8ft-wide caravans have typically been more popular on the Continent than they have in the UK, but in recent years, they have started to grow in popularity over here. Nowadays, British caravan brands are launching them with increasing regularity. If you’re thinking of buying one, our best 8ft-wide caravan guide is sure to help you find the right one for you.
An 8ft wide caravan can divide opinion. On the one hand, the extra size means you get that nice bit of extra living space that just makes touring a more enjoyable experience (think more legroom in the lounge or extra storage, for instance). However, the trade-off is that these types of caravan are harder to tow.
As they’re heavier tourers, you’ll need to make sure your tow car is well-matched, as well as ensuring you have appropriate towing mirrors to see down the sides of these big old beasts too.
In our guide to the best 8ft-wide caravans, we’re sharing our favourite models from recent years, featuring Adria, Coachman, Bailey and more.
What are the best 8ft-wide caravans?
Adria Adora Tiber
Coachman Laser Xcel 855
Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora
Elddis Crusader Tempest
Swift Elegance Grande 845
Compass Camino 650
Knaus 580 QS 60th Edition
Coachman Acadia Xcel 830
8ft wide caravans – our pick of the best:
Adria Adora Tiber
- Year: 2022
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1800kg
- MiRO: 1647kg
- Payload: 153kg
- Shipping length: 8.24m
- Interior length: 6.19m
- Width: 2.46m
Reason to buy:
- Spacious, interior feels like a hotel
Reason to avoid:
- Sunroof only opens 8-10cm
A brand that we think does 8ft-wide caravans particularly well is Adria, and the Tiber is a case in point – in fact, our reviewer, Peter Baber, remarked: “it comes with everything the demanding caravanner could desire, but delivers it with a certain sleek minimalist style.”
Smart grey fabrics combine with a smooth-wood-grain finish to create a light and airy interior. We were pleased to see that when we took our test model out (which came with an Al-Ko stabiliser), it felt stable, even at speed.
The lounge is where the 8ft-width is really felt. You get roughly a metre of legroom between the sofas, allowing up to four adults to relax in comfort in its C-shaped seating. Light streams in during the day, even if the sunroof’s cooling effects are limited, as it only opens around 8-10cm.
While the kitchen’s size may surprise you, it still has all the facilities a cook could need, including a one-piece large sink (complete with a swivel mixer tap) and a Dometic three-burner hob. There’s also a Thetford Midi Prima MkIII duplex cooker, a microwave, a 142-litre slimline fridge and ample storage on offer.
It delivers a decent washroom too, which includes a basin and swivel toilet. A shower cubicle is across the way – it’s a nice size, but the wheel arch does encroach a bit.
There is plenty of storage provided in this 8ft wide caravan too, including a huge front gas locker, excellent underbed storage (although avoid storing too much at the rear!) and also a sizeable rear wardrobe.
Overall, we think the tourer that won the best 4 berth caravan at the Practical Caravan Awards 2022 almost feels like being in a hotel – and a posh one at that.
Full review: Adria Adora Tiber
Coachman Laser Xcel 855
- Year: 2023
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1950kg
- MiRO: 1790kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Shipping length: 7.90m
- Interior length: 6.27m
- Width: 2.44m
Reason to buy:
- Kitchen is spacious, bedroom
Reason to avoid:
- Shower may be too poky for some
If you have the budget for this twin-axle caravan, you get an extraordinary level of comfort. Coachman has used the additional space to design a tourer with a sociable L-shaped lounge; daylight floods in, despite the 32-inch TV meaning there’s no front nearside window.
In the kitchen, you can really feel that extra width coming into play – in fact, it created a space that reminded us more of a motorhome than a caravan (and if you’re in two minds between the two, check out our caravan or motorhome guide).
Unlike the majority of tourers, the kitchen is on the nearside, giving you an L-shaped unit with a large circular sink and a cover that doubles up as a chopping board. A four-burner dual-fuel hob, a separate oven and grill, a 153-litre fridge and freezer, a microwave, two sockets and a worktop extension complete an impressive area.
One thing we found a touch disappointing was the nearside shower – wider than it is deep, there’s no roof vent and only a single light. However, the main washroom is better, with an opaque window letting light stream into an area that includes a salad-bowl-style basin and a large lit mirror.
A luxurious bed sits at the rear of the van, with the option of creating a day bed and using the fittings to add another caravan TV too. A nicely sized double bed can also be made in the front lounge too.
Full review: Coachman Laser Xcel 855
Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora
- Year: 2023
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1855kg
- MiRO: 1694kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Shipping length: 7.86m
- Interior length: 6.33m
- Overall width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Both the bedroom and washroom feel light and spacious
Reason to avoid:
- Getting the table from beneath the bed isn’t the easiest task
This was the only new tourer from Bailey last summer, but we thought it was an impressive offering, awarding it the best caravan over £30,000 category at the Practical Caravan Awards 2023.
A comfortable lounge provides room for a minimum of six, and we liked how the large central window allows you to enjoy the view at your campsite.
The table was a niggle in this 8ft-wide caravan though – it lives under the transverse island bed at the rear, and the bed base doesn’t stay up on its own. However, once it’s been set up, the table provides space for at least four; as an alternative, a slide-out shelf from the central chest can be used if it’s just two of you.
Then there’s the kitchen, which includes a four-burner dual-fuel hob, a separate oven and grill, a Dometic 700W microwave, an Omnivent, a 153-litre two-way opening fridge and two sockets.
The impressive end washroom is reminiscent of a hotel, a feature which helped it make its way onto our best caravan guide. In here, you’ll find a large door sliding back to reveal a ladder radiator, a large square basin and a mirror. To the right is a spacious shower cubicle, which we liked too, even if it only had a single drainage hole.
In the bedroom, the decision has been taken to swap the typical wardrobe arrangement of having one on either side of the bed – instead, there is a single one in the offside corner, creating an area that feels more spacious. There’s also the option of making the bed a daybed, but with all that space, you can easily move around it as it is.
Full review: Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora
Elddis Crusader Tempest
- Year: 2023
- Berths: 6
- MTPLM: 1880kg
- MiRO: 1701kg
- Payload: 179kg
- Shipping length: 8.18m
- Interior length: 6.39m
- Overall width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Looks smart, bright lounge, excellent kitchen
Reason to avoid:
- No solar panel as standard, bunks opposite fixed bed may not be for everyone
The six-berth caravan includes a spacious lounge, with the twin single settees allowing each of the inhabitants to sit in comfort, thanks to bolster cushions and four scatter cushions. We like this bright space, with a sunroof and skylight creating an airy vibe.
Dovetail-jointed storage drawers in the kitchen add a touch of luxury to a space that also includes a Thetford oven and grill, along with a dual-fuel hob. An extension flap is always a welcome sight and is included here, as is a Dometic fridge and separate freezer, two power sockets and an extractor fan.
Something we particularly like about the twin fixed bunks in this tourer is that each one has a window – there’s also a comfortable side fixed double bed, even if it’s not the biggest. There’s plenty of storage provided too, thanks to the wardrobe and lockers.
At the front, you have the option of making up a large double bed from the settees, or alternatively, using them as two singles.
While the main washroom doesn’t have a window, we still thought it was nicely appointed, with an Alde radiator, a cupboard, a roof vent and a mirror, as well as LEDs. The shower cubicle is a good size for a family too.
Full review: Elddis Crusader Tempest
Swift Elegance Grande 845
- Year: 2023
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 2051kg
- MiRO: 1850kg
- Payload: 201kg
- Shipping length: 7.98m
- Interior length: 6.36m
- Overall width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Looks smart, spacious lounge, great spec and storage
Reason to avoid:
- No washroom window, shower lacks a roof vent
Revamped for the 2023 season, the 845 is a smart tourer, with new alloys and understated grey and white GRP sides enhanced by the standout graphics. A hail-resistant GRP roof, two fitted awning lights, ATC and a 100W solar panel are just some of the features included in the spec.
The spacious lounge has a new lighting scheme, which includes integral lighting, front pillar corner lights and corner spotlights, while the deep upholstery creates a comfortable space for relaxing in.
A slide-out tabletop resides in the central chest, and we’re pleased to see a nearby phone charger and two mains sockets are both to hand too.
Then there’s the side kitchen, a well-planned-out space. Storage is plentiful, thanks to cupboards, drawers and overhead lockers. An extractor fan and roof light are useful features, while a microwave, Thetford oven and dual-fuel hob, 177-litre Dometic fridge freezer and large sink are to hand, as well as a decent worktop with a large extension flap.
While we’d like to see a window in the washroom and a roof vent in the shower, it does come with a handbasin, an Alde radiator, a Thetford cassette toilet and an LED-illuminated mirror.
Storage shouldn’t be an issue either, with space beneath the bed, overhead options in the lounge, cupboards above and below the fridge, and more.
Full review: Swift Elegance Grande 845
Compass Camino 650
- Year: 2023
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1830kg
- MiRO: 1671kg
- Payload: 159kg
- Shipping length: 8.18m
- Interior length: 6.39m
- Overall width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Spacious lounge, good storage
Reason to avoid:
- No solar panel as standard
Now 8ft wide, this twin-axle tourer should add some luxury to any tour. As well as having new graphics and a longer drawbar for increased towing stability, the 2023 model also has an improved Alde heating and water system.
Its L-shaped lounge comes with a 32-inch TV included as standard. This is an area that’s made for socialising in, with comfortable settees and a large sunroof letting light flood in.
A well-equipped side kitchen includes an 800W microwave, a Thetford K1520 oven with dual-fuel hob, a 153-litre Dometic Series 10 fridge with a separate freezer, a stainless steel sink and an extractor fan.
At the rear of the van resides an island bed, with good storage on either side, thanks to twin wardrobes, side drawers and overhead lockers. During the day, it can roll back for a day bed. Then, in that comfortable lounge, you can make up a large double bed too.
We’d like to have seen a window in the main washroom, even if a roof vent is provided. However, it does come with an Alde Anthracite radiator, Thetford toilet, and a standalone basin – a moulded ABS unit can be found in the shower unit, along with an Ecocamel shower head.
Full review: Compass Camino 650
Knaus 580 QS 60th Edition
- Year: 2022
- Berths: 5
- MTPLM: 1900kg
- MiRO: 1654kg
- Payload: 246kg
- Shipping length: 7.91m
- Interior length: 5.70m
- Width: 2.50m
Reason to buy:
- Excellent storage and beds
Reason to avoid:
- Heavy, no separate oven and grill
This 60th-anniversary special edition has a common Continental caravan layout, which sees a single dinette opposite the kitchen and a front fixed bed.
The dinette receives plenty of daylight, despite the absence of a sunroof, and all five of you will have plenty of space. To the right of the door, you’ll find a bulkhead, where a lit mirror resides, along with some coat racks and a small cabinet for shoes. A TV bracket sits on the other side of this.
There’s plenty of work surface in front of a three-burner hob in the kitchen, where a deep sink is also provided. A minor gripe we have here is the presence of two mains sockets above, although we’d acknowledge there’s no obvious place to put them. A combined oven and grill is fitted as standard too.
The rear washroom is good, including a shower cubicle, separated by the entrance door. The main washroom is nicely lit, thanks to a selection of lighting and an opaque window. We like the effect of the well-lit mirror at the back, helping to make this space feel bigger too.
When it comes to the evening, a large double bed can be found at the front of the tourer, with bunks at the back of the van. Beneath the double bed, a huge storage area can be reached, while there’s also space beneath the seats in the dinette. Two overhead lockers also sit at the front, while kitchen and washroom storage is also good.
Full review: Knaus 580 QS 60th Edition
Coachman Acadia Xcel 830
- Year: 2021
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1820kg
- MiRO: 1650kg
- Payload: 170kg
- Shipping length: 7.90m
- Interior length: 6.27m
- Width: 2.44m
Reason to buy:
- Good family space provided
Reason to avoid:
- No roof light in the shower, second dinette has no spotlights
Another twin-axle with an L-shaped lounge, this Coachman model from 2021 also offers a second dinette, giving it an ideal setup for families, with adults able to relax in one part, and kids in the other.
Both lounges are comfortable, and there’s space under one of the front window sills for a TV too.
In the kitchen, you’ll find plenty of workspace; with the exception of one section that could be at an annoying height for taller adults, it’s a good space, with four overhead lockers, a large sink, a four-burner dual-fuel hob, a separate oven and grill, a 133-litre fridge and plenty of storage.
We thought the shower cubicle was an excellent size, even if it only has a single drainage hole and no roof light. The main washroom includes an opaque window (complete with roller blind), a salad-bowl-style handbasin, a huge mirror, a toilet and a radiator.
Thanks to the width of this caravan, children shouldn’t be woken up by any adults using the washroom at night, and we like how each of the bunks comes with reading lights and curtains too.
Storage is generally good too, as you’d expect in one of the best 8ft-wide caravans – three overhead lockers in both the lounge and dinette, while a huge wardrobe is next to the bunk beds, with two large drawers beneath.
Full review: Coachman Acadia Xcel 830
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.
