Go big or go home? You might not have the budget for the very latest model, but still want to buy a caravan that has all the trimmings. The truth is that buyers who are prepared to compromise can actually have their cake and eat it. For our Used Van Buyer: Luxury Layouts, here’s our selection of some excellent luxury offerings.
BAILEY UNICORN VIGO (2016)
- Layout Island double bed
- Berths 4
- L/W 7.37m/2.28m
- MTPLM 1500kg
- Payload 154kg
- MiRO 1346kg
- Plus points Contemporary interior and large shower
- Minus points No grab handle inside
Our review said…
In the lounge, the vertical panoramic window, which opens and has a flyscreen and blind, provides a fantastic view.
The gas locker positioned on the offside wall intrudes into the lower kitchen space, but the designers have used this to good effect, creating a slightly L-shaped unit that separates the area from the lounge.
This is a very well-appointed kitchen, with a microwave, dual-fuel hob, and separate oven and grill. A Dometic 133-litre tower fridge/freezer, with cream doors, is positioned opposite with a small cupboard above and below.
You get a radiator in the washroom, but it’s located right next to the toilet and because the washroom is quite narrow, you risk it touching your back when using the facility.
The fixed island double bed is set transversely across the with of the van on a wooden base. For occasional visitors, the front sofas convert into a large, comfortable double bed.
Full review here
SWIFT CONQUEROR 630 (2013)
- Layout Fixed bed, end washroom
- Berths 4
- L/W 7.99m/2.31m
- MTPLM 1834kg
- Payload 160kg
- MiRO 1674kg
- Plus points Large and comfortable fixed bed
- Minus points Heavy rain
Our review said…
The lounge area is usually where the biggest compromise is found with this layout, and the 630 is no exception. Nevertheless, the lounge feels quite spacious, which is probably due to the amount of light that floods in.
The kitchen is where the extra body length is used. A huge, 190-litre fridge/freezer stands to the right of the main unit, which has a dual-fuel hob, separate grill and oven, and a microwave.
The fully lined shower is accessed via a bifold door and the attention to detail extends to a useful hanging rail for wet towels.
The rear fixed bed is really what this layout is all about. The one here is very comfortable, measuring 1.88 x 1.43m, so should offer a good night’s sleep. The lounge seats convert to a double (2.06 x 1.12m) or a pair of single beds.
Full review here
COACHMAN PASTICHE 565/4 (2013)
- Layout Twin beds, end washroom
- Berths 4
- L/W 7.46m/2.32m
- MTPLM 1640kg
- Payload 160kg
- MiRO 1480kg
- Plus points Attractive interior décor
- Minus points Short beds
Our review said…
The mix of light wood, coffee-coloured panels and neutral fabrics is a visual treat inside the Pastiche. Four scatter cushions and armrests add to the cosy feel, while the sunroof and large Heki rooflight make the lounge bright.
Longitudinal beds always squeeze the space somewhere. Here it’s in the kitchen, reducing storage and worktop. The high level of equipment includes the latest Thetford fridge, which has touchscreen controls and an interior light.
The washroom feels right the moment you go through the domestic-style door and find the convenient pull-switch for the lights. The large Belfast-style washbasin, good-quality fittings and Roman blind over the rear window add to the feeling of luxury.
Despite the comfortable sprung mattresses of the fixed singles, the beds are only 1.88m and 1.83m long – standard domestic beds are 1.90m. The lounge converts easily to a double bed that is 2.11m long, but only 1.08m wide.
Full review here
BUCCANEER CLIPPER (2012)
- Layout Fixed twin beds
- Berths 4
- L/W 6.34m/2.30m
- MTPLM 1930kg
- Payload 202kg
- MiRO 1728kg
- Plus points Stunning exterior looks
- Minus points Heavy weight
Our review said…
The Clipper’s lounge is smaller than you might expect for a caravan of this size. It’s perfectly comfortable for four, but for six it’s tight, so if you’re a sociable caravanner, you’ll have to limit visitor numbers or decamp to the awning.
Other than that, it’s a lovely place to sit, with four LED spot lamps providing the illumination, a spacious four-drawer chest and a TV point on the far side of the doorway.
There is an opulent galley. The double-height Dometic fridge/freezer is a welcome sight, and the microwave is set at a sensible height above. The double-width sink and integral draining board are fully practical.
The spacious washroom feels upmarket and the unusual layout, which puts the handbasin in the rear offside corner, makes good use of the available space.
The fixed single beds have soft but supportive mattresses and are long and wide enough for complete comfort on tour.
Full review here
ELDDIS CRUSADER SHAMAL (2012)
- Layout ear washroom, fixed single beds
- Berths 4
- L/W 7.40m/2.30m
- MTPLM 1650kg
- Payload 168kg
- MiRO 1482kg
- Plus points Excellent rear washroom
- Minus points Small lounge
Our review said…
The Shamal is fairly big for a single-axle caravan, but the lounge is small. Still, it is well lit, with LED Lighting throughout.
Working space looks limited, but an occasional worktop extension on the right-hand side gives a bit of breathing room. On the other side of the van, under the wardrobe, there’s a huge cutlery drawer. A roof-mounted extractor fan keeps the kitchen fresh, and four LED spotlamps make the working area bright.
The rear washroom has a black granite-effect basin, which is smart, and with a large mirror above and a huge cupboard beneath, it’s a very impressive set-up.
The mattresses on the twin single fixed beds are terrific. Their memory foam top layers put them a cut above rivals’ for comfort. They are 1.92m and 1.94m in length, and each also has an upholstered headboard, a small shelf and an LED reading lamp.
Full review here
BAILEY UNICORN CORDOBA (2014)
- Layout Fixed twin beds
- Berths 4
- L/W 7.89m/2.28m
- MTPLM 1657kg
- Payload 160kg
- MiRO 1497kg
- Plus points Spacious lounge and midships area
- Minus points Circular shower is small
Our review said…
The extra length in this twin-axle Cordoba has been put to good use, allowing for a comfortable and practical lounge, with the bonus of having twin fixed beds that you can leave made up.
In the kitchen, there’s a 190-litre fridge/freezer and a Thetford Caprice combined oven, grill and dual-fuel hob, with electronic ignition and flame failure device. Fitted at eye-level, there’s also a stainless-steel 800W microwave.
The washroom of this Cordoba uses the same layout as the Cadiz on which it is based, with an offside wardrobe and a nearside shower flanking the cassette toilet and handbasin with mixer tap.
The walk-through bedroom with fixed twin beds in the unique selling point of this layout and a very compelling one, as both occupants can access the washroom without disturbing each other. These twin fixed beds measure a respectable 1.90 x 0.66m and 1.88 x 0.66m.
Full review here
STERLING ELITE EMERALD (2011)
- Layout Side dinette
- Berths 4
- L/W 7.22m/2.31m
- MTPLM 1650kg
- Payload 163kg
- MiRO 1487kg
- Plus points Appealing interior layout
- Minus points Rivals get tracking system and ATC
Our review said…
The huge lounge is very comfortable and, with the optional ‘Impala’ fabric, a sumptuous place to sit.
A generous fridge, separate oven and grill, and three-burner hob with a separate mains electric hotplate are what you’d expect to see in a caravan of this class, and that’s what you get. We like the stylish sink, although it is quite shallow.
The huge washroom area uses available space really well. The large granite-effect handbasin is a lovely size, although might not be to everyone\’s taste. The C250 electric-flush toilet and quality shower cubicle finish the space with a flourish.
No more drop-out slats, as they now fit into clever runners on the seat bases. The cushions are flat, too, so the bed is comfortable. The beds in the side dinette are fine for kids and simple to set up once you get the hang of them.
Full review here
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