Every week here at Caravan Times we pause for a few minutes to scour the online auctions in search of a bargain. And occasionally we come across a tempting and sound example of a classic from a bygone era – a caravan which hits the sweet spot between good used value and generous equipment levels. This week we were drawn to a name which has been in caravan classifieds for around twenty years, but sadly disappeared last year as a new buy. The Buccaneer Caribbean may have been discontinued in 2010, but our fifteen-year old example offers plenty for the money.
Click here to see an image gallery of the 1996 Buccaneer Caribbean
Built in 1996, this caravan was considered a luxury tourer in its time and boasts a well appointed interior. At the front of the Caribbean is a six-seater dinette which folds out to make a double bed, while the other two beds are contained in the dining area. There you’ll find a single dinette which can be easily converted into a single bed, while the fourth berth is a bunk bed placed directly above.
What may catch the eye of potential buyers however is the remarkably well-appointed kitchen which features few compromises despite being in a confined space. A full sized 3 way fridge is accompanied by a generous domestic type oven, while an extractor fan can be found over the cooker. And cookery fans will find four burners are available on the hob, alongside a useful grill.
The heating control is similarly impressive for a fifteen-year old caravan – the buyer considers this “better than most domestic ones” offering six different temperature settings for the daytime, as well as separate weekday/weekend settings available. An internal water tank, carbon monoxide sensor and blinds to all windows complete the “home from home” feel of this Buccaneer.
History
Built in 1996, this Buccaneer Caribbean has been “dealer serviced and damp checked annually for the past 10 years” by the present owner. Its most recent service was April 2011, when it was declared to be “sound and dry”. The Caribbean has “not been used during the past 10 years by smokers or pets”.
Kit and Caboodle
As well as the generous appointments mentioned above, this 1996 Caribbean comes with a full wet central heating system, based around a gas and mains Alde boiler that controls heating and hot water. Mains and 12V lights can be found above all the beds, while the awning light features a motion sensor for extra security.
Most notable of all are the plenty of optional extras included in the sale. The Buccaneer comes fitted with a remote controlled motor mover, while a Bradcot awning gives you the option of one or two annexes at each end. If you can’t be bothered with the full awning then a Bradcot porch gives you the scaled-down version, and a Bulldog hitch lock is also thrown in. To complete the sale, the Caribbean comes with a wastepot, aquaroll, two gas cylinders (one full) and a winter cover.
- Price: £2,950.00 (buy it now price – or bid in auction)
- MTPLM: Unladen weight 1250kg, max loaded weight 1600kg
- Width: 7’0″ (2.13 metres)
- Length: 23′ (7.01 metres)
- Berth: 4
- Axle: Single
