Discover the 8ft-wide caravan options…

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If having a bit of extra space is important to your caravanning experience, then why not consider going for one of the 8ft-wide caravans on the market? A standard caravan width is approximately 7ft 4” wide, so you’ll be getting an extra 8” of internal space which could make all the difference.

Wider caravans are often popular with families or those caravanning in a larger group than a couple. Those extra inches give the caravan a much more spacious feel and the extra floor space makes moving around the van much easier. It also means better storage too as there is more space for cupboards and wardrobes, which is always a winner!

Which model you go for will also have an impact on how spacious the caravan feels as each model will be laid out differently meaning that dimensions of the different areas will vary. Be sure to explore all the options and make a short list of what is important to you and your family (e.g. bigger beds, types of bed, more storage, additional kitchen surface…)

At Winchester Caravans and Motorhomes we are official dealers of new Bailey and Swift caravans, so we’ll be exploring the ranges that these two manufacturers offer in more detail. We also stock pre-owned caravans from a range of other manufacturers and get 8ft options from time to time, often from the Lunar Alaria range, so please get in touch for further information on these.

Swift’s 8ft offerings

Swift Elegance

The Elegance range consists of three 8ft-wide models, all four-berth and each offering very different layout options. The Elegance is all about luxury and premium quality, from the glamorous new Brisa ULTRALEATHER upholstery scheme to the spa-like washroom and full height padded headboards. Other key features include an on-board fresh water tank, a dimmable LED lighting system and new underfloor heating.

All three models are twin axle and measure 7.98m in length. They all have front lounges that convert to doubles. The 835 has a mid kitchen leading through to the washroom, with a transverse bed at the rear. The 845 had a mid kitchen, leading onto a transverse double bed and a rear washroom. The 850 had a mid kitchen leading onto a mid washroom and an island bed to the rear.

Swift Challenger X

The Challenger X range offers four 8ft-wide, four-berth models, including the newly launched 860 model. Challenger X models are ideal for families with spacious interiors, bigger beds and additional storage.

The 835 and 850 are both twin axles with lengths of 7.98m long. The 835 has a front lounge with sofas on each side that convert into a double bed. There is a mid kitchen, which leads onto the washroom, and a bedroom at the rear comprising a transverse island bed. The 850 has L-shape lounge seating at the front which converts to a double bed for sleeping. The lounge leads onto a mid kitchen, followed by the washroom with the bedroom, fitted with an island bed, at the rear.

The 860 and 880 are both single axles with lengths of 7.54m. The 860 has a very similar configuration and layout to the 850. The 880 has a front lounge with opposing sofas like the 835. There is a mid kitchen, which leads onto the bedroom with its transverse island bed and a washroom at the rear.

Sprite Super

Sprite Super’s three 8ft models boast a range of amazing features including a wider opening central window, panoramic front sunroof, low energy LED lighting, larger beds and additional storage throughout.

The four-berth Major 4 SB is single axle and measures 7.54m in length. It has a mid kitchen, transverse fixed island bed and a rear washroom. The Quattro FB and DB (both six-berth and twin axle measuring 7.98m long) are very similar layouts with front lounge, mid kitchen, mid diner (which converts into a double bed) and rear side washroom. The main difference between the two is that the FB has a French bed to the rear, while the DB has bunk beds.

Bailey’s 8ft offerings

Alicanto Grande

The Alicanto range is all about luxury. Key features include all-season Alde heating, an L-shape kitchen with up to 25% more work surface and 30% more storage, larger beds with memory foam topped mattresses and refined sprung seat cushions.

The range comprises four 8ft-wide models, all of which are four-berth, but all with very different layout options. The Estoril and Sintra models are single axle with a length of 7.38m and the Faro and Porto are twin axles with a length of 7.86m. They all have a front lounge with opposing sofas that convert into a double bed for sleeping.

The Estoril has a mid kitchen, which leads onto fixed twin beds, with a spacious washroom to the rear. The Sintra has the same layout, except that it has a fixed transverse island bed instead of two singles. The Faro has a mid kitchen and a mid washroom, with separate entrance to the rear bedroom, which houses a fixed transverse island bed. The Porto has a mid kitchen, which leads onto a mid washroom which, in turn, leads through to the rear bedroom with a fixed island bed.

Pegasus Grande SE

The Pegasus range is ideal for relaxing or entertaining in style. Notable features include a Truma 100-watt solar panel for off-grid holidays, Thetford K-series cooking appliances, a large through-boot exterior storage locker (model-specific) and seven spacious layouts accommodating up to six people.

The three single axle models (Rimini, Brindisi and Ancona) measure 7.38m in length, whilst the four twin axle models (Bologna, Messina, Palermo and Turin) measure 7.86m in length.

The Rimini is four-berth and has a front lounge, with U-shaped sofas that convert into a double bed for sleeping. It has a mid kitchen, which leads onto fixed twin beds, with a specious washroom to the rear. The Brindisi is also four-berth and has the same layout except that instead of twin beds, it has a fixed transverse island bed.

The Ancona is a five-berth with a front lounge that has opposing sofas which convert into a double bed. This leads onto a mid kitchen on the right hand side and storage and mid washroom to the left. The rear dining/lounge area converts into a double bed with a single bunk above.

The Bologna is four-berth with the same layout as the Brindisi but slightly more spacious as it is twin axle. The Messina is also four-berth with a front lounge, with U-shaped sofas that convert into a double bed. It has a mid kitchen, leading onto a full-width washroom, with a bedroom at the rear comprising a fixed island bed.

The Palermo and Turin are both six-berths, with front lounges housing opposing sofas that convert into double beds. This leads onto a dining area, which also converts into a double bed, with the kitchen located on the opposite wall. To the rear, both models have a washroom to the left and the Palermo has fixed bunk beds to the right, whilst the Turin has a fixed French bed.

Twin axle V Single axle

8ft-wide models come in both single and twin axles, so you should have a think about your preference before you start looking. Single axles have one wheel on each side, whilst twin axles have two on each side. Read our pointers below to discover the pros and cons of each:

Twin axle caravans:

• Offer greater stability whilst towing.
• Are not as heavy on the nose as the overall weight is distributed better over two axles.
• Are usually longer in length giving additional space inside.
• Can be harder to maneuver when pitching or putting into storage.
• Can churn up wet grass - some sites do not allow twin axles because of this.
• Can cost more to tow as they are heavier and bigger and lead to greater fuel consumption.
• May mean you need a larger/heavier towing vehicle.

Single axle caravans:

• Are generally smaller and lighter which may make you feel more confident about towing them.
• Although dependent on the individual caravan’s weight, single axles can usually be towed by smaller vehicles than twins.
• Are easier to maneuver when pitching or putting into storage.
• Will cost less to tow as they are lighter.
• Although smaller and lighter, they may also have less stability than twins whilst towing, due to weight distribution.
• Are usually slightly smaller in length than twins meaning there will be less space inside.

Check out our 8ft-wide caravan ranges online and keep in mind that we stock a range of awnings that will fit your chosen caravan perfectly! Why not pop in and take a closer look at some of our 8ft models and see the size difference for yourself! Our friendly sales team will happily chat through your options over a cuppa too!

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