FrWe cover a lot of tourers in Used Vans, but one maker that has slipped under the radar is the Freedom tourer. This distinctive little range of caravans is a popular model for those who have smaller tow cars and driveways.
The Freedom offers an economical tourer, ideal for newcomers to caravanning, but how do they last? Being a glass fibre moulded shell, water ingress is thankfully very unlikely.
Over the years, they have been sold in several variants, from basic to well kitted-out. A family caravan was available, but the two berths are by far the most popular. The Freedom also found fame when the BBC’s Top Gear attached one to a balloon and added an engine with a propeller!
Model history
Freedom, made in Poland, arrived in the UK in the mid-1970s. Known then as Predom, they were imported by UK caravan manufacturer Mustang in 1976/7.
The Predom caravan had been launched in 1970 in Europe, but when it came to the UK, its unusual looks didn’t prove a hit with buyers. It was also a pop-top, which limited its sales.
A few were imported after Mustang went bust in 1984, but it wasn’t until 1988 that a new importer stepped in: Freedom Caravans in Stafford. This importer holds spares, does repairs to Freedom tourers and sells new and used models.
The Jetstream First Class was launched in 2010 and came with some great features. These included a cassette electric-flush loo, fridge, Truma gas heater and shower, while a four-burner gas hob and grill were fitted with a large kitchen sink. It also had its door fitted onto the UK side with running gear by Al-Ko.
A front-mounted gas locker allowed storage of bulky items, and mains electrics were fitted with charger. Storage, in what is a small caravan, isn’t bad, although the roof lockers are small, and the side windows sealed.
Price checker
Freedom tourers sell quickly, and even the importer had very little used stock when we checked. We found a 2010 model like ours at £5995. Our example was great value, and sold a few days after our visit.
For the rest of the range you can expect to pay:
- Jetstream First Class: £4995-£5995
- Jetstream Twin Sport: £5995-£6995
- Sunseeker: £4995-£5495
What to look for:
- Rear panel damage
- Front panel fading
- Tyres cracking
- Damaged wheel trims
- Corner grab handles broken or damaged
- Any leaks around the side window seals
- Interior roof lining dropping (becoming unstuck)
- Cushioning/upholstery in front lounge seating
- Any softness in the floor area of the kitchen
Alternative models
How about the 2011 Swift Charisma 560? It’s a tourer which has a good spec and makes an excellent used buy, in my opinion. Alternatively, you could take a look at the 2012 Bailey Unicorn Cabrera, a tourer which is great for couples in my opinion thanks to its rear island bed.
See what we made of a more recent Freedom too, the 2021 Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport.
Verdict
The Freedom Jetstream First Class may not be everybody’s cup of cocoa! However, they have a loyal following and a well-established importer. Our example was in good condition after 15-plus years. Check the upholstery – ours seemed fine. Make sure the roof lining hasn’t come away, as re-gluing can be expensive. Side window blinds weren’t the best, so check they operate properly. Check also that the clip-on handbasin in the washroom is not missing.
Overall, the Jetstream is a micro tourer that lasts for years and can be a great buy.
Tech specs
- Berths: 2
- MIRO: 750kg
- Payload: 100kg
- MTPLM: 850kg
- Internal length: 3.00m
- Width: 2.24m
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