Touring Caravan

Elddis Crusader Tempest

Maker/model: Elddis Crusader Tempest
Year: 2011
Berths: 6
Length: 6.26m
Width: 2.29m
MIRO: 1662kgs
MTPLM: 1880kgs
Typical tow car: Volvo XC90

Layout: front end dinette, large side wrap-around dinette, centre kitchen, side washroom and fixed bunk beds end wardrobe.

The Crusader Tempest offers a luxury family tourer with decent spec, check front panel for fading

Pros: BPW Chassis with IDC stability control, fixed bunks, good side washroom, excellent kitchen, ideal seasonal pitch.
Cons: Not a lightweight caravan, looks a little dated exterior, not much else

Look out for: Furniture edging coming away, some peeling furniture finish. Front panel fading

Extra equipment? Look out for optional upholstery, fitted mover.

_Side kitchen is a great size and practical with excellent storage and work top too. _

Jenkinson’s opinion: Wow! That was the buzz at the Elddis trade show in 2009 when the Crusader Tempest was launched for 2010. This tourer offered a family loads of spec including BBQ point, exterior mains socket, microwave, fridge/freezer, full oven, Alde heating the list went on! The triple rear bunk beds were a big favorite as to was the central large dinette plus the large excellent side kitchen. The side washroom offered a decent enough area if you were relaying on your own facilities instead of the sites.

Front lounge is comfortable and large in size, upholstery usually lasts well

Although many use this tourer as a seasonal pitch rather than towing it, if you do tow it, a beefy tow vehicle is required. But you will travel in style with a large front lounge seating six with ease. There is decent storage too with lockers and even the wardrobe is a good size considering the squeeze of all this into the Tempest body length. You may need to check dealer’s forecourts to find one as they do tend to get snapped up quickly especially good older ones in good nick. But look at £14-£15 k for a 2011 model and less for a private buy.

How to find a good one

Now 10 years on they are not uncommon on the forecourts while private sales are also to be found. Do a good check on what’s available and don’t buy blind. In other words physically check the van over. Do look for floor problems as well as damp in the rear end panel. Look out for the peeling furniture and edging coming away too. Ask for a service record and also check the upholstery for sagging too.

I would check with an Elddis dealership to see if they can let you know of any potential problems lurking on a Crusader Tempest. Also look for stains on the bunk mattresses and get them changed if required. Check such things as the tyres to for cracking especially if it’s been on a seasonal pitch for some years. Also look at a mover if not fitted this is a big van to move about!

Article written by Andrew Jenkinson August 2022

If you are thinking of buying or have a used Elddis Crusader Tempest that you are looking to insure try Caravanwise caravan insurance. They offer really good value fixed site or seasonal pitch cover.