Why Carado is Your Best Budget-Friendly Motorhome

Carado has shattered the notion that quality comes at a premium — and has become the market leader and best-selling motorhome manufacturer across continental Europe.

The brand’s motorhomes go to market at more affordable prices yet retain the German heritage and exceptional quality associated with the Erwin Hymer Group (EHG). This combo of value, engineering expertise and Teutonic designa style often associated with German design principles and aesthetics has made Carado a favourite choice for many private buyers and rental companies alike.

In this blog, we discuss why Carado is your best motorhome choice if you’re a budget-conscious buyer. We look at its competitive pricing, value for money, emphasis on essential features, practical design choices, long term value, after sales warranties and support, upgrade opportunities and awards.

Comparing Carado’s competitive pricing with the competition

Carado enjoys the highest economies of scale within the EHG family, which helps it price at the budget-friendly end of the motorhome market.

In New Zealand, you’re more likely to find a Carado parked at an attractive scenic location than any other EHG brands. It’s one of the most accessible RV brands on the NZ market — due to the high volume of sales of newly-imported models along with ex-rentals moving to the private sector.

It’s difficult to directly identify the market niche occupied by one motorhome brand and compare it with another in New Zealand because of the:

• Fluctuations in the supply of new motorhomes
  
  
• Variations in additional expenses — like importing and compliance costs, such as electrical and gas conversion.

However, in higher volume markets like the United Kingdom, it’s feasible to directly compare the prices of new motorhomes — as dealerships almost always have new stock available.

Assessing the UK market

In the United Kingdom, prices for new Carado models mirror those of the latest Swift motorhomes. This is despite the latter being made domestically and the former having to be imported across the Channel from Germany.

For example, the most compact of Carado’s T-series models, the two berth T135, costs about a thousand pounds more than the Swift Ascari. The British model is also a two berth and shares the same length.

Carado and Swift compete for buyers in the popular 7.4m four to six berth segment too — with purchasing budgets in the same ballpark. The German-made T449 was listed at around £80,000 at the time of writing — a similar figure to the British-made Swift Escape 684 in His Majesty’s currency.

Finishings and furnishings stand out

Despite this price parity between the two budget-friendly British and German motorhome manufacturers, it’s easy to identify their different brand DNA when closely inspecting the interiors of their RVs.

The level of finishing inside a Carado compares favourably with more upmarket EHG brands like HYMER and Bürstner. Throughout the group:

• The materials chosen are similar

• Construction methods and strategies are shared.

Judging from the brand’s motorhome interiors, Carado prefers to save money elsewhere rather than compromise the finishing and furnishing of its cabins.

An intelligent engine choice

Another way Carado saves costs is by using Fiat’s 140hp version of the Ducato’s 2.2L turbo diesel engine — instead of the 180hp design. Swift has also adopted this engine preference.

Fiat’s 140hp engine significantly reduces the sourcing costs of the van platforms on which Carado builds its motorhomes. Yet, there’s little degradation in performance during real-world driving scenarios in Carado RVs with 140hp engines.

Driving force is more important than power output

The proof of performance is found in the shape of the torque, or driving force, curves that Fiat engines draw on a dynamometer grapha visual representation of a vehicle's engine performance. Also known as a dyno graph, it plots two key metrics, which are:

• Horsepower — the rate at which the engine does work or creates force to move your motorhome
  
  
• Torque — the rotational force the engine produces.

Ducato engine dyno graph results 

*hp stands for horsepower, Nm for newton-metres and rpm for revolutions per minute

Looking at the table above, as the 140hp engine runs through the rev range, its torque output peaks at 380Nm with an engine speed of 1400rpm. It holds that peak right up to 2250rpm.

Contrastingly, the 180hp engine generates a torque peak of 450Nm at an engine speed of 1500rpm — but only holds this for a further 250rpm as it quickly wilts at 1750rpm.

The tale of the dyno graph is that the 140hp Ducato emphatically out-grunts the 180hp engine in the middle of the rev range.

The engine power and torque peak figures in the table are as quoted by Fiat, for a Ducato equipped with a nine speed automatic gearbox. Six speed manual versions have their torque outputs trimmed back — in the interest of transmission durability.

Find out more about Fiat Ducato-based motorhome platforms.

A single cost-effective factory for two popular brands

German motorhome manufacturing giants HYMER and Dethleffs joined forces in 2004. They aimed to enter the budget-friendly motorhome market and compete on price with superior products, which were:

• Carado from HYMER, and
  
  
• Sunlight from Dethleffs.

By modernising an old East German factory, they could lower production costs while capitalising on the reputation of being made in Germany. 

Together, these two motorhome brands ended up sharing the same structural foundation but offering customers a choice of style — through variations in furniture, flooring and interior fabrics.

HYMER and Dethleffs began producing the same motorhome — but on different production lines and with different aesthetics.

Learn about the inside story of Carado motorhomes.

Carado motorhome layouts save money and add extra value

Carado's clever layouts contribute to their affordability and enhance the brand’s overall value proposition. But how do they go about achieving this? Simplification, streamlining and modern techniques, all while offering variety in fewer models, are the answers.

Simplifying and streamlining

Carado strategically employs simplification and streamlining by offering a smaller model range to achieve a lower cost base. The brand focuses on refining and improving a core group of models, ultimately making it easier for buyers to choose.

To accomplish this, Carado:

• Streamlines its production processes — utilising standardised layouts and features to minimise complexity and reduce assembly time in the factory

• Employs modern manufacturing techniques — like the just-in-time delivery system, computer-aided design and manufacturing, and quality control systems
  
  
• Manages its inventory efficiently — by avoiding overstocking and reducing storage costs
  
  
• Simplifies its supply chain — through fewer part and component variations, leading to cost effectiveness.
  
  

This streamlined approach contributes significantly towards Carado’s ability to provide affordable motorhomes.

Strategies for maintaining quality at lower prices

Aside from keeping prices lower through the smart Carado-Sunlight partnership, the brand follows a few simple strategies for maintaining the quality of its motorhomes at budget-friendly prices, such as:

• Prioritising functionality — and avoiding unnecessary add-ons
  
  
• Making intelligent design choices
  
  
• Positioning the brand around offering affordable motorhomes — without compromising on vital quality.

Manual drop down beds

You might think that Carado has to omit some desirable features to hit its low price point targets, but that’s not the company’s focus. In fact, only one feature is notably absent.

The drop down double beds fitted above the lounge area in larger Carado models have to be positioned manually — rather than at the push of a button.

Fortunately, lowering and raising Carado’s drop down beds are easy tasks. Gravity comes to the aid of both operations thanks to:

• Some clever counterweights
  
  
• The low friction of the pulleys and guide tracks.
  
  

Most Carado models sold in New Zealand come with a drop down bed and are from the brand’s T-series range of semi-integrated motorhomes.

A variety of layouts and sleeping options

Carado motorhomes range in length from 5.95m for the T135 — to 7.4m with the T447, T448, T449, T457 and T459 models.

The major differences between the longer models are found in their main bedroom and bathroom configurations. The T457 and T459 are virtual twins, except the T457 has twin single beds that can be arranged into a spacious king — instead of the island bed in the T459.

The T448 and T447 also offer a similar main bedroom choice, except the separate shower cubicle and bathroom have swapped sides. When choosing a 7.4m Carado, there’s a layout for a wide range of tastes.

The main bedrooms of the 7.4m models are all supplemented by drop down beds — giving you and up to three more travel companions comfortable accommodation.

Carado also offers two more affordable and compact T-series models, which are the:

• T135 — the shortest model in the Carado family
  
  
• V337 — a stepping stone between the shorter T135 and longer models like the T447.

At 6.64m long, the V337 still offers a decent amount of longitudinal real estate. It features a spacious garage, twin or king size bed options and seatbelts for four passengers. The V337 also sits on a narrower 2.14m platform, offering more manoeuvrability on narrow roads than the longer models.

If you’re a couple, you’ll find mobile living in the T135 easy with the cleverly-designed slatted French bed. Located in the rear of this model, it’s shaped like a trapezoid — to be wider at your head and slightly narrower at your feet.

This tapering of the bed creates more room for your bathroom space. It also gives the living area more natural light and a sense of spaciousness that’s rare for a motorhome less than six metres in length.

Check out our guide to motorhome bed types and layouts.

Emphasis on essential amenities and features in Carado motorhomes

Carado clearly focuses on providing the essentials for comfortable travel. You can expect comfy sleeping quarters, ample storage, and kitchen and bathroom spaces that are easy to use — all without breaking the bank.

Some of these vital elements are:

• The Truma Combi 6E heater — to keep the habitation unit cosy and warm, and to heat the water
  
  
• A functional kitchen — with a spacious L-shaped prep bench, soft close drawers and smart food storage options
  
  
• An on-demand 12V power supply — via twin 95Ah deep-cycle domestic batteries, which power up the LED lighting and USB ports
  
  
• Reliable appliances and systems — offering basic functionality and convenience without unnecessary complexity
  
  
• A practical bathroom — where water splash from the shower is well contained so the toilet and washbasin don’t get wet.
  
  

Other essential bathroom features include roof vents with screens and blinds, generously-sized mirrors, electric toilet flushing and clever flexible towel rails with adjustable hooks.

Read our buyers’ guide on motorhome bathrooms to learn more about this important part of any RV.

The practical design choices made by Carado

A top-shelf car brand once called space the ultimate luxury. Carado focuses on maximising this hard-won commodity through clever design.

Carado’s shower cubicle in its 7.4m models only consumes space when the alloy-framed glass sections enclosing it are folded out. The shower amenity doesn’t invade cabin space when it's not in use.

A low ride

The cabins in the longer T-series models also ride lower than shorter Carados, which creates:

• Room for a more spacious and easily-loaded garage area
  
  
• Greater floor-to-ceiling space.
  
  

This additional space allows your drop down bed to lower to a level that makes entry easier than other brands. During the day, you can raise it to a height that doesn’t restrict your headroom in the living area.

This low ride height means only a single powered step is needed to enter and exit your habitation unit.

The ability to travel further afield

The T135 rides slightly higher than Carado’s longer T-series options and has two powered steps for coming and going from the cabin. 

The ride height, abbreviated wheelbase and overhangs make this model the best-suited Carado for crossing fords — which are often located well off the main roads. Approach, departure and ramp-over angles are all steeper than on the brand’s lengthier options.

As a result, the T135 Carado can venture further into the wilderness than its T-series siblings — especially if you fit it with all-terrain tyres.

See our expert tips for choosing the right motorhome tyres.

Durable motorhomes on solid foundations

Motorhomes are generally designed to be lightweight in order to maximise payload. This strategy also helps them be more fuel efficient and easier to handle on the road. However, it also means many motorhomes aren’t that durable.

Carado motorhomes are some of the most durable on the market. This is evidenced by them being the most common European motorhome in New Zealand rental fleets over the past decade or more.

If rental operators can run motorhomes designed for private buyers, like the Carado, in their rental fleets for three years before selling them in great condition, they must’ve been well built.

Retaining the entire Ducato steel chassis of the van on which it’s based is another significant design choice by Carado. This decision:

• Arguably creates a more robust platform for a motorhome
  
  
• Reduces manufacturing costs — by extending the rear beam axle to better accommodate the glass reinforced plastic (GRP) cabin that’s lowered onto it.
  
  

Read our chassis and construction guide to find out more about this all-important part of motorhomes.

The long term value of affordable Carado motorhomes

If you want an affordable entry point into the RV lifestyle, and functionality and reliability are priorities, a Carado motorhome could be an ideal long term investment.

You have a few options for purchasing one, which are:

• Brand new — through a reputed Carado distributor in New Zealand
  
  
• Importing privately — from Europe to New Zealand
  
  
• Secondhand — from a private seller in the local market
  
  
• Used ex-rental — from a New Zealand rental operator after the motorhome has come off their hire fleet.

Financial advantages and disadvantages of owning a Carado

The long term value of owning a Carado motorhome comes with a few potential benefits, including:

• A relatively low purchase price when compared to the brand’s competitors — making Carado a great option if you’re a budget-conscious buyer
  
  
• Comparatively slow depreciation in contrast to high-end brands — because popular luxury amenities can change quickly while Carado focuses on essential features and functionality
  
  
• Reliability — the brand’s reputation for solid build quality and dependable components means that with regular servicing, your motorhome should offer many years of enjoyment free from major repairs
  
  
• Brand recognition — Carado have built up a reputation for affordable motorhomes that are an attractive buy in the used RV marketplace.

These significant advantages mean that purchasing a Carado will likely result in retaining more of your investment over time. However, there are also some drawbacks to owning a Carado motorhome, notably:

• Depreciation — although Carado motorhomes may depreciate slower, they’ll still depreciate just like reliable cars, leading to value loss over time
  
  
• The costs of ownership — like with other motorhome brands, you’ll need to be able to finance the costs of owning a Carado, such as maintenance, insurance, repairs and storage
  
  
• Lack of customisation — the standardised layouts and features of Carado may be off-putting if you want something more bespoke.

How depreciation rates affect resale value

When buying a new motorhome, you should expect its value to drop around ten percent during your first year of ownership. Annual depreciation in subsequent years will then be about eight percent.

When a motorhome is from a budget-friendly brand, the depreciation in dollars lost annually is less than that of more expensive models — when those quoted percentages are applied. This retention of value is a significant factor behind Carado's popularity.

Check out our guide to motorhome depreciation and then plug your numbers into our motorhome depreciation calculator.

Potential future resale value

When deciding which motorhome is best for your needs and lifestyle, an important consideration is the potential future resale value when you may decide to sell.

Brand reputation and model popularity are factors to take into account, but you’ll also want to think about:

• The overall condition of the motorhome — a well-maintained RV will always sell for a higher price than a similar one that’s been poorly maintained
  
  
• Maintenance and repair records — showing that the motorhome has been well looked after
  
  
• Upgrades that may add value — an enhanced entertainment system or new kitchen appliances can have an impact as long as the upgrade work has been professionally done.
  
  

Also, consider the current market conditions when deciding to buy. For example, a downturn in the economy can lead to universally-lower RV prices, making it a great time to purchase.

Seasonality is also relevant, as recreational vehicles tend to be in higher demand during the spring and summer months.

Carado warranties and support for your peace of mind

The build integrity of each Carado motorhome is easy to appreciate upon an initial encounter with one. The joins of the body components are well crafted — and the models all ride and drive quite serenely by average motorhome standards.

However, should you discover an issue, knowing several warranties are available is comforting.

Seven year water tightness warranty

New Carado motorhomes come with a water tightness warranty — but to comply with the warranty conditions, you must ensure an approved service agent carries out an annual water tightness check.

Was your new Carado built after model year (MY) 2019? If so, the water tightness warranty will be:

• Seven years, or
  
  
• Up to 100,000km.

The warranty will last until whichever mark is met first.

However, if your new motorhome was constructed in 2019 or prior, it will have a water tightness warranty of:

• Five years, or

• Up to 100,000km.

This warranty is also dependent on which milestone occurs first.

Two year Fiat warranty

Fiat’s two year warranty on its engine and chassis begins on the date of the first registration of your new motorhome. To comply with the conditions of the warranty over that period, your Carado:

• Must be serviced every 48,000km by an approved Fiat agent — as per the Ducato’s schedule
  
  
• Needs to be serviced during the first year of its warranty period.

Two year fit-out warranty

Carado’s fit-out of the motorhome comes with a two year warranty, while the domestic batteries also have a six month warranty.

How new Carado warranties compare to more expensive brands

Carado generally compares favourably with some other major motorhome brands. For instance, luxury brand HYMER gives the same two year fit-out warranty while only offering a water tightness warranty of six years or 100,000km — whichever comes first.

Premium brand Bürstner isn’t positioned as high-end as HYMER but does offer an industry-leading ten years or 120,000km water tightness warranty on model years 2019 and newer. This warranty is also only available when purchasing a new motorhome.

For model years 2018 and earlier, the water tightness warranty is for five years or 120,000km — whichever happens sooner.

The motorhome fit-out and domestic battery warranties of Carado motorhomes are the same as those that apply to EHG partner brand, Bürstner. As for the prestigious HYMER, its motorhomes don’t come with a domestic battery warranty.

New HYMER motorhomes also have a two year fit-out warranty.

The Mercedes Sprinter that HYMER RVs are usually based upon has a two year or 200,000km warranty on its engine and chassis — whichever comes first. However, a service must be carried out sometime during the first 12 months, once your new HYMER has been registered.

By comparing these consumer guarantees, it’s evident that as a Carado buyer, you’ll enjoy a similar level of after sales support to those opting for more expensive HYMER and Bürstner motorhomes.

Get more details on motorhome warranties and guarantees.

Carado motorhome upgrades to lower the cost of touring

A Carado motorhome is a clever choice if you want an EHG-quality motorhome but at a lower price point. As a bonus, you may also have some budget money left over to consider an upgrade — one that will ultimately lower your ongoing costs of motorhome ownership.

Battery upgrade

Consider swapping the Carado’s standard twin absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries for lithium-ion equivalents. By opting for lithium-ion batteries instead of AGM units, you’ll:

• Increase your domestic power supply by almost 50 percent
  
  
• Enjoy a service life four times longer than when running AGM batteries.

Discover how you can freedom camp for longer with lithium batteries.

Tyre upgrade

Think about filling your motorhome tyres with nitrogen. This practice stabilises the pressure of your tyres, as there’s far less opportunity for leakage. You’ll consume less fuel as the tyres will stay at their optimum pressure for reduced rolling resistance.

Another advantage is that the operating pressure of your tyres is less affected by changes in either the ambient air temperature or the temperature of the road surface. As a result, you’ll travel safer — with less chance of experiencing a tyre blowout.

Find out more about the benefits of inflating your tyres with nitrogen.

Power upgrade

Do you want to harness energy from the sun? Every Carado motorhome comes with a storage garage — which is ideal for storing a portable solar panel system to deploy when you park up at freedom camping locations.

Another option for reducing your motorhome touring costs with solar is by adding a couple of panels to your Carado’s roof — to trickle electrons into the domestic batteries.

You’ll be surprised how much free power you can gain by using one of these solar systems.

Learn what to look for when buying a used motorhome with solar panels.

Camping upgrade

Weigh up spending any leftover budget money on a Department of Conservation (DOC) pass and join the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA). Both DOC and the NZMCA provide cost effective camping sites at some of New Zealand’s most spectacular locations.

Award winning Carado motorhomes

Since Carado first began manufacturing motorhomes in 2006, it’s grown to become the best-selling European RV manufacturer. That growth has been propelled along by several factors, including:

• Affordability — by being strategically positioned at a lower price point than many competitors, Carado is attractive to budget-conscious buyers
  
  
• Accessibility — through a wide dealer network making the company’s motorhomes easy to view, a strong online presence with virtual tools, and transparent pricing  
  
  
• Quality — reflecting the standards of the Erwin Hymer Group and leveraging off the group’s resources, focusing on essentials like solid construction techniques and positive reviews and testimonials from Carado owners
  
  
• Clever design choices — thoughtful layouts to maximise space utilisation, modern aesthetics and user-friendly features like easy-to-use systems and ergonomic kitchens
  
  
• Recognition — that the brand has built up through positive word of mouth and the endorsement of multiple awards.

Despite its relatively brief time in the market, Carado has garnered impressive recognition, consistently earning numerous coveted industry awards.

In 2024, Carado won the German Design Award. 

Two years prior in 2022, the brand won the price-performance category at the coveted Reisemobil International König Kunde awards. It also attained second place in the overall award and for customer loyalty and quality. Carado won extra recognition in the categories of affordable and family friendly vehicles.

A year earlier in 2021, Carado took out the overall prize — plus it came first in the categories of customer loyalty and price-performance.

Being recognised as the best German manufacturer in a country that’s home to 11 aspirational motorhome brands is a huge achievement. After all, the competition for the accolade includes HYMER, Frankia, Morelo, Dethleffs, Bürstner, Carthago and Niesmann+Bischoff.

It’s easy to forget that Carado is a budget brand within the motorhome market. It prices lower than its competitors, emphasises accessibility and practicality, focuses on the essentials, and streamlines production of a limited range of models in standardised layouts — all to create the best budget-friendly motorhome in Europe.

Find out everything you need to know about Carado motorhomes.