1990’s

1993 saw the introduction of a new style, the Mk IV range. Carlight has never been shy in leading the way in design for others to follow and the 1990s was no exception. Over the decade Carlight brought out the first caravan with a high-level brake light, a revolutionary water management system, a unique shower* enclosure (which folded away completely when not in use), a new spat* to close off the wheel arch aperture when an awning was erected, a unique and stylish rear boot compartment (sensibly large enough to house all the fresh and waste containers and hoses) together with a whole host of further changes, including a new chassis design (still made in house though and still fully galvanised). New designs were introduced, with an end washroom model appearing in the Commander range for the first time in 1993.

All these improvements led to rave reviews in the press…

Caravan Life reported:

“…elegance in shape, innovation and use of only the most modern materials. Individually selected oak veneers are used throughout the furniture and are complemented by solid oak details and edgings…each piece is unique and signed by the maker to become an enduring part of caravaning history and with that indefinable quality that sets a Carlight apart from the rest with a character all of its own.”

Alongside quality craftsmanship, safety and ease of use were all addressed, high-level brake lights, a fire extinguisher, slide-out gas locker tray and all locks matched to one key (including the spare wheel carrier!) all became standard features.

A unique water management system provided probably the neatest and yet simplest solution to fresh and waste water management available. This enabled the caravan to be operated from either the mains fresh water supply or alternatively from the on-board watertank via the wheeled fresh water container. The fresh and waste water containers are stored conveniently in the rear boot together with the waste hoses etc, which keep the main interior of the caravan clean and tidy.

But, as always all these new ideas were combined with traditional features and dovetailed timber drawers, morticed-and-tenoned joints, locker doors cut from a single piece of veneer so the grain of the oak ran through, all remained an essential part of every Carlight and these hallmarks of skills seldom seen in a world otherwise dominated by mass production led Practical Caravan magazine to exclaim as the Millennium drew to an end:

“The Best – This really is the Rolls Royce of caravans and is without question the best quality tourer we’ve ever tested.”