Elddis Affinity 550 caravan

The darker walnut reno laminate contrasts elegantly with the 'chivago' silver/grey and burgundy-toned upholstery and pale pseudo-granite bench tops. After-dark LED accent lighting creates another interesting, seductive ambience – time to put the contents of the dedicated cocktail cabinet to good use.

For good reason Elddis proudly promotes their new Ozio cool soft cushions. They are lighter in weight and very comfortable, making the twin settees a delight to lounge about upon. Dining options are the foldout top on the end cabinet for two, or a freestanding table for four.

The full oven with separate grill and three-plus-one hob is a Thetford Aspire but the 110-litre under-bench fridge is from Dometic. An 800-watt microwave is mounted above the hobs while the fridge and stove are mounted under the kitchen bench cabinet, creating limited space for cupboards and drawers.

The Affinity is well served for power points with four in the kitchen area, two in the bedroom and one in the lounge. The black sink is unusual and does not have a built-in drainer. However, this does free up extra bench space and when the bench extension is raised you get a bonus 700mm of clear bench top to play with. This is a lovely kitchen to work in.

Storage options are good. There is space under the settees and the queen-sized bed that is relatively easy to access. For lighter items, there are six overhead lockers (plus the dedicated cocktail and crockery cabinets) as well as a wardrobe and two full-height bedside lockers.

The Samsung 24-inch TV and windup Winegard satellite TV aerial are supplied locally but the radio/CD player is factory fitted. The Affinity is fitted with the more powerful Alde 3020 heating system that employs hot water through pipes and radiators rather than blown hot air.

The bathroom is split with the shower on one side and the toilet/vanity on the other. The corner cabinet, bench and mirror beside the shower stall and the heated towel rail beside the vanity are nice added touches. The Affinity toilet/vanity compartment is slightly larger than the Pastiche, and the toilet door also swings across to close off the bedroom from the kitchen.

The queen-sized bed is reasonable at 1850mm. Taller folk might need to make up the bed in the lounge as it makes up to 2040mm in length.

External features include a front boot housing the LPG bottle with room to spare and a hatch accessing the space under the kerbside settee. On the roof is a Truma 100-watt solar panel that will help keep the house battery charged when the 'van is not connected to grid power.

With its understated dark timbered, beautifully presented interior that has all the 'bell and whistles' buyers seek, the Affinity will appeal to the conservative mature buyer. With a GVW of 1500kgs (payload 203kgs) it can be towed by many family saloons.

For the latest caravan reviews, subscribe to our Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine here.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on email
Email
Share on print
Print

Related Posts

DCB Lincoln

Review: DCB Lincoln

Two NZ businesses have joined forces to showcase the DCB Lincoln – a no-expense-spared luxury motorhome developed and built by Design Coach and Body and available from DeLuxe RV Group

Read More »