Shirley and Ralph, true Continentals

Shirley and Ralph, both retired, live in Kent and love hopping across the Channel. But with ferry prices rising all the time, they want to trade down to a van under 6m long overall, to keep fares affordable. To fit in better at overseas sites, they hope to find a model with a door on the ‘Continental’ side, although this isn’t a deal-breaker. They want to keep their large car, and have a reasonable budget.

1 2017 Swift Basecamp 2 Plus

A caravan designed for cyclists may not be the first thing the couple had in mind. But the Basecamp could suit them.

It’s short, to fit on the ferry relatively cheaply. It’s light, and it gets around the ‘Continental’ side problem by having both awning and door at the back.

As a Plus model, it should include a Vango awning.

Nor is the Basecamp basic. Clever touches such as removable canvas lockers make loading and unloading easy.

Price £15,495

Berths 2

MTPLM 990kg

Shipping length 5.1m

Highbridge Caravans

highbridgecaravans.co.uk/ products/caravans/hccqf 163363/2017-swift-basecamp2-plus#panels

2 2017 Go-pod Platinum

If the couple only plan to nip across the Channel, stay a few days, then head back, this micro-caravan could fit the bill. Like the Basecamp, the door is at the back. You can get a special awning, too. The Go-pod has a more conventional interior than the Swift, and it is short and very lightweight. The novelty of everything being that small might start to wear off, however, if Shirley and Ralph are looking at longer trips. We wouldn’t recommend

overwintering in this.

Price £11,495

Berths 2

MTPLM 750kg

Shipping length 4.2m

Knowepark Caravans

knowepark.co.uk/sales/ caravans/used/go-pod/ go-pod-platinum-3

3 2016 T@B Metropolis

A teardrop caravan is another option to consider if length is a crucial issue – and there are only two of you on tour. Coming from the Knaus Tabbert stable, T@B models are very well built, look stylish on the road, and are fairly funky and comfortable inside, too. In addition, they are light and aerodynamic, so easy to tow. This one is well under 6m long, so the couple should have no difficulty on the ferry.

Price £14,995

Berths 2

MTPLM 850kg

Shipping length 5.17m

Red Lion Caravans

rlcaravans.co.uk/detail/ 1320267/used-knaus-tabmetropolis-t-b-southport