GUIDE TO CARAVANS
THE great staycation summers of 2020 and 2021 prompted millions of Brits to beg, borrow or steal a caravan to grab a couple of much-needed weeks away.
Many holidaymakers will be making a dash overseas now that pandemic travel restrictions have been eased. However, buoyant demand for peak-season campsite pitches and second-hand caravans suggests that many first-time caravanners enjoyed the independence and flexibility that a touring holiday offers, and plan to do it again this summer. So, if you’re among the growing ranks of the ‘caravan curious’ considering a purchase in time for the great summer getaway, what are the best options?
Do you want a comfortable fixed bed that doesn’t require wrestling with a bunch of cushions and sheets at the end of the day? Or is a space-efficient multi-berth layout a priority – with plenty of room for the kids to bunk down while you kick back and relax in front of the TV?
We’ve compiled a list of the most popular caravans at various prices to guide you, but first a caveat: caravan manufacturers are facing similar supply-chain challenges to the automotive sector, so expect to encounter long lead times when purchasing a new caravan.
As with any major purchase, do your research, shop around and try to work out which layout will work for your requirements before taking the plunge.
“There’s a growing rank of the ‘caravan curious’ considering a purchase for the summer”
LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT
Adria Action 361 LT
From: £21,475 Berths: 2
THE cute little Action was a groundbreaking caravan that single-handedly created the compact caravan class 15 years ago. Its unique styling remains eye-catching and its low weight and aerodynamics will become increasingly important as electric towcars become more mainstream.
Inside, there’s a cosy lounge that converts into a pair of fairly narrow twin singles or a huge double bed. At the rear, there’s a kitchen and a corner washroom with WC and shower. Weighing in at less than a tonne unladen, the Action has a payload of up to 300kg and there’s gas heating and electric lighting for year-round adventures.
The Action broke the mould on its UK debut in 2008 and while the niche has expanded with the arrival of newcomers from Swift and Knaus, the littlest Adria can still hold its own.
PROS: Unique design, lightweight simplicity and surprisingly practical for two.
CONS: Spartan equipment levels, narrow single beds, tight headroom in the lounge.
Swift Basecamp 4
From: £24,495 Berths: 4
CLEVERLY packaged with some neat innovations to maximise practicality, the Basecamp 4 is for the next generation of active tourers for whom a caravan is a passport to outdoor adventures rather than a country cottage on wheels.
Under the funky decals and front mouldings, the Basecamp has a fairly standard lightweight multi-berth tourer layout. There’s parallel seating in the front lounge, converting to a large double bed with a pair of bunks for the kids at the back. The washroom and kitchen
