by Nigel Plant
The Adria Adora 612UP is a 6 berth touring caravan with a difference. Built to European specifications, it affords more space and more spec on a single axle. Nigel Plant and his wife Patricia have been the proud owners of their Adora 612UP for the last eighteen months, and share their user experiences with us here on Caravan Times.
Setting up:
The van is very simple and straight forward to hitch up, and although it is a heavy van we use a Power Mover for hitching etc. which makes it simple and straight forward. The Al-Ko hitch lock is smooth to connect and the electrics have never failed us.
From the outside:
Looks wise, we find it is a real head turner. The bodyshell has remained bright and clear and the windows are easy to clean. The front A-frame step is an added bonus for getting up high when cleaning, although it creaks a bit at times.
The front window is one large pane which gives clear views from inside. We would have preferred a dark tint as the transparency allows passersby to peer straight in which does create a bit of a privacy issue. All the doors and windows close with a solid feel and the click-stop window latches work ok, although one sticks occasionally and requires a skewer to release it.
The wet locker is a real plus giving plenty of under bed storage from the outside, and the front locker has loads of space; two gas bottles and loads of camping clutter can be stored easily.
The toilet locker has the integral flush tank, which can last two of us a week easily and the water pump is easy to attach. The waste exit perhaps needs attention as it comes out directly behind the trim with little room to attach pipes. The battery locker is about the norm but fitting a larger battery can be a bit of a squeeze, especially if you have a motor mover connected as well.
One of my only problems with the exterior is the legs; the rear legs are straight forward but the front pair tucks beneath the body and you need to bend down and reach under to get the winder in – this can be a pain, especially if it’s raining.
The long A-frame sits on a single axle, yet despite having an MTPLM of 1,700kg – it’s a very stable tow.
On the inside:
The overall feel of the inside is spacious, contemporary and modern. It’s a fixed bed six berther with two doubles as well as the bunks and it certainly does not fit in to the ‘normal’ looking category of caravans.
Living space:
The front lounge area is U-shaped with a large, heavy table. The seating is not the most comfortable and we tend to store the table in the awning or just leave it at home if we don’t need it. The side dinette gives the two of us plenty of room and there are two spotlights providing plenty of illumination.
The over head storage is more than enough; under bed, under seat, above head, it seems to be never ending! And there a deep, thin shelved area between the lounge and dinette, which we use to stash bits and bobs in.
The wardrobe would be small for a family trip away for a week, because the heating conduit, mains power switch and fuse box are all located in there. The spot for the TV aerial is marked in the ceiling but there isn’t an actual aerial which is a little confusing, but we use a satellite dish and booster lead so this is not an issue for us…
