Caravans for couples are a key trading sector for manufacturers and dealers, who put a great deal of effort into offering plenty of choice at competitive prices. So if you want good value and a high spec, the market is on your side. Be sure to shop around and look at other models and manufacturers; these examples of seven pre-owned caravans for couples are just a starting point.
Bailey Unicorn Merida (2019)
- LAYOUT Rear washroom
- BERTHS Two
- L/W 6.19m/2.28m
- MTPLM 1330kg
- PAYLOAD 113kg
- MIRO 1217kg
- PLUS POINTS Spacious shower cubicle
- MINUS POINTS Hook-up is at front
OUR REVIEW SAID…
Unlike some other caravan lounges, this one really feels like home, because as well as the comfortable parallel settees and the chest between them, it has a sideboard with the fridge down the nearside by the front door.
The top of this is an ideal location for a TV, which is no doubt why Bailey includes a mains and TV socket here, along with the controls for everything except the Alde heating, whose panel is over the kitchen.
The original fourth-generation Unicorns were the first UK Bailey caravans to incorporate design elements from the firm’s Australian offshoot.
Chief of these was a wooden cover for the four-burner dual-fuel hob, which you naturally get in the Merida, too. It really enhances what is already quite impressive workspace.
The full-width washroom is good, but when it comes to sleeping arrangements, we were rather surprised to see that you still make up the only double bed with slats.
Lunar Ariva (2019)
- LAYOUT End kitchen
- BERTHS Two
- L/W 6.88m/2.30m
- MTPLM 950kg
- PAYLOAD 114kg
- MIRO 836kg
- PLUS POINTS Excellent kitchen
- MINUS POINTS Looks a bit dated
OUR REVIEW SAID…
Lunar’s designers have devised clever ways of making these tourers look larger on the inside than you might expect. The lounge, for example, feels surprisingly spacious, with excellent seating.
Based on the firm’s well-proven end-kitchen layout, the Ariva manages to pack a lot into a relatively small space. A full oven is fitted, along with a dual-fuel hob and a large stainless-steel sink. Generous cupboard storage is provided, and that’s because the fridge has been relocated to the base of the wardrobe.
At first glance, the corner washroom might not seem very modern, but when you take a closer look, you realise this well-designed area provides perfectly practical facilities.
Seating in the front lounge can be made up into two singles, or if you prefer to make up the double bed, the Ariva provides metal frames that pull out from each side to bridge the gap.
Coachman Pastiche 520 (2019)
- LAYOUT Non-fixed bed
- BERTHS Three
- L/W 6.93m/2.26m
- MTPLM 1435kg
- PAYLOAD 140kg
- MIRO 1295kg
- PLUS POINTS Superb end washroom
- MINUS POINTS The table storage
OUR REVIEW SAID…
This van has a huge sunroof at the front and a large roof light, so natural light really floods into the lounge, brightening what some might find a rather drab interior. The area remains well-lit at night, too, thanks to four spotlights and ambient lighting.
The workspace is a good size and thoughtfully planned. The dual-fuel, four-burner hob is set above a separate oven and grill, and a fairly sizeable pan locker. The hob is right next to the door, however, and there is no windbreak, so you might need to be careful about draughts.
An end washroom is always a bit of a luxury, and Coachman is the only manufacturer providing this layout with the toilet in the far corner. This provides you with a huge amount of space for dressing.
The large double bed in the front lounge is made up with slats and very comfortable. Alternatively, you can have two singles.
Compass Casita 462 (2018)
- LAYOUT End kitchen
- BERTHS Two
- L/W 6.30m/2.26m
- MTPLM 1249kg
- PAYLOAD 122kg
- MIRO 1127kg
- PLUS POINTS Great spec for the price
- MINUS POINTS There’s no external access to lockers
OUR REVIEW SAID…
The extra length that Compass has given the Casita 462 really pays dividends inside. To your left is a welcoming pair of settees that will easily accommodate four.
The L-shaped end kitchen provides a huge amount of worktop on the nearside and is well lit by a trio of LEDs and the rooflight above. You get a four-burner dual-fuel hob, a microwave and a three-way 110-litre fridge with removable freezer.
The shower at the far end is a good height, with a folding door and nothing obstructing the tray – as a result, there’s almost as much space in here as you’d get at home!
The bed is easily made up with slats and because the sofa backrests are split, they and the base cushions can easily be turned over to make an Ozio mattress that is more than 5ft wide and 6ft 10in long.
Xplore 422 (2018)
- LAYOUT L-shaped end kitchen
- BERTHS Two
- L/W 5.88m/2.18m
- MTPLM 1099kg
- PAYLOAD 118g
- MIRO 959kg
- PLUS POINTS Superb kitchen and washroom
- MINUS POINTS Limited wardrobe space
OUR REVIEW SAID…
The 422 has a large front lounge, which is bright and airy. No sunroof is fitted or offered as an option, but the large windows and Midi Heki allow in a good amount of natural light.
The L-shaped end kitchen works well. It has brilliant storage in the way of cupboards and overhead lockers, and lots of work surface, too. The sink has a clip-on drainer and a glass top, while next to it is the three-burner gas hob. No microwave is fitted, but the 422 does come with a combined oven/grill.
The washroom is placed in the offside rear corner, with a fully lined shower that is of a good size, while the side window and roof vent make it bright and airy.
The two seats can be used as single beds, but most caravanners will probably prefer to make up the 6ft 6in x 5ft 1in double.
Knaus Starclass 480 (2018)
- LAYOUT End washroom
- BERTHS Two
- L/W 6.70m/2.32m
- MTPLM 1500kg
- PAYLOAD 225kg
- MIRO 1275kg
- PLUS POINTS Good build quality
- MINUS POINTS Alde heating not fitted as standard
OUR REVIEW SAID…
As standard, you get a U-shaped front lounge with wraparound seating. There is a sunroof, but it doesn’t open. However, along with the large Heki roof vent, it lets plenty of natural light into the lounge.
The side kitchen in this Knaus caravan offers excellent cupboard storage, with a mega-sized cutlery drawer. There is a Thetford oven with separate grill, as well as a dual-fuel hob, and the sink is finished in black enamel, complete with drainer.
Tucked in on the left is the shower cubicle, although some might find it a tad small. It is lined, though, and the washroom floor area is generous. A Dometic toilet is fitted below the side window. The handbasin is a very good size.
The settees in the front lounge can be used as single beds. Alternatively, there’s a make-up double, formed by sliding out the slats.
Bailey Pegasus Genoa (2017)
- LAYOUT End washroom
- BERTHS Two
- L/W 6.32m/2.23m
- MTPLM 1265kg
- PAYLOAD 129kg
- MIRO 1136kg
- PLUS POINTS Comfortable sofas easy to make up into a bed
- MINUS POINTS Access to undersea lockers is awkward
OUR REVIEW SAID…
The biggest difference between the Genoa and its main competitors is immediately apparent: the huge central window.
In the kitchen, you get a four-burner dual-fuel hob and a large sink, under which is a huge cutlery drawer and a double cupboard. A pan locker sits under the Thetford oven and grill.
Between this and the housing for the 103-litre Dometic fridge, 800W Daewoo microwave and another small cupboard is a slip of a cupboard that includes two bottle-holders. You might struggle getting wine bottles out of there.
The separate shower in the Genoa’s end washroom is large and comes with its own rooflight and shelving.
Bailey’s clever Dream Sleep system provides you with a flat, easy-to-assemble, comfortable mattress. You just fold over the underside of each base cushion to create a mattress top.
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Or if you think you might prefer a motorhome for couples, take a look at these two-berth ‘vans on sister site, Practical Motorhome.
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