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quoteFeel the width
Twin axle. Transverse island bed. Extra wide body. There’s a lot of caravan here. And yet, maximum weight is just 1,695kg. Okay, that’s still not exactly light… until you bear in mind those starting credentials.
In truth, this is the kind of caravan that might not actually see a lot of towing. That 8ft width – it’s somehow easier to comprehend when stated as an imperial measurement – suggests a temptation towards seasonal pitching rather than haring off down the back lanes.
It doesn’t half make a difference when you’re pitched, though. Roomy doesn’t begin to describe this caravan. Ironically, Casita translates as “little house”… note, also, parent company Elddis also produces the same format with the Avante 860.
It’s certainly a light and roomy lounge, not just in terms of its soft furnishings, but also thanks to the four-window front – three across the width, one large fixed unit above. The two-tone furniture finish keeps it all bright, too, also with positive locks for the upper-level units.
Other areas also feel the benefit of that wider caravan body. There’s a generous stretch of kitchen, with a Thetford Aspire 2 cooker (dual-fuel hob, separate oven and grill) to its far right, a central circular sink with space to its left for an add-on drainer, plus a worktop extension that can be lifted up. Storage includes a large locker with just one shelf under the sink, plus a series of drawers and a floor locker beneath the permanent worktop, although space in the latter is impeded by the pipework and wiring for the Whale water heater. Directly across from this is a 155-litre Dometic fridge/freezer set at floor level so that the microwave oven on top of it is at an easy-access height.
There’s also plenty of stowage space in both settee bases, both of which have two-way access. Meanwhile, a dedicated locker for the lounge table is between the fridge and the shower room.
The toilet room door and a sliding panel mean you can add extra privacy to the en-suite facilities. The shower cubicle sits on the wheel arch, but it doesn’t seem to intrude too much. It’s plastic-lined, for easy cleaning, with a bi-folding door, but it lacks ventilation.
The toilet room includes a swivel-bowl loo and a free-standing basin on the worktop, with storage locker below, plus there are soap tray and toothbrush mug adornments.
The big bedroom has some wow factor. The bed itself extends out to a maximum length of 1.90m and is flanked by his-and-hers wardrobes, plus drawers. There are two overhead lockers, but it’s still possible to sit upright in bed. There’s just a standard rooflight overhead and it’s also a rather small window on the rear panel.
Plus: Not as heavy as you might expect, twin axle stability, spacious living quarters
Minus: Extra width can be intimidating
In-a-nutshell: Extra width can be intimidating
There’s more information on the Compass Casita range on the Elddis website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page
Alternatives: Adria Alpina 613 UC Missouri, Lunar Alaria, Swift Sprite Super
Compass Casita 860 factfile
| Model | Compass Casita 860 |
| Dimensions | 8.05m L, 2.45m W, 2.64m H |
| Internal length | 6.39m |
| Berths | 4 |
| MTPLM | 1,695kg (upgradable to 1,800kg) |
| Payload | 159kg |
| RRP | from £23,054 on the road |
| Safety & security | Al-Ko AKS3004 stabiliser, ATC trailer control system, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, CRiS |
| Key options | Alternative upholsteries (£275), wrap-around front seating (£259), Al-Ko Secure Wheel Lock x 2 plus jack (£592), bike rack (£379), tracking systems (with first year’s subscription) (£280), bedding set (£260), additional locker shelving (£42), 100Watt solar panel (£535), Omnivent (£225), external gas point (£105), external-access locker (£177), exterior 230V socket (£66), PIR alarm with leg sensor (£310) |
Please confirm if the camerio 660 is 8ft wide or not. We are impressed with the 860 and wondered about the 660 , What is on offer for the extra money layout most appealing to us thank you
Hi Don, the 660 isn’t 8ft wide. Here’s more detail about it: https://www.elddis.co.uk/compass/camino/camino-660/technical-information#tabs
Looks nicely equipped and only 3” inches extra each side!