The Best Compact Caravans at Wandahome

We seem to live in a world where everything has to be big to be considered valid. Go grab a burger and you’re asked if you want to ‘super-size’. Go into a coffee shop and the choice seems to be between a ‘enormo-huge’ or a ‘mega-grande’ and, in some cases even, ‘a gargantua-maxima-supremo’. Not really, but you take our point… Whatever happened to restraint and moderation? In the world of motorhomes, campervans and caravans, it’s just possible that a compact model can completely fulfil all of your requirements without there being any issue with its more modest dimensions. 

Not that there is anything wrong with larger leisure vehicles, of course. If you are a family of five then there’s no sense falling out while you’re trying to cram everyone in to what will feel like a confined space. But for couples or small families, more compact caravans can be just the ticket to a great holiday experience. Why is that?

Just Decide – and Away You Go

A smaller caravan requires much less ‘sorting out’ before you go. There’s less to do to get it ready to hit the road, which makes those getaways extremely quick and easy. This fast departure capability will fill you with a sense of freedom – and, let’s be honest, that sense of freedom is a big part of why you dipped into the caravan market in the first place. Nobody wants to have to spend two days prepping a getaway. With a more compact caravan there’s a reduced amount of physical space, so you’ll have to take less ‘stuff’ with you – or be smarter about what you take and how you pack it. This will really focus the mind on the balance between what’s essential to take and what is not, and you will shave down your personal checklist to fit your caravan accordingly. 

Designed for Compact Living

Compact caravans are often very cleverly designed. The manufacturers know they are working with a limited amount of space in which there are certain functions and features they must cater for. So they will spend a lot of time engineering solutions to issues such as storage – and they’ll often come up with really smart ways to deal with these issues. There’s no caravan manufacturer out there who just thinks “cram everything in.” They want you to love their caravans, so they do absolutely everything they can to “get it right” with their layouts and designs. This means creative approaches to certain issues, and you may find that your caravan has a unique overhead lockers system, under seat storage cupboards, or a wardrobe built in to some otherwise null-and-void space.

Quite often, a compact caravan is used as a ‘base’ rather than a 24/7 mobile home. It’s used for the daily necessities – sleep, eat, wash, dress – but is parked up and left for the day while its owners go off exploring. If your on-the-road life is going to be all about what’s ‘out there’ rather than the ‘in here’ space of your caravan, then you should really ask yourself whether spending the extra money on buying a much larger model is money wasted. Is it necessary, when the caravan is just your daily base, your hub for a few hours a day rather than all day long?

Drive Like a Dream

The smaller the caravan the more likely it is that you’ll be able to handle towing it with no problems. Smaller caravans handle better when you’re on the road, and you will also have the benefit of saving money because you’re using less fuel to tow less weight.

3 Great Compact Caravans at Wandahome

When you are looking for more compact caravans, in East Yorkshire or elsewhere, then Wandahome are here to help. We stock a variety of quality new and used models including the Bailey Discovery D4-4, the Swift Basecamp and the Eriba – terrific compact caravans, all of which have universal appeal. Here’s a little more about them.

1. Discovery D4-4: The Discovery D4-4 uses space in a really ingenious way, with a layout perfectly designed for comfortable compact living. It’s also one of the lightest tourers in the Bailey range. At a shade over 1200kg when fully loaded, the D4-4 can be towed by just about any car (or other vehicle) and so it’s extremely easy to handle out there on the road. It contains the Bailey signature front skylight, so there will be great views a-plenty when you’re parked up in some beauty spot or other, and the optional bike rack means you can get off and explore those views! The Bailey Discovery D4-4 contains a Truma combi heating and hot water system, so you’ll always be snug and well-catered for when it comes to home comforts. The kitchen area is well equipped (Dometic fridge, Thetford triplex oven and grill combo with three-burner hob) and this four-berth beauty also features a large front lounge, fixed bed and end washroom.
2. Swift Basecamp: We also have the incredible two-berth edition of the Swift Basecamp available to pre-order for 2023. This exciting, sporty, fun and stylish compact caravan is the ultimate crossover camper, designed as a hub (literally, a basecamp) for life’s adventurers. It’s more compact and lighter in weight than most traditional caravans, so is very easy to tow and great to manoeuvre. Designed for action, the Swift Basecamp 2 harnesses all the range’s quality and adds exclusive features to make adventures even more worthwhile!
3. Eriba range: Similarly impressive is the Eriba range, available from Wandahome, your favourite Hymer caravan dealership. With a classic (and truly classic looking) aerodynamic aluminium bodyshell, there is a lightweight feel to the attractive Eriba range, which promotes minimal air resistance. This means it’s perfect for towing and is easy to manoeuvre – a pleasure to handle out there on the road. With seven different three to four-berth models available across the Eriba range, there’s pretty much something for everyone. With fully equipped kitchens with two-burner hobs to stylish contemporary bathrooms and plenty of storage space, everyday needs are well met – and every night needs are too. Eriba caravans features premium cold foam mattresses as standard, so a great nights’ sleep is a sure thing!

Caravan storage

Here at Wandahome we also offer a base for caravan storage in Yorkshire. Our large, purpose-built facility can house over 850 caravans, motorhomes and campervans. It’s been built to the Caravan Storage Site Owners Association's (CaSSOA) Gold Standard, is CCTV monitored for 24 hours a day, and even has controlled entrance and exit points which ensure your stored vehicles are always safe. If this is a service you require, don’t hesitate to contact us!