Layouts
I was just trying too see what the most popular layout was , for example , We have a mid bathroom end island bed layout . This layout for us means if she goes to bed early to watch tv , I can watch the tv in the front and if needing the loo I don't have
to go past Her to get there and disturb Her . Having a lay in myself occasionally, I don't get disturbed either . What's everyone else's preferences and more importantly, why ?
Paul
Comments
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We have a "classic" 2 berth, a Swift Conqueror 480. We like the layout because it gives us lots more living space than in a fixed bed setup. We don't make the beds up into a double at night, just put our sleeping bags onto the bunks, then put them back under the bunks in the morning. A nice big washroom, too.
The van isn't too heavy, or too long, and we're well pleased with it.
Others wouldn't want this layout at all though, each to their own!
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We've always made up the bed and after 25+ years are getting usdd to it. Always prefer a van with good storage space and an end kitchen if possible. Some much bigger vans than our TARDIS have next to no cupboard and storage space. Big no-no.
9/10 you have to compromise on something.
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I like the layout of our sprite major 6 with the bathroom at the far end rather than in the middle of the van. We spent ages looking at layouts at different dealers, but we felt walking into the van and having the kitchen just to the right and a seating
table area directly opposite (this is a second dining area) perfect for us. It meant the bunk beds for the kids are at the back of the van and therefore they are not disturbed by us watching tv once they have settled for the night.We wanted an 'open airy' feel and felt the toilet in the middle of the van made it feel enclosed, and thats probably because we are a family of 5.
I think layouts are so individual to each couple/family
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I got the particular 'van I have because the layout would suit the way my girlfriend and I spend time in it. A big L-shaped lounge, mid-ish kitchen, side fixed double and huge end washroom suit us exactly. Problem for me is storage as it is not possible
to fill every cup-board and stay within towing limits! However, having space to dance is good.0 -
I gather the side bed end bathroom was the most popular layout but most models for this year have either transverse beds or end ones with a centre toilet. It does look as if beds you can get out either side are the thing for 2017 but exactly what will come
out on top is not clear yet.we have the different idea of a conventional front lounge but a second lounge the doubles as a double bed between the kitchen and the rear toilet. It works for us but it is no longer produced.
Before that we had the L shaped front lounge twice. We found we liked it but it has lost out in most models.
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Fashions come and go. Over the past thirty years or so the 'must have' layout has been end kitchen, fixed bed, end bathroom, island bed. Stick around. Another 'must have' layout will be along in a minute demonstrating that the designers are still searchingf
for that ultimate 'quart in a pint pot' design that will suit all of us with a MTPLM of less than 1400Kg.0 -
As Cyber says there are regular changes in opinion of what is the most 'popular' layout. Our first van was chosen on price only,it was all we could afford, and since then each van,there have been 5 in total, has been a different layout as our preferences
changed.Two years ago we got a Lunar Clubman SI with transverse bed and end bathroom and when we change it is almost certain we will stay with that layout as it suits us. Mind you, if a new, bestest ever, layout becomes available.............!
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Why would a van of one's prefered layout not have become low budget over time?
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Fashions come and go. Over the past thirty years or so the 'must have' layout has been end kitchen, fixed bed, end bathroom, island bed. Stick around. Another 'must have' layout will be along in a minute demonstrating that the designers are still searchingf
for that ultimate 'quart in a pint pot' design that will suit all of us with a MTPLM of less than 1400Kg.So true, but you missed out L shaped Lounge, which seemed to be in every other caravan about 12 years ago.
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we had an L shaped once, you needed a Phd in metaphysics to work out how to make the bed up. Her-indoors loves her end bathroom, that's
her end bathroom note, I go out to the washroom in all weathers so she can enjoy it all the better. Ah married bliss! Seriously though, with our VIP we just take the cushions off the day-beds and throw a sleeping
bag on them - very comfy even for this six-footer0 -
We have had six caravans with only two having the same layout, that was the second and third, both having double dining areas at the front and back making into double beds with a bunk over the back one. That was a popular layout at the time but there are
only a couple left.The original caravan had a single dinette which turned into a bed with a bunk over and a double dinette in the nearside rear.
It was never the most popular layout but worked for us. We now have a variation on the side bed but having one of you against the wall has its limitations.
I suspect for the next caravan we will have a bed we can exit both sides but not sure exactly what layout it will have but time will tell.
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It would seem that just about every permutation has been brought in over the years some of which have stood the test of time. I think a lot of changes are caused by the desire of manufacturers to persuade us to change the one we have. Two designs I was never keen on are the L shaped lounge where it was never possible for two people to sit with their backs rested against cushions and their feet up to watch TV. The other is the extended window in the front roof which loses some of the largest locker space (useful for bulky items when sited) and allows to much light in to view TV or gets too hot to sit under. Often those with them have the blind drawn. Looks good initially but not really practical.
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we had an L shaped once, you needed a Phd in metaphysics to work out how to make the bed up.
Why make it up at all when there is a full size double bed at the other end? When anyone asks, I tell them mine is a two berth!
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Why would a van of one's prefered layout not have become low budget over time?
It would to a degree, however I was taking into consideration part of the earler post by allenandjean, Caravanner From Cornwall, that reads …” Our first van was chosen on price only, it was all we could afford”…
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JCBX4t that's , a very good point to make as sometimes that's how We all afford our first van . We always used tents for holidays and as a couple got our first van and it was luxury compared to a tent . Then , however the bug grows and You want something
different to more suit ones needs . I have found it interesting in how different people like different layouts
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Why would a van of one's prefered layout not have become low budget over time?
The desirable (for some) fixed beds have now been around for sixteen years - ours was one of the first, and would now be low budget if we were to sell it. However, it's still our favourite layout, still looks good, everything works well, and so we'll hang
on to it. But there must be others around now, which are for sale. Yesterdays 'most desirable' layouts eventually come down to a budget that all can afford.A friend bought a similar layout to ours (a Lunar fixed bed, side bathroom), in a rather nasty state after the original owner's illness and sad death, for a very modest amount. Yes, it did have the 'dimpled sides' but that was a small consideration. It
took her weeks to clear it and clean it but she is delighted with her purchase and it looks pristine again now.0 -
Oner of the main considerations eclipsing layout choice for those who store at home is 'will it go on the drive?'
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Over the years we have had numerouse layouts, the first was 12ft long and had a "double" bed that was during the day folded against the rear wall, we are now back after eleven c/vans and two m/vans, to the front lounge ,side kitchen ,end bathroom which has
been in production by just about every present and past manufacturers at home and abroad as the "evergreen" layout0 -
After trying several layouts over the years we have found that the one that suits us best is the end bathroom and with a side dinette. It gives the caravan a very 'open' feel to it with plenty of workspace. Because it is a 4 berth (Lunar Quasar) but there
is only the two of us, I have taken out the fold-up bunk at the dinette which gives us an extra 15kg of available payload.0 -
We currently have a side dinette model, which is OK but not sure that I would get another! The main reason for the layout was that I would have somewhere to sit if I got earlier (in poor weather) than Mrs One. To an extent thats worked but if truth to
tell I really like a 2 berth like the Lunar Steller0 -
We first got the bug when I bought a folding camper from my old boss. It was a bit rough and ready (and very drafty) but it was dead easy to tow, had two huge double beds either end and a pretty good living space in the middle. We are spoiled for choice these days and this old boy needs his creature comforts! I suppose you could argue that if you make up your awning into a comfy lounge area you could leave the beds made up all day.
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Our first van together was chosen due to 2 parameters - 1200kg and a fixed bed; since then we have a better towcar
and due to age and illnesses we have upgraded to a transverse island bed with an end washroom.So our Sprite Alpine 4 was traded in for a Swift Classic Doublette. A bit longer, a little heavier (but some ruthless culling of stuff we don't need to cart around has helped there) but more comfy through the night especially as not climbing over each other
for the facilities.0 -
We currently have a side dinette model, which is OK but not sure that I would get another! The main reason for the layout was that I would have somewhere to sit if I got earlier (in poor weather) than Mrs One. To an extent thats worked but if truth to
tell I really like a 2 berth like the Lunar StellerWe had the side dinette layout on the last caravan but the real reason for buying it was the enormous bathroom which my wife loved. We added an L shaped lounge which was great during the day but making the bed up was hard work.
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the layouts being discussed here, some remaining favourites, some going out of style are, ISTM all a bit samey...
compared to MH, where are the new radical designs?
....for example....
very few (other than Burstner) have drop down beds....due to flimsy construction...
no raised rear beds offering proper carrying capacity underneath...due to hopeless payloads and the rear pendulum effect on towing...though, turn the caravan around and have the bedroom at the front, with a rear lounge (a la some continental makers), this
could be done, making the transportation of bikes so much easier.so, mainly due to construction constraints, each new season is really just a question of move the furniture around a bit....
as in the OP, some will remain favourites longer than others (current fashion) and some will fall out of favour as, for example, folk move from make up beds to fixed beds...
however, there doesnt seem to be the inspirational innovation that is revealed every season with MH....
as in, the lovely little Rapido 640FF in this months What MH, six mtrs, huge lounge, huge kitchen, nice washroom/shower, good external storage....
Knaus even has a 6m panel van with two drop down beds....
come on caravan designers, lets see something more than changing the cupboard handles......or the colour of the carpet
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I would like to see more MH's with caravan layouts.
We have very nice twin 6 foot something long lounge beds at the front, a great side kitchen and a superb end washroom with a big shower.
Stick an engine and a cab in the front and I might go back to a MH.
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