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There are a wide range of caravan layouts to choose from (pictured below), all with their own pros and cons. When you’re trying to settle on the arrangement that will suit you, there are some points to think about that can help you decide.
Here, we take a look at a few of the most popular floorplans out there, and what they can offer you.
B TRANSVERSE ISLAND BED, REAR WASHROOM
Island beds are a surprisingly recent addition to caravans, and were really introduced from the world of motorhomes.
Caravans are usually a bit wider than motorhomes, though, so it is far more common to see them with a transverse island bed, which takes up less overall length.
This floorplan, with an end washroom, is probably the most popular, particularly for those who tour as a couple, with only occasional guests. You get a washroom more to yourselves, and the centre of the caravan feels more airy than it would if there were a central washroom spread over the axle.
DD IN-LINE ISLAND BED, CENTRAL WASHROOM
Some caravan layouts offer an in-line island bed – in other words, one that runs lengthways from the back of the tourer. For obvious reasons, these tend to be longer vans, often featuring twin axles.
These models usually have the washroom spread right across the width of the interior, with all that entails, and some have even copied another recent innovation from the world of motorhomes, where the handbasin is centrally located on the other side of a pillar at the foot of the bed.
D REAR-CORNER BED, CORNER WASHROOM
Rear corner beds take up less length and space than island beds, and are almost as popular. With a corner washroom, as in this layout, you can introduce them into relatively short caravans, because the bed and the washroom take up the same amount of length.
This layout is frequently found in caravans for larger families, where there is often more than one dinette as well. Adults get space, but not much privacy.
However, anyone who goes for this layout will soon realise that there is the vexed question of having to clamber over your partner to get out of bed, and one of you needing to sleep on the side of the double bed that is slightly shorter.
JJ REAR LOUNGE
Caravans with two lounges – one at the front, one at the back – were once the mainstay of all tourer ranges. But they have almost entirely petered out now, owing to the advent of fixed beds. There are still one or two on the market, however.
They make most sense if you are a large group
