A look at the Carado T range models

Carado is Hymer’s entry-level sister brand with a wide range of vehicles from campervans to A-classes. Here, we’re focusing on its T models – that stands for teilintegriert in German, which means low-profile. There are nine models to choose from, ranging from 5.94m to 7.39m long and encompassing three different fixed bed formats and two styles of lounge, as well as a choice of Fiat Ducato and Ford Transit chassis. 

All Carado motorhomes are made in Germany – at the Capron factory in Saxony – using a durable GRP bodyshell (with lightweight aluminium side walls) that’s backed by a seven-year water ingress warranty. Other standard features across the whole range include Isofix for two child seats, Servo Soft drawers with a gentle closing action and LED lighting to reduce 12V power consumption. All models come on a 3,500kg chassis, so can be driven on a standard car licence.

THE FIAT RANGE

Carado’s Fiat-based T models start at £61,590 for the compact T135 model, which is unique in the line-up by having a French bed layout. Despite its sub-six-metre length, the T135 has a 2m-long double bed at the rear nearside, with a washroom alongside featuring a rotating washbasin to create more room for showering. It has four travel seats, thanks to the half-dinette lounge, while an under-bed locker accessible from outside, large wardrobe and a selection of top lockers ensure that there’s plenty of storage.

The only other double bed layout on the Ducato chassis is the T459, priced from £66,090. This is a much larger motorhome, at 7.39m long, with a completely different floorplan. At the rear it has an island bed (1.95m by 1.50m), while up front it has the en vogue parallel settee seating. This layout also includes a ‘comfort bathroom’ with toilet on the nearside and shower opposite, the two areas combining to create a completely private zone between the bedroom and lounge/diner. An optional drop-down bed over the lounge turns this model into a four-berth.

It's in the single bed sector that Carado offers real choice, with the T338, T447, T448 and T457 all based on the Fiat chassis. Starting with the 6.95m T338 (£64,290), this motorhome focuses on long single beds (2.00m and 1.90m) in a compact body. It has a half-dinette lounge with small side seat, while washroom facilities are in one unit on the offside. 

Next up, the T447 (£65,790) is like a more spacious T338, with its extra length (7.39m) used to allow a split washroom across the aisle and even longer beds. This model can have up to five berths.

The T448 is the same price but compromises on its washroom compared with the T448 – the Variobath here includes a shower and loo in the same space – to instead give you a more sociable lounge, featuring a long side sofa opposite the half-dinette. It is 7.29m long.

But perhaps the most spacious model of all is the T457 (£66,090), which has side settees up front for a more open-plan feel. This 7.39m model can, again, be specified with or without the drop-down bed up front.

Most UK customers will want to add the Pro+ Pack – painted bumper, alloy wheels, Artense Grey metallic cab, Basic Pack, cab blinds, cab sunroof, larger fridge (depending on model), an insulated waste water tank, awning, framed windows, high-level rear light cluster and second garage door (not T135). Prices for this option range from £4,460 to £4,640, depending on model.

Other options include the Safety Pack (driver assistance systems) and Digital Pack (automatic air-con, wireless phone charging, 10in radio/sat-nav display, digital instruments and rear view camera). The Fiat base vehicle can be enhanced with an automatic gearbox, priced at £2,870, while a weight upgrade to 3,650kg is also possible.

EDITION25 RANGE ON FORD TRANSIT

Offering extra specification and greater value for money this season are the special edition models on the Ford Transit chassis, called Edition25. 

Standard features of this enhanced line-up are a cab in Chrome Blue metallic, 16in alloy wheels, an insulated waste water tank, awning, overcab sunroof, cab blinds, 156-litre fridge with separate 29-litre freezer compartment, 22in smart TV with Teleco Telesat 65 satellite dish, framed habitation windows, high-level rear light cluster, a second external garage door and grey soft furnishings. Also included is the Basic Pack, which includes a panoramic rooflight, Comfort entrance door with flyscreen and the rear bridge light.

Three layouts are offered in Edition25 spec – the T338 and T447 with single beds (and floorplans similar to the Fiat models above) and the island bed T449. The T449 Edition25 offers a combination not seen in the Fiat range, with a half-dinette front lounge and rear double bed (as well the ‘Comfort bathroom’ with split facilities on either side of the vehicle).

Edition25 prices start at £75,290. The Assistance Pack is the only package of extras to consider, adding traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, sat-nav and power folding mirrors for £1,980. If you want the latest eight-speed Ford automatic, it is priced at £3,380 (combined with the 165hp motor instead of 130hp) or £5,980 if you also want a 4,100kg maximum gross weight.

BUY A CARADO FROM…

Carado dealers in the UK are as follows – Camper UK, Chelston Motorhomes, Cranham Leisure Sales, Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld, Glossop Caravans, Heart of England Motorhomes and Southdowns Motorcaravans, plus Perthshire Caravans in Scotland and Thompson Leisure in Northern Ireland.


 

We have a huge selection of Carado motorhomes for sale.