Kabe Classic C 560 XL: More than winterproof

Kabe is known for its uncompromising construction and its absolute winter resistance. This makes the caravans from the Swedish manufacturer among the absolute best. But: there's also a price tag attached. To gain more foothold in the Dutch market, Kabe is introducing a special series: the Kabe Classic C 560 XL.

In its home country Sweden, Kabe is the absolute market leader, so expansion can only be achieved by targeting other European countries. Like the Netherlands. What somewhat hinders this is the price: the range starts at 34 thousand hard euros, which also limits the target group. Especially for our country, Kabe developed the Classic – a tad smaller, a tad narrower, but still with the uncompromising construction: concessions have only been made in terms of luxury. This brings the price below thirty grand. Still a lot of money, but: then you have a Kabe…

Technology of the Kabe Classic C 560 XL

What makes the Kabe Classic C 560 XL so special? It's mainly the insulation, the heating, and clever applications to prevent condensation. We start with the floor plate: it is – just like the walls and the roof – thicker than with other brands. The top layer of the floor is finished with an aluminum plate in which grooves are milled for the standard Alde liquid underfloor heating. When building a Kabe, construction starts with mounting the floor plate on the chassis, followed by the side walls, the back, and the front. Only when the furniture is attached, the roof goes on. A special feature of the inner walls is that they are covered on the inside: less chance of condensation. And there is a cavity between furniture and walls, so that warm air can circulate everywhere. The unique VarioVent ventilation system, developed by Kabe itself, also contributes to this. Subsequently, all walls are equipped with convectors for the Alde liquid heating – comparable to radiators at home. Thanks to all these measures, Kabe's are 100 percent winterproof, but you also have a lot of comfort in the summer, because a lot of heat stays outside. The fact that Kabe pays attention to every detail is also evident from the random checks carried out in their own climate chamber, with temperatures between minus 35 and +50 degrees.

Exterior

All this technology is also reflected in our test model, the 5.5-meter long Kabe Classic C560 XL. Outside, the typical red color, which makes Kabe caravans so recognizable, immediately stands out. What also stands out are the smaller windows, clearly smaller than with other brands, which results in much less heat loss. Or vice versa: which means that the heat from the sun enters the caravan less quickly – so even in Tuscany you benefit from good insulation. A clever detail is the pull-out ski box, which is hidden behind one of the service hatches. Not only suitable for skis, but also for tent poles, fishing gear or other long objects.

Interior

Inside, we see light oak furniture, combined with light colors – it gives the caravan a modern, contemporary look. Next to the entrance door, we immediately see the touch screen control panel of the Alde heating. Inside, this Kabe has a layout with a French bed at the rear and next to it the toilet area with a sliding door. A smoke detector is mounted above the bed. Heat convectors are invisibly integrated everywhere. Under the wide wardrobe, the Alde heater is located and – typically Kabe – here we also find a drying cabinet, for ski clothing or a wet jacket. The kitchen is large, with a worktop of no less than 1.75 meters in which the elongated hob – three gas burners – and a sink are integrated. The refrigerator has a capacity of 140 liters, the soft-close drawers under the worktop are equipped with central locking, handy for on the road. At the front, the Classic Classic C560 XL has a spacious round seating area with comfortable cushions. There are 6 sockets in the Kabe Classic C 560 XL and in all places there are lamps and spotlights that provide atmospheric lighting.

Conclusion

Uncompromising construction, 100% winterproof, clever details and a top-class heating system that would even allow permanent habitation. That is Kabe. But: it's not for nothing. It's smart that Kabe is coming to the Netherlands with a 'more affordable' version. By only cutting back on luxury, this Classic also comes within reach of a new target group.

PLUS & MIN

+ absolutely winterproof
+ superior construction method
+ neatly finished

– still pricey
– only suitable for powerful towing vehicles

Technical information

Body length/incl. drawbar/interior: 637/767/550 cm
Width interior, exterior: 215/235 cm
Height interior, exterior: 196/264 cm
Dimensions fixed bed: 205 x 179/150 cm
Empty weight: 1450 kg
Total permissible: 2000 kg
Payload: 650 kg

Price € 28.495,00
More information: www.kabe.se/nl