How to find the right caravan layout for you

Looking for a comprehensive list of all the different caravan layouts? Look no further with our guide to finding the best layout for you.

If you’re struggling to find the right caravan layout to suit you, you’re in the right place.

When you’re looking to invest in a caravan, it isn’t just the model that’s important. Your caravan’s layout can make all the difference to ensure it’s a comfortable and convenient home from home.

With everything from fixed bed touring caravan layouts to the 5-Berth caravan layouts, there are quite a few different options to consider.

To help you on your journey to caravan ownership, we have a rundown of the top caravan layouts to show you what’s available and help you make the right decision.

 

Contents list

• 2-Berth caravan layout
• Fixed-bed, 4-Berth caravans
• Bed aligned along the caravan
• Bed at the rear of the caravan 
• Twin-bed caravan layout
• Caravans with mid-washrooms
• Bunkbeds

 

Caravan layout key terms

Before we jump into the different types of caravan layouts, there are a few terms to familiarise yourself with:

• Berth – an allocated sleeping area or bed within the caravan. It’s often referred to by the number of people it can sleep—for example, 2-Berth sleeps 2 people
• Dinette – a dining area that can turn into a sleeping area or bed
• Island Bed – a double bed, often positioned away from the walls, which can be walked around—just like an island
• French bed – a double bed up against a side wall. These are usually placed lengthways in the caravan
• Nearside – this is the side of the caravan closest to the door as you enter the caravan
• L-Shaped Lounge – usually made up of two parallel benches in an L shape, this can be located at the front of the caravan
• U-Shaped Lounge – also located at the front of the caravan, this seating area has two parallel benches placed in a U shape

Now we’ve covered the keywords, you also need to consider the capabilities of your car tow. For example:

• what is the maximum towing limit?
• what is the maximum towbar noseweight?
• what is the kerb weight of your tow car?

Once you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to jump into finding the right caravan layout for you.

Related: How to tow a caravan

 

2-Berth Caravan Layout

Best caravan layout for: couples

As a couple who aren’t looking to entertain, a 2-Berth caravan layout will work best for you!

Often these have kitchens at the back, with shower rooms across the whole rear, with an area for cooking off to the side.

The 2-Berth caravan layout uses the settees as beds. They can be used as single twin beds on either side of the caravan or pushed together to make a double bed across the width of the van.

 

Fixed-bed, 4-Berth caravans

Best caravan layout for: young families or entertaining friends overnight

This caravan layout consists of permanent double beds which sleep max. 4 people. With two sleeping in the lounge, there’s enough space between beds to have your own private night.

This is great for those who are having people to stay or going on a family holiday.

Unlike the 2-Berth layout, as the beds are permanent, there’s no need to construct them when you’re exhausted—it’s just like being at home!

If you’re not going for a fixed bed version, the most common 4-Berth caravan layout is a ‘Side Dinette’—which is versatile.

This caravan layout provides seating areas during the day, which can transform into beds during the evening.

 

Bed aligned along the caravan

Best caravan layout for: a smaller caravan style

This caravan layout has a corridor alongside the bed allowing for movement and flows throughout the caravan. Often with this layout style, the show is located across the caravan’s rear or slotted into the offside corner alongside the bed.

If you’re a taller caravaner, this might not be the best option for you, as the beds are often slightly shorter to make way for the corridor.

 

Bed at the rear of the caravan

Best caravan layout for: full-length beds

This caravan layout feels most like a traditional bedroom. Also known as an ‘island bed,’ you can walk around all three sides of the bed.

With this layout, the bed has curved ends, meaning little length is taken off the corners, giving you lots of room—great for taller caravaners.

These caravan layouts have separate shower and toilet rooms on opposite sides of the corridor in front of the bed.

It’s a great layout for dividing the bedroom and washing areas from the rest of the caravan.

 

Twin-bed caravan layout

Best caravan layout for: flexibility with different family members

Twin-bed caravan layouts are great for those who don’t mind sleeping apart. The beds are permanently situated with a corridor in between, leading to a shower room at the caravan’s rear.

This layout also enables you to make a double bed in the front of the caravan with the seating—so it’s really flexible.

If you’re a couple or a family of four, this could be the perfect layout for you!

 

Caravans with mid-washrooms

Best caravan layout for: complete separation of bedroom and living area

Mid-washrooms have become a popular caravan layout since the en-suite in the middle of the caravan provides a hotel-style separation and a feeling of luxury.

This stylish layout is great for creating privacy between living spaces. However, the shower cubicles can be smaller due to the location.

 

Bunkbeds

Best caravan layout for: variations

If you’re looking for a caravan layout that offers several variations, look no further than bunk beds.

They can be aligned on the offside or nearside of the caravan or even in secluded ‘bunk’ areas. These can be obscured from the view of the lounge by other furniture.

This is a great layout for families with kids, as you can use the bunk beds as a dedicated ‘kids’ area at the rear of the caravan.

Some caravans also have a solid door which can close off this area, creating an even more secluded area—a great win for parents!

 

Specialist touring caravan insurance from Ripe Caravans

After spending time picking the right caravan layout for you, it may be worth investing in specialist touring caravan insurance.

Specialist touring caravan insurance with Ripe ensures you’re covered from things like Public Liability—in case you accidentally injure someone or damage third-party property, and much more.

As well as this, thanks to the Ripe Guarantee, we promise to provide great cover and exceptional service at the right price.

Find out how you can be protected, or get an instant online quote with us today.