There is such a vast array of brilliant new touring caravans to choose from. It’s hardly any wonder potential buyers who want to know what the best touring caravan to buy is, end up being confused and going around in circles.
If this is your first venture into caravanning, then it can be even more confusing and frustrating.
So, where do you start? Well, that’s what this article is going to help you with. We’ve checked out the latest caravans and come up with a list of five caravans that are the best touring caravans in different categories, available today.
There are some important factors you will need the answers to. But we’ll get to some of those at the end of the article. In the meantime, here’s our list for you to look at.
If you have a family, then the first one is for you:
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Adria Altea 622DK Avon
The Altea 622DK is an entry-level family caravan. A 6-berth with bunk beds at the rear of the van, perfect for the kids to have their own space.
In the central area is a dinette which will convert into two more bunk beds.
In the van’s front is a ‘U’ shaped lounge area. This you can convert into two single beds or a large double. The lounge is a nice bright room during the daytime, thanks to its very large up-and-over front window.
The Altea has a nicely appointed kitchen with the equipment you would expect including, a three-burner gas hob, steel sink, oven, grill, microwave and fridge/freezer.
A decent-sized shower and a swivel cassette toilet. Storage is adequate.
At £20,000, it’s a great price to get started with family caravanning.
Best For First-Timers
Bailey Discovery D4-2
Even though we love the caravan lifestyle, we have to admit it’s not for everyone. So if you are just about to dip your toes into caravanning, there’s no point in shelling out thousands and thousands of pounds. Especially if you’re not sure if it’s the holiday you want every year.
But if you’re still of the mind to buy a new caravan and not used, then we have just the one to suit you. The Bailey Discovery D4-2 is pound for pound one of the best value caravans you’ll find.
The ultra modern-looking Bailey at only 5.61m shouldn’t give you too much trouble, even if it’s your first time towing.
It’s a starter 2-berth caravan with a double bed made up from the sofas in the van’s front. For additional space, check out the wrap-around awning to make up some additional sleeping quarters. Even if you have a small family, you can still get started with the Bailey.
You probably won’t need a B+E licence to tow this caravan, so another bonus if you find that caravan holidays don’t suit your family (not likely though).
When we mentioned starter price we meant it, you can own a brand new caravan for as little as £16,000 by buying the Bailey Discovery D4-2.
Best Caravan For Seasonal Pitches
Sprite Super Quattro EB
The Quattro EB is an 8-foot wide twin-axle caravan, made by Sprite, and is one of three of their ‘Super’ models. Ideal if you like to stay put and not be constantly moving to new locations. Priced at £22,500 makes for a good mid-market price.
8-feet vans are noticeably wider when you first enter one. And the Sprite ‘Supers’ are no exception. The EB is a four-berth van with a transverse fixed double bed.
The lounge features lots of room. In the kitchen you have all the equipment you will need to feed and take care of four adults.
The bathroom is a reasonable size, and the shower cubicle is a circular design. There’s just about enough room to turn around in. A decent-sized central washbasin finishes the washroom.
The rear bedroom is very spacious and a good-sized bed compliments it. They scatter plenty of electrical sockets and storage space around the bedroom, and there’s a socket for an extra TV if you decide to have one in your bedroom.
Best Caravan For Couples
Elddis Avanté 454
Another mid-market priced caravan at £20,000 a 2-berth van perfect for couples.
Most 2-berth caravans rely on you making the bed up from the sofas, but not the Avanté 454. No, none of that. Elddis has a layout incorporating a transverse island bed, in its own bedroom to the rear of the caravan. So, no making up and taking down the bed every day (sigh of relief).
But you still get a living area with an ‘L’ shaped lounge, so no sofas facing each other, much cosier this way. Again ideal for couples. No need to use up space for bedding that you take down every day, so having friends over to socialise is so much more organised.
And if they have a little too much of the vino, they could always sleep on the sofa, while you head off to the privacy of your bedroom.
Best Caravan For Long-Distance Touring
Coachman Acadia 675
If you love to travel longer distances, and only want the very best in luxury, you cannot go far wrong with the upmarket Acadia 675. Priced at £25,500
Great layout that compliments long-distance travel. At the rear, there is a transverse island bed plus a full-width bathroom.
A twin-axle and an Al-Ko galvanised steel chassis, fitted as standard, is the AKS 3004 stabiliser for those long journey times.
Best Tips For Buying A Touring Caravan
Very important that you match the caravan to the car you will use to do the towing. What do you want to do with the caravan? Are you buying it for family holidays, back up accommodation for sporting trips, what uses do you see the caravan coming in handy to support?
How many berths do you think you’ll need? You might be just a couple, but if you have friends or relatives, will they want to come on trips with you? So that could be the difference between a 2-berth and 4-berth caravan.
To reiterate on the caravan must match the car mantra. Very important, you get this right. The bigger and more engine capacity your car possesses, the better it is for towing. If you want a guideline to follow it’s this; make sure the caravan, fully loaded, does not exceed 85% of your vehicle’s kerb weight.
To start with stick to single-axle caravans until you have a lot more experience. They are easier to handle and manoeuvre.
Have a Budget already sorted out before you search for your ideal caravan. But put some aside for the extras you’re going to need. A caravan mover, solar panels, leisure battery, awning, TV, etc.