by Holly Tribe
Fuel prices seem to be forever on the increase in recent times, meaning the cost of caravanning has been creeping up. So this week on Caravan Times is Lightweight Caravans Week, where we take a look at some of the excellent lightweight ranges currently on the market that can help reduce fuel consumption and save you money.
There is always a trade off when you go down the lightweight route. To keep the kgs down, it is necessary to make sacrifices in terms of kit and interior appointments. But lightweight doesn’t have to mean dull and uninspiring. Enter the wonderfully unique range of Tab caravans.
They are similar in shape to vintage American Teardrop trailers, but unlike their diminutive cousins, Tab caravans are bigger with full standing room inside. Even critics of ‘boring white caravans’ have been known to succumb to the quirky design of these German built tourers. Customers can choose from an array of colour kits, and there’s 
also or a range of graphics packs (pictured).
Weights range from the lightest entry level Tab 320 version with an MRO of just 550kg up to the meatier Tab-L at 1,000kg. But even at the heavier end of the scale, it is unlikely you would have to switch to a larger towcar. One Tab owner Suzi Love, even tows her Tab 320 with a tiny Fiat 500. She kindly got in touch with us to provide this picture of her Tab towed by her Fiat. (below).
Tabs are certainly a rare breed in the UK and likely to attract a lot of attention when you’re out and about on site. They do 
come with privacy shades for the windows, but if you do own one of these striking compact caravans you could be forgiven for keeping the blinds up to witness the reactions of passersby!
Tab 320
The smallest of the bunch, the rear seating area converts into a wall to wall double bed and a compact kitchen runs the along the front end.
- Berth: 2
- Overall length: 4.77m
- Overall width: 1.99m
- Overall height: 2.28m
- MPTLM: 800kg
Tab Offroad
The Tab Offroad comes with the same layout as the Tab 320 but has larger dimensions being slightly taller, wider and longer.
- Berth: 2
- Overall length: 4.84m
- Overall width: 2.04m
- Overall height: 2.40m
- MPTLM: 1,000kg
Tab L
There’s a curved table at the front which converts into a compact double and the furnishing scheme comes in two options: hot red or cool blue.
- Berth:
- Overall length: 5.71m
- Overall width: 2.23m
- Overall height: 2.55m
- MPTLM: 1,200kg
There’s an array of optional extras including a 40 litre fridge, heater and roof rails, and awning manufacturers, Isabella, have created a tailor made range of awnings to fit Tab’s unusual curved profile. For more information regarding colour kits and prices, head to Southdowns Motorcaravans or Catterick Caravans.
