by Holly Tribe
A model from Airstream Europe’s iconic ‘silver bullet’ touring caravan range is set to get a new layout in 2011.
Details of the final floorplan have not yet been released, but a spokesman from the company explained the design team have been busy incorporating a higher spec washroom into the layout: “The Airstream 534 will have a new floorplan in 2011. [We’re] trying to get a full shower and a cassette toilet in there,” he said.
The current four-berth caravan houses a rear end transverse fixed bed, and front dinette with a basic all-in-one wetroom. The current vacuum toilet installed in the 534 has been criticised for its noisy functionality, so a cassette toilet will be a welcome upgrade.
Wider caravans on UK roads
A change in the law earlier this year resulted in the legal width for British touring caravans being increased from 2.3m to 2.55m, bringing the UK in line with the rest of Europe.
This new width allowance could create space for a rear end fixed bed/end washroom configuration with the toilet and shower located to one side of the bed. With this in mind we had a look at Airstream’s US portfolio which has a range of wider models, notably the Victorinox, introduced earlier this year.
The model was introduced in the United States in conjunction with Victorinox, makers of the iconic Swiss Army Knife, to celebrate their 125th anniversary. It has a rear nearside fixed bed with a rear end shower and toilet unit contained in a separate washroom. This could be a great new layout for the 534 if Airstream decide to increase the width of the cabin.
The European arm of Airstream Caravans anticipate the new model will be ready by spring next year. The single axle 534 model is currently priced at £46,865. Weights and prices for the redesigned model will be confirmed in die course.
