There is a specific kind of excitement that only a caravan owner truly understands. It’s that mix of nostalgia for the miles already traveled and the pure, unadulterated thrill of a shiny new tow hitch. In October 2025, we reached one of those big milestones in our journey with Caravan Adventuring. After years of faithful service from our Bailey Pegasus GT65 Rimini, we decided it was finally time to upgrade.
While the Bailey had been a fantastic companion for our caravan holidays in the UK, we were starting to crave a little more modern comfort and the refined build quality that Coachman is so famous for. After a lot of research and a few visits to dealerships, we fell hook, line, and sinker for the Coachman Acadia 565 Singleton GTR Sussex Special Edition.
The Decision: Why the Upgrade?
If you are just getting started with caravanning for beginners, you might wonder why anyone would swap a perfectly good caravan for another one with a similar layout. The Rimini and the Acadia 565 both feature the ever-popular twin single-bed layout with a full-width rear washroom. However, the "special edition" factor was the real clincher for us.
The Singleton GTR is a bespoke creation from the team at Sussex Caravan Centre. It takes the already impressive Acadia 565 and adds a host of "Sussex" exclusives that you just don't get on the standard factory models. We’re talking about upgraded upholstery, heavy-duty corner steadies, a solar panel as standard, and that striking silver-grey exterior branding that really makes it stand out on the road.
Beyond the aesthetics, the move to Coachman felt like a step up in terms of "solidness." The Coachman ABC (Advanced Bonded Construction) provides that extra peace of mind when it comes to long-term durability and insulation: essential for those of us who like to tour all year round.
Collection Day at Sussex Caravan Centre
The big day arrived in mid-October. We headed down to the Sussex Caravan Centre, and I have to say, the experience was absolutely wonderful. From the moment we pulled into the dealership, we were treated like old friends. Collecting a new caravan can sometimes feel a bit rushed, especially at larger dealerships, but the team here took their time.
They walked us through every single feature of the Singleton GTR. Even though we’ve been caravanning for years, every brand has its quirks. They showed us how the Alde central heating system integrates with the control panel, the nuances of the new fridge, and the setup of the Phantom VanGuard alarm system. It’s these little details that make the handover process so important. If you're looking for your first van, I can't recommend the staff at Sussex enough: they truly know their stuff.
First Impressions: The Singleton GTR Spec
As soon as we stepped inside, it felt like home, but a much more "luxury" version of it. The 565 layout is perfect for us because it offers so much floor space. Having the fixed single beds means no more making up the bed from sofa cushions every night, and the rear washroom is basically a boutique hotel bathroom on wheels.
One of the highlights of the Singleton GTR is the attention to detail in the branding. The badge on the back isn't just a sticker; it’s a mark of a special edition that has been thoughtfully put together for the UK market. The interior features exclusive fabrics that felt much more premium than our previous van. It’s those small touches: the extra chrome sockets, the dimmable lighting, and the superior mattress quality: that really justify the upgrade.
The exterior is just as impressive. The Acadia 565 has a very modern, streamlined profile. Towing it back with our Land Rover felt effortless. The stability on the road was noticeably better, likely due to the AL-KO ATC (Active Trailer Control) system that comes standard, providing that extra layer of safety during motorway driving.
The Maiden Voyage: California Chalet & Touring Park
We didn't want to just tow the new caravan straight home and park it on the drive. We needed a "shakedown" night to test all the systems and make sure we knew where everything lived. We decided to stop at California Chalet & Touring Park near Wokingham on our way home.
It was only for one night, but it was the perfect test environment. The park is nestled in a beautiful woodland setting, right next to the California Country Park. For a quick October getaway, it was ideal. The site was peaceful, and the pitches were well-spaced, which gave us plenty of room to maneuver the new van into place for the first time without any "audience" pressure!
Setting up was a breeze. We tested the water pump, fired up the Alde heating (which was a godsend as the October air turned chilly), and even tested out the kitchen by making a quick meal. The Acadia’s kitchen workspace is surprisingly generous for a single-axle van, with a decent-sized circular sink and a modern hob/oven combo.
We spent the evening just sitting in the lounge, enjoying the ambient LED lighting and the feel of the new upholstery. It’s amazing how much a change in interior design can change the mood of a trip. The Coachman feels sophisticated and calm, which is exactly what we want after a long day of travel.
Exploring the Surroundings in Wokingham
The next morning, before we hit the road for the final leg of our journey, we took a stroll around the California Country Park. If you’re ever staying at the California Chalet & Touring Park, the lake walk is a must. It’s incredibly scenic, especially with the autumn leaves turning golden in October.
The park also has a great cafe (Jackson's) and a fantastic children’s play area, making it a brilliant spot for those planning caravan holidays in the UK with family. Even for a short stay, the sense of being "away from it all" in the woods was a great way to christen the new van.
Lessons Learned: Caravanning for Beginners
If you are reading this because you are considering your first caravan or thinking about an upgrade, here are a few takeaways from our collection day:
- Don't Rush the Handover: Whether you're buying new or used, let the dealer show you everything. Take notes or even a video on your phone of how the water heater or the control panel works.
- The Shakedown Stay is Essential: Staying just one night at a local site like California Chalet allows you to find any minor niggles while you're still close to the dealership or have the chance to test things in a "real-world" setting before a major trip.
- Layout is King: We stuck with the 565 layout because we knew it worked for our lifestyle. Before you upgrade, spend time sitting in different layouts to see how the "flow" of the caravan feels.
- Special Editions Add Value: Dealer specials like the Singleton GTR often include thousands of pounds worth of extras for a fraction of the cost of adding them individually later.
We are so pleased with the switch to the Coachman. While we loved our Bailey, the Acadia 565 Singleton GTR feels like the start of a new chapter for Caravan Adventuring. We’ve already got a list of places we want to visit, from the luxury of Concierge Camping to the quiet corners of Somerset.
The road ahead looks very comfortable indeed.
