Buying a new caravan can be an exciting time, but before you start out on your adventure it’s important to get the essentials right. Your caravan’s layout can be one of the most crucial parts of your trip, as it’s where you’ll be spending much of your rest time when traveling.
Caravan layouts can change in size, cost and comfort, so it’s important to pick the right one for your budget and needs. Whether you’re traveling for a few days or for a few months, the right caravan layout will help you travel in comfort and style.
Different Types of Caravan Layouts
Entry Level Caravans
Entry-level caravans are priced for smaller budgets and so usually come in a smaller size and with a fixed layout. This can make them lighter and easier to tow.
They typically include: Fixed double bed, a Side dining area, a Small or external kitchen, and a Combined or no bathroom
Compared to other options, caravans in this category are more easily bought new and so can be a good introduction to caravanning.
Family Caravans
These caravans are built for families and often come with space-saving innovations. Family caravans are ideal for sleeping multiple people, but they can also be bigger and heavier when towing.
They typically include: Retractable double beds, Retractable bunk beds, a Large dining area and an Inbuilt washing machine
Family caravans are good all-rounders and thanks to their spaciousness can often accommodate guests inside the cabin and overnight.
Luxury Caravans
Luxury caravans come with the most amount of comfort and accessories but can also be quite heavy. These caravans typically include:
- Spacious kitchen
- Full sized bathroom
- Leather upholstery
- Entertainment system
With innovative and high-quality features, luxury caravans can be customized for the ultimate travel experience.
Check Your Circumstances
The best way to decide which caravan layout is right for you is to consider the kind of circumstances you’ll be using it in.
Will you be traveling with your family and kids or as a couple? How long will your trip take and how much of that time will be spent on the road? Questions like these can help to guide you toward the right layout for your needs.
Depending on your budget and need for berths (sleeping places), a less expensive and smaller caravan can be appropriate.
One of the downsides of such a caravan could be a lack of bathroom facilities, but if you’re planning to visit places with shared amenities, it can still be a suitable choice.
Balancing between budget and personal requirements for your caravan can help you to find an ideal layout at the right price.
Cost and comfort are both parts of the equation, but it’s also important to factor in your towing capacity. Smaller vehicles may not always come equipped to tow larger and heavier caravans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a caravan that can’t be towed properly when fully loaded can be one of the biggest mistakes to make when buying a caravan.
Make sure to always check the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) weight of your chosen caravan to ensure your vehicle can comfortably tow it.
Bench and storage space can be another factor that buyers may forget about. Choosing a caravan layout with the right amount of storage and bench space will let you live more comfortably in your caravan and bring along more essential items.
Planning above your needs is a good rule of thumb when it comes to caravan layouts. This can mean expecting 10% more weight on your ATM, preparing for the possibility of guests in your caravan, and choosing caravans with adjustable space-saving options.
New or Used?
Budget is one of the most important considerations for your choice of the caravan. While both new and used caravans have their advantages, better quality often comes with a larger price tag.
Newer caravan layouts have several advantages over their older counterparts. They’re more likely to have modern technology such as sound systems and recharging points, as well as improved space-saving innovations.
Another advantage of buying new is that manufacturers can design a specially customized layout to fit your requirements. A customized layout can create the perfect caravan for your needs while cutting costs on inessentials.
Buying used can still be a good option, however, with many modern and reliable caravans on the market. The quality and performance of your caravan can come into question depending on its age and treatment, but with many options to choose from, there are plenty of good opportunities for buyers.
Once you’ve decided on the right caravan layout for your needs, you’ll find choosing the best new or used caravan for your next adventure becomes a lot easier. Which caravan layout will you choose? Let us know below in the comments.
**Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. When booking through one of our links, we earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running.
