Carado motorhomes - 2023 Essential Guide

About Carado

In 2005 Capron was established as a joint venture between Hymer and Dethleffs to build entry-level motorhomes and, in November 2006, production began in a former agricultural machinery factory in the old East Germany. In 2009 the base vehicles switched from Ford to Fiat and, in 2016, production of caravans was stopped in order to focus on motorhomes.

Today, Carado (like its sister brand, Sunlight, which is designed to embody a slightly more youthful feel in its furniture, graphics, etc, but otherwise offers the same designs) has a range of van conversions, overcab and low-profile coachbuilts and A-classes covering the most popular continental layouts. All Carado and Sunlight vehicles are now built at Capron.

Changes from season to season are minor and all-new models relatively rare.

The kitchen is central with an L-shaped worktop containing a three-burners-in-a-line hob and circular sink. There’s good storage above and below this (drawers have soft-shutting actions as standard), while the 156-litre fridge/freezer is opposite.

And so to the main sleeping area. This island bed has storage on either side, high-level lockers as well as extra storage under the bed that can be accessed through a door. Underneath this is a large storage space, accessed by two external doors.

Though the standard level of kit is pretty high for the price, you can select various options, including the Chassis Safety Pack (rain and light sensors, traffic sign and high beam detection, lane assist and brake assist), and the Easy Driving Pack with adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed detection and fatigue detection.

The washroom can act as both an en suite to the bedroom and facilities for those sleeping up front – the toilet room door swings over to shut off the front from the rear, while a second sliding door hides the area from the bedroom. The fully separate shower is a good size.

The front lounge consists of two cab seats that swivel round, as well as a forward-facing bench seat, which has two Isofix points as standard (which allows four people to travel safely), along with USB sockets for charging or powering gadgets.

You get a metallic grey cab, 16in alloys, leather trim to the steering wheel and gear lever, special graphics, a second exterior door to access the underbed storage, awning, insulated waste tank and wiring preparation for the reversing camera.

There are still options to add if you wanted to further customise your motorhome, from a Chassis Safety Pack, an upgrade to the 165bhp engine, carpets, duckboard for the shower and more.

Highlights of Carado's 2023 motorhomes and campervans

• Carado campervans can be ordered with a pop-up roof, with flyscreen front, telescopic ladder for access, rooflight, slatted bed and light with integrated USB

• A-class models adopted a new front look last year with LED headlights, and a grille with chrome details and a logo. Models also get a facelifted dashboard, with more storage and bottle holders

• Soft-shutting doors in kitchens

• LED lighting

• Edition15 models offer extra specification at a great price – available on selected A-class and Van models as well as campervans

• Various packages to make the business of upgrading your dream campervan or motorhome easier