Full review

The Shamal name is a long-established component of the Elddis range. For 2014 this twin-bed caravan gets a bright new look (literally) with a panoramic skylight. Elddis calls it a “sky scape”; whatever you like to call it, this feature floods light into the Shamal. The tinted windows are gone for 2014, so this is the lightest, brightest Shamal ever. If you haven’t been enamoured with a Shamal before, 2014 is a good year to get acquainted with them.
New woodwork has been introduced for 2014; another noticeable and appealing feature.
There’s a new feature that’s less obvious. And one that you can’t see at all. The less obvious feature is something that enhances the appeal of the Shamal to potential buyers who intend to use it on a four-season basis. It’s a 40-litre inboard water tank, with the added bonus of the Whale IC controller that cuts off the pump if you run out of water while filling it. The feature you can’t see is the method of construction. As with all Explorer Group caravans, Crusaders are made using the SoLiD system of bonding. This eliminates 90% of screws and also eliminates risk of water ingress. Explorer says: “Our philosophy is: Stop the water getting in!” SoLiD stands for Strong, Light and Dry, and there’s a decade of water ingress warranty to back it up.
The Shamal’s layout is one that has sped up the popularity ladder at lightning speed over the last two or three years. It has twin beds and a rear shower room. Its chief appeal is to couples, of course, but you can make a double bed in the lounge, or two singles for little caravanners.