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Lightweight Caravans Week: New and used Sprite Caravans offer compact comfort

Sales of Sprite caravans have increased by 40% in the last year

by Holly Tribe

Throughout the week we’ve been celebrating some of the great lightweight ranges currently on the market. We’ve visited quirky T@b caravans, Italian pop-up specialists Trigano with their 2011 Silver collection, and today we take a look at lightweight old-timer Sprite caravans.

The Sprite style has always been low weight and low cost; the first Sprite Caravans were created by Sam Alper in 1947 using old army surplus materials. Due to post war austerity measures, equipment and money were pretty thin on the ground and Mr Alper wanted to create a compact, rugged caravan that could be purchased for under £200.

Even though weights and prices across the industry have crept up over the years the Sprite range still offers a great lightweight alternative for the entry level market. The range now features a twin axle six berth model albeit with a fairly respectable MRO of 1,340 kg, but it’s the smaller models that really pack a fearsome featherweight punch.

The compact Finesse 2 is the smallest of the bunch. Standing at 3.66m in length with an MRO of 935kg – it is light enough to be matched with a VW Golf or Vauxhall Corsa towcar.


If you’re after a used vintage model, there’s still plenty around. A recent Caravan Times member,Phil Esgate, purchased his 1987 Sprite Musketeer as a retirement project and is in the process of bringing it back to its former glory (pictured).

Over the years, the Sprite brand has proved a survivor despite coming under the ownership of numerous different companies. It currently comes under the Swift Caravans umbrella and remains one of its best selling ranges. Made up of seven keenly priced layouts, here’s a selection from this best selling range below.

Sprite Finesse 2
The baby of the bunch, the Finesse 2 features Swift’s solid construction build in a compact yet comfortable layout.

    Berth: 2

    Overall length: 5.35m

    Overall width: 2.23m

    Overall height: 2.61m

    MTPLM: 1,084kg

Sprite Alpine 2
With it’s spacious rear end washroom and galley kitchen, the Alpine 2 is a great option for couples who want a bit of extra space.

    Berth: 2

    Overall length: 6.04m

    Overall width: 2.23m

    Overall height: 2.61m

    MTPLM: 1,156kg

Sprite Alpine 4

It may be heaviest caravan in our lightweight round up, but it is the only tourer to feature a fixed double bed, and with an MRO of just 1,029kg it still fits well within the lightweight bracket.

    Berth: 4

    Overall length: 6.45m

    Overall width: 2.23m

    Overall height: 2.61m

    MTPLM: 1,209kg

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