I still remember that crisp morning mist clinging to the roads of Germany’s Egge Hills, thin threads of fog weaving between the low hills, catching sunlight and turning gold as we pulled off the B1 highway. It was the kind of setting that demands something special to drive through it. Not a hatchback, not a sedan. This needed a house on wheels. And there it was, the Weinsberg CaraLoft 650 MF, gleaming in the dew, stoic and spacious, waiting to stretch its legs and show me what the word “freedom” truly feels like.
I didn’t expect to bond so quickly with a motorhome. But from the moment I took the wheel, the CaraLoft felt less like a machine and more like a moving companion, offering home comforts wrapped in steel and insulation. This wasn’t just a test. This was a full-blown trial run of what life could be like if you let the road dictate your calendar.
Let me take you inside.
First Impressions: Spacious, Sincere, and Surprisingly Subtle
Standing beside the CaraLoft, its length becomes immediately apparent. Just shy of 7 meters, it’s not a small creature. Yet, its design speaks softly. Clean, classic lines. A lack of flashy gimmicks. And behind that minimalist exterior, a fully furnished loft, just as the name promises.
I opened the side door and stepped into what can only be described as a hallway in a countryside cottage. A long aisle ran straight to the back, drawing the eye past a neat dinette, a compact but complete kitchen, and finally landing on a large French bed positioned lengthwise in the rear. This wasn’t a van pretending to be a home. This was a home that happened to have wheels.
Technical Specifications: What the Numbers Say
To keep things accurate, we use only the official Weinsberg’s website for technical details.
| Specification | Weinsberg CaraLoft 650 MF |
| Engine | 2.0L EcoBlue Heavy Duty Diesel |
| Power Output | 155 hp (114 kW) @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 390 Nm @ 2500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Top Speed | 145 km/h |
| Vehicle Dimensions (L/W/H) | 6990 / 2320 / 2750 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3750 mm |
| Ready-to-drive Weight / Payload | 2885 kg / 615 kg |
| Trailer Load (Braked/Unbraked) | 2000 kg / 750 kg |
| Sleeping Area (Rear) | 2100 x 1350 / 1230 mm |
| Sleeping Area (Front) | 2100 x 1230 / 1100 mm |
| Refrigerator Capacity | 133 liters (including freezer) |
| Fresh Water Tank | 95 liters |
| Price (Base / As Tested) | €64,990 / €81,500 |
Driving Through the Egge Hills: Effortless, Quiet, Composed
The Egge Hills have a rhythm to them, gentle inclines, winding tarmac, and that rare European rural stillness that seems to hush even the engine’s hum. Luckily, the CaraLoft’s base vehicle is a Ford Transit, and this 2.0L diesel unit knows how to whisper.
Pulling onto the highway, I was prepared for sluggish acceleration and heavy vibrations. I got neither. Instead, the automatic six-speed handled shifts like melted butter, rolling through gears so fluidly I almost forgot I was driving a motorhome. Despite its size and nearly 2.9-ton kerb weight, it moved with confidence and grace.
The real beauty was in the silence. The cabin is surprisingly well-insulated. Even at 120 km/h, there were no rattling cupboards or roaring engines. Only the occasional gust of crosswind reminded me I wasn’t in a luxury sedan. But even then, it felt manageable, stable.
And speaking of fuel, we averaged around 10.5 to 11 liters per 100 km over the 280 km drive, which is respectable for a vehicle of this magnitude and load.
Inside the Loft: Comfort Without Compromise
Once parked near a forested clearing just outside Altenbeken, I had time to truly explore the CaraLoft’s interior. It didn’t take long to see where it earned its name. The layout felt liberating. You don’t squeeze through this motorhome, you live in it.
The rear bedroom is cozy but not cramped. The mattress was firm, supportive, and surprisingly breathable through the night. The bathroom layout immediately stood out as a strength. No folding doors or awkward positioning, just a normal, full-size toilet, basin, and separate shower area. You don’t feel like you’re in a glorified closet.
The seating area up front transformed effortlessly into a six-person dining zone. The panoramic skylight bathed the space in light during the day and stars at night. Ambient lighting strips set into the ceiling and under cabinets added a quiet elegance come evening.
And yes, there’s a TV. Mounted at the rear but cleverly engineered to pivot toward the lounge area.
Kitchen and Storage: Smart, Though Not Generous
This was perhaps the only place the CaraLoft left me wanting a bit more. The kitchenette is compact, and while it has a two-burner stove, a decent sink, and smooth-sliding drawers, the workspace is tight. Preparing meals was a bit of a dance between the cutting board and the dinette table.
Storage, on the other hand, is well thought out. Overhead cabinets line both sides of the ceiling. There’s under-seat storage, a deep rear garage accessible from outside and inside, and dedicated gas cylinder housing with proper venting. Carrying two bikes, chairs, and a folding grill was easy with the available space.
Real-World Challenges: What You Should Know
Parking in cities? Not easy. I had to park just outside Detmold and cycle into town. The 7-meter length and 2.3-meter width mean you’ll struggle with tight turns and compact parking spots. But this is a planning issue, not a design flaw. Once you adjust your mindset to parking outside and taking advantage of campgrounds, the CaraLoft becomes stress-free.
Also, strong winds on exposed highways did push the body slightly, though it never felt dangerous. The weight distribution is decent, but nature will remind you occasionally that you’re driving a sail.
Who This Motorhome is For
If you’re a couple or even a small family who likes extended road trips with all the homely comforts, the CaraLoft 650 MF is your ideal co-traveler. It’s not flashy, but it’s honest. It doesn’t scream luxury, but it gives you everything you need to live comfortably, without ever needing to book a hotel again.
Conclusion: Loft by Name, Loft by Nature
As the sun dipped behind the Egge Hills, casting long shadows across the valley and lighting up the pine trees in a rich amber hue, I found myself lounging in the dinette with a mug of hot coffee, feet up, a blanket across my lap. I had driven over 280 kilometers, through forests, highways, and narrow lanes. And yet, I wasn’t tired. I felt settled. Anchored. At home.
That’s what the Weinsberg CaraLoft does. It’s not just transport, it’s transition. From city to nature. From routine to freedom. From house to home, on wheels.
And that, for me, makes it something extraordinary.
Is the Weinsberg CaraLoft 650 MF suitable for winter camping?
Yes. With proper insulation, an efficient heating system, and diesel-powered interior warmth, the CaraLoft is well-equipped for cold weather use. However, additional insulation and gas supply should be planned for extended winter trips.
How many people can sleep inside the Weinsberg CaraLoft 650 MF?
It comfortably sleeps up to four. Two in the rear French bed and two in the converted dinette area at the front.
Is Weinsberg CaraLoft 650 MF difficult to drive for someone with no experience in large vehicles?
Surprisingly, no. The Ford Transit base offers light steering, a forgiving turning circle, and driver-assistance systems. However, it’s advised to practice reversing and maneuvering before a long journey.
