To help you identify the right caravan for you both, we’re taking a look at the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport and the Mink 2.0 Sports Camper, two models that made it onto our shortlist for the best caravan for couples at the Practical Caravan Awards.

The category was ultimately won by the Coachman VIP 540 Xtra, which you can find out more about in our best caravan round-up.

However, both the Jetstream and Mink models have innovative and quirky touches that make them great options to consider.

So, how do they compare? We take a look…

The basic spec

Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport

The Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport
  • Price: £15,995
  • Berth: 2
  • MiRO: 700kg
  • MTPLM: 750kg
  • Shipping length: 4.26m
  • Interior length: 3.10m
  • Payload: 50kg
  • Width: 2.03m

Mink 2.0 Sports Camper

The Mink 2.0 Sports Camper
  • Price: £15,295
  • Berth: 2/3
  • MiRO: 490kg
  • MTPLM: 750kg
  • Shipping length: 4.12m
  • Interior length: 2.81m
  • Payload: 260kg
  • Width: 2.08m

Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport vs Mink 2.0 Sports Camper: Design

The one-piece shell of the Jetstream is all GRP. On an Al-Ko chassis, the MiRO of only 700kg will mean you don’t need to worry about having a huge tow car to head off on tour, and subsequently, you are unlikely to miss ATC. However, the trade off here is you only get a payload of 50kg.

A really useful design element is the placement of the main light switch – it’s found by the door and you can reach it from the ground. This is particularly helpful if you’re returning to your van in the dark.

The Mink model is certainly an eye-catching micro-caravan, thanks to its yellow trim and alloy wheels. Like the Jetstream, it sits on an Al-Ko chassis, and should tow well.

There are some clever touches incorporated in the design of the Mink – for instance, the wheel arches come with mouldings for two coffee mugs, a welcome little touch, considering you’ll most likely be eating outside, and will subsequently want a place to put a drink. Our reviewer, Peter Baber, also said the Mink felt “more stylish than many mini-caravans we have seen, and feels better built, too”.

Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport vs Mink 2.0 Sports Camper: Lounge area

The Freedom has a comfortable U-shaped lounge which could seat five – headroom shouldn’t be an issue either, unless you’re very tall. Light is provided in here, thanks to a front window and side windows.

The U-shaped lounge in the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport

Something we did note was there is no specific area to store the foldaway table. As a result, you will have to be mindful of where you put it when you’re driving to the site. You will also find you can probably only seat three too, but for couples who want to head off together, this shouldn’t pose too much of an issue.

The Mink doesn’t have a lounge per se – instead, you will find the double bed. This is still a comfortable place to sit, which the artificial-leather headboard further enhances. We look at this in more detail further down

This creates a cosy interior, with the monocoque shell quieting external noise too.

Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport vs Mink 2.0 Sports Camper: Kitchen space

The kitchen of the Jetstream is well-lit, courtesy of a large window – when you’re cooking in the evening, there is also a spotlight. This is decently equipped, with a two-burner gas hob, combined oven and grill and a large sink providing a good space for preparing food in. A 60-litre fridge is also to hand.

The kitchen in the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport
The kitchen in the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport

In comparison, the Mink’s kitchen is found in the ‘boot’. It lifts nice and high though, with our reviewer, who is 6ft 6in, able to use it without any issue. Workspace is plentiful and an icebox is to hand, accessible via a trapdoor.

The kitchen in the Mink 2.0 Sports Camper

A single-burner gas hob is provided, but it’s worth noting you don’t get a sink or water system included.

Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport vs Mink 2.0 Sports Camper: Washroom

The washroom is another area where the two caravans showcase their differences.

The Jetstream has a corner washroom which has an opaque window to light it. A separate showerhead and unobstructed shower tray are provided, while a foldaway basin and mirror can also be found, along with a cassette toilet.

The washroom in the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport
The washroom in the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport

 

You’ll need to make alternative arrangements in the Mink however – there’s no washroom or toilet in the innovative mini-caravan.

Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport vs Mink 2.0 Sports Camper: Sleeping

A double can be made up in the lounge of the Jetstream. It’s large and comfortable, with a headboard provided by the foam surface of the walls. Slats are used to put it together, which need lifting into place. It was deemed a “delicate operation” by our reviewer, who actually recommended using the settees as singles instead, if you’re both under six feet.

The Mink’s memory foam mattress is very comfortable. Something that is nice about it is the panoramic window, which stretches across most of the lounge area, and the bed offers the ideal base for indulging in a spot of stargazing.

The sleeping area in the Mink 2.0 Sports Camper
The sleeping area in the Mink 2.0 Sports Camper

The Mink’s third berth is provided by the bunk found above the bottom end of the bed. It’s only big enough for a small child – if there’s just the two of you, it could offer a great setting for storage.

Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport vs Mink 2.0 Sports Camper: Storage

A large outdoor front locker is provided in the Jetstream, capable of holding more than gas bottles. A wardrobe provides some half-height hanging space, while you also get six overhead lockers, with three more found in the kitchen.

The Mink has basic storage options – hence the suggestion to use the bunk. Two small felt pockets can be found on both side walls, along with six shelves in the kitchen. There is also further storage space to be found by removing the trapdoor to the right of the workspace.

Overall…

Both the Jetstream and Mink incorporate clever design touches and provide couples with an excellent – and flexible – base. The Jetstream is more conventional, and if you think there’s a chance you could have people over, has the space inside to host them in the U-shaped lounge.

In comparison, the Mink has a cosy, intimate setting, and we loved the panoramic window – the build quality is better than the majority of mini-caravans we’ve seen. Perhaps the big difference could be how you feel about touring without a water system.

However, for couples who are looking to get away and enjoy some quality time together, both caravans provide a great setting for making wonderful memories.

You can find out more about both models by reading our review of the Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport and the Mink 2.0 Sports Camper.


If you’re looking for the right towing vehicle to go with your caravan, be sure to check our guide to the best tow cars and the best used tow cars, where we pick out the top models on the market.

You can also find out about Freedom and the other leading brands out there in our guide to the best caravan makes.


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