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This is one of three six-berth caravans that Swift Group is using to stretch its Sprite brand name, endowing them with the Freedom moniker.
They’re lightweight and budget-priced, although it’s always interesting to see what qualifies as either.
As far as the former is concerned, maximum weight is an impressively low 1,350kg – this is a six-berth, remember – although payload is a slightly compromised 180kg.
As for “budget”, OK it lacks the “sophistication” of a three-window front and such niceties as a sunroof, alloy wheels and plastic obtrusions. But, you can rest assured, the Sprites go down the same production lines as all the other caravans Swift produces. And it produces a lot. More than any other UK makers, in fact.
That’s also a good way of explaining why pure economies of scale mean you get such a lot for your money here with this family-friendly six berth caravan.
You get plenty of space, too, with a large enough front lounge to convert those two settees into a transverse double bed measuring 2.02m x 1.70m, or two singles (1.90m x 0.72m and 1.80m x 0.72m).
At the very back, there are two fixed bunk beds and, again, they’re decent enough at 1.83m x 0.57m. To bring the sleeping up to six, the rear dinette produces another two bunks– 1.80m x 0.67m and, smallest of the lot, 1.76m x 0.59m. Night time privacy is courtesy of proper cassette blinds.
That window at the front does add a feeling of space, helping counter the absence of large sunroofs. There’s just a shelf over the window, and flat lockers to the sides, for upper-level storage, but locker space elsewhere is impressive – a fortunate by-product of keeping general equipment levels to a minimum.
The kitchen is certainly generous enough on space, including storage as well as a worktop. There’s a three-ring hob and grill here (a microwave is a potentially useful option, especially considering family catering).
The washroom qualifies as above-par, too. There’s a step-in shower area, with curtain, a Thetford swivel-bowl toilet and a fixed sink. There’s no window, but there is a rooflight. Storage is a bit light in here. For example, there’s just the one towel holder, although there’s a double hook above it.
There are a few other compromises, as to be expected. Only the upper fixed bunk has a window. The table stores in the wardrobe, rather than having a dedicated locker. The kitchen only gets a mini-grill (but hey, you gain a large cupboard for food storage). The ceiling lights are very much yesteryear. There’s no chest of drawers between the settees. Just the one warm air outlet to the lounge. And a USB socket or two wouldn’t have gone amiss at the back, in what will surely be claimed as the kids’ zone.
And OK, these Sprite Freedoms were never intended to be as outlandish as some of Swift’s other designs. But, tourers like this offer more than just the basics these days.
Some kind of stabiliser should be a consideration. But, if you really are considering a ‘van like this as your introduction to caravanning, ask your local Sprite dealer about the kinds of starter packages on offer – they might just be enough to secure an already great deal.
Verdict: Time to treat the family?
Plus: Keenly priced, well made caravan
Minus: Families will want an oven
In-a-nutshell: Sprite values times six
There’s more information on the Sprite caravan range on the Swift Group website www.swiftgroup.co.uk. To find out more about insuring a Sprite visit the caravan insurance discounts page.
Alternatives: Xplore 526
factfile
| Model | |
| Dimensions | 7.48m L, 2.23m W, 2.58m H |
| Internal length | 5.83m |
| Berths | 6 |
| MTPLM | 1,350kg |
| Payload | 180kg |
| RRP | £15,165** |
| Safety & security | CRiS registration, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector. |
| Key options | Al-Ko ATC (£315), alarm (£260), microwave oven (£165), carpets (£145), cycle rack (£215) |
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