Kevin and Jo, almost empty-nesters
Kevin and Jo are both in their 50s, with teenage children who sometimes – but not always – want to travel with them. So they need additional berths, but not to the exclusion of everything else. They are enthusiastic caravanners who like to tour all year round, so good heating is also important. They prefer larger kitchens, too, so they can cook en route.
1
2011 Bailey
Unicorn Madrid
This is slightly over on the 85% guideline, but still a contender, as it includes Alde heating
(and both Kevin and Jo are experienced at towing).
Something of a rarity in this budget range, it will give them consistent heat in the van.
The Madrid is an excellent layout for them, as its side dinette turns into two long bunks if the teenagers join them, and everyone has equal access to the rear washroom.
But if it’s just the two of them, they could leave the bed made up in the lounge and use the side dinette for meals. The kitchen opposite has a separate oven and grill, and a microwave.
Price £11,988
Berths 4
MTPLM 1596kg
Shipping length 7.25m
Glossop Caravans
glossopcaravans.co.uk/ used-caravan-bailey-unicornmadrid-2011-cg525fa9
2
2014 Swift
Challenger Sport 564
If Kevin and Jo’s teenagers prefer their own space, this van could work well, because the rear bedroom with single beds can be separated off with a concertina partition and easily made into a lounge with a few scatter cushions.
But the front lounge would still be large enough for the family to eat together.
At night there would have to be some allowance for people passing through to the rear washroom. If Kevin and Jo were on their own, they could have the bedroom, washroom and lounge to themselves. Truma blown-air heating will keep everything cosy and warm.
Price £13,995
Berths 4
MTPLM 1443kg
Shipping length 7.25m
Kimberley Caravans
kimberleycaravans.co.uk/ caravan-search/swift-swiftchallenger-sport-564-7708
3
2012 Sprite
Musketeer EB
Some teenagers, if they come along at all, want to be as far from their parents as possible. The Musketeer is ideal for such folk, as it includes a rear single dinette that can be converted into bunks, curtained off with its own blown-air heating vent and spotlight. It’s right by the door, too, so they could even sneak back from the campsite club late at night without disturbing their parents…
As with the Bailey Madrid, if the children decide not to join them, Kevin and Jo could use this same rear dinette as the main eating area – or at the very least a place one of them can use for an early morning cuppa if the other is asleep!
Price £11,995
Berths 4
MTPLM 1268kg
Shipping length 6.39m
Davan Caravans
davan.co.uk/used-caravans/ sprite-musketeer-eb-41827