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 top. But: there is also a price tag attached to it. 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 working on other European countries. Such as the Netherlands. What somewhat stands in the way 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: only in terms of luxury have concessions been made. This brings the price below thirty thousand. Still a lot of money, but: then you do have a Kabe…

Technology of the Kabe Classic C 560 XL

What makes the Kabe Classic C 560 XL so special? That is mainly the insulation, the heating and smart 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 liquid underfloor heating from Alde. When building a Kabe, the first step is to mount the floor plate on the chassis, followed by the side walls, the back and the front. Only when the furniture has been 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, by Kabe itself developed VarioVent ventilation system also contributes to this. Subsequently, all walls are equipped with convectors for the Alde liquid heating – comparable to the 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 dots all the i's and crosses all the t's is also evident from the sample tests carried out in its 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 immediately stands out, which makes Kabe caravans so recognizable. 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 access 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 room with a sliding door. A smoke detector is mounted above the bed. Heat convectors are invisibly concealed everywhere. Under the wide wardrobe, the Alde heater is located and – typical 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 concealed. 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. In 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, smart details and a top-class heating system that would even make permanent living possible. That's Kabe. But: it comes at a price. The smart thing is that Kabe is bringing a 'more affordable' version to the Netherlands. By only cutting back on luxury, this Classic also comes within reach of a new target group.

PROS & CONS

+ absolutely winterproof
+ superior construction method
+ neatly finished

– still pricey
– only suitable for powerful towing vehicles

Technical information

Length body/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