Caravan Manufacturers Explained

The majority of caravans you’ll see on the road in the UK will have been made by one of 5 British manufacturers (*), although European caravans are becoming increasingly popular.

Let us guide you through the main players in the caravan market.

Adria

Adria Mobil produced their first caravan in Slovenia in 1965 and have gone on to become one of the leading European manufacturers of caravans, motorhomes and mobile homes.

Having won 9 caravan of the year awards, 14 owners satisfaction awards and 5 European innovation awards, Adria Mobil provide 5 caravan ranges including the compact Action and the luxurious Alpina.


Bailey*

With over 70 years of experience, Bailey of Bristol is one of the largest caravan manufacturers in the UK. They’ve been at the forefront of innovation and production technology, and introduced the Alu-Tech construction system which is widely regarded as the most significant development in caravan production development in the last 30 years.

Models range from the 2 berth Unicorn Seville to the 6 berth Pegasus Grand 8ft wide Palermo.


Caravelair
Originally an aeronautical manufacturer, this French company diversified into motorhomes in 1962, becoming the French market leader now producing over 10,000 caravans and motorhomes per year.

Caravelair has 5 ranges all offering chic French style at affordable prices. 2019 season models are lightweight, compact and easy to tow.


Coachman*

Coachman Caravans

For just over 30 years, since late 1986, Coachman have been building caravans from their base in East Yorkshire, Having undergone a series of expansions, the family run company now produce a range of caravans all designed with customers’ feedback in mind.

Four ranges include the affordable and versatile Vision, the spacious and stylist Pastiche, the ultimate luxury, comfort and stylish VIP and the luxurious flagship range the Laser.


Elddis*

Elddis boast 3 caravan ranges, 4 motorhome ranges and a campervan range and include the Compass, Xplore and Buccaneer.

The company is the only UK manufacturer building full-bonded touring caravans with SoLID Contruction. This technology combines strength and rigidity, whilst providing a lightweight tourer with superior protection from water ingress.


Eriba
Eriba caravans started life in the late 1950s and have now become the German standard known for consistent innovation, customer satisfaction and supreme comfort and quality. In 1980 the company merged with Hymer to form ERIBA-HYMER GmbH.

With key features including a lifting roof and round body shape, Eriba offers 8 caravan ranges, including the Eriba Touring with its cult status, the Eriba Feeling with lifting roof, and the Eriba Nova SL with supreme comfort.


Knaus
Another quality caravan builder from Germany here. Knaus caravans started in 1961 with the production of a small, compact caravan. The company expanded steadily, and began manufacturing motorhomes in 1988.

With their iconic shape, Knaus caravans are regular award winners, scooping 3 Caravan & Motorhome Club design awards in 2019.

Models include the compact Sport & Fun, the delux Starclass, and the family friendly Sudwind.


Lunar*

Originally inspired by the 1969 mood landing, Lunar manufactures caravans with an emphasis on lightweight luxury. Lunar produce 3 caravan model ranges, a motorhome and a campervan, and have recently been awarded an ISO certification for their focus on quality.

Caravans include the 8ft wide Alaria, lightweight Quasars, and the Venus, ideal for short getaways.


Swift*

Swift sold their first caravan for £289 in 1964 and have gone on to become the UK’s largest manufacturer of tourers and motorhomes via a number of brands including Sterling, Sprint, 

Swift Caravans - Eccles Lifestyle 

Bessacarr and Autocruise.

All Swift tourers are suitable for use down to minus 15 degrees centigrade and export models worldwide.

With over 40 caravan models available Swift have a design for every budget and lifestyle.



The English Caravan Company*

Something a bit different here. The English Caravan Company are a highly experienced duo who design and build custom Teardrop caravans, as well as refurbish and repair classic vintage caravans. Whilst not on the same scale as the larger companies we’ve mentioned, their love of caravanning and passion for creating the perfect tourer is second to none.

Models include the Classic 2 berth Teardrop, and the larger Number 4 which sleeps 4.

* British Manufacturers

Choosing a Caravan Motor Mover

What is a motor mover?

A motor mover is a manual or 12V motorised device which is clamped to a caravan chassis and connects to rollers attached to the caravan wheels which then propel the caravan in any chosen 

direction, controlled by a handset.

Motor movers are powered by the caravan’s battery and are available with different power motors depending on the weight of the caravan.

Why use a motor mover?

Caravan motor movers allow you to easily manoeuvre a caravan into position, whether that be into a driveway, storage or touring pitch, or even hitching up. If you can’t or don’t want to push or pull your caravan in a space using your car, a motor mover will move the caravan into position.

Motor movers also allow you to move a caravan towards the car when hitching up, as well as helping to precisely align a wheel lock receptor to simplify inserting a wheel lock barrel.

Whilst caravan motor movers can’t be described as an essential piece of equipment, they can make life a lot easier – they can save you having to rely on precision-manoeuvring with your car, struggling to manhandle the caravan, and needing the guidance of another person. For tight spaces and heavier caravans they’re especially useful.

What to consider:

• As a general rule you can expect to pay around £1000 for a motor mover depending on the make. Less expensive devices may have a less powerful motor, which may be reflected in performance if using in wet or cold condition.

• The mover you choose will depend on the weight of your caravan and whether it is single-axle or twin-axle. Each motor mover will detail the working loads they can handle. If you expect to have to move your caravan up a steep incline you’ll need a motor mover with capacity to do that.

• The weight of a motor mover needs to be subtracted from the payload of the caravan, so you need to be conscious of your payload allowance if using a motor mover. Find out more about caravan towing weights.

• Motor movers are either manual or motorised. Manual devices use a hand operated lever whilst motorised have 12-volt motors which move the mover’s rollers to make contact with the tyre. Electrical motor movers have the advantage of not requiring any manual effort, though are generally more expensive. Remember to find out how the motor mover works if the motor fails.

• Most motorised motor movers will require a well-charged 85Ah battery to operate.

• To avoid interference with the functioning of the spare wheel carrier or jacking brackets, a motor mover should be positioned in front of the axle. Getting the motor mover is fitted by a professional will avoid any problems.

Remember to read and follow manufacturer’s instructions and perform regular maintenance checks.  

For more in-depth advice, The Camping and Caravanning Club have a useful fact sheet available here.