German caravans have been available in the UK since the first Tabberts were imported back in 1968. By 1973, Tabbert was established as a niche brand.
In 1960, Knaus caravans were launched but it wasn’t until 1974 that the first models appeared here in the UK. Few were sold and imports later stopped.
By the mid-1980s Knaus vans were once more being imported. The StarClass was designed to appeal to UK tastes, but by 2008, it was no longer available.
Knaus and Tabbert were later acquired by a Dutch group and by 2015, the brand was reintroduced in the UK, with the S Class.
In the UK, Knaus S Class tourers rapidly found their place in a niche market. The brand only offered a few arrangements, but by 2017, there were six in the line-up, including a new 480 model that had been designed specifically for couples.
You don’t see that many used Knaus vans about, so are they a good used caravan to buy?
Model history
The S Class 480, a two berth caravan with an excellent end washroom, was available from 2017.
It was solidly built, with a good spec, which included an awning warmer, battery locker, spare wheel and jack, heavy-duty corner steadies, barbecue point, exterior mains socket, sunroof, blown-air heating, underfloor heating and BPW chassis with ID stability.
Inside, the large front lounge had U-shaped seating, unless the customer ordered the optional central chest of drawers instead. Storage was good, particularly in the kitchen, with plenty of overhead lockers.
Other models in the range included the twin-axle 695 and the family-friendly 550.
Price checker
The Knaus S Class 480 won’t be easy to find on the used forecourts, but the prices stay firm. We found one similar to ours, but without the optional leather upholstery or air-con, for £20,995.
That made ours look a bargain at just £19,950 and with plenty of extras, too. For the rest of the range, you can expect to pay:
- 550 £19,495-£21,895
- 560 £23,895-£23,995
- 565 £22,595-£23,195
- 690 £23,995-£24,295
- 695 £24,495-£25,295
Alternatives to the Knaus S Class 480 (2017)
Elsewhere in this price band, try a 2017 Elddis Affinity 482, a classic end-washroom tourer for couples with a superb spec, including an Alde heating system, an alarm, and much more besides. The 482 can be found at prices ranging from £16,000 to £16,995, so cheaper than the Knaus.
Or you could take a look at the cracking Coachman Pastiche 460, also from the 2017 season. This is another end-washroom tourer with an excellent spec. Prices for these superb caravans range from £17,595 to £18,995, so they are also a bit cheaper than the S Class.
Check for
- Fading on side panels
- Scratched sink enamel
- Evidence of wear and tear in lounge seating
- Good support in mattresses on fixed beds
- Flush still functioning as it should on Dometic toilet
Verdict
Knaus tourers have a reputation for being really well made and this Knaus S Class 480 (2017) is a very good example of that.
Five years on, it makes a great choice for couples looking for a solid, well-specified caravan.
Some buyers might find the black worktops a little dated, and the interiors are quite plain, but everything is sturdy and reliable. Storage is excellent, too.
You’ll find a sizeable shower in the spacious end washroom, and a capacious wardrobe.
There aren’t many Knaus vans around on the pre-owned market – owners like to hang on to them! Shop around, and do the usual checks if you spot one, and you could bag yourself a bargain.
Find out more about Knaus in our caravan manufacturers guide.
Technical spec of the Knaus S Class 480 (2017)
- Berths: 2
- MTPLM: 1500kg
- MiRO: 1295kg
- Payload: 205kg
- Internal length: 4.92m
- Width: 2.32m
Interested in a more modern Knaus? Then why not take a look at our review of the five berth Knaus 580 QS 60th Edition
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