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quoteIs 2023 going to be The Year of the Tiny Tourer? There’s considerable interest in smaller-than-the-norm caravans right now, as folk seek out more economical units to own, tow and holiday in. Electric towcars, with their lower towing capabilities and ranges, are a factor here, too.
A Turkish delight?
Luckily, lots of caravan manufacturers are already making smaller, lighter units, like this. The 310 is the first of a three-model range from Turkish manufacturer Carpento. UK importer Freedom Caravans in Staffordshire has plenty of form in the tiny tourers sector. It has long been associated with the Freedom brand from Poland.
For the Freedom Carpento 310 caravan, things are kept basic. You’ll even pay extra for heating and hot water. But it’s the bodywork and its styling that defines this relative newcomer (2023 will be its first full season in this country). It starts off conventionally enough on an Al-Ko chassis. The body itself is made from 32mm FRP (fibre-reinforced plastic, a more modern form of GRP) sandwich construction with rubber profiles, while the floor is PVC-coated. The windows are from polycarbon. Curved furniture has a poplar wood finish over a lightweight membrane.
This all helps to a keep the Carpento 310 down to a maximum weight of just 750kg, even giving you a pretty healthy 130kg payload allowance. The aerodynamic shape of the whole body suggests this will be a particularly well-mannered unit for towing, too.
There’s another unusual feature at the back, where a high-level exterior-access locker is perfect for outdoor chairs etc. Note, also, the one-piece main door is on the UK nearside. It doesn’t have a window, but the double coat hook, elasticated storage pockets and waste bin inset here are all handy features.
Step inside the Freedom Carpento 310 caravan and the interior layout is conventional enough. The lounge is at the front, comprising parallel settees either side of a tabletop that attaches to the front bulkhead. Maximum headroom is some 1.85m.
Those curved windows are fixed, but there’s a large, opening rooflight directly over the seating area. At night you sleep transversely on a 1.90m x 1.30m double made up from the settees. Ambient strip lighting emphasises the swoop of the 310’s roofline.
Kitchen facilities across the back are kept to a two-ring hob and sink combination unit in stainless steel. There’s a bit of worktop to the left of the hob, while the two glass lids here will also be needed as work surfaces. Storage space, especially upper level, is generous. There’s even a small cutlery drawer.
The fridge is further forward, just aft of the lounge, sat under the wardrobe
The inclusion of an on-board 50-litre fresh water tank seems slightly strange. Weirder still is its external filler point, high up on the offside.
In the washroom, a swivel-bowl toilet is complemented by a fixed, circular basin (again, in stainless steel) with a tap that pulls out to give you a hand-held shower. The whole washroom is plastic-lined, plus there’s a high-level locker for toiletries etc.
Despite those looks, the Freedom Carpento 310 caravan is all very straightforward, which bodes well for longevity, with less likelihood of things going wrong. Just think about specifying the heating options, though, if you want to use it all-year-round.
To find out more about insuring a Freedom Carpento 310 caravan or your current tourer visit our caravan insurance discounts page.
Verdict: Small tourer turns on the charm
Plus: Lightweight, futuristic design, cosy for two
Minus: Heating and hot water are optional extras
In-a-nutshell: Clever design keeps things simple but smart
Alternatives: Bailey Discovery D4-2, Sprite Compact, Xplore 422
Freedom Carpento 310 factfile
| Model | Freedom Carpento 310 |
| Dimensions | 4.10m L, 1.95m W, 2.35m H |
| Internal length | 3.00m |
| Berths | Two |
| MTPLM | 750kg |
| Payload | 130kg |
| RRP | from £18,995 |
| Safety & security | Al-Ko braked chassis, fire and stain-resistant upholstery, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector |
| Key options | Propex blown air heater (£1,895), Malaga 5 water heater |
As an introduction piece, everything you would need to know.
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