Coromal Excel Compac 2005 Review

In the rush to satisfy consumers hungry for the latest and best-equipped models, caravan makers have been concentrating on what inevitably are larger and more luxurious vans. Older caravanners who are beginning to reduce the number and length of their trips and downsize their units must have been feeling a bit neglected amid all this excitement, but at last someone has remembered them.

This year we're noticing a shift of attention, on the part of the caravan industry, towards the price and weight-conscious end of the market. This change in attitude was especially noticeable at some of last year's shows, but it really began at February's Adelaide show, with the official launch of Coromal's little Compac.

The Compac is a new model in Coromal's 'entry level' Excel pop-top line-up. Measuring 13ft 2in x 7ft (4 x 2m) and weighing less than 900kg, it's an ideal unit for the still-avid caravanning couple, who no longer feel the urge to roam around the country for months on end.

The Compac is easy to tow with a smaller vehicle, easy to store - and is also surprisingly well equipped and comfortable.

As anyone who wasn't born yesterday knows, there is nothing new about these little 'back door' caravans - they've been around since the early days. From time to time people rediscover them and suddenly there's a surge in demand. Most manufacturers have the floorplans on hand if anyone asks for them, and one reason why they aren't widely promoted is simply that the manufacturers and retailers make hardly any profit on them. People naturally expect to pay much less than they would for, say, a 15ft 6in model with a side entrance and more fittings, but surprisingly there is very little difference in the actual manufacturing cost.

The little van is fully insulated and comes with either a double bed (150mm extension at the foot) and two wardrobes with dressing tables beneath, or twin single beds with a wardrobe in the centre. As it's an Excel model there is no custom-building available, nor is air-conditioning an option. Small rear entry caravans always have exactly the same floorplan, consisting of double or single beds up front, a two-seater dinette on the near side and a small scale kitchen along the opposite wall.

Inevitably storage in a caravan of this size is restricted, although there is additional space under the beds (including provision for a porta-potti under the Compac's double) and the dinette cushions. The extra-low profile of the Excel range means not as many overhead cupboards, but Coromal has done its best by adding shelving at the top of each side wall (all the way along in the twin bed model, halfway in the double bed layout), as well as overheads along the front.

The kitchen is equipped with a four-burner cooktop and grill supplemented by an eye-level microwave above the draining board, while the Dometic three-way RM2350 fridge is tucked underneath. There are no drawers, but a couple of small under-bench cupboards are available for provisions and utensils. To compensate a little for the lack of bench space, Coromal has added a couple of angled extensions, one beside the stove and the other behind the dinette seat.

Window placement also depends on the choice of beds. With the double bed there's a window along the front wall, but in the single bed layout this is not available, although this is compensated for by enlarging the side windows.

The Compac's small front boot carries the gas bottle - as is Coromal's normal practice - and also the spare wheel, so there's not much room for anything else. Experienced caravanners should have no difficulty in tailoring their payload and domestic routine to suit the space available in the Compac, and solo travellers will find it just right for their needs.

Those new to the game will have to consider their requirements very carefully, especially if they're planning longer trips. However, this planning ahead will all be worth it when you see the very attractive price tag of $19,990, and the additional economy of towing with a conventional sedan in these times of high fuel pricing.

We mentioned that the "official" launch of the Compac was at the Adelaide Show in February, but before that at least one Compac was already on the road, having been pre-ordered, sight-unseen, from Coromal Adelaide by Mr and Mrs Sellers - they had called in with a request for a van they could tow with their Toyota Camry, justifying the rebirth of the rear door model after it had been missing from Coromal's range for several years.

In any case, seeking something small and light to replace their existing larger van, the Sellers certainly fitted the demographic for future Compac sales.

For your nearest Coromal dealer, phone (08) 9352 0900, fax (08) 9454 9291, or visit http://www.coromal.com.au/

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