Light, easy to tow and manhandle, economical in use… these are just some of the qualities a teardrop caravan like this Cub can give.
Teardrop time?
Taking its name from the shape of its body, a teardrop on tour is certainly a whole different way of caravanning. And here’s just one example of a breed that’s becoming more prevalent as well as arguably more appropriate given the current climate.
If you’re thinking of switching to an electric car, for example, you might find a micro caravan like this Lion Caravans Cub caravan is more feasible for towing. Or, if you just like to keep your caravanning costs down, including storage – at home in a garage could even be feasible.
That’s once you get the initial price out of the way. Typically, teardrops aren’t as cheap as you might think. This example is no exception. Lion Caravans Cub caravans are made in Turkey and sold exclusively in the UK through Red Lion Caravans near Southport, Lancashire. It starts at a fiver under £16,000.
But, it does deliver something different. Complementing that distinctive teardrop body shape – it’s one-piece in a tough but also easily repairable GRP – the Lion Caravans Cub comes with porthole windows (complete with blinds and flyscreens) in circular doors on both sides, with the main bodywork in an eye-catching blend of silver, with black mouldings to the leading edges and two front lockers. The alloy wheels are standard issue.
Open up the tailgate at the back and you access a full-width kitchen, sheltered by that top-hinged back door. For all-weather protection when you’re at the kitchen, the Cub comes with a Kampa inflatable awning that not only provides full standing height but also space to add chairs and a table. Alternatively, the awning can be attached either side.
There’s a single gas ring combined with a sink, plus a coolbox that includes a freezer compartment.
Also here, is a single mains socket as well as an attachment for using a gas-powered barbecue outdoors. The rest of the Cub caravan’s kitchen space is given over to a good variety of storage – overhead lockers as well as open shelving, side lockers and double-door access to the largest area of the lot: low-down, where you’ll also find the gas cylinder locker and 55-litre fresh water tank.
The Cub interior is all seating/sleeping. Obviously, it’s not a design for spending all day in, but there is a fixed backrest to allow sitting up (legs straight), while the two mattress sections use memory foam (a topper is a consideration if you want more comfort) to make an amazingly large 2m x 1.7m double (more?) bed.
A bulkhead across the front incorporates an Avtex 19in flatscreen caravan TV as well as storage lockers and a touchscreen for the main controls.
All the Cub’s furniture is plywood, while lighting includes two reading lamps on stalks, a central light in the overhead panel and four downlighters. A mains socket and dual USB portal are on hand for extra electrical devices.
A slightly unusual fitting for a leisure vehicle like this is the Webasto heater, which has its own diesel tank for fuel supply (you’ll find it in the offside front external locker, along with an inverter and a 100Ah leisure battery). One thing that does mean, though, is you can go off-grid without worrying about getting too cold!
Overhead, there’s a full-width, tinted glass sunroof – perfect for stargazing – with a blackout blind for sleeping. There’s also space on the roof for a 135Watt solar panel to literally top off an excellent specification.
In this video, we take a look at two models of the Cub micro caravan, including one with an awning at the back:
To find out more about insuring a Red Lion Cub or your current caravan visit our caravan insurance discounts page.
Verdict: Try a different type of caravanning, teardrop-style
Plus: Clever, compact design, economical caravanning, awning as standard
Minus: The usual small caravan compromises
In-a-nutshell: Wipe your eyes? Teardrops are coming…
Alternatives: Caretta 1500, Go-Pod, Mink 2.0, T@B 320
Lion Caravans Cub factfile
Model | Lion Caravans Cub |
Dimensions | 4.30m L, 1.99m W, 1.70m H |
Internal length | 3.50m (est) |
Berths | 2 |
MTPLM | 750kg |
Payload | 110kg |
RRP | from £15,995 OTR |
Safety & security | AL-Ko chassis, optional security bundle (see below) |
Key options | Shower bundle – tent, collapsible bucket, 12V shower (£149), Security bundle – wheel clamp and hitchlock (£132.99), barrel lock (£49.99) |
No information about A/Caonditioner…has it or no.thanks
No it doesn’t