John and Patricia, happy retirees

Now both in their 70s, John and Patricia like to tour all around the UK. They appreciate their creature comforts, so they want an island bed. They also say they wouldn’t mind an 8ft-wide van, something their powerful tow car (not pictured above!) should easily be able to deal with. Sadly, however, these are as yet hard to come by on the used market, even with their relatively generous budget.

‘Now both in their 70s, John and Patricia like to tour all around the UK’

1

2018 Swift Sprite Major 4 EB Tamar Edition

The Sprite Major is an absolute warhorse of a caravan range, and continues to be as popular as ever with buyers.

This example is the in-line island-bed model, and comes from a time when the Sprite line-up as a whole had recently been massively upgraded to include triple windows at the front for the first time.

It has a washroom spread across the middle, with a still fashionable central handbasin, and a front lounge that will be big enough for our couple to relax in if the UK weather proves unreliable. What’s more, it’s a dealer special being sold by the dealer that created it. So they should know all about it!

Price £16,995

Berths 4

MTPLM 1476kg

Shipping length 7.54m

Tamar Caravan Centre

tamarcaravancentre.co.uk/ used/caravans/swift/sprite/ 2018-sprite-major-4eb-204

2

2016 Bailey

Unicorn Vigo

Transverse island-bed caravans with an end washroom have remained popular for years, particularly for older couples who go on extended tours.

With less need for an easily accessible washroom for all sleeping in the van, it can be moved to the back, out of the way (but not forgotten – the Vigo’s is very high spec). You are then left with a front area that feels open and spacious, whatever the weather.

The 2016 Unicorn gets bonus points for Alde heating, and this van looks as though it has been well cared for by its owners over the years.

Price £16,995

Berths 4

MTPLM 1500kg

Shipping length 7.37m

Wandahome South Cave

www.wandahome.online/ used/caravans/bailey/unicornblack-edition/vigo-2016

3

2015 Elddis

Crusader Mistral

Like the Unicorn, the 2015 Crusaders came with Alde heating. This, Elddis’s take on the transverse island-bed, end-washroom layout, includes a snug but spacious lounge, something you can’t always count on with this floorplan.

A sunroof and a huge Heki let in loads of light, and clever touches such as a mirror on the rear washroom wall make the caravan feel much bigger than its internal length of 5.72m.

The Mistral also includes an onboard water tank, something our couple might find easier than lugging an Aquaroll. This one has a motor mover, too.

Price £16,495

Berths 4

MTPLM 1550kg

Shipping length 7.44m

Leisure World Group

www.leisureworldgroup. com/caravans/elddis/ crusader-mistral-s31452