There are many advantages to choosing a lightweight caravan, from easier towing to being able to use your existing car rather than purchasing another. However, some lightweight caravans are light because they’re missing really important features, which isn’t ideal.
To cut out all the hard work for you, I’ve looked at hundreds of caravans to pick out the best lightweight caravans under 1,300kg. Here are the best:
2 Berth:
- Bailey Discovery D4-2: 995kg
- Lunar Venus 460/2: 1155kg
3 Berth:
- Elddis Xplore 530: 1267kg
4 Berth:
- Bailey Discovery D4-4: 1206kg
- Bailey Pegasus Modena: 1275kg
- Lunar Quasar 494: 1255kg
- Lunar Venus 500: 1190kg
5 Berth:
- Bailey Orion 450: 1287kg
- Bailey Pegasus Ancona: 1296kg
6 Berth:
- Adria Altea 542 DT: 1300kg
- Bailey Ranger 540 S5: 1300kg
I’ll explain a bit more about these caravans and by the end, you’ll know why these caravans are the best lightweight caravans out there. And with a bit of luck, you’ll know which caravan you want to purchase!
Best Lightweight 2 Berth Caravans Under 1,300kg
If you’re looking for a lightweight caravan for you and a partner, these caravans are perfect. These caravans are the best lightweight 2 berth caravans under 1,300kg available:
- Bailey Discovery D4-2
- Lunar Venus 460/2
Here’s why these two units are the best lightweight 2 berth caravans available.
Bailey Discovery D4-2
The Discovery D4-2 is a distinctive 2 berth caravan. One of its biggest advantages is the fact that it’s very lightweight, with a MiRO of just 884kg. However, there are several other reasons that this is one of the best lightweight 2 berth caravans:
- Large seating area: One of the standout features of the Discovery D4-2 is the large, comfortable seating area at the front of the caravan. In most tourers of this size, seating is a problem. However, this caravan has seating galore, with enough space for at least 4 people to sit comfortably.
- Good kitchen: The kitchen in the Bailey D4-2 might not seem like something to write home about, but it’s good for a caravan of this size and weight. The kitchen features an oven, 3-burner hob, 103 litre fridge, and sink. The kitchen is perhaps best described as practical, but I think it’s one of the best you will find in caravans of this size.
- Inexpensive entry-level tourer: The Bailey Discovery D4-2 is currently available for just £16,199. It’s a low-cost model that acts as the perfect entry point into caravanning. It isn’t the most luxurious of caravans, but it’s certainly a great caravan for the relatively small price tag.
This is a lovely lightweight caravan and is one of the best 2 berth caravans weighing under 1300kg. The Bailey Discovery D4-2 is currently available for just £16,199 from a number of reputable dealers.
Lunar Venus 460/2
The Lunar Venus 460/2 is a beautiful caravan that’s not only lightweight, but also has a number of brilliant features that sets it apart from other lightweight 2 berth tourers. The Venus 460/2 has a MiRO of just 1031kg, but you don’t get the impression features and facilities have been cut to bring the weight down. Instead, here are some of the features that make it a really good caravan:
- Sizeable seating area: The seating area in the Lunar Venus 460/2 is comfortable and large. There’s more than enough space for the two people that this caravan is designed for. The sofas would comfortably seat at least two people each. As well as the large seating area, there is a dining table with more than enough room for two to dine in comfort.
- Large end washroom: In most lightweight 2 berths, the bathroom is worst hit when it comes to maintaining a low weight and keeping the caravan small. However, the washroom here is one of the Venus 460/2’s standout features. The washroom is capacious, with a toilet, basin, cupboards, drawers, and a shower separated from the rest of the bathroom by a bi-fold door. This is certainly one of the best bathrooms that you will find in a 2 berth caravan full stop, never mind one this light.
- Plenty of storage: Storage is another strong point here, with cupboards, lockers, and drawers galore. There are overhead lockers lining the entire caravan, with the kitchen, in particular, having plenty of shelving, cupboards, and overhead lockers. For two people, there is more than enough storage in the Venus 460/2.
The delightful Lunar Venus 460/2 is one of the best 2 berth caravans weighing under 1300kg. Currently available for just £16,499, it’s also a relatively inexpensive entry point into the world of caravanning!
Best Lightweight 3 Berth Caravan Under 1,300kg
If you’re searching for a caravan for you and a partner with the flexibility of an extra bed, a 3 berth caravan is ideal. In my experience, 3-berth caravans are rather rare. However, they are appealing for some.
The best lightweight 3 berth caravan is the Elddis Xplore 530. There are several features that make this caravan one of the best 3 berths beyond the fact that it weighs less than 1,300kg, so let’s take a closer look.
Elddis Xplore 530
The Elddis Xplore 530 is a 3 berth caravan with an MiRO of just 1,110kg. This delightful entry-level caravan impresses tremendously on the inside despite it’s rather bland exterior. So here are some of the notable points that make it the best lightweight 3 berth.
- Spacious primary seating area: The Elddis Xplore 530 has a spacious seating area at the front of the caravan. Despite this being a 3 berth caravan, the main seating area is large enough to seat 4 in comfort and probably 2 more at a push. It’s nice to see a lightweight caravan where space isn’t sacrificed in some attempt to bring the weight down.
- Larger than usual additional dinette: There is a larger than usual dinette that converts into an additional single bed whenever required. Having this additional dinette, which seats 4 in comfort, is ideal if you want to have a fixed seating area rather than using the non-fixed dining table at the front.
- Spacious washroom with separate shower compartment: Most small caravans have tiny washrooms where the showerhead is almost directly above the toilet. For obvious reasons, this isn’t very comfortable and feels nothing like home. The Elddis Xplore 530 has a relatively sizeable washroom, with plenty of space for showering and getting ready. In addition to the separate lined shower compartment, other features to note include the wardrobe and a floor-to-ceiling cabinet with plenty of storage.
This is the best lightweight 3 berth caravan out there. The Elddis Xplore 530 will set you back approximately £9,000 – £10,000 depending on where you purchase one from. This particular model is only available second-hand now, so it’s possible you’ll be able to pick one up for even less if you have a good look around.
HONOURABLE MENTION: BAILEY DISCOVERY D4-3
The Bailey Discovery D4-3 is another 3 berth caravan that is surprisingly good; the Elddis Xplore 530 is just better. The Discovery D4-3 is newer, however, and has a more modern interior as a result. Everything that you saw in the Discovery D4-2 is pretty much what you’ll find here, too.
Best Lightweight 4 Berth Caravans Under 1,300kg
4 berth caravans are a good option for small families, or two people wanting something slightly larger than a 2 or a 3 berth. There are hundreds if not thousands of lightweight 4 berths out there, so choosing one best was always going to be a challenge. Somehow, I managed to pick one caravan:
- Bailey Pegasus Modena: 1275kg
So let’s take a look at each of these caravans in a bit more detail. I’ll explain what makes these caravans so good.
Bailey Pegasus Modena
The Bailey Pegasus Modena is a 4 berth caravan with a MiRO of just 1126kg – this is lighter than some of the smallest 2 berth caravans! But surprisingly, a lot is crammed into the Pegasus Modena that makes it a great 4 berth caravan. Here are some of the features that set it apart from similarly light 4 berths.
- Large fixed double bed: A feature that really sets this caravan apart is the spacious fixed double bed. Most small caravans don’t have a fixed double due to the obvious space limitations. However, Bailey have managed to fit a sizeable double into the Pegasus Modena without the rest of the caravan feeling too small as a result. Each side of the bed has an individual reading light, with little shelves on each side for small belongings like phones or books. This great French bed really is the selling point of the diminutive, lightweight Pegasus Modena.
- Capacious washroom: The Pegasus Modena features an end washroom, which is another excellent feature that sets this caravan apart from the vast majority of its lightweight competition. As well as the obvious (a swivel loo, storage, and a basin) the Modena’s washroom has a fully-lined separate shower. The shower contains a shelf, pop-up roof vent, and great lighting. The washroom is a really high standard, which you won’t find in a great deal of lightweight caravans.
All in all, the Bailey Pegasus Modena is an excellent lightweight 4 berth caravan. The model does have drawbacks, such as the oddly shaped lounge area, but the great French double bed and large, well-equipped washroom still set ensure it’s better than most caravans of similar weight. In my opinion, this is a superb caravan for couples who’ll occasionally have guests.
The Bailey Pegasus Modena will cost you around £14,500 – £15,500. The price will vary depending on where you’re looking, as Bailey no longer manufacture the Pegasus Modena.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
The Bailey Pegasus Modena is the best 4 berth caravan weighing less than 1,300kg, there’s no doubt about it. However, there are some caravans that deserve an honourable mention, simply because they have some features that make them unique.
- Lunar Venus 490/4
- Lunar Venus 500
The Lunar Venus 490/4 is a lightweight caravan with a MiRO of just 1017kg. The Venus 490/4 has a very similar layout to the Bailey Pegasus Modena, with a fixed double and rear washroom. The model also features a decent lounge area in addition to a good sized kitchen, so this is a good shout if you want to get into caravanning without spending a fortune.
The Lunar Venus 500 is a lightweight, affordable 4 berth caravan. The MiRO of this caravan is just 1008kg, making it exceptionally light for a 4 berth unit. This caravan is excellent for small families or a couple that occasionally has guests, thanks to the two fixed single beds. This is a rare caravan layout, but it might be the perfect one for you. A Lunar Venus 500 can cost as little as £8,000 these days, so this could be an inexpensive route into caravanning for you.
Best Lightweight 5 Berth Caravans Under 1,300kg
Looking for a 5 berth caravan fit for families? There aren’t a great number of 5 berth caravans weighing less than 1300kg, but there are a few really good ones. Here are the 2 best caravans weighing less than 1300kg:
- Bailey Orion 450: 1287kg
- Bailey Pegasus Ancona: 1296kg
These models each have the benefits that make them stand out from the crowd of caravans. I’ll take a closer look now at each of these models to see why they’re some of the best lightweight 5 berth caravans.
Bailey Orion 450
The Bailey Orion 450 is a 5 berth caravan with a MiRO of 1130kg. This is a brilliant 5 berth full stop, without even considering the fact it is incredibly lightweight. So let’s take a closer look at this family caravan and some of the reasons that it’s such a good unit!
- Two sizeable lounge areas: The Orion 450 feels much larger than it actually is. This is helped by the fact that it contains two large lounge areas: one at the front of the caravan and on at the rear, opposite the triple bunks. The advantages of two lounge areas, in my opinion, is obvious: the adults and children have separate lounges to relax in. This is one of the features that also makes it one of the best caravans for families, despite being incredibly light.
- Capacious kitchen: Most lightweight caravans have kitchens that are somewhat lacking to ensure the tourer remains lightweight. The same cannot be said for the Orion 450. Relative to the size of the caravan, the Orion 450 has a spacious kitchen with plenty of worktop space. The kitchen also contains a microwave, oven-grill combination, 3-burner hob, fridge, and sink. Furthermore, overhead lockers are plentiful in this model; always important for family holidays.
- Triple fixed bunks: If you’re looking for the ideal lightweight caravan for a young family, the Orion 450 could be perfect due to it having fixed triple bunks. Having the L-shaped lounge area opposite is a great accompaniment, as it gives children their own area in the caravan ideal for playing games and so on.
The Orion 450 is a great lightweight caravan, with a MiRO of just 1130kg. I’d say the only drawback of this caravan is the small washroom, which is unavoidable when you consider the other features packed into this caravan. If you’re staying on a site with washroom facilities, this isn’t too much of an issue anyway.
These days, you can pick up an Orion 450 for as little as £8,000 – £10,000. This caravan really is a massive bargain at under 10k, especially if you have young children. If you like the triple fixed bunk layout, I wrote a blog post all about the best caravans with triple fixed bunks. You can read that by clicking here.
Bailey Pegasus Ancona
The Bailey Pegasus Ancona is a 5 berth caravan with a MiRO of just 1296kg. This is another fantastic 5 berth caravan, even when you don’t consider the fact it is lightweight. There are several features that make this one of the very best lightweight caravans for families.
- Spacious main living area: The living area in the Bailey Pegasus Ancona is one of the biggest highlights of this caravan. The seating area is more than large enough for 6 people to sit in comfort. The lounge table is large enough for at least 6 to sit around, which is a marvel for a lightweight caravan of this size. Furthermore, there is an additional dinette to the rear of the caravan that gives children their own area.
- Fixed double bunks: There’s nothing worse than bedtime in a tourer, especially where children are concerned. You probably want to get the children to bed as quickly as possible, so fixed bunk beds are perfect. At the rear of the caravan, in front of the end washroom, there are two fixed bunks in the Pegasus Ancona. Perfect for quickly getting the children into bed!
- Additional dinette: Opposite the fixed bunks at the rear, there is an additional dinette (that converts into a further single bed). This dinette is perfect for children to eat and play. Most children love to have their own space; that’s exactly what this additional dinette provides. This caravan is ideal for two generations that want to have their own space.
- Large end washroom: The Pegasus Ancona has a large, full-width end washroom. Within the washroom, there is a large wardrobe, vanity unit, toilet, Thetford swivel toilet, and separate shower cubicle. The separate shower cubicle is one of my favourite features here. To me, this makes the washroom feel immensley more comfortable and a little more like your bathroom at home.
The Bailey Pegasus Ancona is available for around £13,000 – £15,000 depending on where you look. You can no longer purchase this model brand new, so there’s always a chance you can pick up a bargain second-hand.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are plenty of cost-effective, beautiful, and functional caravans weighing less than 1300kg. In this blog post, I’ve discussed some of the finest caravans that weigh less than 1300kg, so hopefully, this post helps you find the caravan of your dreams! As new caravans are released, I take a look at them and then add to this blog post to ensure it’s fully comprehensive. I hope it helps you to find the perfect tourer.