Our latest brochures are available from Approved Retailers or are available to view and download in Brochure Download section on this website. A request form can also be completed should you wish to receive a printed copy of our latest brochures.

Our caravans and motorhomes are only available through our Approved Retailer network and are available to buy at approved dealerships and at regular shows and exhibitions.

Please refer to our Retailer Locator, or telephone 0371 964 2113 and ask for Customer Services.

The Retailer Locator on the website will show which brands and model types each Retailer sells. You will need to contact the Retailer directly to find out if they have a particular model in stock, or on order. Our Premier Retailers will offer a wider selection of models for you to view and compare.

Some of the most recent handbooks are available to view in the handbooks section. Printed copies can also be purchased at a cost of £24.00. We can accept payment by credit or debit card and you should contact us by telephoning 0371 964 2113, asking for Customer Services.

Alternatively please send a cheque made payable to “Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd” to Customer Services, Explorer House, Delves Lane, Consett, Co Durham, DH8 7PE.

Your covering letter should give details of your caravan including the VIN/Conversion number and your name/address to which we will post your handbook. Please be advised that original handbooks are not always available and you may receive a photocopy.

Many of the components used in the manufacture of our caravans and motorhomes are identical throughout our model ranges, so we produce a generic handbook, which covers all models manufactured for that season. If the literature supplied with your caravan does not answer your question then please contact your Retailer for further assistance.

The majority of information you require is available through your Elddis, Compass, Xplore or Buccaneer Retailer. Should you need to contact our Customer Services, then please quote the serial number of your caravan, along with your full name and address if a written reply is required.

Unfortunately as a Manufacturer we are not involved in the second hand market. Your chosen Retailer should be able to give you guidance on the current market value and may provide you with trade-in options if you decide to upgrade to a new model.

That depends upon the kerbweight of your tow car. Some caravanners prefer to limit the actual laden weight being towed to no more than 85% of the tow car kerbweight, but you can legally tow to a max of 100%.

Your car Manufacturer’s manual should quote your maximum towing limit and its recommended nose weight.

Nose weight is the download on a tow bar caused by the weight of your caravan when hitched. Remember, this is not the maximum weight of your caravan, as the weight is distributed between the axle wheels (2 or 4) and the jockey wheel. Noseweights vary by range and model and are stated on the weightplate of the caravan. Check your weight by supporting the coupling head on your bathroom scales, ensuring that your caravan is level at all times.

A towing bracket with a 50mm tow ball, 13-pin plug and socket (or suitable adaptor) and a third number plate to go on the back of your caravan are all legal requirements. With effect from 1 October 1982, UK law also requires that a safety device be fitted to a permanent part of the tow bar structure. This is to provide protection in the event of separation of the main coupling whilst in motion and a breakaway cable must also be used where fitted. In addition, extended towing mirrors are highly recommended because you must have an adequate view to the rear of your towing unit.

We have extensively tested our chassis and we are confident of its stability. However, many other factors can influence your towing unit. When loading your caravan put heavy items low down and mainly over the axle(s). You should not stow tins, bottles or heavy items in overhead lockers, during towing. Everything else should be distributed evenly around your caravan, front and back, and each side of the centreline. Make sure to end up with a suitable nose weight.

Should snaking start, if at all possible don’t brake and don’t compensate by steering into the swings. Just ease up on the accelerator and allow your speed to gradually decrease until the snaking subsides.

NB: ALL Elddis, Compass and Buccaneer caravans come with AL-KO ATC as standard (optional extra on the Xplore Range). This is a highly respected anti-snaking, traction control device from our chassis provider, designed to enhance and improve your towing experience.

Your caravan, MTPLM, MIRO, Essential Habitation Equipment, Maximum User Payload, Maximum Hitch Weight and Optional Equipment Payload can all be found by looking in the latest model section, or the ‘Product Archives’ on our website or referring to the relevant Technical Specification.

Tyre pressures for Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer models can be found by looking in the latest model section, or the brochure section under Help & Support on our website or by referring to the relevant Technical Specification. If you still need assistance please contact our Customer Care Team.

Ground to ground awning measurements for Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer models can be found by looking in the latest model section, the Product Archive section on our website or by referring to the relevant Technical Specification. However, if that information cannot be found then we would suggest that the physical measurement should be obtained by threading a piece of string through the awning channel from ground to ground, and then by measuring the string. Your awning manufacturer will then advise on the nearest size of awning appropriate for your measurement. All of our retailers should be able to offer you help and advice in choosing the right awning for your caravan or motorhome.

It may be possible to fit accessories to your caravan but this will depend upon the internal construction of the roof/walls and whether they can support the weight of the accessory. If it is possible your Retailer will be able to advise you, or alternatively they will obtain confirmation and a drawing where necessary, from us. Please note that weight of any accessories will reduce your User Payload allowance.

Please consult the literature supplied with your caravan, as this is a sophisticated electronic component. If you have any problems with the control panel then please inform your Retailer. If they are unable to resolve your problems then they will consult with us, or our supplier for further advice.

The battery charger will operate when connected to the mains outlet on a caravan site. The 12V system, with the exception of the 12V fridge and battery charging, will not operate when your caravan is connected to your towing vehicle. If you encounter problems please ensure that you have checked your leisure battery is fully charged and that all fuses are OK. Are other electrical appliances working? Please note that when towing, your leisure battery will receive a trickle charge from your car battery, but this is not sufficient to fully charge a discharged leisure battery.

It is possible that all of the 230V mains electrical equipment may not be operated simultaneously. A typical UK caravan site mains hook-up point provides a maximum output of 10 amps and on some continental sites, this may be as low as 5 amps. So, for example if you operate a colour TV (2.50 amps), Blown air heater (8.5 amps), water heater (3.9 amps) and interior lights, you may overload your system by using too many appliances at the same time. Switching off other appliances should allow your lights to work.

PLEASE NOTE: The internal lights in your caravan will not operate whilst the caravan’s electrical hitch cables are connected to a towing vehicle with the engine running.

NB: All current Elddis Crusader, Compass Camino and Buccaneer models come with an Alde Load Monitor to prevent you tripping out when hooked up on-site.

Original certificates of conformity are supplied with the product, duplicates are chargeable and can be requested from our customer care team. We endeavour to provide a duplicate certificate of conformity for any product manufactured from the year 2000 onwards.

If you have a product manufactured prior to the year 2000, we are no longer able to supply a duplicate certificate of conformity. Additionally, due to the age of your vehicle we are unable to account for any modifications made following the initial purchase. If you are looking to export the vehicle, we recommend the vehicle is taken for an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) or similar in the country of intended registration. Please contact the relevant countries registration authority for further information.

We do not supply spare parts direct to the public at present, but our network of Retailers will be able to source most parts you require. For details of your nearest Elddis, Compass, Xplore or Buccaneer Retailer please refer to our Retailer Locator on our website or call 0371 964 2113 for assistance.

You may be able to purchase spare parts from our Caravan Breakers and Surplus Stockists. Please see the list below.

Frank’s Caravans - Breaker & Surplus stockist

Address - 27 Wigmore Lane, Stopsley, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU22 8AA
Telephone - 01582 732 168

The Caravan Seat & Cover Centre - Upholstery & Soft Furnishings

Address - Block 11, Cater Business Park, Cater Road, Bishopsworth, Bristol, BS13 7TW
Telephone - 0117 941 0222

VG Caravans - Panels, Fibreglass Parts & Repairs

Address - 107 Benwick Rd, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 2HD
Telephone - 01733 350 580

Graham Chambers - Breaker & Surplus Stockist

Address - Autotech Leisure Services, Linden Lea, Wimbourne Road, Lytchet Matravers, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6HQ
Telephone - 01202 622 195

Glanville M Caravan Dismantler - Breaker & Surplus Stockist

Address - 27-29 Park Street, Forton Industrial Estate, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 4UH
Telephone - 02392 602 988

A & A Caravan Breakers - Breaker & Surplus Stockist

Address - Church Hall Lane, Off Dill Hall Lane, Lancashire, BB5 4EG
Telephone - 01254 233 942 or 07909 666 536

Premier Towing Centre - Breaker & Surplus Stockist

Address - Unit 15, Whitehall Industrial Estate, Whitehall Road, Tipton, West Midlands, DY4 7JY
Telephone - 0121 520 6858

Arc Systems - Old Carver Equipment Only

Address - Pendock Lane, Bradmore, Notts, NG11 6PQ
Telephone - 0115 921 3175

The Caravan Centre - Breaker & Surplus Stockist

Address - Unit 3A, Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate, Blaenavon, NP4 9RL
Telephone - 01495 792 700

Caravan Supplies & Surplus Goods - Second Hand Spares & Surplus Only

Address - 92-94 English Street, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU3 2DT
Telephone - 01482 323 678

O’Leary Motorhome Spares - Surplus Only

Address - 314 Plaxto Bridge Road, Woodmansey, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 0RS
Telephone - 01482 868 632

West Riding Leisure Caravans - Breaker & Surplus Stockist

Address - Unit 19, Perseverance Mill, Lockwood Scar, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD4 6BW
Telephone - 01484 451 760

Used Caravan Parts - Breaker & Surplus Stockist

Address - Unit 4, Thomas Street, Wheldon Road, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 2JW
Telephone - 01977 604 656

In accordance with NCC guidelines, introduced in September 2003, we will endeavour to supply spare parts for up to 8 years before current caravan and motorhome production. However, this is dependent upon parts availability from our suppliers.

Due to the volume of models we produce it is not possible for us to maintain stock levels of every individual component used in our manufacturing process. We do stock commonly requested items, but some items must be made to order to ensure their pristine condition on delivery.

Where an original part is no longer available, we will advise a suitable alternative if it is available.

We do not advise customers to contact us directly, as you will not have the unique sales order identification number that will be required to trace your order. Your Elddis, Compass, Xplore or Buccaneer Retailer has a dedicated account handler who they can consult about any aspect of their parts order. Please ask your Retailer to consult our Parts Department for this information.

From 2013 Season all Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer vehicles – including Touring Caravans, Motorhomes and Campervans are manufactured using our unique and revolutionary SoLiD Construction method. This superior construction method is supported by a class leading warranty cover. From 2013 Season our warranty arrangements are as follows:

10 Year Water Ingress and Body Integrity cover and a 3 year Manufacturer’s cover (2 year Manufacturer’s cover for Fiat based vehicles) (please refer to the warranty section of the handbook for full terms and conditions - this can be found on our web site).

For earlier models please refer to the owners handbook also found on the website.

No. Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer warranty cannot be extended, but some retailers offer comprehensive packages and these are sold as an insurance backed policy. Please consult your Elddis, Compass, Xplore or Buccaneer retailer.

The unexpired term of the warranty may be transferable (please refer to the warranty section of the handbook for full terms and conditions - this can be found on our website). For 2013 Model years a maximum of 6 Years body integrity and 3 Years Manufacturer’s warranty may be transferable from the first registration of the new vehicle, a small fee is chargeable and is quoted in the owner’s handbook. Cheques should be made payable to “Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd” and sent with evidence of ownership and full service history to The Warranty Department, Explorer House, Delves Lane, Consett, Co. Durham DH8 7PE.

In order to protect your investment and to comply with the warranty conditions, you must have your caravan, motorhome or campervan serviced annually by an Elddis, Compass, Xplore or Buccaneer Approved Workshop or Retailer. We strongly recommend that you continue to have your caravan professionally serviced, even after the warranty has expired.

Customers can take their touring caravan, motorhome or campervan to any approved Elddis, Compass, Xplore or Buccaneer Retailer or Service Centre, providing that the Retailer or Service Centre agrees to do this work.

We would always recommend that an Elddis, Compass, Xplore or Buccaneer Approved Retailer or Service Centre undertakes the annual service. However, we will accept services completed by an NCC-approved company, but not warranty work.

Your supplying Retailer is obliged to undertake your warranty work providing they are currently Elddis, Compass, Xplore or Buccaneer Approved. However, any Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer Approved Retailer or Service Centre can undertake the work, but this is at their discretion.

Please refer to the servicing section of your handbook. This is available on the website.

We would always recommend that you contact your supplying Retailer in order that an inspection be carried out, and the necessary course of action agreed.

If this is not convenient you may alternatively contact your local Elddis, Compass, Xplore or Buccaneer retailer or Elddis, Compass, Xplore or Buccaneer Approved Service Centre, and ask them to undertake the inspection and recommend a course of action.

We would recommend that you write to your Retailer, detailing your problems and requirements, requesting a response explaining how they will resolve your complaint.

A copy of your letter can also be forwarded to our Customer Relations Manager, quoting the serial number of your caravan.

Please be assured that we will assist you and your retailer in resolving any problems.

We are the first and only Manufacturer to build fully-bonded touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans. Everybody has a bonded panel, we have a fully-bonded structure. All external panels are bonded together (keyway joint - back and front panel, plus chassis to floor).

Not all bonding is structural bonding … We ONLY use structural grade adhesive in the construction joints – NOT lesser strength sealant adhesive. This allows us to dispense with mechanical fixings that intrinsically create a path for water ingress.

All of our caravan ranges (Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer) and our motorhome and campervan ranges (Elddis and Compass) are built at our County Durham factory.

We use industry-leading state-of-the-art equipment and have made a sizeable investment in our two production lines.

Every Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer model – regardless of its price – is fully-bonded.

We do not charge extra or charge a premium for SoLiD Construction.

We believe that SoLiD Construction is so important that it must be the only way we build caravans, motorhomes and campervans.

We will never compromise the construction of any model, so whether you buy at the top or bottom of our price range you are guaranteed the same unrivalled benefits of SoLiD Construction, backed by our industry-leading manufacturer-backed FREE 10 Year Water Ingress and Body Integrity Warranty.

Our vehicles have more integrity and rigidity by spreading stresses and strains evenly across all joints.

Panels are bonded directly together along the full length of our motorhomes, caravans and campervans. We use the least amount of parts, effectively deployed. This makes for an altogether stronger joint compared with the spaced screws and bolts, jointing strips or trunking used by other manufacturers.

We are the ONLY manufacturer to bond the floor and chassis along its entire length, thus creating a uniform structure with uniform strength – only possible with structural adhesives.

Consequently, our panels are engineered to work as one piece rather than an assembly of components.

The screws, nuts and bolts used on non-SoLiD Construction vehicles can eventually work loose and need retightening or in some cases replacing because of the point contact and excessive stresses and strains that they are exposed to.

Our fully-bonded Monocoque-style shell spreads all these loads to work as one and not as individual parts – so SoLiD Construction is comparable to the way your car is built.

Firstly, we have removed steel screws and some timber (see below). Secondly, because the construction is more rigid and durable, components do not need to be over engineered.

The structure is now so strong that components previously needed to strengthen the vehicle have been removed.

While many manufacturers aim to minimise damage, manage the problem or even ‘channel’ water through the van, our philosophy is clear and simple: Water can not get past a SoLiD Construction joint.

Yes - refer to point 1 - we are the first and only Manufacturer to build fully-bonded touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans.

Unlike others, we are using structural adhesives and employing the latest in automotive engineering so we do not need to rely on screws and bolts. This makes us unique.

Sealants don’t always stick and so need mechanical fastenings – structural adhesives do not - i.e. SoLiD Construction does not require bolts, clamps, screws etc.

Our adhesive seals and cures itself and does not require bolts or braces – which can ‘squeeze’ the adhesive out, making it unusable.

Each adhesive has been matched to each application. We copy the most demanding automotive manufacturers and use 2-part structural polyurethane for utmost structural performance and reliability.

We also us a single part MS polymer (similar to the windscreen in your car) where flexibility and possible accident repairs need to be considered.

Extensive cleanliness and preparation is maintained to ensure the glues are applied under the most favourable conditions. The adhesive can then be applied using calibrated semi-automatic dispensing equipment.

Care is taken in joint preparation to raise the surface energy of the materials being bonded, for example, most plastic surfaces are Plasma treated.

The lifetime of your caravan, motorhome and campervan - with our FREE class-leading manufacturer-backed 10 Year Water Ingress and Body Integrity Warranty.

No - The structural bonding adhesive cures to an inert thermoset plastic, which will not degrade over time. It is very similar to the way in which a car windscreen is bonded.

Henkel has fully tested all their adhesives in various accelerated environmental conditions, climates and temperatures. These adhesives have been in the market place and tried-and-tested for many years already.

It is even stronger than the materials being bonded.

During our track-testing at Lommel the test had to be repeatedly stopped to cool down the car’s suspension to prevent failure. The structural bonding, however, remained intact and unchallenged.

No. Structural bonding is UV and photo-stable.

No. The glue cures to an inert thermoset plastic and can not melt.

No - it permanently cures.

It is a continuous joint - not point fixings, which are weaker and can allow water ingress.

The screws, nuts and bolts used on non-SoLiD Construction vehicles eventually can work loose and need retightening or in some cases replacing because of the point contact and excessive stresses and strains that they are exposed to.

Our fully-bonded Monocoque-style shell spreads all these loads to work as one and not as individual parts – so SoLiD Construction is comparable to the way your car is built.

Water can not get past a SoLiD Construction joint.

No.

No – it has been specifically selected for this purpose. The adhesive can absorb shocks and impacts without failing. It’s no different to the exacting requirements of cars, trucks, boats and planes.

The sum of the parts means that the construction is stronger than others, but it is not brittle.

The panels are bonded directly together so that they work together. Otherwise the panels would want to flex against a stiff frame which could cause leaks. The construction has been tested to prove it will last without failure.

The structural adhesive used in the SoLiD joint was specifically chosen because it has 30% elongation. This allows the adhesive to absorb shocks and impacts without failing.

The specific 2-part adhesive we use is the same specified to counteract the twisting and bending forces that wind turbines are subjected to.

Wood is still the best material for the job. It is strong, green, provides good insulation and it bonds very well. Weight for weight – where strength matters – we choose to use wood. It is unbeatable and provides properties that polyurethane foam etc do not.

Wood has been maintained in the overall construction for a number of reasons:

Firstly, it is easy to bond to and does not require any complex surface treatments which other possible alternative materials may.

Secondly, wood is anisotropic, for example wood is easier to split along its grain and immensely strong across the grain. It is nature’s high tech composite.

The defined structure and properties of wood give strength that cannot be matched by plastic or polyurethane timbers. The use of cross grain construction within the load bearing parts maximises strength in all directions.

It is also warm. With SoLiD Construction there is no need to worry about condensation from cold plastic and metallic surfaces.

It’s encapsulated and protected meaning it will last and last without damage or rotting.

It won’t – SoLiD Construction prevents water ingress. Our philosophy is simple: Water can not get past a SoLiD Construction joint.

No – we don’t need to.

We do not use cold, plastic or metallic surfaces and therefore our caravans, motorhomes and campervans maintain a warm, cosy homely feel. Temperature is easily controlled.

Every model is built with comfort in mind, avoiding any potential for cold, condensation or damp.

It is also important to us to use the minimum number of joints. Our panels are directly bonded to each other using a ‘biscuit’ joint and structural adhesive for maximum strength – which would not work as well with multi-jointed pieces, cold-bridges etc.

Yes, we undertake stringent real-life track testing and extreme temperature testing typically every six months – all beyond the industry norm.

Our testing now exceeds the equivalent of 100,000 miles.

And even after testing caravans, motorhomes and campervans are still in show room condition.

We were the first in the leisure vehicle industry to pioneer the use of GRP underskin to the floor. In addition to our fully-bonded structure, the GRP offers durability and proves a waterproof membrane that will not let water in.

We tested in extreme conditions during the Winter of 2011. The awning was lost in the storm force winds yet the caravan awning rail was undamaged.

Note: a 250mm piece of awning rail will need 2.29 tonnes of weight applied to pull it off. The caravan will be dragged sideways before the awning rail comes off!

No. Normal regular servicing schedules apply to maintain your free manufacturer-backed 10 Year Water Ingress and Body Integrity Warranty.

With SoLiD Construction there are no bolts to re-torque or mechanical fixings to fail or work loose.

Yes. SoLiD Construction has been designed with accident repair in mind.

It’s no different to repairing your car. We use the same tools and methods. In some cases repairs are easier to undertake than previously.

Your approved Elddis/Compass/Xplore/Buccaneer Retailer will follow the Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) provided by us.

All of our approved workshop personnel are fully trained at our Factory, with Henkel, showing them how to prepare, bond and repair vehicles to the most exacting standards.

We provide training to all our Approved Service Centres in the Basic Principles of SoLiD Construction Repair techniques, and have undertaken the most comprehensive training program ever given by a touring caravan, motorhome or campervan manufacturer.

All Approved Elddis/Compass/Xplore/Buccaneer Service Centres are required to participate in this training in order to be authorised to undertake repairs of a SoLiD Construction touring caravan, motorhome or campervan.

Butyl – used previously - contains oils which run and stain.

SoLiD Construction’s adhesive doesn’t, so our touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans always look cleaner and brighter.

You can clean your vehicle in exactly the same way as recommended before.

It’s fine - we’ve just improved the way we build our vehicles and we’re confident that when you choose to upgrade to a new model, that SoLiD Construction will be a key factor in your purchasing decision.

Yes. Customer Services will direct you to the appropriate person.

There is no change to the current warranty terms and conditions.

The vehicle can be repaired as normal.

Your Elddis/Compass/Xplore/Buccaneer Retailer will be able to do this for you.