Carado launches the new CV540 Pro
Good things come in small packages, so the saying goes, and Carado has really embraced this with its CV540 Pro, the company’s most compact campervan
Squeezing all those must-haves into a body that’s over half a metre shorter than the next model up is a challenge that Carado accepted.
It’s a pretty traditional layout, found in many of the larger campers. There’s that fixed bed at the rear, measuring 1.95m by 1.33m. Windows on two sides allow for daytime light and ventilation – one side has a blank wall for sitting up in bed. LED reading lights can be moved along a track to wherever they are needed.
The other reason to buy, apart from the comfort of a fixed bed, is the space underneath. It acts like a traditional boot area most of the time, with tie-down points to secure items.
However, you can through-load by removing the internal board when needed.
Words by Rachel Scholes



At the front is the lounge – a forward-facing bench has seatbelts and Isofix fittings for two. The cab seats (also belted, obviously) swivel around to complete the lounge. A table is attached to the wall, with a swing-out section to allow the occupant of the driver’s seat to dine. There are also USB sockets in this area for the obligatory devices we all travel with.
Technically, this camper is a two-berth, but you can make the lounge into a bed with an optional kit, while a pop-top can cater for two further sleepers – it’s an either/or thing as the presence of a ladder is likely to negate the use of the lounge bed, and remember that there are only belted seats for four.
Between lounge and bedroom, you’ll find the washroom on one side and kitchen opposite. The littlest room is really that, but it still has a swivel-bowl cassette toilet, fixed basin and shower.
The kitchen also maximises the space available with a combined sink and two-burner hob unit, and an 84-litre fridge.
Why would you buy this over a 6m-long model? Well, maybe you have a short driveaway, or you like to use it as an everyday vehicle – it won’t have too much overhang in traditional parking spaces. Or maybe you just want all the home comforts of a bigger motorhome, but don’t want to drive anything too big.
This campervan from Carado also features the Pro moniker, which means additional base vehicle (in this case a Fiat Ducato) and habitation equipment is fitted as standard, such as 16in alloys, white bumpers (to match the white bodywork), folding cab blinds, awning, electric mirrors, LED lights, etc. There are also exclusive Pro graphics.
Specifications
Price from:
£59,990
Base vehicle:
Fiat Ducato 140bhp six-speed manual
Berths:
2-5
Travel seats:
4
Length:
5.41m
Gross weight:
3,500kg
Payload:
698kg
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