A look at lightweight caravans

Changing your tow car to something smaller and/or more economical, or even considering going electric? That might have implications for the maximum weight of caravan you can tow.

Luckily, there are loads of lightweight caravans out there, plenty offering an altogether different style compared to more conventional tourers.

Let there be light!

What do we mean by a lightweight caravan? It’s all very arbitrary, but typically we’re looking at tourers with a chassis with a maximum weight limit (also known as MTPLM – maximum technically permissible laden mass) of anything up to 1,300kg. Do note lots of models also offer the opportunity to replate the chassis is you want a higher weight to give you more payload.

All this means, you can still have a lighter caravan and not miss out on any of the caravanning lifestyle. Have a look at what’s on offer below. We’ve sorted them into a selection of categories, but do note there’s a lot of crossover.

Not forgetting also, prominent manufactures such as Bailey (with its Phoenix+ 420), Swift (Sprite Compact, Alpine 2 and Alpine 4) and Elddis (Xplore 304 and 422) have models in their line-ups that fit the bill for a maximum 1,300kg MTPLM caravan – as well as models that only just exceed that figure.

P.S Know your jargon. See our caravan glossary and jargon buster: www.caravanguard.co.uk/news/caravan-glossary-and-jargon-buster-26063

Teardrop caravans

So called because of their distinctive shaped, teardrop caravans do come in all sizes, from the tiniest (that can even be towed by a motorbike) up to full-scale examples like the T@B 320 from Germany’s Knaus-Tabbert. Or you can go down a more bespoke route and have a teardrop caravan made especially for you.

Typically, in the tinier of teardrop caravans, the whole of the interior is taken up by a bed, although this might convert to some kind of seating for daytime use. In this scenario, any kitchen kit will be accessible via a separate hatch that opens upwards to offer some overhead cover while you cook outside.

Teardrops certainly set the tone for a lightweight caravan – easy to tow, manhandle and stow, economical in use.

Key points

*A different style of caravan that’s particularly aerodynamic

*Great to tow

*Easier to stow

Models to look for Caretta (one), English Caravan Company (three), Lion Caravans Cub (one),  Mink (one), Pod-e (three), T@B 320 (four)

Micro caravans

Quite simply, like a typical touring caravan, but on a smaller scale – therefore weighing less. Expect all the usual caravan living, sleeping, cooking and washing facilities in a lightweight micro caravan.

At the top end of the scale (pricewise as well as, arguably, build quality), the iconic Eriba Touring seven-strong range, whose pedigree stretches back nearly 70 years. Their elevating roof sections help keep towing dimensions down and add to their aerodynamic qualities.

Key points

*Like a full-size caravan, but smaller. And lighter

*Good choice at a variety of price points

*Smaller of course means lighter

Models to look for Campmaster (two models), Caretta (three), Eriba Touring (seven), Freedom Carpento (three), Freedom Classic (five), Freedom Wayfarer (three),Go-Pods (two), Trigano Silver Trend (four)

Action caravans

Never heard of action caravans? That’s because it’s a category we’ve just invented! True to the theme of lightness, they’re almost all designed to be different, and maybe attract a different kind of caravanner.

That explains their more outlandish exterior looks, but also – more often than not – their abilities to carry unusual loads such as surf boards, even motorbikes, and more.

Key points

*Often go beyond the capabilities of normal caravans

*Individualistic looks, especially on the outside

*Mainstream manufacturers (with dealer networks)

Models to look for Adria Action (two models), Bailey Discovery (three), Knaus Sport&Fun (two), Swift Basecamp (three)

Folding campers

Not exactly caravans, but definitely worth considering if you want a smaller, lighter leisure vehicle to tow – especially something that opens out to provide more living space than in many a conventional tourer. And you still get the usual facilities.

Not included here, but if you are keen on a folding camper, do look also at the wide range of trailer tents available – including the likes of Isabella Camp-let, Jamet, Raclet, Trigano and more.

The difference between a folding camper and a trailer tent? The former keeps its main sleeping and living areas off the ground, the latter pegs out directly into the ground.

Key points

*Permanent beds (once folded out)

*Lots of living space

*Ideal crossover from a tent to a caravan

*Models to look for Comanche (one model), Opus (five models), Pennine (three)

Over to you…

Got any lightweight caravan advice to pass on to other caravanners? Do you have an electric tow car for your lightweight caravan? We’d love to hear your comments.