2021 Coachman Acadia 830 Xcel caravan

Big on family quality

Coachman? Family-friendly? You could argue we’re entering new territory with this five-berth newcomer from a marque that’s made the premium end of the caravan market very much its territory.

It certainly says something about the Acadia caravan range – a merging of the previous Pastiche and Vision lines – that, having been introduced for the 2021 season, it’s already seeing the addition of more models.

The 830 Acadia Xcel here is a twin axle, extra-wide range-topper that, as well as offering loads of space for families to expand into, comes with the usual Coachman promise of a generous specification.

It all starts with overall build quality that’s a cut above its obvious rivals. You pay for it in terms of price as well as weight, but it’s set up to weather the knocks a family might give it.

From the heavy-duty corner steadies and alloy wheels up, the 830 Xcel sports what has already become the distinctive Acadia double front lockers, triple-windowed, radiused leading edges look.

There’s a more solid feel to the interior build, too, that you don’t always get in tourers that call themselves family-friendly. There’s also an excellent amount of storage space – thanks to a generous allowance of upper-level lockers as well as seat bases.

Equipment levels in the Coachman Acadia 830 Xcel are more generous than you might expect, too. Not that many family ‘vans have Alde heating. Or, indeed Al-Ko’s ATC, let alone the same company’s all-new AAA Premium Brake system (exclusive to Coachman for the 2021 season).

Interior fittings range from interior-sprung seating/bedding to stain-resistant loose carpets, concertina blinds and iPhone-compatible Pioneer stereo system.

The Acadia 830 Xcel’s kitchen, in particular, will be appreciated by family groups. Located along the nearside, a good run of worktop includes a full Thetford cooker with dual-fuel hob (three gas rings, one electric hotplate), plus separate oven and grill – exactly the sort of configuration you want if you have a whole family to feed.

Likewise the fridge, a Dometic slimline model, at 133 litres, has the kind of capacity to cope with a larger family.

The sink is to the right of the cooker and there’s some permanent worktop here for the add-on drainer and more.

The microwave oven on the kitchen’s far right is set at a height that should prove convenient to most people. Slightly surprisingly, there’s no worktop extension, although worktop to the lower-level cabinet under the microwave will doubtless come in handy.

Of course, it’s the presence of fixed bunk beds that immediately qualifies this Coachman Acadia 830 Xcel for family-friendly status. But, there’s more.

There’s certainly no shortage of seating. As well as the L-shaped lounge at the front, there’s the U-shaped lounge on the offside, complete with sturdy, fixed pedestal leg table. Both, of course, convert to beds at night – a double at the front and a generous single further back.

Those bunk beds, meanwhile, extend along the offside, encroaching very slightly into the washroom which otherwise enjoys full occupancy at the back of the ‘van. Each bunk has its own opening window, as well as a touch-sensitive LED light. There’s a curtain for a bit of privacy here, too.

Also, the sleeping arrangement keeps the kids (in the bunks) and parents (in the front double) as far from each other as possible – it does make a difference in the confines of a caravan.

That full width washroom at the back is, again, likely to be a family winner. The large, plastic-lined shower cubicle could be a boon for cleaning down mucky kids.

The full-size window will help with ventilation. There are the obligatory Thetford Cassette toilet and basin – the latter a countertop design in white plastic, with slimline swan-neck mixer tap – plus decent high and low-level storage and a heated towel rail.

So, lots of living space. Lots of seating. Lots of storage. Lots of kit. Lots to like. That’s the family adventure of the Coachman Acadia Xcel 830.

And with ATC, AlKO Secure wheel locks and a PIR alarm, you’ll get some healthy savings on your caravan insurance premium.

In this video, we take a look inside the 2021 Coachman Acadia 830 Xcel caravan.

Verdict: A welcome addition to the family

Plus: Well-made, family-friendly layout, generously equipped

Minus: Will need a hefty towcar, restricted payload (unless chassis is upgraded)

In-a-nutshell: Five go on a luxury break

There’s more information on the Acadia range on the Coachman website. To find out more about insuring this or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page.

Alternatives: Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Palermo, Elddis Avanté 840