Guide to 2024s Caravan Brands and Manufacturers
Buying a caravan, whether new or pre-owned, is likely to be a big and costly purchase. The average cost is just short of £15,000 for used ones and £31,000 for new ones.
Even if this is an easy decision for you, you’ll want to choose the right van. It will let you enjoy your time touring, rather than regretting your purchase and impacting your time away from home. It could turn a dream trip into a nightmare.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for a Touring Caravan, Motorhome, Static, campervan, or even a hybrid or trailer tent, you should follow the research guidance below. It will help you make the right decision.
In this article, you’ll also find the results from the Caravan and Camping Club – Owner Satisfaction Awards 2024
We also talk about where to be wary of online research. This is before you hit up Google with “best quality touring caravan” or the first term that comes to mind. Undoubtedly your best bet will be to head to showrooms and trade shows, we list those for you below.
Caravan u0026 Motorhome Research
- Guide to 2024s Caravan Brands and Manufacturers
- Online Caravan Research – Caution
- Research and attend caravan and camping shows
- Owner Survey Results
- Common Caravan Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
- What size caravan do I need – Choosing the Right Size Caravan
- What Factors Should I Consider Before Purchasing A Caravan?
- How quickly will the value of my caravan depreciate?
- Negotiating Price and Winter Buying
- Choosing the Best Caravan: Brands and Ratings
- Which Caravan Brand Is Best? Reliability and Best Build Quality
Online Caravan Research – Caution
The first place most of us jump to research anything is Google. If you type “best UK caravans” you’ll get a lot of results. These will include YouTube and Instagram influencers promoting brands and products for a kickback.
Our advice is to be sceptical of what is said online. There are more and more low-cost, generic “Alibaba caravan” caravans made in China. They are imported under various brand names.
The issue is not so much with the place of manufacture, but more so with the dubious support you might receive after the sale. The UK are not the only region seeing this phenomenon, in Australia, there are many “Alibaba off-road caravan” sellers popping up.
We suggest you use your online activities to list reputable UK caravan makers and their layouts. This way, you can attend a Motorhome and Caravan show armed with the questions you want answered.
Research and attend caravan and camping shows
One of the best ways to research is to immerse yourself in the world of Caravans. You can do this at events like Motorhome, Camping and Caravan Shows.
In the UK, there are several decent Camping and Caravan shows and there is going to be a show near you, we have listed 2024’s shows below. All the quality large manufacturers in the UK attend these shows.
2024 Caravan and Camping Shows Itinerary
| Month | Event | Location | Show Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | The Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show | Manchester | The Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show Manchester |
| February | Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show | Glasgow | Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show Glasgow |
| February | Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show | Birmingham | Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show Birmingham |
| March | The Yorkshire Motorhome & Campervan Show | Harrogate | The Yorkshire Motorhome & Campervan Show Harrogate |
| March | Camperfest | Chester | Camperfest Chester |
| May | The Southern Motorhome & Campervan Show | Newbury | The Southern Motorhome & Campervan Show Newbury |
| June | Motorhome Campervan & Caravan Show | Newark | Motorhome Campervan & Caravan Show Newark |
| July | Camper Jam | Shropshire | Camper Jam Shropshire |
| August | The Western Motorhome & Campervan Show | Devon | The Western Motorhome & Campervan Show Devon |
| September | The Motorhome & Campervan Show Season Finale | Lincolnshire | The Motorhome & Campervan Show Season Finale Lincolnshire |
| October | The National Motorhome and Caravan Show | Birmingham | The National Motorhome and Caravan Show Birmingham |
| TBA | The Malvern Caravan and Motorhome Show | Worcestershire | The Malvern Caravan and Motorhome Show Worcestershire |
Owner Survey Results
Each year, various UK bodies, some with ties to the Motorhome and Caravan press, and some to industry bodies, publish data. They get the data from users and other means. They use it to find the best Brands and Manufacturers in the niche.
We are always cautious of the conflict of interest for the industry press. They need ad revenue from the brands and manufacturers. These groups ensure the publication’s prosperity. So, with this in mind, we’ve only shared the results from the Owner Satisfaction Awards.
Caravan and Camping Club – Owner Satisfaction Awards 2024
- Best Manufacturer of New Caravans: Adria
- Best Manufacturer of Pre-owned Caravans: Eriba
- Best Supplying Dealer for New Caravans: Salop Leisure
- Best Supplying Dealer for Pre-owned Caravans: Salop Leisure
- Best Caravan Manufacturer (UK New and Pre-Owned): Coachman
As you can see there are some big names in there and we touch on these below.
Coachmen – Best Manufacturer. Top Choice for both New and Pre-Owned Caravans
Trade press and user reviews agree. Coachmen is the top manufacturer for customer satisfaction. It has an excellent reputation for quality. It offers a wide range of choices at good prices. This has made it one of today’s most popular caravan brands.
In the UK market, Coachman caravans have a reputation for focusing on luxury and quality. Here’s our summary:
- Reputation: Coachman was established in 1986. It has a long-standing reputation for careful craftsmanship and high-end design.
- Market Position: They see themselves as a premium brand. They offer a step up from basic caravan models.
- Range: Coachman offers a variety of caravan ranges, catering to different needs and budgets. You’ll find options for couples, families, and those seeking a truly luxurious touring experience.
- Build Quality: An emphasis is placed on using state-of-the-art construction methods and high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity.
A comfortable, stylish, and well-built caravan for your travels in the UK, Coachman is definitely a brand worth considering.
Adria – Best Manufacturer of New Caravans
Adria is the largest brand in Europe of both mobile homes and caravans, and it’s probably the most popular brand in the UK market. Here are some of the brand highlights:
- As part of a larger industrial organization in Yugoslavia, Adria established itself in 1965. It became an autonomous company in 1990 and has continued to be a major player in the recreational vehicle market ever since.
- European Powerhouse: Adria is one of the largest European caravan and motorhome makers.
- Focus on Value. They balance low cost and quality. They offer features and innovations at competitive prices.
- Adria boasts a wide range of caravans. They go from basic options for new caravaners to feature-packed models for experienced caravanners looking for something more.
- Practical Design: Adria prioritizes function and practicality in their caravan design. They ensure a comfy and user-friendly experience for owners.
- ThermoBuild Construction is used in many Adria models. It optimizes insulation and heating for year-round enjoyment.
If you’re seeking a well-equipped and practical caravan at a good value, Adria is a strong contender to consider in the UK market.
Eriba – Best Manufacturer of Pre-owned Caravans
Eriba caravans in the UK are known for their unique design and focus on function. This makes them a popular choice for leisure travellers seeking a distinctive experience. Here’s a quick overview:
- Eriba caravans have an iconic design. They are easy to recognize thanks to their aerodynamic shape. The shape is inspired by aircraft engineering. This design contributes to their lightweight construction and good towing performance.
- Pop-up Innovation: A key feature is the lifting roof. It creates a roomy living area when deployed. This allows for a compact design when travelling but offers ample headroom and comfort when stationary.
- Efficient Use of Space: Eriba caravans prioritize clever interior layouts that maximize space utilization. Despite their small size, they have comfortable sleeping areas. They also have well-equipped kitchens and functional living areas.
- They focus on lightweight materials. This keeps the weight down. Which lets them be towed by a wider range of vehicles, including some cars with smaller towing capacity.
- Eriba boasts a rich history dating back to the 1950s. They’ve cultivated a loyal following who appreciate their mix of innovation and tradition.
If you’re looking for a distinctive, easy-to-tow caravan, Eriba is a standout option in the UK market. It prioritizes functionality and space-saving design. They cater to those seeking a unique and efficient touring experience.
Other Caravan Manufacturers to Consider
According to Caravan Owner Satisfaction Awards 2022, Coachman earns the top spot with an outstanding rating of over 80%.
Coming in closely after Coachman was Swift in second place, Elddis is just behind, with Bailey in fourth place.
The caravan industry has many popular and well-known manufacturers. They offer buyers a variety of quality motorhomes and tourers to choose from. Many can also help with finance and insurance. These well-known companies include Adria, Airstream, Bailey, Swift, Willerby, and many more.
The Most Luxurious Caravan In The United Kingdom?
Luxury in Caravans: Buccaneer
Buccaneer is the UK’s most opulent touring caravan range. This most sumptuous of caravans comes with more standard features than any other brand and a class-leading design.
Swift vs. Sterling Caravans
As part of the Swift Group, Sterling Caravans manufactures all of their caravans with quality and experience. The new models have the same fantastic designs that have made these caravans so popular.
Swift Caravans: A Reliable Choice
Swift Caravans are well-designed, high-quality vehicles ideal for relaxing family vacations. This company is one of the largest campervan manufacturers in the United Kingdom. Under the Swift and Swift names, Swift Group Limited produces several RV and caravan models. All of the caravans are equipped with current technology.
Common Caravan Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What size caravan do I need – Choosing the Right Size Caravan
Small families should consider a caravan of at least 20 to 22 feet, to co-exist amicably on a lengthy trip. If it’s just you and your lover, you can possibly shave a few inches off and settle for something between 18ft 6in and 21ft 6in.
Maximum Caravan Size
Caravans are most commonly found in sizes ranging from 3.3 meters (11 feet) to 7.3 meters (24 feet).
Caravan Lifespan and Factors to Consider
The majority of specialists think that a caravan’s practical lifespan is roughly 14 years, and this is for one that has been properly maintained.
What Factors Should I Consider Before Purchasing A Caravan?
5 Points To Consider When Choosing A Caravan
- Think about it and then make a decision.
- Examine your financial situation.
- Select a layout.
- Examine the utility connections.
- Find out how much weight you can tow.
How quickly will the value of my caravan depreciate?
Both touring and static caravan’s depreciation rate is comparable to that of a car. This equates to around 15% per year, albeit this statistic is so grossly exaggerated that it is hardly worth mentioning.
Negotiating Price and Winter Buying
When is the most advantageous time to purchase a caravan? The season around Christmas and New Year might be a great time to get a good deal. The dealers then aim to clear their inventory to make room for new arrivals in March, April, and May, which is when you should avoid buying used cars.
Even if dealers sell the same caravan or RV model, they compete and should offer different discounts. Everything is open to discussion. If the dealer will not move on the price, persuade them to budge on another aspect of the transaction. If you don’t like haggling, bring a companion along.
Choosing the Best Caravan: Brands and Ratings
The best caravan to buy depends on your needs and preferences. Some of the popular models are:
– Kokoda Battalion – a family-friendly caravan with a modern design and a spacious layout.
– Nova Pride Platinum – a luxury caravan with innovative features and a stylish interior.
– Australian Off-Road Odyssey – an off-road caravan with a robust build and a comfortable living area.
– New Age Oz Classic – a classic caravan with a spacious ensuite and a well-equipped kitchen.
According to Practical Caravan, Coachman is the best overall manufacturer (new and pre-owned) with an excellent total score of 83.1%. The brand also achieved a gold medal in the best new caravan manufacturer category, with 82.4%, and the best pre-owned caravan manufacturer, with 84.7%.
Which Caravan Brand Is Best? Reliability and Best Build Quality
The Caravan Owner Satisfaction Awards 2024 found that Coachman won the top spot for satisfaction. The awards were based on the responses of over 3,000 caravan owners. This was followed by another of our caravan manufacturers, Swift, in second place. Online reviews also put Coachman on top, with 91% of reviews achieving 5-star status.
However, it is important to note that reliability can vary depending on the model and year of the caravan. It is recommended to do thorough research before making a purchase decision.
Summary
You will not go too wrong with any of the top UK brands. Their advice in making the best purchase for your needs, and their after-sale support, are usually very good. This makes for a great overall experience.
Adria is the most popular manufacturer and caravan brand, whereas Coachman is the most popular new and pre-owned caravan brand.
