Known originally for motorhomes, Weinsberg is part of the German Knaus Tabbert group, which also makes T@B teardrop caravans and Knaus tourers.

Weinsberg vans have been positioned in the portfolio as a range of value-for-money, sturdily built, lightweight tourers, in a style that differs from the iconic Knaus models. The manufacturer has been testing the UK market of late and sales have been steady.

The 390 PUH, however, which launched last year, is something quite different again – a four-berth with an electrically operated drop-down bed and a front kitchen.

Will it be a hit? At almost £22,000 this is not a budget buy, especially as the spec doesn’t include a TV aerial or microwave. We went along to Preston Caravans & Motorhomes to take a look.

Pitch and set-up

Taller profile and excellent build quality, with a solid one-piece door
Taller profile and excellent build quality, with a solid one-piece door

The 390 PUH looks taller than you might expect, because of that double bed stored in the ceiling, its relatively short body length and the smaller front window.

Based on an Al-Ko chassis, the 390 comes with typical Continental heavy-duty corner steadies. An AKS hitch is fitted, too, along with smart alloy wheels. However the door is not on the UK nearside, and old-style ‘fish scale’ aluminium side panels are used. We would have preferred to see smooth sides, which are easier to keep clean.

You do get a non-opening sunroof and there’s a large front gas locker, which also houses the spare wheel.

Towards the rear on the offside is a hatch allowing exterior access to the storage area below one of the lounge settees.

The rear of the 390 PUH is plain in style, looking rather like a motorhome, while the lower moulding for the road lights is well finished. Small grab handles are placed at a good height, and the entrance door is a solid one-piece unit. Overall, the 390 is reassuringly well made and styled.

Lounge

Lounge seating converts into a double bed using the table
Lounge seating converts into a double bed using the table

The 390’s rear lounge is spacious, seating four in comfort. It might feel a bit gloomy, however, due to the small window – you can’t see much of the view sitting here.

There’s a freestanding table, and LED lighting in the base of the drop-down bed, but no corner spotlights.

The upholstery is perhaps a bit basic for some tastes, with grey seat cushions that are not particularly supportive and thin curtains either side of the blinds. The seat bases are plywood, rather than slats.

Kitchen

Front kitchen has good storage in cupboards and drawers, and an excellent worktop
Front kitchen has good storage in cupboards and drawers, and an excellent worktop

Front kitchens were once commonly seen in UK tourers, and are still favoured on the Continent. The kitchen here works well, with an excellent worktop, and the sunroof above letting in plenty of light. There’s an LED light for night-time use and the window opens for added ventilation.

In terms of spec, you get a slimline Dometic fridge/freezer, three-burner gas hob and a small stainless-steel sink. There’s no microwave, but the 390 does have a combined oven and grill, and there’s a power socket here so you could add one.

Beds

Drop-down double bed, a novel feature in a caravan, is powered by the 12V system
Drop-down double bed, a novel feature in a caravan, is powered by the 12V system

The 390 will certainly appeal if there are four of you and you don’t want to be making up two beds every night. The caravan comes with an electrically operated drop-down bed.

Below this, the lounge seating converts into another double bed using the sturdy freestanding table as a base.

Washroom

Compact washroom feels very upmarket, with a Dometic toilet and generous storage
Compact washroom feels very upmarket, with a Dometic toilet and generous storage

The central washroom is well finished, as Weinsberg CaraOne washrooms generally are. It has a large side window which allows daylight to flood in, and a Dometic toilet.

There is a small handbasin, which could be a bit deeper, and a combined tap/shower head. The washroom is quite compact, but more upmarket than you might expect.

Storage

The storage provision is reasonable, although if there are four of you on tour, the side wardrobe opposite the washroom might feel a little tight on space.

The kitchen, by contrast, offers excellent capacity in cupboards, drawers and shelving. There are also cupboards above and below the fridge. The washroom has a large cupboard underneath the handbasin and shelf storage in a wall cupboard. The lounge, however, is a bit lacking for space, with four overhead lockers and some room below the seats.

Overall, though, once you include the front gas bottle locker, the 290 offers a fair amount of storage for its size.

Verdict

The Weinsberg CaraOne 390 PUH is a tourer that’s definitely different but still solid and well built. For four, it can rival other models on the market, but it really comes into its own as a tourer for two.

We would, however, like to see smooth side panels and the door on the UK nearside. A larger rear window would open up the lounge and a TV wall mount as standard would be good, considering the pricing.

  • Thumbs up: Electrically operated drop-down bed; excellent kitchen; ideal for a couple
  • Thumbs down: No separate battery locker; door ont on UK near side; ‘fish scale’ side panels

If you’re wondering what the top tourers on the market in 2022 are, be sure to read our guide to the best caravans.

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