Caravan Guard Insurance Blog

The newest Sprite, the Major 6, brings to the range a layout that packs beds for six – there are fixed bunks for two, plus two more bunks to make up in an offside dining area and, of course, a wide double bed to create in the lounge.

It’s a brilliant design for family living, because the kids get their own dining area – and this one is just about wide enough for four small children to sit at.

The Major 6 has a separate shower, in an offside, corner shower room that, from its exterior shape, doesn’t look big enough to give you this luxury. And there’s floor space, too; this shower room is a million miles better than anything a shared shower-toilet compartment can offer in terms of family convenience. For this money, this weight and this length, the showering arrangements are excellent.

The sleeping qualities of the Major 6 excel, too. Especially for the two kids who get the fixed bunks. Each has its curtain and its reading light – and the lower one has a small shelf just by the pillow; it’s not until you crawl in here and take a good look that you find the shelf.

There’s fixed-ladder access to the top bunk. A second ladder clips in place when you make up the bunk beds in the dining area. The base of the lower bunk is completed by the table, which drops down to rest on ledges at the edge of each seat.

In only 5.6m of body length, the Major’s designers have managed to cram in two wardrobes, a good-sized kitchen cupboard, plus space under four seats, and nine top lockers

And with its two dining areas, the Major 6 caters amply for family needs. The freestanding table for the lounge hides away, when not in use, at one side of the rear wardrobe; there are clips to hold it in place.

In the lounge, you’ll find the upholstery is firm and comfortable and, although the settees aren’t full single-bed length, there’s enough room for two to relax with their feet up.

The kitchen has a full oven and grill, three burners (no microwave, though) and enough surface to make family meals.

Sprite caravans come with a Diamond Pack that adds £399 to the price. But as well as niceties such as cushions and a radio are two features that are important on-the-road attributes – a hitch-head stabiliser and a spare wheel.

The Sprite 6 comes with a reciever for an ALKO Secure axle wheel lock. If you buy the lock it will earn you a 10% caravan insurance discount, which thanks to the low list price will have a big effect on the price of insurance for this caravan. AL-KO ATC is also an option on this ‘van, purchasing will again lower your costs of insurance.

Verdict

Sprites may be budget caravans but they’re solidly built, just like everything else that comes off the Swift production line. This caravan is ideal for families looking for light weight, low price and six beds.

Cost to insure: £321*

Fact-file

• Price: £14,374 (list price plus delivery plus Diamond Pack)
• Berths: 6
• Length: Body 5.6m / overall 7.25m
• Width: 2.23m
• Headroom: 1.95m
• Weight: MIRO 1234KG, MTPLM 1437KG

*Caravan insurance cost based on Sprite Major 6, £14,374. Fitted with hitchlock and wheel clamp. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 19.06.12.