Leisuredays puts the 2013 ABI Dalby static caravan to the test

We found it difficult to understand why ABI included the Dalby range of three models in its 2013 portfolio when they are virtually identical to the company’s St David models. In fact the price difference between each of the three models in the two ranges is  just a matter of a few pounds. You would also be hard-put to tell the difference between the two from their exteriors which are identical.

The Dalby reviewed here is the 36ft x 12ft two bedroom model. It is built on a painted chassis with a pre-galvanised option available. Not for the first time does this lead us to comment that if the caravan is to be sited near the sea, the option would be the best choice from a corrosion point of view.

The company also appears to be in a bit of a dither since it states in the caravan’s technical specification that only plain aluminium cladding is available and that woodgrain aluminium cladding is not available. However, in the floor plans and features section it states that woodgrain aluminium cladding is standard throughout the range. The caravan we visited did have the latter cladding whilst the windows and doorframe are in rustic brown. However, double glazing is an optional extra.

The internal layout is as standard as bread and butter with the kitchen opposite the entrance, the lounge and dining area to the left as you enter and the two bedrooms and shower room to the right. The seating in the lounge is L shaped and runs along the low dividing wall with the kitchen and then along the back wall of the lounge.

This seating also comprises a pull out occasional bed, whilst in the end wall of this particular model was a pair of optional patio doors. An electric fire has been mounted on a decorative panel on the wall facing the seating. Below the fire is a storage unit and a TV point. Additional standard items include a rectangular dining table and four chairs.

The kitchen comes with ample worktops, plenty of storage for cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery etc and a twin cavity oven and four burner gas hob, above which is an extractor. Next to the entrance is a fridge/freezer and in a cantilevered unit above the base unit on the low wall is space for an optional microwave set between two cupboards. Sadly there is no provision for a dishwasher or washing machine, either as standard or optional appliances.

The family shower room, on the right of the corridor from the kitchen has a full size shower – featuring a thermostatic mixer valve – plus a ceramic pedestal washbasin and low level toilet.  There is also a mirror above the washbasin and a good size storage cupboard with two shelves opposite the shower cubicle. In the technical specification an extractor fan is listed as optional, but in the features and floor plan section it is shown as a standard fitting!

Opposite the shower room is the second bedroom. This has two single divan beds with a bedside cabinet between them. Each also has a vertical padded headboard leading up to two wall cabinets separated by an open shelf. The material used in the headboards we found particularly attractive. Opposite the foot of the bed on the outside wall is a single tall wardrobe with drawers in its base. Adjacent to the wardrobe is a framed mirror fixed to the wall, below which is a 13 amp socket and shelf.

At the end of the caravan is the master bedroom which comes complete with a double bed, dressing table and stool, plus two large wardrobes separated by a cupboard. There is further storage in a series of cabinets spanning the room above the bed. Either side of the bed is a bedside cabinet whilst on the wall above the bed is a reading light.

Adjacent to the wardrobes is the door leading into the en suite. Here, there is a pedestal washbasin, a low level toilet and the cupboard housing the home’s water heater, plus a storage cupboard similar to the one in the shower room.

Verdict:

 

In summary:

Ex-works Retail Price: £29,938.56*

For further information on the ABI Dalby visit www.abiuk.co.uk

If you would like more information on how to insure an ABI Dalby static caravan with Leisuredays, take a look at our list of competitive benefits.

*The price quoted is ex-works, includes VAT, but excludes delivery, installation and any other costs as determined by the manufacturer, distributor, dealer or park owner. Please check the price carefully before you buy as it can vary considerably dependent on many factors including the geographical location of your chosen park.