The best used caravans provide an affordable way of upgrading your current model or a more budget-friendly way of entering the world of touring.
However, it can be hard to know where to start when you’re thinking of buying a used caravan. After all, a wide selection of models have been released over the years, so how exactly do you go about picking out the best used caravan that will suit your needs?
In many ways, the key points to consider are the same as they would be if you were looking at buying one of the best caravans, including how many people will be using it, where you will be going in it, and what your must-haves are. Will you be using it as a family? Or is it intended to provide you with a base for touring as a couple?
Once you know what you want from your secondhand caravan, you will be well on your way to finding the right model. Then, you can hitch it up to the best used car for towing, and be well on your way to enjoying tours.
Here, we’ve picked out the caravans that we believe will offer you a great touring base if you’re looking at the pre-owned market, with models to suit couples and families, as well as tourers from a variety of brands.
What is the best used caravan to buy?
Adria Altea 622DK Avon
Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto
Swift Challenger 560
Venus 460/2 Deluxe
Elddis Avante 454
Sprite Super Quattro EB
Bailey Pegasus GT65 Rimini
Coachman VIP 565
Swift Conqueror 565
Xplore 526
What are the best used caravans?
Adria Altea 622DK Avon (2023)
- Year: 2023
- Berths: 6
- MiRO: 1408kg
- Payload: 242kg
- MTPLM: 1650kg
- Interior length: 6.19m
- Shipping length: 8.25m
- Overall width: 2.29m
Reason to buy:
- Well-built with a good lounge
Reason to avoid:
- Kitchen is tight on workspace
We’re big fans of the 622DK Avon, considering it one of the best 6 berth caravans. It’s an entry-level family tourer that came with some well-planned upgrades for the 2023 season, giving it what we thought was an upmarket look, in part thanks to a bodyshell which is similar to that seen on the Adora.
Find one with the ‘All Inc’ pack, and it will come with alloy wheels and a microwave, while the tourer itself sits on an Al-Ko chassis and has an AKS hitch stabiliser, heavy-duty corner steadies, and an extra-length drawbar for extra stability. However, it’s the huge gas bottle and storage locker we particularly liked.
Inside, there’s a spacious lounge, even when the freestanding table is in position, and the windows combine with an opening sunroof to create a nicely lit area. We also liked the fold-down coffee table over the central window seat, a small but thoughtful design choice.
Then, at the rear, a single dinette can be found for younger members of the touring party.
The kitchen may be a little tight on workspace, but still has a Thetford combined oven and grill, a three-burner hob, and a slim Thetford fridge/freezer.
Three sturdy bunk beds can be found in the rear offside corner, while the lounge can either be used as single beds or, through pull-out slats, a double bed. A sixth bed can then be made in the dinette.
Another feature we liked with the Avon is how the washroom had been revamped to provide style and practicality, including a nicely-sized shower cubicle.
We also thought storage would be more than adequate for five of you, although possibly a bit of a squeeze if there were six of you, with options including space underneath the seats, deep overhead lockers, and a wardrobe.
You can also see what we make of buying a 2020 Adria Altea 622DK Avon.
Full review: Adria Altea 622DK Avon
Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto (2022)
- Year: 2022
- Berths: 4
- MiRO: 1687 kg
- Payload: 160 kg
- MTPLM: 1847 kg
- Interior Length: 6.33 m
- Shipping Length: 7.86 m
- Width: 2.45 m
For those of you who are after a family-friendly tourer with a washroom that can only be described as “fabulous”, the 2022 Alicanto Grande Porto could be the secondhand caravan for you.
Bailey made a change to the twin-axle caravan to meet customer demand, as the mains hook-up connection was moved to the offside. For those who want internet in a caravan, the Porto came with an Avtex Wi-Fi system factory-fitted on the roof, while its central window in the lounge was made 50% larger to create a well-lit interior.
Add the large table in, and four of you could sit on the comfortable sofas, while six USBs – one of which includes a wireless charging pad – and six mains sockets, provide plenty of flexibility for a family.
The kitchen impressed us with how well-equipped it is too, thanks to a dual-fuel four-burner hob, a separate oven and grill, a microwave with a built-in place, a 153-litre fridge, and plenty of workspace, as well as a four-bottle wine rack.
However, it’s the washroom which we especially liked – in fact, we called it “one of the most impressive we’ve seen for many years” at the time. It’s large and well-designed.
A comfortable, five-foot-wide bed can be found at the rear, while the front bed is long enough to be able to accommodate taller teens.
See what a more recent version comes with in our review of the 2024 Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto.
Full review: Bailey Alicanto Grande Porto
Swift Challenger 560 (2020)
- Year: 2020
- Berths: 4
- MiRO: 1397kg
- Payload: 127kg
- MTPLM: 1424kg
- Interior Length: 4.95m
- Shipping Length: 6.66m
- Width: 2.23m
Reason to buy:
- A stylish caravan for a couple which provides quality and comfort
Reason to avoid:
- No window in the washroom, lack of heavy-duty corner steadies
The 2020 Challenger 560 was a model we rated highly when we put it to the test, as we liked how it provided both quality and good looks.
Coming on an Al-Ko chassis, it came with a good spec, including ATC and AKS hitch stabilisers, alloy wheels, and a roof-mounted caravan solar panel (although this was only 80W). Considering all of this, we were surprised by the absence of heavy-duty corner steadies.
The lounge would be able to seat four in comfort, and the lighting impressed us, as did the amount of storage provided in the overhead lockers. We also thought the kitchen would be able to meet the needs of caravanning cooks, with a dual-fuel four-burner hob, a Thetford oven, and a microwave, as well as good workspace, with a flap to extend this if required.
We also thought the washroom works well, with a moulded shower cubicle, a good-sized handbasin, and cupboard space, although one thing we would like to have seen is a window.
The rear island bed is comfortable, however, and comes with good storage beneath; another double bed can then be made up in the front lounge with slats.
If you’re looking for a secondhand caravan to use as a couple, the 560 will have more than enough storage as well, including that previously mentioned underbed space, as well as twin wardrobes, some good overhead lockers, and more cupboards in the kitchen.
Full review: Swift Challenger 560
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
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
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
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 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.
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