2022 Coachman Acadia 660 Xtra caravan

Xtra means just that when it comes to caravans from Coachman. The Hull-based manufacturer uses the name for extra-wide models like this 660 from its “starter” Acadia range.

So, what you get is a 2.44m (or 8ft) width that’s at the absolute limit for touring caravans here in the UK. As for the 660, from a line-up of eight models, three of which are Xtras, you get a full five-berth on a twin axle chassis.

There’s definitely a Coachman “family look” here – starting from the front, where there’s that flush-fitting three-windowed front, swooping up to a fixed sunroof, plus – at lower level – storage hatches either side, and minimal graphics.

Even with that broader beam and an internal length just shy of 6.3m, Coachman has come up with a caravan layout that really does optimise the living space as well as giving a permanent main bed. A light wood furniture finish and an even lighter grey upholstery add to the feeling, too.

The inside of the Coachman Acadia 660 Xtra caravan also boasts an L-shaped lounge, a style that seem to work particularly well in a wider body. It’s an easy action to pull out the transverse seating section when it comes to turning it into a double bed, although an alternative (more specifically for smaller folk) would be to keep it L-shaped for two adjoining singles. The reading lights her are LEDs, of course, and also come with a night-light setting.

There’s more seating/sleeping aft of this, with a U-shaped dinette around a fixed pedestal leg table that also comes into use when converting to a bed.

The kitchen is opposite, along the nearside of the Coachman Acadia 660 Xtra. Kit includes a full cooker set left, with the usual three gas rings, electric hotplate, separate grill and oven. The sink, in stainless steel, is seated centrally with space to its right to add its plastic drainer. There’s no worktop extension, but arguably it’s not needed.

A microwave oven is directly over the hob – not everybody’s location of choice for such a fitting. There’s a good array of drawer and locker storage.

A dedicated lounge table store is between the kitchen unit and fridge. Set high for ease of access, it’s a Dometic slimline model with removable freezer box and a very handy 133-litre total capacity.

Beyond the kitchen/dinette zones, at the back, a French double bed occupies the nearside, with washroom next to it.

It has a large padded headboard, plus five ceiling lockers and a small open corner shelf unit, while overhead the large rooflight will be seen as a boon for stargazers… or just those who like a lot of ventilation.

Alongside, the Coachman Acadia 660 Xtra’s washroom includes a separate shower cubicle at the furthest end from its solid door entrance. There’s an Ecocamel shower head here on a riser bar for all-heights adjustment, while the cubicle itself has plastic wall linings plus a mini corner unit with a couple of ledges. There’s just the one plughole below, though.

A swivel-bowl toilet is in the centre of the washroom, a fixed basin just inside the door. And there’s just enough space for a heated towel rail between the countertop basin and the toilet. Also, an opaque window.

Acadia might be Coachman’s “starter” range but you’d hardly know it from the generous specification. There’s an Alde central heating system, for starters. Plus, such goodies as a Status 570 TV aerial, Whale Watermaster inlet point, chrome taps and locker door handles, dovetail joints for the drawers etc.

There’s no stinting on the safety and security side either. Al-Ko’s ATC tops an impressive list here, plus an alarm and fittings for Al-Ko axle wheel locks, attracting a discount on your caravan insurance. But at this value you may want to consider the optional Phantom Sentinel tracking system.

Tempting as it is to call this a “family ‘van”, it does depend on your definition of a family. Couples will love the space (ditto pets, of course), while anyone who wants to go away with the kids or grandchildren will appreciate the extra berths. You just need a fairly hefty towcar, that’s all.

Verdict: Fine for five

Plus: Well made and generally well equipped, spacious living area, flexible bed arrangements

Minus: Just the one shower outlet, microwave location

In-a-nutshell: Xtra special

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 page.

Alternatives: Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Turin, Buccaneer Aruba, Elddis Avanté/Compass Casita 840