Elddis is one of Britain's longest-established motorhome and caravan manufacturers, with over 60 years of continuous production from their factory in Consett, County Durham. Founded in 1964 by Siddle Cook, the brand has grown from a small family workshop to a major player representing approximately 11% of the UK motorhome market.

The defining innovation of modern Elddis is SoLiD Construction (Strong, Light, Dry), introduced in 2012. This revolutionary fully-bonded construction system uses chemical bonding adhesive — the same technology used in Formula 1, aircraft and marine construction — to replace over 90% of traditional screws and bolts. The result is a structure that is stronger, lighter and significantly more resistant to water ingress than conventional timber-framed construction. All SoLiD-built vehicles carry a 10-year water ingress and body integrity warranty.

For 2026, Elddis has introduced the advanced ZIP System — a fully bonded, marine-grade aluminium construction method — and HaloTEC interior wall technology, further advancing their construction engineering.

The current motorhome range spans from the affordable Whirlwind GT through the feature-rich Autoquest APEX to the flagship Avalon luxury range. Elddis also produces campervans under the same brand. All vehicles are manufactured at the Consett factory, now owned by the Erwin Hymer Group (part of THOR Industries), giving Elddis access to the engineering resources of the world's largest RV manufacturer.

Elddis was founded in 1964 by Siddle Cook in Consett, County Durham. The unique brand name is simply 'Siddle' spelled backwards. Alongside his wife Mary and son Raymond, Cook launched two original caravan models — the Whirlwind and the Tornado — from their workshop in Consett.

The company grew through the 1970s and was acquired by Ace Belmont International (ABI) in 1973. Elddis made its move into motorhomes in 1985 with the Autostratus, a five-berth coachbuilt that proved hugely popular. The Autoquest range followed in 1988 and remains a bestseller today.

Elddis became part of The Explorer Group, which also owned the Buccaneer, Compass and Xplore brands. In 2017, the Erwin Hymer Group — Europe's largest motorhome and caravan manufacturer — acquired The Explorer Group and all its brands. Then in 2018, the Erwin Hymer Group itself was acquired by US giant THOR Industries, the world's largest recreational vehicle manufacturer.

Despite these ownership changes, manufacturing has remained at the original Consett, County Durham factory, where over 400 employees continue to build every Elddis by hand. The brand now benefits from the resources and engineering expertise of a global RV group while maintaining its distinct British identity.

SoLiD Construction — the first and only fully-bonded construction system for motorhomes and campervans, using chemical bonding to replace 90%+ of mechanical fixings. This creates a lighter, stronger structure with significantly reduced water ingress risk, backed by a 10-year warranty.

Outstanding value for money — Elddis consistently offers more specification per pound than most competitors. Buyers frequently note that you get features like Alde heating, quality kitchens and spacious layouts at prices below the competition.

Lightweight construction — the elimination of heavy timber framing makes Elddis motorhomes lighter than many rivals, improving fuel economy, handling and keeping within weight limits — particularly important for drivers on standard car licences.

60+ years of British heritage — one of the UK's longest-running leisure vehicle manufacturers, with continuous production in County Durham since 1964 and a strong, loyal following among British motorhomers.

Erwin Hymer Group engineering resources — ownership by Europe's largest motorhome manufacturer gives Elddis access to advanced engineering, testing facilities and component sourcing that smaller independents cannot match.

If value for money is your priority — Elddis consistently offers more standard equipment and better specification per pound than most UK competitors. If you want features like Alde heating, quality kitchens and well-designed layouts without paying a premium, Elddis deserves serious consideration.

If you're concerned about damp — SoLiD Construction's fully-bonded joints and 10-year water ingress warranty provide genuine peace of mind. While no system is perfect, the engineering principle is sound and represents a major step forward from traditional timber-framed construction.

If weight matters — lighter vehicles mean better fuel economy, easier handling and staying within payload limits. This is particularly important for couples on standard driving licences who need to keep below 3,500kg.

If you want a proven workhorse — the Autoquest range has been a bestseller since 1988. Many owners report 10+ years of trouble-free ownership, and the model's longevity speaks to its fundamental soundness as a design.

If you're a first-time buyer — the Whirlwind GT range offers an affordable, well-equipped entry point into motorhoming with modern construction technology and a reassuring warranty package.

Build quality can be inconsistent — despite the advanced construction technology, owner forums report occasional quality control issues including loose fittings, poor finishing and components that need attention in the first year of ownership. Some owners note you may need to do your own snagging on a new vehicle.

SoLiD Construction is not immune to water ingress — despite the marketing claims, some owners have reported damp readings on relatively new vehicles. The 10-year warranty provides protection, but its terms may exclude certain areas of the vehicle, so read the fine print carefully.

After-sales service has mixed reviews — some owners report excellent support, while others have found Elddis slow to respond or reluctant to acknowledge manufacturing defects. The experience seems to depend heavily on the selling dealer.

Interior materials can feel budget-oriented — the exceptional value means savings have to come from somewhere. Some owners note that internal materials and fittings, while functional, lack the premium feel of more expensive rivals like Auto-Sleepers or Hymer.

Heating distribution on older models — pre-Alde models with convection heating could produce uneven temperatures, with significant differences between floor and ceiling level. Later models with Alde wet heating resolve this completely.

Check the floor above all else — on SoLiD Construction vehicles, the walls and roof use no timber and typically read 0% moisture. However, the floor remains wooden and is the one area vulnerable to damp. Focus your damp meter checks on the floor, particularly around edges, under furniture and near the entrance step.

Inspect panel joints and bonding lines — check all external joints, particularly the roof strap (a known weak point on some models) and where side panels meet the floor and roof. Look for any signs of sealant deterioration or separation.

Check the Fiat Ducato or Peugeot base carefully — verify cam belt replacement history, test the clutch for judder on older models, and check all gears. The base vehicle is typically the most expensive component to repair.

Test all habitation systems — run the fridge on gas and electric, test all hob burners, check the water heater and space heating, run the water pump and test every tap. If Alde heating is fitted, check all radiators for even heat and look for coolant leaks.

Verify the SoLiD warranty status — check whether the 10-year water ingress warranty is still active and what maintenance conditions apply. Some owners have found certain areas excluded from coverage.

Check for snagging that may not have been addressed — particularly on vehicles that were purchased new and are being sold within the first few years. Ask about any warranty claims or repairs carried out.

When buying a used Elddis, check whether the SoLiD Construction 10-year water ingress warranty is still active. Be aware that warranty terms may exclude certain areas, and maintenance conditions may apply — so ask to see the original warranty documentation and any habitation check certificates.

Beyond the factory warranty, look for a dealer offering an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. Elddis's position within the Erwin Hymer Group means parts are generally available, but specialist repairs can still be costly.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing comprehensive protection for your investment in a brand where the floor and base vehicle are the key areas of concern.

When buying a used Elddis, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.