Carado is the entry-level brand within the Erwin Hymer Group, offering genuine German-engineered motorhomes at prices designed to make motorhoming accessible to newcomers, families and value-conscious buyers. The brand has produced over 100,000 vehicles since 2006, making it one of Europe's most successful budget motorhome manufacturers.

The range is built primarily on Fiat Ducato platforms and spans five model series:

The T-Series (semi-integrated) — Carado's bestselling range, from sub-6m compacts to 7.4m tourers. Practical layouts, solid equipment and competitive pricing make the T-Series the backbone of the brand.

The I-Series (fully integrated) — A-class motorhomes with seamless cab-to-living integration, offering premium space and comfort within Carado's value-focused pricing structure.

The V-Series (compact low-profile) — narrower and shorter than standard models, designed for manoeuvrability without sacrificing liveability.

The A-Series (overcab) — family-oriented alcove models with additional sleeping in the over-cab bed, maximising berth capacity for the footprint.

The CV-Series (campervans) — compact van conversions on Fiat Ducato for buyers wanting vanlife flexibility with Hymer Group build quality.

All Carado motorhomes feature GRP and aluminium construction with a seven-year water ingress warranty — premium construction standards at budget prices.

Carado was established in 2006 by the Erwin Hymer Group (EHG) to address a gap in their portfolio — the group lacked a brand at the entry-level end of the motorhome market. Recognising growing demand for affordable, quality motorhomes, EHG created Carado with the promise of "tested quality and fair price-performance ratio."

Production began at a purpose-built factory in Neustadt, Saxony, operated by Capron GmbH — a joint venture between Hymer and Dethleffs. The Capron facility also produces vehicles for the sister budget brand Sunlight, giving both brands access to the highest economies of scale within the EHG family.

Carado grew rapidly, winning the German Camping Club safety award in 2013 and celebrating its 40,000th motorhome in 2017. By 2022, the brand reached the remarkable milestone of 100,000 vehicles produced — testament to the success of the affordable-quality formula.

When the Erwin Hymer Group was acquired by US giant THOR Industries in 2019, Carado became part of the world's largest recreational vehicle manufacturer. The brand continues to operate from Neustadt with the same value-focused philosophy, now backed by the resources of a global corporation.

Hymer Group quality at budget prices — Carado's defining proposition. Built in a purpose-built German factory using Hymer Group engineering, supply chain and quality standards, but priced to compete with budget brands from other groups. The quality-to-price ratio is genuinely exceptional.

100,000 vehicles and counting — the sheer production volume demonstrates market acceptance. Carado is not a niche experiment — it's a proven, validated brand that has delivered reliable vehicles to over 100,000 buyers across Europe.

Seven-year water ingress warranty — the GRP and aluminium body construction comes with a comprehensive seven-year warranty against water ingress through permanently sealed body seams. This is a significant reassurance for used buyers and reflects genuine confidence in the construction quality.

Practical, functional design — Carado doesn't pretend to be a luxury brand. The designs focus on genuine usability: ample storage, ergonomic furniture, practical kitchens and sensible sleeping arrangements. Everything works; nothing is for show.

Comprehensive range from one brand — from compact campervans to full-size integrated A-class models, Carado offers something for every requirement and budget level, all sharing the same build quality and warranty standards.

If you're new to motorhoming and want a safe choice — Carado is specifically designed for newcomers. You get Hymer Group engineering and a comprehensive warranty at a price that doesn't require remortgaging. If motorhoming turns out not to be for you, the financial commitment is manageable.

If you want German quality on a budget — the Capron factory, Hymer Group supply chain and German manufacturing standards mean you're not compromising on fundamentals to save money. The savings come from simpler specifications and higher production volumes, not from inferior construction.

If the seven-year water ingress warranty matters — for used buyers, a vehicle still within its seven-year warranty period offers significant peace of mind against the single biggest expense in used motorhome ownership.

If you want plentiful used market choice — with over 100,000 vehicles produced, the used market offers extensive choice across model types, ages and price points. You can afford to be selective.

If you want Hymer Group dealer support — as part of the EHG family, Carado benefits from the same dealer network that supports Hymer, Bürstner, Dethleffs and Elddis. Parts availability and servicing options are good.

Budget-level interior specification — Carado is honestly positioned as a budget brand. Interior materials, soft furnishings and fittings are functional rather than luxurious. Don't expect premium ambiance at budget prices — the savings have to come from somewhere.

Limited UK brand awareness — while hugely successful in German-speaking markets, Carado is less well-known in the UK. This can affect resale values, though knowledgeable buyers recognise the Hymer Group connection.

Fiat Ducato only — the range is exclusively built on Fiat Ducato, with no Ford or Mercedes alternatives. If you specifically want a non-Fiat base vehicle, Carado cannot accommodate that.

Left-hand drive predominance — many Carado models are only available in LHD. The right-hand drive range for the UK market may be more limited than what's available on the continent.

Budget feel on long trips — while perfectly adequate for holidays and weekends, the budget specification can feel less refined on extended touring compared to mid-range and premium alternatives.

Resale values reflect budget positioning — while depreciation in percentage terms is reasonable, the budget brand perception can affect residual values compared to Hymer or Bürstner equivalents with similar underlying construction.

Verify the water ingress warranty status — check whether the vehicle is still within its seven-year warranty period and whether all required inspections and habitation services have been maintained. A valid warranty significantly increases the vehicle's value and provides genuine protection.

Check the Fiat Ducato base vehicle — verify cam belt replacement history, test clutch operation, check gearbox synchros and look for oil leaks. Standard Ducato inspection protocols apply.

Verify UK specification — confirm the vehicle is right-hand drive with UK-compatible gas and electrical systems. Some used Carado models on the UK market are continental imports.

Inspect the GRP and aluminium body — while the construction is robust, check all panel joints, window seals and roof fittings for integrity. The seven-year warranty covers factory-sealed joints, but not wear items.

Test all systems under load — run heating, water, fridge and electrical systems through a full cycle. Budget-specification systems are the same fundamental components as premium brands, but verify everything operates correctly.

Check the interior for wear appropriate to age — budget materials can show wear more quickly than premium alternatives. Inspect upholstery, cupboard hinges and worktops for condition.

Carado provides a seven-year water ingress warranty on body seams and permanently sealed joints, subject to maintaining habitation services. This is one of the strongest construction warranties in the budget segment and provides genuine protection for used buyers within the warranty period.

For vehicles outside the seven-year warranty, or for additional mechanical and habitation coverage, an independent warranty backed by the RAC is recommended. The combination of budget pricing and German construction means repair costs can be disproportionate to the vehicle's value — warranty cover helps manage this risk.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing comprehensive peace of mind that complements any remaining manufacturer warranty.

When buying a used Carado, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.