Everyone loves a bargain, and no more so than when buying a caravan. But if you’re shopping at the budget end of the market, you do need to have realistic expectations and know exactly what you priorities are. Fortunately, we’re here to help – here we’ve identified three great budget used caravans, and each one costs less than £15,000!
SPRITE MAJOR 4 SB (2015)
- Layout Transverse island bed
- Berths 4
- L/W 7.48m/2.23m
- MTPLM 1385kg
- Payload 201kg
- MiRO 1184kg
- Plus points Rear island bed
- Minus points Shower isn’t fully lined
Our review said
This four-berth caravan will no doubt appeal to couples and small, young families. As such, the 5ft 3in settees are entirely forgivable, and actually look longer than they are.
The kitchen lives on the offside wall, opposite the door, and feels impressively comprehensive for what is, after all, a budget caravan’s galley.
Its standard equipment stretches to a 113-litre Thetford fridge and a Thetford cooker with three-burner hob, oven and separate grill. Our test tourer’s microwave is part of the option pack – but all models get the folding extension to what is already a generous worktop.
The van sports a full-width end washroom, but discovering that the shower cubicle is not fully lined came as a disappointment.
Although capable of accommodating four, it’s likely that most Major 4 SBs will be bought by couples seeking the luxury and convenience of a fixed bed, which this van delivers.
Full review here
ELDDIS XPLORE 302 (2013)
- Layout L-shaped lounge
- Berths 2
- L/W 4.69m/2.15m
- MTPLM 950kg
- Payload 133kg
- MiRO 817kg
- Plus points Sizeable lounge and good storage
- Minus points Headroom is limited
Our review said
The stunning lounge is this caravan’s selling point. The way the open interior has been achieved is with the installation of Whale’s blown-air heating system, which is bolted underneath the floor of the van. Seating is comfortable and generous for two.
The kitchen is small, but aside from the lack of a microwave, equipped pretty well. The big compromise is a combined oven and grill, rather than separate ones.
The small corner washroom is best employed for late-night toilet visits and a quick freshen-up rather than a daily shower. Space is a bit tight, but the storage is pretty good.
You can use the seating as a single bed without doing anything at all. The L-shaped bed is simple enough to assemble, but the cushions need to be shuffled into position and arranged to get the gaps between them in the best places.
Full review here
SPRITE QUATTRO FB (2009)
- Layout Fixed bed
- Berths 6
- L/W 7.91m/2.23m
- MTPLM 1555kg
- Payload 259kg
- MiRO 1296kg
- Plus points Spacious and high-level spec
- Minus points No shelves in lockers
Our review said
The sunroof isn’t as big as one some vans, but it combines with the large one-piece front window to make the lounge light and airy.
Siting the sink directly next to the cooker frees up plenty of workspace, and there is heaps of room in the main kitchen cupboard, below. The removable drainer frees up more work surface, and its high-rim design is very practical.
Every cook appreciates a separate grill and oven, and a large fridge, and the Quattro has both. There’s no microwave, but the three-burner gas hob should be enough for most.
The washroom has a domestic-style door, and the handbasin and storage are outside the shower/toilet wetroom.
Setting up the bunk beds is quickly and easily done, although the cushions aren’t a particularly good fit, especially on the lower bunk.
The fixed bed is a good size. There’s no sunroof above it, but plenty of light comes in through the side window.
Full review here
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