Information on all UK new caravan models
There are two main types of caravan:
The first is a touring caravan, which as it's name suggests is towed by a vehicle. The folding caravan is a variant of this group and is very specialised.
The second is a static caravan, also known as a holiday home or leisure home. This market has become more sophisticated and now includes log cabins and other more upmarket forms of holiday home.
Touring Caravans
A caravan has a chassis with either one or two axles and is designed for recreational living. It is traditionally built on a wooden frame with an aluminium shell. Although caravans are still built this way, there is more use of moulded fibreglass and plastics in addition to the aluminium panels. There are also some manufacturers who use fibreglass and plastic panels to the exclusion of aluminium.
Touring Caravan Safety
Towing
It is your legal responsibility to ensure that your towing vehicle is suitable to tow your caravan. The vehicle must have enough power and weight.to tow your caravan safely and legally. Any caravan dealer on www.caravan-dealers.com , in the caravan sales section will help you with towing information. You could alternatively use Towsafe.
Coupling
It is essential that the caravan is securely coupled onto the towing vehicle. It is a good idea that a procedure is adopted for safe use.
Running gear
Regular maintenance of your running gear including wheels and tyres is important. www.caravan-repairers.co.uk will help you find an experienced caravan technician , who will also be able to check your gas and electricity services
Caravan insurance
It is vital to insure your caravan for all risks. Your car insurance will probably give you very limited cover and only when towing. www.caravan-insurance.com is a great source of information on caravan insurance.
Caravan awnings
A caravan awning can double your space and give you the perfect outdoor extension. You should always see an awning erected before you buy and preferably have a try yourself. www.caravan-awnings.co.uk will give you a list of caravan awning experts.
Caravan covers
These will help you to protect your caravan investment. We recommend that you use a breathable caravan cover. This will alleviate condensation. www.caravan-covers.co.uk will give you more information.
Caravan Gas cylinders.
www.camping-gas.com will help you to find gas dealers and stockists throughout the UK.
Folding Caravan Manufacturer Brands
The main Folding Caravan brands are:
Esterel
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Michel Dufrancatel took over the reins from his father at Esterel, based in Rouen, in 1978 and created a revolution by pioneering the ' rigid folding caravan' concept. Over 3000 esterel folding caravans were imported into the UK up until 1992 when Esterel concentrated solely on the Motorhome market. |
Gobur
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Specialising in folding caravans, Gobur focus on producing space saving tourers that are convenient to store without compromising on comfort. The Norfolk based company first began experimenting with folding caravans in the early 1970's and their leading product is the Carousel range. Gobur do not stock their vehicles at caravan dealers - instead you can visit their retail division in Norfolk which now offers the largest display of new and pre-owned folding caravans in the UK. Built to EN1645, all Carousels are approved by the National Caravan Council. |
Pennine
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Following the launch of the Company in 1977, ongoing development of the product range and the incorporation of numerous innovative design features ensured that Pennine Leisure Products Ltd ultimately gained the reputation of being the foremost manufacturer of folding camper leisure vehicles in the UK |
Rapido
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Mr Constant Rousseau manufactured the Rapido extendable folding caravan over 30 years ago in Mayenne, France. Rapido pioneered the 'pop-up caravan and then followed Esterel into the folding caravan market with their 'Orline' range of folding caravans. since 1991 Rapido have only manufactured Motorhomes. |
Trigano
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Trigano was created in 1945 by Andre Trigano to distribute sporting goods. In 1987 Trigano was sold to Messieurs Francois Feuillet and Robert Bernard. From then it has flourished and has become an important player in the Eurpean Leisure market.It manufactures Motorhomes, Caravans, Folding Campers, Trailer tents and Tents. It also distributes a huge range of camping equipment and caravan accessories. |
Caravan Manufacturer Brands
The main Caravan brands are:
Ace
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Abbey Caravans were manufactured by the Swift Group until 2009. |
Adria
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The first ADRIA 375 caravan was manufactured by Martin Sever in August 1965. The prototype was successfully presented at the caravan fair in Stockholm and the company has not looked back since. |
Auto-Sleepers
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The all-new 5 star range of AS caravans has been designed, built and tested by a team with over 1000 years of combined experience in producing quality hand built luxury motorhomes. Now we are able to give you insight into our new passion for creating a truly aspirational product for the touring connoisseur. Only the highest quality materials combined with our hand picked craftsmen have been used to offer you the latest in luxury touring |
Bailey
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Bailey caravans have been developed using over sixty years of experience in caravan design and are manufactured in a state-of-the-art production facility to provide the very best in touring home quality and value. Our current line up features models from the new Olympus, Pegasus and Unicorn ranges – the first caravans to feature the ground-breaking Alu-Tech body shell design. |
Bessacarr
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For 2012 the Bessacarr range of caravans are being exclusively produced for Couplands Caravans in Lincolnshire |
Dethleffs
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No Description Avaiable |
Elddis
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Elddis is a well-known brand and dominant force in the British caravan market. A heritage stretching back to 1964, together with a strong and widespread retailer network has established Elddis as the product of choice for many loyal customers. Elddis touring caravans and motorhomes, along with its sister brand Buccaneer, are produced in Consett, County Durham, close to the original Elddis factory at Delves Lane. |
Fendt
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No Description Avaiable |
Hobby
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Hobby are the World's largest Manufacturer of caravans producing over 100 models a day in their modern custom built factory. With over 40 years of experience of caravan construction using only the highest quality materials it's easy to see why Hobby are the current market leader. Hobby Caravans (UK) Ltd are the sole importer into the UK and have established a network of Dealerships throughout the Country including Caravan sales, accident and warranty repairs and the supplying and fitting of equipment. |
Hymer
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No Description Avaiable |
Lunar
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The Lunar story reflects 42 years of passion and pride for building caravans that are undoubtedly the best in lightweight luxury touring.From humble beginnings, co-founders Brian Talbot and Ken Wilcock, named their caravan manufacturing business Lunar following inspiration from the 1969 mission to land on the moon. They knew their caravans were exceptional but couldn’t have imagined the size that Lunar has become today. From the flagship Clubman to the legendary little Ariva, through the years the Lunar ethos has remained constant: build lightweight high quality caravans with luxurious interiors. Protecting our heritage and our future has always been paramount. When the company was sold to a European manufacturer in the 1990’s it was a milestone when a management buyout, led by Chairman and CEO, Brian Mellor, was finalised in 2007. |
Sprite
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Ever since its inception in 1949, Sprite Caravans has stood for practical, lightweight and affordable caravans. The new Sprite ranges still carry these ideas close to their heart and provide the ideal entry point for anyone looking for their first new caravan. There are now two Sprite ranges to choose from. The stunning new Sprite has a new aerodynamic body shell with strong bonded roof whilst new Sprite Lite offers an even more affordable light weight package. |
Stealth
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Dunster House Ltd is a family run company that was founded in 1994 and has been manufacturing the Stealth and Concordia range of touring caravans ever since. Dunster House works to keep every part of the product design and delivery under their control, to ensure quality for the customer. |
Sterling
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All three Sterling ranges offer a unique contemporary appeal thanks to a combination of light woodwork and complementary soft furnishings. This creates an exclusive style, setting them apart and making them unlike any other UK produced touring caravans. With innovative layouts across three distinct ranges, the famous Eccles with a heritage of over 90 years, the critically acclaimed Elite and the new Eccles Sport, the Sterling range offers the perfect choice for the modern family or couple. |
Swift
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The Swift Holiday home range is growing in popularity each year and this year sees some stunning new looks with redesigned lounges and larger models. The strengthened range features the entry level Burgundy range, followed by the Bordeaux, Moselle and top of the range Chamonix and Champagne ranges. |
Tabbert
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No Description Avaiable |
Trigano
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Trigano was created in 1945 by Andre Trigano to distribute sporting goods. In 1987 Trigano was sold to Messieurs Francois Feuillet and Robert Bernard. From then it has flourished and has become an important player in the Eurpean Leisure market.It manufactures Motorhomes, Caravans, Folding Campers, Trailer tents and Tents. It also distributes a huge range of camping equipment and caravan accessories. |
Venus
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Venus Caravans is an exciting new brand of caravan. Manufactured by Lunar Caravans Ltd, this new collection offers four exciting models that are ultra lightweight, extremely compact and affordable. The models are aimed at caravanners who would like a compact, lightweight caravan that is great value for money and extremely practical for touring holidays and short breaks. |



