Carado T449 Edition24 low-profile motorhome

Words: Rachel Scholes. Photos: Carado

Carado may have started as the entry-level brand for Hymer, but it’s fair to say it has developed an identity all of its own in the interim years. It still offers great value for money, but now it has its own USPs, including this Edition24 version of its low-profile motorhomes. 

Packing it in 

We’ll go onto the layout further down, but let’s first of all talk about that special pack… 

First up, as already stated, the base is that excellent Ford Transit chassis, which is widely reported to be a more car-like drive than the other main base vehicle, Fiat’s Ducato, in the motorhome market. It gets a metallic blue exterior with matching painted bumper and simple coordinated graphics, plus 16in alloys. The framed windows give it a sleeker appearance, too. 

The rear has a three-part low-level moulding with integrated LED lights, while an awning adorns the side above the door. 

Other standard features include cab blinds and sunroof, 156-litre fridge/freezer, insulated waste water tank, 22in TV with bracket and satellite system, second garage door, plus the Basic package and the Chassis Pack. 

Queen for a day 

The reason to buy this model is realistically at the very rear once you’ve stepped on board and that’s the island bed. Carado calls it a queen-sized bed and it more than meets that description at a stated 1.95m by 1.50m.  

You get wardrobes on either side, while there’s storage at the foot of the bed, too, which is accessed through front loading doors. It’s a step up on each side for access, while large side tables help provide space for bedtime essentials. 

It’s a slightly lower than average bed, which offers a decent amount of space to sit up for your morning cuppa or to get in a last-minute chapter of a favourite book, even with the lockers mounted above.  

In the wash 

Just ahead of this is the washroom split across the aisle. The shower has a floor insert that makes this area part of the bedroom when not in use – as a spacious changing area, for example. Simply lift out the panel and close the doors to take a shower. 

Open the door opposite to reveal the toilet and basin; this door swings over to enclose the rear from the lounge and kitchen area. A curtain then provides privacy from the bed at night. 

The toilet is on the left while a modern countertop basin is directly ahead. Rooflights provide daylight and ventilation to both areas. 

Forward thinking 

The kitchen also straddles the aisle in some ways. An L-shaped unit on one side offers a two-burner hob (sporting cast iron pot stands), large round sink, and plenty of storage with soft close on the drawers, while the large fridge is on the other side. 

Finally, the lounge is at the very front, utilising both cab seats along with a decent-sized side sofa and an L-shaped seat that incorporates two extra travel seats. You can order this model with a drop-down bed here, for two extra berths, while the lounge seats will make into a further single bed (an option). If those extra berths are needed for younger kids that require child seats when travelling, it’s handy that Isofix fittings are standard on the rear travel seats. 

Extra, extra 

Although the package is comprehensive, there is an options list that includes things like the 155bhp engine and/or automatic gearbox, carpets, fifth travel seat, rear corner steadies, three-bike rack, second battery, electric floor heating, a low-set oven and more.