Meet Carado's Slim Motorhomes That Don’t Sacrifice Comfort And Practicality
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Compact motorhomes are becoming very popular and there’s more choice than you think – with the slimline Carado Van this doesn’t have to mean sacrificing living space.
The world of compact motorhomes is an interesting one – these are no longer the preserve of sub-6m conventional coachbuilts. The new breed of narrower-than-the-norm motorhomes have broadened the scope of what can be classed as compact.
While some models are still under 6m and roughly the same size at the LWB Fiat panel van, this category has also allowed longer models up to 7m to be classed as compact. Remember the longest Mercedes Sprinter campervans measure in at 7m.
For example, Carado’s Van range has options stretching from 5.96m to 6.98m with various layouts.
Rachel Scholes Content Editor: Motorhomes
Rachel Scholes Content Editor: Motorhomes
So why choose a narrow motorhome?
At 2.14m the Van models from Carado are only a touch wider than a panel van and that makes them much easier to drive on today’s busy roads than conventional motorhomes (around 2.30m wide), not to mention down narrow country lanes or through towns.
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But why wouldn’t I just buy a campervan?
Motorhomes have a much squarer shape and great insulation from skirts to roof. Campervans taper in towards the roof more, which has an impact on the feeling of space towards the roof. It can also impact high-level storage and fridge locations.
It’s amazing how much of a difference that extra 9cm width on the Van range as well as the squarer sides makes for the interior.
Carado Van layout options
All the models are fixed beds, which do tend to offer a better night’s sleep. Then the choice is about lounge and length and possible extra berths.
All models also have the space-saving washroom. A false wall with the basin attached pivots around above the toilet, creating a separate shower area that’s easy to wipe clean.
Kitchens include a two-burner stove and drawers are soft closing. UK models can be ordered with an optional oven if needed.
The super-compact one
Carado Van V132 – 5.96m
If you want a properly compact model that’s under 6m and slim, then the V132 is the model for you. It’s 5.96m long and has a layout that’s common in the larger campervans with a fixed bed that runs across the rear of the motorhome.
There’s a decent space under the bed. The wardrobe’s located in the lounge as well as one under the bed.
For single sleepers
V337 – 6.66m
Stepping up a size to a smidge over 6.5m, this model offers fixed single beds at the rear. There’s also a little more space in the kitchen – the tall wardrobe unit marks a clear divide between kitchen and bedroom.
You can sleep as singles and use steps to get into bed, or pull out the optional bed extension to make it a giant lengthways double, with access using a ladder.
Walk-around bed
V339 – 6.88m
Longer still and the front lounge layout stays the same as the V337 model, but the rear is made up of an island bed. It’s a double but with access to each side of the bed.
Plus, each person gets their own small wardrobe next to their side of the bed. You need to use the steps on each side of the bed for access though, as the bed is set higher to create more storage height in the garage space below.
For families
V347 – 6.98m
The final model in the Carado Van range is the biggest and the most unusual. The fixed singles at the back are as in the shorter model, but there is handy wardrobe storage under the foot of each.
The standout feature is an option found in the lounge, a fold-down bed that pivots from against the wall to create extra beds, without affecting lounge headroom.
Ordering your Carado Van
The models in the UK come on the Fiat chassis, with a starting price of £50,290 for the V132. This includes a panoramic rooflight, mirror and coat hooks and a flyscreen for the habitation door.
You also get the 140hp engine with a six-speed manual gearbox in the UK, but many will likely opt for the eight-speed auto for an extra £2,770.
You can then add the £4,400 pro+ pack which adds painted bumpers, 16in bicolour alloy wheels, a grey cab with a sunroof and cab blinds, a 3.5m awning, insulated waste tank and a second door for the garage.
Or you can mix and match the various options, like solar, parking aids or lithium batteries. If you want lots of options the other recommendation is the 3,650kg uprate – if you have a category C or C1 driving licence obviously.
Who is Carado?
Introduced as the entry-level brand for Hymer 20 years ago, this brand now has its own identity and style.
While the company focuses on function, quality and contemporary interiors, the main value-for-money ethos is still very much in place.
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