Wheelchair Accessible Touring Caravan Review
An in-depth look at one of the most wheelchair accessible touring caravans we’ve ever seen
Bespoke Accessible Leisure Vehicles
Whenever we visit the NEC caravan shows in February and October, among the HEAPS of eye-catching leisure vehicles on display, we are always most excited to stop by the Coachbuilt stand.
Why? Because they are the UK’s leading manufacturer of bespoke, wheelchair accessible caravans, camper vans and motorhomes. Right up our street!
We were as excited as ever at the most recent show, where they were displaying one of each —a camper van, motorhome and caravan—which had all been bespoke-adapted to their respective owners requirements.
For more information about an extensively modified motorhome, check out The Ultimate Wheelchair Accessible Motorhome.
But if caravans are more your thing, read on…
LIV Swift Sprite Super Quattro FB
Based on the 2022 Swift Sprite Super Quattro FB (that’s a mouthful!), this caravan sits on a twin axle chassis and has an 8ft wide body shell, putting it at the larger end of caravans available in the UK. This makes it an ideal option for an accessible caravan, as you have more space to play with inside.
Although slightly larger than our own wheelchair accessible caravan, like the majority of Coachbuilt’s conversions, its exterior looks so close to original that, if there wasn’t a ramp up to the entrance, you would likely have no idea that it’s been substantially modified. It fits in beautifully with the sea of caravans around it at the show—as it would on campsites too. Only the more observant might spot the wider door, which has been paint-matched and carefully plastered with the original graphics.
Although not strictly an accessibility aid, we were pleased to see that a motor mover had been fitted. These reduce the need for physically “man handling” the caravan, but also enable you to pitch head-first when the view calls for it. It had also been fitted with a 100W solar panel and inverter, so you can camp off-grid in even the most remote places. We have these features on our own caravan, and they’ve allowed us to make the most incredible memories in some of the most breathtaking locations!
With the ramp safely latched to the wide-aperture door, and an automatic winch to assist manual wheelchairs up it, entering the caravan is not only possible, but safe and simple too.
I couldn’t wait to see the interior!
Wheelchair Accessible Touring Caravan
While those extra few inches don’t make a huge difference from the outside, as I entered the caravan I was struck by how spacious it felt. I could get from the front to the very back in my electric wheelchair, and do a 360º turn at multiple points!
This particular model sleeps 5. You may be looking at the floor plan above wondering how that’s possible, but the ingenuity from both Swift and Coachbuilt make it a reality. The new L-shaped lounge still makes up into a double bed, the side dinette forms a good-sized single and, perhaps the most impressive, the “single” bed at the rear is not only electronically profiling, but it also pulls out into a double when needed. The perfect setup for the family who owned it.
In its daytime state, the L-shaped lounge creates a great amount of floor-space. This, coupled with the large front windows and the lovely warm woodwork and upholstery, gave the space a really cosy and relaxing feel. Sitting in the spot I usually sit in our own caravan, I could just imagine it feeling like a home from home.
The middle of the caravan remains largely unchanged, housing a comfortable dining space and a fully-functional kitchen (with a fridge, oven, microwave sink and work surface). But the rear of the caravan is where Coachbuilt have really worked their magic.
As I mentioned earlier, they’ve installed an electronically-adjustable bed that cleverly transforms into a double. Above this you’ll spot a ceiling-track hoist, which aids with transfers to and from the large washroom opposite.
This has seen the most extensive modifications of all, making it fully-accessible for every member of the family. The previous shower cubicle has been removed — instead, the washroom has been turned into a fully lined wet room, with a wall-mounted, drop down shower table. A tambour door closes off just the toilet and shower, but drainage points are fitted throughout the entire rear end of the caravan, turning it into a ginormous washroom when the shower table is in use. Plenty of room for assistance with personal care!
It’s practicalities like this that make adventures truly accessible. As we know from experience, having our own bespoke wheelchair accessible caravan has enabled us to travel freely, safe in the knowledge that wherever we go, we’ll have suitable accommodation. It was fantastic to see another great example of this at the show.
If this is a road you’re thinking of travelling down yourself, we’d highly recommend you visit the next NEC Caravan Show to see a Coachbuilt leisure vehicle in the flesh, chat to the team and see what they could do for you.
It could be the start of your greatest adventure!
