Around ten years ago, Elddis launched an all-electric caravan. Bailey also did the same in its Orion range. In fact – and going all the way back to 1965 – automotive electricals manufacturer Lucas also launched an all-electric model, which used various forms of battery power. It was a bit too far ahead of its time, however. All of these models were at the budget end of the market, as is the Weinsberg CaraCito 450 FU, which comes in an all-electric version.

So are buyers now ready for all-electric?

Pitch and set-up

The simple looks of the Caracito 450 FU do remind you that this is an entry-level tourer. Weinsberg (who you can find out more about in our best caravan brand guide) has made a tourer which feels solid and well put together, but it does have stucco side panels, which aren’t the easiest to navigate when you’re cleaning a caravan and also look a little dated in the UK these days.

They are also in two sections, with the join as an overlap. This was a feature that UK manufacturers moved away from a while ago.

The new Dyonic chassis, designed for the CaraCito, is meant to save weight. You only get steel rims as standard, although alloys are an option, as are two different kinds of stabiliser – a hitch stabiliser and an electronic stability control system.

You can also upgrade the drawbar, with an optional cover or a bike rack.

The door is a single piece, not a stable door, and it’s on the Continental side, which could be a deal-breaker for some.

Cassette access is also on that side, too, which means that you could be taking this through the awning. The service points, however, are on the opposite side from any potential awning. There is a large, bright LED awning light.

Lounge in the Weinsberg Caracito 450 FU

A rear-lounge caravan layout is a popular choice in Continental tourers, but hasn’t proved that successful in the UK market, except in family caravans where the floorplan includes a double dinette.

However, this lounge is spacious, with wraparound seating, a retro pattern on the tabletop, and colour-coordinated curtains. Blinds and flyscreens are also fitted.

Rear lounge in Weinsberg Caracito 450 FU
Spacious rear lounge is comfortable and makes up into a generously sized double bed

The seating is upholstered in a plain, practical brown fabric and includes shaped backrests. But their thickness isn’t great.

The rear window could have been a bit larger, but night-time lighting is provided by a central LED ceiling light.

Kitchen in the Weinsberg Caracito 450 FU

The compact side kitchen is fitted with a ceramic electric hob, but no grill. It houses a Dometic 83-litre fridge near the lounge. Lighting is excellent, with sensibly located LED downlighters. But the work surface is not that generous, and an extension flap would have been useful here, to provide a little more space for food preparation.

Ceramic hob in kitchen
Smart ceramic hob gives the kitchen a neat appearance, but work surface is a bit limited

Washroom

Although the front corner washroom comes with a shower tray and curtain and a Dometic toilet (next to a frosted window), the shallow handbasin is opposite the fixed bed.

Beds in the Weinsberg Caracito 450 FU

The 450 FU has a front corner double bed which, at 1.38m, is not overly wide, but it is 2m long and does come with a deep, comfortable mattress, even if it is in two sections,
to make access to what’s below easier.

Caracito 450 FU mattress
Mattress is comfortable and supportive, despite being in two sections

The rear lounge also makes up into a bed quite easily, using the table as its base. This converts to a sizeable double.

Storage in the Weinsberg Caracito 450 FU

This is an entry-level model, so you won’t find loads of locker storage, but there is still likely to be enough for those essential caravan accessories. The lounge has two lockers over the front window, while there are more above the fixed bed, and plenty of space for storage underneath the bed and below the settees in the lounge. The wardrobe is perfectly adequate for two on tour, but could be a bit more of a squeeze if you are packing for four people.

The kitchen offers reasonable storage for its size, with a large cupboard and a drawer, and lockers above the side window.

Side kitchen in Caracito 450 FU
Side kitchen provides a reasonable amount of storage and houses 83-litre Dometic fridge

Washroom storage consists of a couple of shelves in the main washroom, along with a cupboard underneath the handbasin. There is a wall cabinet here, too, but by UK standards, it is small. Finally, although this is an all-electric caravan, you still get an exterior gas bottle locker up at the front. This can provide some useful additional storage when.

Verdict

Going all-electric is considered a step in the right direction these days, and the 450 FU in this format provides heating for chillier weather and a cold air system for those hot summer days. Another bonus is that not having gas conversion for the fridge gives you some extra space.

The caravan’s build is solid and the finish good, although the fish-scale exterior and overlapping side panels feel dated. For the cash, this lightweight van has promise, and if you’re not convinced about all-electric, a gas version is also an option.

  • After a new pair of mirrors for when you’re on the road? Then check out our best towing mirrors guide, where we share our top picks on the market.

What we like

  • Ample storage, light weight, great lighting, solid build, value for money

What we don’t like

  • No microwave, fish-scale panels, few mains sockets, door not on UK side

Technical spec

  • Price: £18,220 (as tested)
  • Berths: 4
  • MiRO: 935kg
  • Payload: 265kg
  • MTPLM: 1200kg
  • Interior length: 4.68m
  • Shipping length: 6.59m
  • Overall width: 2.32m

Spec list

  • Shower
  • Fridge
  • Ceramic electric hob
  • Dyonic lightweight chassis
  • Steel wheels
  • Awning light
  • Dometic heating/air-con
  • Electric flush toilet
  • Exterior access to underbed storage
  • Front fixed double: 2.00 x 1.38m
  • Rear double: 1.98 x 1.52m

Or you could try:

  • Bailey Discovery D4-2: this is a two-berth with a lot of flexibility and some standout features.
  • Freedom Carpento 410: this lightweight five-berth is versatile and ticks a lot of boxes.
  • Caretta Calpyso 4: moving from a tent to a tourer? Then this lightweight tourer could be the one to try

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.