Andy Jenkinson, AKA the Caravan Industry Expert, reviews the 2021 Elddis Avante 586.
Now in their 60th year, Elddis have in their time produced some excellent models and in 2001 they launched their long-established Avante range. Many models have been made, but the 586 a family tourer that can sleep up to six is one of the most popular on the pre-owned market.
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Elddis Avante 586 |
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Berths: |
6 |
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Length: |
5.69 m |
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Width: |
2.26 m |
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MIRO: |
1287 kg |
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MTPLM: |
1460 kg |
Spec included; Truma blown heating, fridge, oven/grill, duel fuel hob, spot lamps, alloys, AKS hitch stabiliser, TV aerial, Thetford cassette loo, exterior mains socket / microwave, radio/CD player, ATC.
Exterior Design
Typically Elddis in style this caravan isn’t flash in to look at but conservative in looks. Using the Elddis Solid construction system, which still involves using wood but less screws, makes use of glue in the Elddis build process. There is a full front gas locker, Al Ko chassis and ATC fitted as standard along with AKS hitch stabiliser too. Tough smooth aluminium sides look good and are durable too. Front and rear panels are one piece and of course, a sunroof is also part of the standard spec.
Interior Layout
The 586 offers a very family-user-friendly layout which offers two fixed bunk beds. Now this tourer will sleep up to six but we reckon most families will be four and five but a sixth berth could be handy. A large front lounge area has two parallel seats and then the kitchen is placed on the nearside. Opposite the kitchen is a single-side dinette with the washroom next to it, the wardrobe is centrally placed by the side fixed bunk beds.
Comfort and Convenience
The Elddis then comes with a practical family layout that offers a sound design overall. The Avanti also comes with a decent level of specification including alloys and ATC stability system. Front gas locker storage is great and the sunroof lets in plenty of natural light into the front lounge area. Elddis also fitted a TV aerial, an adjustable one, but it’s the Telco model. It's fine, but I prefer the Vision Plus Status model for a little better performance. Great roof locker storage is provided, added to by the decent end wardrobe. LED lighting is fitted throughout, and overall with a dealer price reduction of £2k this was looking a bargain.
Kitchen and Dining
The side kitchen in the 586 offers an oven and fridge plus a microwave and large sink. There is good storage overall with overhead lockers and there is also excellent worktop provided. The hob on the oven is dual fuel and was in excellent condition, while the kitchen overall is practical. The main dining area offers plenty of seating for a family meal using the free-standing table. There is also the slide-out coffee table for those times when you don’t need the full-sized table. Then there is the single-side dinette ideal for two children.
The Front Dinette
The front dinette has good supportive cushions and also there are four scatter cushions too. Over time seat cushions in tourers can become saggy and lose their support over time. This 2021 Elddis sported excellent seat support and was also unmarked. Using slats a large double bed can be made up, or twin single beds can be the order of the day.
Bathroom and Sanitation
The washroom in the 586 is a side design that means you don’t get as much space as an end washroom version, but the 586 doesn’t disappoint. Firstly the shower cubicle is large enough and also ideal for showering small children too. Condition again was excellent, the last owners had obviously been careful or not used it very much. The loo is a Thetford electric flush, and next to it is a window plus also a free-standing hand basin with cupboard storage beneath. Again this area was like new as we would expect on a three-year-old tourer, but it’s not always the case.
Performance and Towing
The Elddis comes with an AKS hitch stabiliser so aiding towing, but also it comes with Al Ko’s ATC electric stability system as standard. The stability even on a long tourer with a single axle should prove stable in most conditions and correctly loaded of course. The good thing about the Elddis, you won't need a big car but most caravanners with a family will no doubt have a larger SUV such as a Volvo XC40 or a 60. With the profile being modern and aerodynamic, the Elddis will prove a good tower.
Pros and Cons
Things I like:
- Modern interior
- £2000 taken off the original price
- Fixed bunks
- Blown heating
- Spacious for five or more
- Front gas locker good size
- Well cared for
Things I don't like:
- No GRP sides
- Upholstery can mark easy
- Nothing else
User Experience
The 586 should be a great tourer for family breaks no matter what time of year. As a secondhand buy make all the checks, especially on the front and end panels where cracks can appear on some. Also, ask for a service schedule and any repair work carried out. Otherwise, this should be a great buy and also check around dealers for the best prices and specifications i.e. any added spec.
Conclusion
Avanti had been around since 2001 and is a well-known range of tourers, yes as all makers they have had their highs and lows but check all the service records. A practical layout with a decent washroom too, this is a used tourer to look out for especially if you have a growing family!
Check Andy's YouTube Channel HERE for more caravan reviews.
