CUSTOMER demand for small, lightweight yet well-appointed caravans has led WA-based Rockingham RV Centre to start importing a highly-regarded UK-built caravan sold under the Barefoot name.

Stock of the Barefoot caravan has just started to arrive at the centre and customers are recommended to get in early if they’re in the market for a small, sub-one-tonne caravan for two.

Rockingham principals Jim and Michele Groves came across Barefoot while recently on holiday in the UK and were instantly impressed with the benefits of the smaller size of the van and it’s high-level fittings.

Jim said customers were increasingly wanting smaller, lighter and more manoeuvrable vans that didn’t breach GVM thresholds — all while being comfortable, roomy and well appointed.

Two Barefoot vans are on their way to Rockingham RV and although no firm prices have been announced because of varying transport costs and government fees, they are expected to sell for about $100,000.

There is another agent appointed for Barefoot on the east coast of Australia.

Barefoot managing director Cathy Chamberlain said in a recent interview that the brand sets itself apart from other caravans because of the stylish fibreglass monocoque body and the fact that everything is hand fitted.

“The quality and finish of the product is really outstanding,” she said.

“There’s no fake wood and we’ve got solid oak worktops, which was important for me as it shows the quality that people want to see.

“People are amazed that it has a full bathroom. You have choices with the Barefoot that you just don’t get with other caravans and we really think that we’ve used the space better than most compact caravans on the market.

“We wanted to make sure that people could enjoy camping in luxury and we believe we’ve achieved that.”

The caravan comes in one style with its fibreglass shell being 3780mm long and a total length of 5080mm. Externally, it is 2360mm high and 1920mm wide.

Barefoot said the internal measurements are the living area which is 2800mm long; 1830mm high and 1830mm wide. The bathroom is 1040mm by 760mm.

Ready to roll, the van weighs 950kg and has a user payload of 150kg.

Specifications are subject to change and Rockingham RV Centre will advise on the latest standard features.

Some features previously offered that reflect the high-end of fittings are its Thetford two-ring gas hob; sink with black glass lids; kitchen and wall units with solid oak tops; 65-litre Isotherm marine style compressor fridge with small freezer operating on 12V/230V; Polyvision Eco windows with fly screens and blinds; polycarbonate front window; MPK ventilated roof light (400mm x 400mm); Truma Combi 4e heating and hot water system (works from gas or electric); onboard 30-litre water tank; curved bathroom with Dometic cassette toilet, basin, shower, cupboard, mirror; comprehensive electrics system including 2x 230 v sockets, 1x 12v socket, 1 USB port; LED lighting, ceiling lights, reading lights and floor lighting; and a luxurious U-shaped seating (in a choice of vinyl fabrics) that converts to a 6-foot by 6-foot bed.

For a great deal on financing your new purchase, contact Australia's best reviewed finance broker on 1300 Credit (1300 273 348) today or visit CreditOne.com.au