by Holly Tribe
Elddis Caravans has undergone significant design changes for the 2011 season. We take a look under the cabin to see what’s new.
Elddis Caravans have long since differed from other British caravan manufacturers by opting to use frames built by Europe’s leading brand of trailer chassis BPW.
The BPW V-Tec Swing chassis is already used for the higher end Avante, Odyssey and Crusader ranges. However this year all five models in the entry level Elddis Xplore marque were upgraded and will now sit atop the BPW V-Tec galvanised steel chassis.
Anti-roll technology
The V-Tec Swing chassis improves the towing capability of the caravan. It has the effect of moving the caravan roll centre axis closer to its centre of gravity which is achieved in part by the self-steering action of the independent suspension.
Another first for Elddis is the inclusion of the BPW’s Intelligent Drive Control (iDC) system. The technology will be fitted as standard on all new Elddis Crusader models, or as a cost option on the Avante and Odyssey series with prices starting at £549.
The automated anti-snaking device detects when there is a risk of snaking and gives course correction in seconds. A ‘fail safe’ function means the iDC still works even if there is a power failure.
The inclusion of such technology brings the Crusader range in line with rivals Lunar Caravans and Bailey Caravans, who both favour British-made Al-Ko Kober chassis with its AKS stabiliser technology.
