While we do have a lot of families visit us here at Horton Common each year, a significant number of our guests are couples. Hence, I’ve had several conversations with those guests over the years about why they chose a particular caravan size/layout that they felt best suited their needs. Now, every couple is different, with different budget requirements and layout/facility priorities. Therefore below, I’ve provided multiple different options you could consider for different budgets. For instance, there are layouts, such as a fixed rear corner bed or transverse island bed layouts, which are very popular with couples.
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Table of Contents
Introduction To The Best Couples Caravans
Any caravan is really suitable for couples being two-berth at a minimum.
However, there is obviously a big difference between a small two-berth teardrop caravan to a large twin-axle caravan with a fixed rear island bed.
However, both of those options and many variants in between have appeal to some couples. Therefore, I’ll provide examples at three different price points for each option.
I’ll give an example of a budget, mid-range and premium option for each type of couple’s caravan.
You can use the links below to quickly jump to the type of caravan layout that would suit you best as a couple:
- Teardrops & Small Caravans
- Fixed Rear Corner Bed Caravans
- Fixed Rear Island Bed Caravans
- Fixed Mid Transverse Bed Caravans
- Fixed Twin Single Bed Caravans
Teardrops & The Smallest/Cheapest Couples Caravans
The entry point for any couple’s caravan is to consider if a teardrop caravan would meet your requirements.
A teardrop caravan is definitely the kindest option for your wallet/purse, as its the cheapest option you could consider.
A teardrop caravan is obviously very limited on space, and while they typically have a rear kitchen, that’s it on the facility’s front. There is obviously no dedicated space for a toilet and shower.
However, a teardrop, due to its height, also doesn’t provide enough space/height to use a porta-potty either. Hence, the only way to have such a facility with a teardrop caravan is to erect a toilet tent.
I’ve previously written an extensive article on teardrop caravans. Therefore, if you think this is an option that can work for you, my article linked below is well worth a read.
Right then, so if we presume that a teardrop is not going to be suitable to meet your needs and you need a ‘proper’ caravan with onboard facilities, what’s the next step up?
Well, you’ll be happy to know I’ve also written a separate dedicated article on those options as well, which I’ve linked below.
Now, not all of the small caravans within that article have the space for a dedicated toilet/shower. However, all have the space inside to use a porta-potty.
Two of the most popular and recent entrants into the world of small couples caravans are the Swift Basecamp, and the Bailey Discovery ranges.
Both of these small couple’s caravans provide a dedicated washroom with a toilet and shower.
Couples Caravans With Fixed Beds
Right, so there are lots of options for two-berth couples caravans, such as the Swift Basecamp and Bailey Discover above, where you are converting the sleeping area each night into the bed.
However, now let’s look at the option of having a fixed bed in the caravan. Hence your seating/dining area is separate, and you do not have to make up the bed each evening. This also comes with practical benefits.
For instance, say one of you likes to go to sleep earlier or get up earlier than the other. Well, having a separate dedicated sleeping area can provide a much more usable space to suit more circumstances.
The question then becomes, which fixed bed layout is going to work best for you as a couple? As I’ve previously discussed in my article on caravan layouts, there are quite a few fixed bed layouts to choose from.
Fix Bed & Single vs Twin Axle Caravans
Something to bear in mind if you are looking for a couples caravan with a fixed bed is the more premium options are typically found with twin-axle caravans.
There are many benefits to twin axle caravans. However, they also require a heavier and more powerful tow car combination.
You can indeed get large single-axle caravans with a fixed bed layout, I’ve provided examples below.
However, the problem with long single-axle caravans is they are more prone to pitch and sway when towing at speed.
I discuss the pros and cons more in my article on single vs twin axle caravans, and if you are set on choosing a couples caravan with a fixed bed layout such as those below, I would very much encourage you to read it.
Fixed Rear Corner Bed Caravans
So this first fixed bed layout to consider its the fixed rear corner bed, which has been a popular layout for many years.
This layout is available on single and twin-axle caravans and typically comes with a corner rear corner washroom.
Now, as you can see from the example above, this fixed bed layout does come with some compromises. The bed itself is not what you would describe as a ‘normal’ shape.
The side of the bed closest to the wall is shorter, and the other side of the bed is cut off to allow access to the washroom.
Hence, this is not a layout that is going to work for a tall couple, and there is also another downside.
Whoever is sleeping on the side closest to the wall would have to climb over the other person to get out of bed. In fact, neither person has great access to get in and out of bed.
Fixed Corner Bed Examples
- Budget Option: Bailey Phonix+ 440, Single Axle, £23,999
- Mid-Range Option: Swift Sprite Super Quttro FB, Twin Axle, £26,895
- Premium Option: Coachman Acadia 660 XTRA, Twin Axle, £35,450
Fixed Rear Central Island Bed Layout
As I’ve discussed above, the fixed rear corner bed layout does have its comprises not only with the size and shape of the bed but also the access in and out of the bed.
Therefore, a layout that provides better access in and out of the bed is the fixed rear central island bed layout.
Typically a fixed rear central island bed layout will provide two separate wardrobes on either side of the bed and come with a centrally located split washroom with the toilet/sink on one side of the van and the shower on the other.
In the image caption above, I’ve referred to this layout as a ‘premium’ layout.
The reason being providing that amount of space around the bed for access naturally means a larger/heavier caravan and, therefore, also commonly a twin axle caravan.
However, two of the example options I’ve provided below are single-axle caravans. The Elddis, which I’ve also provided a video review of, has a slightly different layout with a rear transverse island bed.
Fixed Rear Central Island Bed Examples
- Budget Option: Elddis Avante 454, Single Axle, £26,549
- Mid-Range Option: Bailey Unicorn Cabrera, Singe Axle, £31,399
- Premium Option: Buccaneer Aruba, Twin Axle, £47,499
Mid Transverse Island Bed Layout
With the fixed rear island bed layout above, what that means, as a result, is the facilities (toilet/shower) have to be placed in the middle of the van and separated to provide access through the van to the bed at the rear.
Well, what if you want a layout with a full-width rear washroom that contains both the toilet and the shower? In that scenario, with a fixed bed, the result is the mid-transverse island bed layout.
I personally like a rear full washroom layout and having all the facilities within one enclosed space.
However, it obviously has a compromise (as all layouts do) that you have to get past the bed to get to the bathroom.
Therefore, with this layout, if one person is asleep, there is more chance of disturbing them going to the bathroom.
However, even with that compromise, I’ve noticed this layout becoming very popular with our guests here at Horton Common.
Mid Transverse Island Bed Examples
- Budget Option: Bailey Phoenix+ 644, Single Axle, £24,499
- Mid-Range Option: Swft Challenger 580, Single Axle, £29,895
- Premium Option: Bessacarr 580, Single Axle, £39,495
Fixed Single Bed Caravans
The final option that may suit your needs best is a twin single fixed bed layout.
If you and your partner typically go to sleep and wake up at different times, then a twin fixed single bed layout may be something you want to consider.
While not the most obvious layout for a couple’s caravan but it does provide the flexibility for each person to go to sleep, rise and get to the bathroom without disturbing the other person.
Fixed Single Bed Caravan Examples
- Budget Option: Bailey Phoenix+ 642, Single Axle, £24,495
- Mid-Range Option: Coachman Lazer 665, Twin Axle, £40,750
- Premium Option: Adria Alpina Colorado, Twin Axle, £44,305
Conclusions On The Best Caravans For Couples
Hopefully, the various fixed bed layout options and examples I have given have provided you with a better idea of what’s going to work best you for as a couple’s caravan and fit within your budget.
While teardrops and small caravans are the cheapest options and can serve perfectly well as couple’s caravans, they definitely appeal more to younger couples and those looking to go on adventures where you would not take a typical touring caravan.
The next step up budget-wise is the typical type of touring caravan with full onboard facilities and a dining/seating area that is converted into a bed each evening.
However, if you want a caravan with a fixed bed, you then have quite a few options to consider.
While you could consider a rear corner fixed bed layout, it does have its compromises with the odd shape and size of the bed and access issues.
I know several of our guests who have now moved to caravans with fixed rear island bed or transverse island bed layouts, which they find much more practical.
That’s it! Thanks for reading. If you want to keep your budget down, you may also want to check out my article on the best cheap caravans.
Alternatively, if you decide a motorhome may be your better option, I have an article on the best motorhomes for couples.
Anyway, I hope you found the above useful and once you are set up with your caravan, why not come and spend a weekend break here at Horton Common 🙂
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