What touring caravans are 8ft wide?
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A caravan that has a width of 8ft (2.45m) would be considered spacious, offering an extra touch of touring luxury and comfort.
Compared to the more traditional-sized models, these wider caravans provide noticeably more interior room, allowing for larger lounges, more generous kitchens, and enhanced washroom layouts. This additional space can make a real difference on longer trips or when travelling with family, creating a more open, less restrictive living environment.
They've become increasingly popular among those seeking a premium feel without stepping up to a motorhome. Let's explore the benefits in more detail:
Increased interior space
The primary advantage of an 8ft wide caravan is the extra interior space it provides, which often creates a larger living area to relax in. Some 8-ft wide models feature a desirable L-shaped lounge.
Room for larger amenities
Wider caravans may accommodate larger and more comfortable bathroom facilities, such as roomier showers or separate toilet areas. With the extra width, there's potential for a more fully-featured kitchen with increased counter space and additional appliances.
Flexible interior layout
A wider footprint allows for more flexibility in designing the interior layout for better space optimisation.
Enhanced comfort and convenience
A wider caravan can allow for larger beds or additional sleeping areas. The extra width can also provide space for a more generous dining area, making meals and socialising more comfortable.
"Whilst a wider caravan offers numerous advantages, it can also present some challenges such as maneuverability, extra weight, parking and storage limitations. It's important to consider these factors to ensure a well-balanced design that addresses both the benefits and potential drawbacks of extra width."
Chris Walker, Head of Marketing at Swift
Accessibility
A wider caravan can be more accessible, allowing for easier movement within the living space. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges.
Storage
The additional width allows for more storage options, enabling you to carry more belongings or equipment without feeling cramped.
Helpful tips when choosing an 8ft wide caravan
- Check your towing vehicle - 8ft-wide caravans are often heavier than standard-width models, so it's essential to make sure your car can tow it safely and legally by comparing the caravan's MTPLM with your vehicle's towing capacity.
- Be mindful of UK road conditions - While 8ft caravans are well within the UK's legal width limit, some rural roads, lanes, and access routes can feel tight. This is especially noticeable on the final stretch to campsites or when passing parked vehicles.
- Expect a different towing experience - The wider stance can actually improve stability on motorways and A-roads, but you’ll need to allow more space when cornering and manoeuvring.
- Consider storage and access at home - Before buying, think about where you'll store your caravan. Driveways, gates, or storage compounds that comfortably fit a 7ft model may feel more restrictive with an 8ft-wide caravan.
- Think about how you’ll use it - If you mainly tour on well-connected routes or stay on larger sites, the extra width is a big advantage. But if you love remote locations and narrow country lanes, a standard-width caravan may feel easier to live with.
- Take a test tow if possible - If you’re unsure, try towing an 8ft-wide caravan before buying. Many dealers or hire companies offer this option, and it’s the best way to build confidence and see if the extra width suits your driving style.
Swift offer a good selection of 8ft-wide touring caravans across both single and twin axles. The Challenger Grande, Conqueror Grande, and Elegance Grande all sit in this width bracket. The table below demonstrates the width of all our caravan ranges.
| Swift caravan range | Width (m/ft) |
|---|---|
| Sprite | 2.23m / 7'3" |
| Challenger | 2.25m / 7’3” |
| Challenger 390 | 2.03m / 6’6” |
| Challenger Grande | 2.46m / 8’0” |
| Conqueror | 2.25m / 7’3” |
| Conqueror Grande | 2.46m / 8’0” |
| Elegance Grande | 2.45m / 8'0" |
| Basecamp | 2.28m / 7’6” |
While an 8ft wide caravan offers several benefits, there are practical aspects to consider prior to purchasing, such as weight and towing requirements.
A wider caravan typically weighs more than a narrower one of the same length, so this can affect fuel efficiency and may require a more powerful towing vehicle. Manoeuvring and towing a wider caravan can also be more challenging, especially in tight spaces or on narrow roads.
Summary
An 8ft-wide caravan offers several benefits over narrower options such as a larger interior space and amenities, enhanced comfort, functionality and convenience. Swift has an extensive range of 8ft-wide caravans, offering both single and twin axle models, including Challenger Grande, Conqueror Grande, and Elegance Grande.