with the main, permanent bed set low and with a one-piece mattress. Also, the hinged metal-framed base with wooden slats opens easily to provide an extensive, uncluttered storage area underneath – the only surprise is there’s no exterior-access hatch to complement this.

That bed is a generous 2.00m x 1.50m, while the lounge makes up to 2.04m x 1.40m/1.32m.

A sliding door gives access to the washroom across the rear. It’s a proper lined shower cubicle in the far corner, complete with wooden duckboarding underfoot and a hanging rail that’s ideal for wet clothing.

There’s a window beyond the toilet, for extra ventilation. As well as loads of storage, there’s proper dressing space in here, too

Quality is paramount throughout this tourer. The specification is more than kind, too. Other notable features range from the 50-litre fresh water tank and 22-litre waste water holder – the latter housed in the front locker alongside the spare wheel – to Hymer’s Raum system: this is a method of build that involves concealing all wiring and pipework. It really does make a difference to the overall ambience of this premium tourer.

Still interested? This example was subject of any early viewing at the Travelworld RV dealership in Telford, Shropshire. So early, in fact, that 2017 prices are still awaiting confirmation… it might just be an ideal time to pitch in with an offer.

Verdict: Quality - but it doesn't come cheap. Or light

Plus: Superbly appointed, excellent build

Minus: Heavy

In-a-nutshell: If only...

There’s more information on the Nova range on the Hymer website (www.hymer.com). To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page

Alternatives: Knaus StarClass 560