Introduction
Andy Jenkinson, AKA the Caravan Industry Expert, reviews the Coachman Festival 560/6 caravan.
The Coachman Festival was made as a special for Glossop Caravans based on the Coachman standard Amara range. However, the Festival was fitted with extra sumptuous upholstery, a kitchen extractor fan, an exterior locker and much more. No lightweight, the Festival offered solid build and decent spec, I found this 560/6 family model which offered great value.
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Coachman Festival 560 Specificaition |
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Berths: |
6 |
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Length: |
7.31 m |
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Width: |
2.21m |
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MIRO: |
1299 kg |
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MTPLM: |
1500 kg |
Spec included; blown heating, fridge, oven/grill, four burner hob, spot lamps, mains lighting, alloys, AKS hitch stabiliser, Status TV aerial, radio/CD player, BBQ POINT and Thetford cassette loo, exterior mains socket, upgraded soft furnishings.
Exterior Design
The exterior now looks dated but that’s to be expected for its age, a traditional-looking tourer even when new it appealed to many buyers though. Low-key graphics were used while the front and rear had moulded panels. AL-KO chassis with AKS hitch stabiliser was fitted, smart alloy wheels and slight side panel ribbing. Although now not the latest in design, you won't feel outdone in the styling department on site.
Interior Layout
The six berth layout of the 560/6 was a popular layout at the time, with rear end fixed bunks being the key feature. The front lounge is large and comes fitted with a large Heki roof vent. The side kitchen is well equipped and comes with spacious worktop and cupboard storage too. The side dinette offers two extra beds if required, and the washroom is fully fitted out and placed next to the wardrobe. Good floor space means you won't get in each other's way too, while roof lockers offer lots of storage.
Comfort and Convenience
The Festival feels really solid and the quality seating still has good support, the central front chest of drawers adds to the storage. The large front lounge will seat six with relative ease and the side dinette adds to the seating/bed arrangements. With smart overhead lockers which are deep, it means you won't have to leave too much behind on a tour! The posh drinks cabinet in the nearside central dresser is a nice touch too. Access flaps on the front seat bases are a big plus in my books enabling easy seat base access. A handy rear-end wardrobe adds to storage facilities too.
Kitchen and Dining
The side kitchen offers cupboard storage as well as a well-planned worktop and a full oven with four burner hob. The fridge is a Thetford and a roof extractor fan is fitted above, though this did need a clean before the van was sent out. A free-standing table is provided for the front lounge area while the side dinette also adds to the ability to seat two more persons to dine in the Festival.
Bathroom and Sanitation
The side washroom is compact, but it's practical too, it comes with moulded plastic units though the cassette loo is manual flush. Ideal for giving young children a quick shower though. No window is fitted but a large roof vent adds light and ventilation.
Performance and Towing
The Coachman isn’t lightweight with an MTPLM of 1500 kgs, but this solid family model means you're looking at a car with a decent kerbweight. Kia Sorrento, Skoda Kodiak and just skirting in with a Ford Mondeo TDI, are suggestions, but always check the towing limit and importantly the kerb weight of the vehicle which must be heavier than the caravan.
Pros and Cons
Things I like:
- Spacious
- Great storage
- Fitted mover
- Good spec
- Solid build as expected with Coachman
- Easy to live with
Things I don't like:
- Side washroom could be a squeeze
- Has dated quicker than most tourers from this era
User Experience
I felt this tourer was excellent value for money, it has fixed bunk beds and also feels spacious too. For the cash at a fiver short of £7k this was a whole lot of tourer, the condition was excellent and no damage to exterior trim could be found either. There were several dealer specials around, one being the Coachman Wanderer another good range to check out. The standard Coachman Amara range though not as well specified still has a decent kit and is worth looking out for.
While viewing check for external damage/poor repairs damp in rear corners too especially on rear washroom models.
Conclusion
I was impressed with the Festivals, when new and now years down the line this range still impresses and that’s good. Super condition this tourer will make a great first-time buy and in most cases will sleep four/five rarely six. Not the most dashing tourer on site but it does what it says on the tin and provides a quality tourer from a respected name in caravanning. I really liked this Festival and its layout too once a popular choice from that era that still works well today.
Check Andy's YouTube Channel HERE for more caravan reviews.
