Sun, sea, sandy beaches: Turkey is a popular destination for many campers, and certainly not a country that they associate with the manufacture of caravans for camping vacations. And yet there are now numerous caravan manufacturers from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as overseas, who are appearing on the market with new models, modern technology and niche products. But what distinguishes caravans from Turkey? Which manufacturer produces which type of vehicle? And are they really cheaper than caravans from German manufacturers?
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Caravans from Turkish manufacturers – special features
Of course, many manufacturers from Turkey also offer a range from entry-level models to the mid-range category – and yet there are a few features in which the Turkish caravan market differs from those of Central European manufacturers:
- A number of Turkish manufacturers have positioned themselves in the “small, compact caravans” niche.
- The basic caravans are functionally equipped, but options and individual equipment for more comfort are usually possible.
- The design is often simple and functional, with a focus on practicality and comfort. However, there are also modern and stylish designs that are based on European standards.
- Turkish models are generally cheaper than European models, although there is also a price range from – to – depending on the equipment, manufacturer etc.
- For many models, it is not possible to give a price at first glance; you will need to request a quote directly or ask the importer.
- Technology and supplies such as electrics or water supply are often kept simple to facilitate maintenance and repairs.
“Caravans Turkey” – Manufacturers and models
In the following overview we have put together a selection of manufacturers and their models – sorted in alphabetical order by manufacturer.
Basoglu Karavan: Caretta 1500 – a teardrop
The models in the Caretta range are often associated with the company Noah Camper – the general importer for Caretta caravans in Germany, based in Stuttgart. The manufacturer is Basoglu Karavan, which has been producing Carettas in Turkey near Istanbul since 1976. The mini caravans are available in the 1500, Mini and Offroad versions, as well as the Caretta Safari and Uncle models, a caravan for up to four people. The Caretta 1500 can comfortably accommodate two people on a bed measuring just under 2 x 1.50 meters, with plenty of storage space included. A roof tent can also be installed to provide space for two more people. The Caretta 1500 is optionally available with a fully equipped camping kitchen, air conditioning or awning, and you can also choose from four colors.
- Category: Mini caravan Teardrop
- Sleeping places: for 2 persons
- Dimensions: 4.30 m (length) x 2.05 m (width) x 1.66 m (height)
- Price: from approx. 13,700 euros (as of September 2024)
Carpento Caravan: Carpento 310 – the smallest in the range
The Turkish brand Carpento is characterized by original, ergonomic designs and more than 30 years of production experience with a high understanding of quality. The Carpento 310 model, the smallest in the Carpento range (the two larger models: Carpento 360 and Carpento 410), is compact, light and bright thanks to the long, curved window front across the entire width of the living area. Despite its small size, the little one offers plenty of storage space in the form of compartments and cupboards, the furniture is made of wood, which contributes to a modern, cozy ambience, as do the many LED lights and spotlights. Thanks to its low weight of only around 540 kilograms, you can take it on the road with almost any towing vehicle. By the way, we have put together even more mini caravans & micro caravans for you in this article.
- Category: Mini caravans
- Sleeping places: max. for 3 persons
- Dimensions: 3.60 m (length) x 1.95 m (width) x 2.35 m (height)
- Price: from approx. 20,000 euros (as of September 2024)
Crawler: TRC 458i off-road caravan – the new 2024 model
The Offroad caravan TRC 458i is produced near Istanbul, Turkey, and was presented at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf 2024 as the successor model to the TRC 458 – with the following new features and changes: The off-roader is fully insulated and therefore winter-proof, impresses with a double-walled aluminum structure with 18 millimeter thick thermal insulation. It is made entirely of aluminum, as is the furniture, making it robust, solid and small. There is no risk of fire.
There are two main entrances: one to the cabin and one to the wet room – so you can enter the wet room directly after the beach or a mountain bike tour and don’t have to carry sand, dust etc. through the caravan unintentionally. There is also an extra outdoor shower. In addition, the entire kitchen area can be accessed from outside through the panoramic hatch at the rear – so when the weather is nice, cooking outside is also possible! The 458i is designed for a maximum of four people – a sleeping area for two is provided as standard in the pop-up system above, and another is created by converting the bench seat.
- Category: Off-road caravans
- Sleeping places: max. for 4 persons
- Dimensions: 4.58 m (length) x 2.01 m (width) x 2.45 m (height, without pop-up)
- Price: from approx. 45,000 euros (as of September 2024)
Hotomobil: Troy – the new one in 2024
The Newtroy caravan from Hotomobil offers a generous four-metre-long seating area that can be converted into a bed at night, as well as a double bunk bed system for children. There is space for up to four people in the mini caravan. The kitchen is equipped with a fridge, stove, oven and plenty of storage space. The bathroom with toilet, washbasin and shower offers comfort in the smallest of spaces.
- Category: Mini caravans
- Sleeping places: max. for 4 persons
- Dimensions: not specified
- Price: not specified
Saly Caravan: Caradrop Off-Road and 8.75 Palace
The Turkish manufacturer Saly Caravan offers motorhomes, panel vans and caravans, and in this category again a wide range of products: the smallest is the Mini from the Carabinata model range, the Caradrop is an off-road caravan and the largest in the range, the 8.75 Palast, offers space for up to eight people. To strengthen our off-roaders and the larger models in this overview, we present two models from this manufacturer.
Caradrop Off-Road
The small off-roader offers two sleeping options, which can be extended to four with the help of a roof tent. With an interior body length of 2.60 meters, this is definitely a mini off-road caravan, and the fixed bed offers a sleeping area of 140 x 190 centimetres. If you want to discover even more off-road caravans, take a look at this article in which we present 10 exciting models.
- Category: Mini off-road caravans
- Sleeping places: max. for 2 people (can be extended to 4 with roof tent)
- Dimensions: 4.22 m (length) x 2.05 m (width) x 1.75 m (height)
- Price: not specified
8.75 Palace
The largest Saly model can be configured for up to eight people and, with an interior width of 2.40 meters, offers a generous feeling of space. The basic version comes with a 60-liter fresh water tank, which can optionally be upgraded to 125 liters, as well as a 60-liter grey water tank.
- Category: Caravans
- Sleeping places: max. for 8 persons
- Dimensions: 8.75 m (length) x 2.46 m (width) x 2.00 m (height) (inside dimensions)
- Price: not specified
Vestavan: Model 390 – the mini caravan
With the slogan “Back to nature”, the Turkish manufacturer Vestavan attracts attention with its futuristic design, trendy colors and a simple yet modern interior. The mini caravans – currently the two models 390 and 580 – are produced in Izmir. The special features of the small 390: real wood furniture, sliding windows on all sides, choice between rear kitchen and bunk bed. The bathroom is installed in the middle of the caravan, with a Porta Potti as standard, but there is also a cassette toilet as an optional extra. The washbasin and shower fittings are in a modern black. Do you prefer it even more space-saving and compact? Take a look at our compilation of folding caravans now.
- Category: Mini caravans
- Sleeping places: max. for 4 persons
- Dimensions: not specified
- Price: from approx. 26,700 euros (as of September 2024)
Special features when buying a Turkish caravan
If you decide to buy your future caravan from a Turkish manufacturer, there are two options for transferring it to Germany:
- Direct import of the caravan from Turkey
- Purchase via a German general importer
If you decide to buy through a German general importer or a dealer who purchases the caravan through them, the purchase is more convenient for you as a customer than with direct import, but it is still advisable to find out about the following points in advance:
- The caravan should have EU type approval and be supplied with a COC (Certificate of Conformity).
- It is advisable to clarify warranty and possible guarantee claims with the dealer, importer and/or manufacturer in advance.
- As a precaution, find out about service networks and options for procuring spare parts for the caravan model in Germany.
- It is best to check exactly whether all additional costs such as transport, customs duties, VAT, registration costs, etc. are included in the stated sales price.
With the first option – direct import – you can also collect the caravan from the country of manufacture, which you can combine with a vacation trip – but you should find out about the customs and import regulations in advance. These can be somewhat more extensive and complicated in relation to third countries than within the EU.
Listen to the podcast episode on camping in Turkey now
Conclusion
Other countries can also produce caravans! Whether you will find what you are looking for in Turkey depends of course on your requirements and wishes – but there are now numerous ways to find information about caravans from Turkey. Some manufacturers even offer a website and advice in German. Let yourself be inspired and discover completely new caravan models from the south of Europe! If you’re thinking about buying a caravan for the first time, take a look at our guide to caravans for beginners.
Cover picture: © Carpento Caravan
