Compass, a sister brand of Elddis, Xplore, and Buccaneer, is a part of the Erwin Hymer Group UK. The brand that originally produced caravans also now produces motorhomes and campervans and features a wide range of leisure vehicles with different designs and layouts.
This article brings to you a comprehensive review of Compass Caravans, including the various product ranges and their distinctive features.
Compass Caravans Preview
Compass is one of the historic brands that was launched in 1979 by Siddle Cook and his son Ray, the founders of the original Elddis caravan. The Compass manufacturing unit was originally located at Langley Park, Durham, and stayed there until 1999 and was then transferred to Consett, where it is located to date.
Compass became a part of Explorer, a County-Durham-based group that also manufactured Buccaneer and Elddis caravan brands at their facility in Consett. Almost a decade later, in 2009, the Explorer Group ceased its production of the brand, dropped it from its line-up, and rebranded it as Elddis.
However, in 2013, Compass launched its new caravan collection that was built using the SoLID system, Elddis’ pioneering construction process. Over the years, Compass has introduced new designs and dropped a few to cater to the varying industry standards and customer demands.
Today, it is part of the Erwin Hymer, UK, which is part of the European Erwin Hymer Group owned by Thor Industries, a US-based leisure vehicle manufacturing giant.
Compass and Elddis caravans are manufactured in the same factory, but the two brands have different retailer networks. Moreover, the colour schemes and the interior design of the two are also different.
At the same time, the comparable models of the two brands have similar weights and prices. The two brands also have the same ten-year body integrity and water ingress warranty and are built according to the same SoLID construction system.
Compass Caravans Range
Compass has three main caravan ranges, which are further categorised into various models according to their size, design, and layouts. Let’s have a look.
Compass Casita Caravan
The Compass Casita range has seven models, of which five come in standard width and two larger models are eight feet wide. These models have two, four, five, and six-berth layouts. Touted as little houses, these caravans have a contemporary layout and design with elegant features.
The eight feet wide models, the Casita 840 and 866, have advanced specifications, including new front panels and gas locker doors. The Compass Casita caravans have an underfloor water heater with a capacity of eight litres. These caravans also have an underfloor space heater, a boutique bathroom, and locker doors with gaskets.
The price range of the Casita line varies from £26,500 to £31,500, while the weight of the range starts from 1310 kg and goes to 1700kg.
Compass Capiro Caravan
The Compass Capiro range comprises four models, with three models having a four-berth layout, while one model, the Capiro 520, has a two-berth layout. These caravans are smaller compared to the Casita range and also have lower weight ranges.
All the models weigh less than 15000kgs and have an ALDE central heating system. The caravan’s heating system runs on gas, electricity, or both.
The price range of the Capiro, even for the smaller 520, is higher than the Casita range, which can be attributed to advanced features such as LDCs with touchscreen control panels, among other features.
Compass Camino Caravan
The Camino is Compass’ flagship range that has four models, and while one of these has a six-berth layout, the remaining three have four-berth layout plans. These single and twin-axle caravans are a class apart from the remaining models and are touted as the luxury range of Compass.
However, the price of the Camino range is also higher than the Casita and Capiro lines.
To maintain the luxury element of the Camino range, Compass has incorporated various modifications to its fleet, including design revisions of the locker door, front panels, windows, etc. Like some of the Casita models, the Camino caravans also feature a roof light to provide the interior with abundant light during the day.
Are Compass Caravans Reliable?
Like Elddis, Compass Caravans also feature SoLID (strong, light, and dry) construction. SoLID is the only full-bonded construction system employed in the marine, aircraft, and formula racing industries. It makes for durable, waterproof, yet lightweight vehicles with efficient fuel consumption.
Like its sister brands, Compass also provides ten-year body integrity and water ingress warranty, enhancing its credibility and strengthening its image as a reliable caravan manufacturer.
Compass Caravans Overvuew
As a UK-manufactured brand, Compass enjoys a good reputation in the market. While your customer experience may vary according to the retailer, these caravans are a good choice given their economical prices and lightweight making them easier to tow.
At the same time, you also have the option of buying bigger and more luxurious caravans with comfortable and contemporary layouts. The warranty and unique construction process is another plus that makes Compass a great choice in the practical caravan category.
Where Are Compass Caravans Made?
The manufacturing facility of Compass is located at Consett, County Durham, UK.
Are Compass and Elddis the Same?
Compass and Elddis are sister brands and part of the Erwin Hymer Group. The two brands are manufactured in the same facility but have different retail networks. They also vary in terms of colour schemes, layout, and interior design.
However, the equivalent models of the Compass and Elddis have similar weights and prices. The two brands also have the same ten-year body integrity and water ingress warranty and are built according to the same SoLID construction system.
