Carado T447 Edition24 low-profile motorhome

Hymer’s budget brand reintroduces Ford chassis for 2024

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Carado T447 Edition24

Carado, one of the entry-level brands of the Erwin Hymer Group, recently launched a trio of Ford-based coachbuilts and this new T447 Edition24 is expected to become one of the marque’s most-popular models for the coming season. 

As standard, it is powered by the Transit’s 130bhp turbo-diesel motor, coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox. However, with the option of a 150bhp upgrade and also Ford’s automatic gearbox, it would not be a surprise if  the majority of the Edition24s sold here will benefit from this combination.

The beds

The T447, like its T449 sibling, is 7.36m long and it is a two-berth as standard – courtesy of twin rear single beds, which have new lockers above that can hold up to 25% more than their predecessors. As is often the case, one bed is slightly longer than the other (2.12m compared to 2.05m), but both are the same width, at 80cm. 

Three additional berths are also available, thanks to a drop-down double over the lounge (1.95m by 1.40m, reducing to 1.10m), and a further bed made up from the seats.

The rear beds can easily be adapted to create a double with the use of a pull-out extension above the fixed central steps, an infill cushion and a short metal ladder. 

The garage

Below is a large garage (95cm wide by 1.10m high that stretches the entire width of the motorhome). This garage is accessed by doors on either side and features lashing points and an integrated bike holder. 

With a 150kg limit for the garage and an overall payload for the model expected to be close to half a tonne (depending on what options are specified and the final UK specification, which has still to be confirmed), there should be relatively few concerns about overloading.

The washroom

Forward of the rear bedroom are the washroom facilities, with the shower cubicle on the nearside with the WC and washbasin opposite. A pull-out floor section reveals an inset shower tray complete with wooden duckboard. 

The toilet and basin area, which has a surprising amount of storage, has a swing-across door that acts as a divider to make the rear of the motorhome completely private – perfect if you have friends sleeping in the drop-down bed. 

The kitchen

Alongside the extra-wide habitation door (with window and storage) is a 156-litre Thetford fridge with separate freezer. A 22in TV, mounted above, is standard on the Edition24 models.

Opposite the tall fridge/freezer is the kitchen, which has a two-burner hob, circular sink and, below, three large soft-close drawers. All UK models will have an oven and grill, which replaces the kitchen’s only cupboard.

The lounge

Up front is the lounge, which includes a half-dinette with two sets of Isofix child seat fixings. The seating area also features a large table, a side-facing single seat and the two swivel cab seats. These cab seats will be the pews of choice for watching the TV. 

Above the cab, a large skylight allows light to flood in. 

What’s included

Standard kit across the range of new Edition24 models is impressive, as it includes Carado’s usually optional packs – the Basic, Chassis and Edition24. This means buyers get upgrades such as Combi 6 gas heating, a Thule awning, cab blinds, 16in alloy wheels, carpets and an oven. 

UK prices and exact specifications are still being finalised but expect them to be competitive considering Carado’s entry-level status and the use of the Ford chassis.

Where to buy

In Scotland, Carado’s only retailer is Perthshire Caravans.

In England, you can find this German marque at Camper UK (Lincoln), Chelston Motorhomes (Somerset), Cranham Leisure Sales (Essex), Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld (Stafford), Glossop Caravans (Derbyshire), Heart of England Motorhomes (Northamptonshire), and Southdowns Motorcaravans (Portsmouth).