Used Caravan of the Week: BIOD 420T

by Holly Tribe

Our search for an out of the ordinary ‘Used Caravan’ appeared to have been blighted by a chronic case of ‘boring white caravan’ syndrome this week; that is until this little number cropped up.

Not being particularly well versed in obscure European caravan brands, the BIOD 420T practically leapt off the classified pages and came as a very pleasant surprise next to all the usual ABI, Bailey and Fleetwood suspects.

Click here to see more photos of the BIOD 420T

Hailing from the Netherlands, BIOD caravans are constructed using a ‘seamless’ reinforced fibreglass polyester build method. This gives each model a tough, durable outershell with a unique rounded profile which is unlike anything currently available on the British second hand market.

In fact the only thing that comes close is March’s Used Caravan pick – the Voyager Vector, of which only three were ever made.

Simple cooking and washing facilities make this a functional, inexpensive option, but be warned, this Dutch-built tourer has the entrance door located on the opposite side to British ‘vans which is something to consider when unhitching at UK caravan parks.

History

This particular model was built in 1998 in the Netherlands, and was imported into the UK by its current owner in 2002. The interior is not dissimilar to British built caravans – twin dinettes provide ample living space – with the larger dining area located towards the front with a secondary living space at the rear. But it’s the rounded exterior lines that guarantee a turned head or two once you’re on site.

The ‘van is listed in a “clean and fresh” condition, with two previous owners, and comes with the original registration documents and receipt of purchase (in Dutch).

Kit and Caboodle

There’s plenty of storage provided by a full sized wardrobe located next to the bathroom along with ten decent sized overhead lockers around the perimeter of the living areas.

The kitchen features a three gas ring propane burner, a mixer tap over the sink and an Electrolux fridge. On colder days the cabin can be heated by a Trumatic S3002 gas heater.

Ventilation is provided via a single roof vent and five Bonoplex windows which come dressed with either blinds, curtains, or nets.

There’s an awning included in the selling price along with two gas cylinders, which can be stored in the front external gas lockers.