Buying a pre-owned caravan can be a great way of upgrading your current model or a more budget-friendly way of entering the world of touring. It can be hard to know where to start when you’re looking to choose the right one though. After all, there have been a wide selection of models released over the years, so how exactly do you go about picking out the best used caravan that will suit your needs?
We’re here to help. We’ve gone through our archives to pick out the models from the past few years that really stood out to us when we looked at them, to help you have the most enjoyable touring experience possible. Don’t forget, if you’re looking for somewhere to go on your tours this year, be sure to take a look at our best caravan parks guide.
How do I decide what the best used caravan for me is?
A used caravan is a great way of buying an affordable and high-quality tourer. The key points to consider are where will you be going in it and how many people will be using it. Will you be using it as a family? Or is it intended to provide you with a base for touring as a couple?
After you know exactly what you want from your tourer, you can start looking at the different caravan layouts to find the one that will suit you best.
If you’d like to see what the latest standout models on the market in 2022 are, our best caravan guide is also worth looking at too.
How did we choose the caravans that appear on this list?
At Practical Caravan, we’re constantly testing the latest models. In fact, we’ve been doing this since the magazine launched in 1967, and in the 55 years since then, we’ve reviewed thousands of caravans, giving us an in-depth and unparalleled knowledge of the market. You can find over 400 of our caravan reviews on our website, with more added all the time. These are all unbiased, as we point out both the pros and the cons of every model.
You can find out more about how we review these models and our testing process on our about us page.
When it came to choosing the best used caravans, we went through our reviews section to pick out the models that really impressed us at the time. They include caravans from the biggest brands, including Coachman – voted the best pre-owned caravan manufacturer at our most recent Owner Satisfaction Awards – Bailey and Lunar. You will be able to find out more about the brands that are included on this list in our guide to the best caravan manufacturers.
What are the best used caravans?
Venus 460/2 Deluxe (2019)
- Year: 2019
- Berth: 2
- MiRO: 1056kg
- Payload: 124kg
- MTPLM: 1180kg
- Shipping length: 6.16m
- Width: 2.21m
Reasons to buy:
- Plenty of storage
- Excellent spec
Reasons to avoid:
- Manual flush toilet
This was a van that we really felt was bright and airy when we reviewed it in 2019 – all the more impressive, considering we tested it in the winter. The panoramic front window lets light flood in, while a large skylight makes up for the lack of sunroof. Comfortable seating is provided, while the evenings will be well-lit, thanks to the LED roof lights, the touch-operated LED ceiling light and corner spotlights – these also have USB sockets.
A freestanding table can be used for meals – this is otherwise stored in the kitchen in a cupboard – while a slide-out coffee table is located in the chest of drawers.
We were impressed by the side kitchen of this caravan when we saw it – it’s practical, with a decent amount of worktop and storage on offer. A fridge/freezer, dual-fuel hob and standard oven are all provided, while we were also pleased to see a large stainless steel sink.
The washroom is spacious, with a large side window and roof vent allowing plenty of natural light and ventilation. The Thetford cassette toilet is a manual flush, but the large handbasin comes with plenty of storage and a big mirror sits above.
The storage on offer in this caravan is a real selling point – our reviewer, Andy Jenkinson, said there was “more than enough storage” for two. Touches like a shoe cupboard by the entrance door are really welcome additions too.
Full review: Venus 460/2 Deluxe
Elddis Avante 454 (2020)
- Year: 2020
- Berth: 2
- MiRO: 1182kg
- Payload: 128kg
- MTPLM: 1310kg
- Shipping length: 6.9m
- Width: 2.26m
Reasons to buy:
- Good spec
- Good rear bedroom and storage
Reasons to avoid:
- Washroom is basic
While many two-berth tourers rely upon a couple of parallel sofas to make up a double bed every night, the mid-market Avanté 454 is different, which is why we liked it when we reviewed it. In this van, Elddis created a layout that includes a fixed transverse island bed (with the option of a luxurious Hypnos mattress) in its own boudoir-style bedroom at the rear, so there’s no twice a day routine of making up and taking down a bed.
There is still a living area though, and it incorporates an L-shaped lounge that’s especially cosy and more informal than parallel sofas. It means you can sit back and watch the TV attached to the side wall, creating more of a home-from-home environment than the conventional windows-on-all-sides design.
This L-shaped layout also gives a greater sense of floor space and, with the separate bedroom at the rear leaving the lounge free of bedding, is a great space for entertaining friends. Plus, visiting family could sleep on these sofas occasionally, which is why this van’s versatility makes it so great for couples. A central washroom and kitchen completes the picture.
The washroom comes with a Thetford electric-flush loo but leans towards the compact size. On the side wall, you’ll find a mirror, along with a deep hand basin, although there isn’t a window. Our reviewer at the time noted “two may find that it’s fine to use on a site with some washing facilities”.
Storage is excellent in the 454 – roof lockers can be found in the lounge but it’s the bedroom that is really impressive. You’ll find “massive storage potential” in the rear bedroom beneath the fixed bed, as well as a wall-mounted cupboard, two corner cupboards, two overhead lockers above the bed and twin wardrobes either side too.
Full review: Elddis Avante 454
Sprite Super Quattro EB (2020)
- Year: 2020
- Berth: 4
- MiRO: 1500kg
- Payload: 205kg
- MTPLM: 1705kg
- Shipping length: 7.98m
- Width: 2.46m
Reasons to buy:
- Light lounge
- Comfortable bed
Reasons to avoid:
- Small shower and fridge
This twin-axle Sprite is part of Swift Group’s ‘Super’ range, one of three models that follow the current trend for 8ft-wide vans, which makes it ideal for seasonal touring pitches without the need to tow after every visit.
You’ll appreciate the extra space around the rear transverse island bed, while the bright front lounge is great for entertaining friends and family. The parallel sofas here, at 1.62m (5ft 4in) long as single beds, would suit occasional grandchild sleepovers.
We deemed the round shower cubicle to be “just about roomy enough” when we took a look at it. The central handbasin is a decent enough size, with a lit mirror and toothbrush mirror above, along with a cupboard beneath. You’ll find an additional double cupboard sitting above the opaque window behind the toilet.
The central washroom, closed off by a domestic-style door, allows access by all without disturbing sleepers at either end of the caravan and takes full advantage of its width; it really is spacious. Forward of this, the kitchen offers a full oven, separate grill and three-burner hob, plus a microwave and 100-litre fridge/freezer, which could be on the small side for a family of four. There’s ample preparation space though, aided by a pop-up extension.
The Sprite offers excellent value for money – little wonder, then, that it won the top gong in our Tourer of the Year Awards 2020.
Full review: Sprite Super Quattro EB
Bailey Pegasus GT65 Rimini (2013)
- Year: 2013
- Berths: 4
- MiRO: 1314kg
- Payload: 158kg
- MTPLM: 1472kg
- Shipping length: 7.4m
- Width: 2.23m
Reasons to buy:
- Impressive kitchen with decent storage space
- Bright
Reasons to avoid:
- Twin single beds only 0.69m wide
- No coat and towel hooks
A fixed-twin-single-bed layout proved a winning formula in this Bailey model. It has a bright interior, thanks to the vertical window that allows plenty of light to flood in; sleek, with an innocuous, yet stylish look. A two-drawer centre chest can be found beneath a shelf at the base of the front windows – this is welcome, as it provides additional legroom for anyone who is sitting on a sofa.
However, it’s worth noting that when the free-standing table is set up, you may find space could be tight. Sliding in around the table is much simpler though, as the seating has been lowered.
The kitchen is L-shaped, and when we reviewed it, we noted the ‘wow’ factor it provided. It’s an arrangement that takes into account the gas locker that otherwise juts into the space. A circular sink can be found above the locker, along with a shallow cupboard.
Behind the sink, you’ll find enough workspace for a kettle, although a word of caution – if you’re washing up, be careful of sloshing water onto the worktop, as this could then drip onto the upholstery. There’s a dual-fuel hob with three gas rings and an electric hotplate, as well as a separate oven and grill – a microwave can be found on the opposite wall. A workspace can be found below this which will also double up as a TV stand; if you’re looking for one to take on tour with you, be sure to have a look at our guide to the best caravan TVs.
A compact but comfortable washroom can be found at the rear of the caravan. It has a shower we described as “roomy” when we saw it, although it has no hook or pole for putting any wet gear. As well as this, there’s a swivel cassette toilet, large wardrobe and domestic-style door.
You can separate the sleeping area of the caravan with a concertina partition, and it’s here you may find the van is a bit narrow. While the twin single beds are comfortable, they’re only 0.69m wide. They make up for it with a good length though – one is 1.83m and the other 1.91m. A small corner shelf is found above it too, perfect for storing either a cup, book or glasses. At the front, you can make up a double bed, with the cushions used for a mattress.
Full review: Bailey Pegasus GT65 Rimini
Lunar Delta RI (2016)
- Year: 2016
- Berth: 4
- MiRO: 1550kg
- Payload: 160kg
- MTPLM: 1710kg
- Shipping length: 7.89m
- Width: 2.33m
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent storage
- Brilliant washroom / bedroom
- Well-lit and spacious
Reasons to avoid:
- Front lounge is tight for four diners
The caravan that won our Tourer of the Year Awards in 2016 is always going to be an impressive model.
We did have a slight issue with the lounge. We felt it was a bit on the cosy – but not tight – side for four adults, and we thought an L-shaped lounge could have worked better. However, it’s still a very comfortable area, with a good upholstery and colour scheme provided. Front windows make it well-lit, and this is further enhanced by a Maxi Sky-View rooflight.
A lightweight freestanding table is provided, as is a coffee table, which slides out of the chest of drawers.
A practical kitchen is on offer, coming with a dual-fuel hob and a stainless-steel sink. A Thetford Aspire 2 oven is also included, although it’s worth pointing out that you only get a single mains socket here. A 180-litre fridge/freezer should be more than adequate for four.
The washroom is excellent. A domestic-style shower cubicle is a decent size, while an electric-flush toilet is on the nearside. Plenty of ventilation is always welcome, while the decision to only have a single door between the washroom and bedroom, instead of two, creates a larger feeling.
The island bed for two is incredibly comfortable. The transverse bed measures 1.83m x 1.34m, while the lounge sofas can be changed into a decent 2.11m x 1.51m double too.
You wouldn’t struggle for storage in this tourer, with overhead lockers in the lounge, cupboards in the kitchen and plenty on offer in the washroom. There’s also storage beneath the bed too – more than adequate for a couple and plenty for four too.
Full review: Lunar Delta RI
Sterling Eccles Sport 524 (2015)
- Year: 2015
- Berth: 4
- MiRO: 1265kg
- Payload: 150kg
- MTPLM: 1415kg
- Shipping length: 6.94m
- Width: 2.25m
Reasons to buy:
- Practical interior
- Good storage
Reasons to avoid:
- Roof lockers encroach on top bunk
- Wardrobe hanging space may feel restricted
The Sport 524 feels incredibly spacious, thanks to the sunroof, midi-Heki roof light and the decision to opt for light-coloured furniture.
Four would easily be able to sit in the lounge area, while a small unit would be an ideal home for a TV.
In the kitchen, a huge worktop and selection of cupboards provide a great base for cooking. A Thetford Aspire oven and separate grill, three gas-burner hob and hot-plate and a Dometic 8-Series fridge/freezer can all be found here, but we did think the microwave’s position could make it difficult to remove hot food for some users.
The washroom has a bi-fold door, with an opaque window and roof light providing ventilation. A wardrobe sits on the rear offside corner, which is decently sized but you may find the hanging space to be restricted, due to shelves in the bottom half.
The beds are comfortable – in the lounge, you can either have two singles or a double, with spotlights available for both arrangements.
The side dinette also has two bunks which are ideally suited for kids into their early teens, although we did notice the top bunk has roof lockers that encroach.
There’s plenty of storage in this van, with seven overhead lockers, a chest of drawers, wardrobe and the storage in the kitchen all providing plenty.
Full review: Sterling Eccles Sport (2015)
Coachman VIP 565 (2017)
- Year: 2017
- Berth: 4
- MiRO: 1476kg
- Payload: 154kg
- MTPLM: 1630kg
- Shipping length: 7.4m
- Width: 2.32m
Reasons to buy:
- Bright and airy
- Comfortable bedroom
- Well-equipped kitchen
Reasons to avoid:
- Front lounge is a bit narrow
- Sofas too short to use as singles
This is a model that lives up to its VIP name, although do note you will need a hefty tow car for it, due to the MTPLM of 1630kg.
The living area is bright, with a roof light and sunroof perfectly complemented by the decision to opt for plain fabrics. You’ll also find a chest which provides two large drawers, along with a shelf above the window. The sofas are ideal for reclining in too.
The kitchen provides plenty of worktop, as well as glass covers for the sink and dual-fuel hob, should you need additional space. A separate oven and grill, fridge/freezer and cutlery storage can also be found, along with white overhead lockers. A microwave and overhead Omnivent complete the space.
We’re fans of the classy end washroom, which provides a heated towel rail, bathroom cabinets and a backlit mirror. The shower cubicle itself has moulded shelves and an EcoCamel Jetstream showerhead too. This feels a big space, in part due to the lack of wardrobe here – this is because it’s fitted in on the nearside instead.
The rear bedroom has a nearside bunk that is 6ft 2in long and 2ft 5in wide – the offside is shorter, with a length of 6ft, but mirroring the width.
Both have a padded headboard, speaker, window and reading light, and a TV point and mirror are also both on the nearside. The sofas in the lounge are 5ft, so too short for adult singles, but create a narrow double bed when set up.
Full review: Coachman VIP 565
Swift Conqueror 565 (2016)
- Year: 2016
- Berth: 4
- MiRO: 1508kg
- Payload: 156kg
- MTPLM: 1644kg
- Shipping length: 7.49m
- Width: 2.26m
Reasons to buy:
- Great layout
- Feels luxurious
Reasons to avoid:
- No exterior access to the offside fixed single bed storage locker
A lounge that we deemed “mighty impressive” when we saw it has settees that are longer than in previous iterations. A panoramic roof light adds to a spacious interior, while a TV mounting point can be found by the main entrance door. The two-tone glossy woodwork interior is stylish, and overall, we have to say, it’s a nice area to relax in.
The central galley kitchen comes with a Thetford Aspire 2 cooker, a microwave oven and a slimline 149 litre fridge, while you have two horizontally-mounted power sockets that are positioned in such a way that you don’t have to worry above liquid overspills.
A full-width end washroom is also impressive. We thought there was more than enough floorspace, while a frosted window offers both privacy and light. A double-fronted wardrobe and central washbasin/vanity unit fills the rear wall, while to the right is a large shower.
The layout of the Conqueror works just as well for couples as it does families. Couples will like the twin fixed single beds, found beyond the kitchen area. Each has a large window, padded headboard, small shelf and a reading light, while a second fixed TV station is also fitted.
However, it will work for families as well, especially in comparison to other models on this list which have bunks, which will eventually be outgrown. At the front of the van, you’ll have the choice of making up twin singles or a large double.
Full review: Swift Conqueror 565
Coachman Acadia 470
- Year: 2020
- Berth: 3
- MiRO: 1218kg
- Payload: 125kg
- MTPLM: 1343kg
- Shipping length: 6.33m
- Width: 2.26m
Reason to buy:
- Good washroom
- Plenty of storage
Reason to avoid:
- Sunroof doesn’t open
- Fridge means you lose a bit of hanging space
The second Coachman model to make it onto our list initially impressed us to such an extent that our reviewer, Andrew Jenkinson, said it was “even better value than before”.
The smart tourer has Al-Ko chassis and AKS hitch, as well as two gas lockers. We liked the cosy L-shaped lounge when we reviewed it, with plenty of light entering the area thanks to the large sunroof and big front windows. The former doesn’t open though.
Overhead locker storage is always welcome, and you get plenty of that here, while a freestanding table is useful for eating at.
A spacious side single dinette is also included, a space we deemed “excellent”, which would be ideal for two adults to use for a table.
A well thought out kitchen focuses on practicality. Storage is, again, excellent, as are the general features, which include an oven, dual-fuel hob, stainless steel sink and microwave, along with a 115-litre Dometic fridge.
The washroom has good floor space and a deep bandbasin. A Thetford electric-flush is welcome, as is the chrome radiator for the Alde heating.
The model can sleep three, thanks to the front lounge seating and side dinette, which can be made into a single. The double is comfortable and easy to make up.
We think storage shouldn’t be an issue in the 470, thanks to the overhead lockers and underseat space. The kitchen and washroom should both provide more than enough room for couples in particular too. You should note that the fridge sits below the wardrobe though, which means you end up with less hanging space than you may perhaps want.
Review: Coachman Arcadia 470
Xplore 526 (2015)
- Year: 2015
- Berths: 6
- MiRO: 1120kg
- Payload: 197kg
- MTPLM: 1317kg
- Shipping length: 6.92m
- Width: 2.18m
Reasons to buy:
- Flexible layout
Reasons to avoid
- Washroom could be bigger
Hob needs a protective guard
If you’re looking for a flexible holiday base that six of you can tour in, the Xplore 526 could be ideal.
Built on an Al-Ko chassis, it has SoLiD construction, with an enlarged two-cylinder front gas locker. It’s also easy to clean the caravan, thanks to steps on the hitch cover.
We were surprised by just how bright the front lounge is, all the more impressive considering the lack of sunroof – this is thanks to the one-piece front window. LEDs provide lighting in the evening, while the flip-up occasional table ensures the room feels spacious. A freestanding lounge table can also be spotted on the aft of the offside sofa.
A three-seater rear dinette is located on the van’s nearside and is a great spot for children to play in. Something our review did point out was that the living area did feel ‘a bit bland’, but Verve trim on the curtains and cushions alleviates this somewhat.
The kitchen comes with a combined oven and grill, and includes a three-burner gas hob that is well laid-out. However, as it’s located by the entrance, we would like to have seen a barrier that would stop people from touching them when they enter the caravan.
We really liked the centre washroom. It can be accessed from each of the berths without disturbing another resident, although the payoff is that the washroom can feel a bit compact. The shower is set over a small offset corner sink and not in a liner cubicle.
You’ll find a Rapid-Heat Whale eight-litre water heater too, while the Whale Intelligent Controller is a nice touch – it will turn the water off to prevent any damage if the tank runs dry.
The beds are great, and when we reviewed it before, we identified it as the main selling point. In the front lounge, you can convert the sofas into a big double bed, but it’s worth noting you probably wouldn’t want to use them as single beds, as they’re a bit on the short side. At the rear, there are four berths, separated from the living area by a pull-out screen.
Two fixed bunks are on the offside, while the dinette opposite can be transformed into two bunks by lowering the table to create a base for the lower bed.
Storage is plentiful, thanks to the overhead lockers and storage that can be found under the bunks – we were also impressed by just how sturdy the interior feels too.
Review: Xplore 526
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