We’ll help you decipher the layouts that we refer to in the Buyer’s Guide and give pointers on finding the perfect van for you.
Part 2 of our buyer’s guide to caravan layouts, in June’s issue, focuses on end washroom, rear fixed bed models.
Layout Code AA: Rear fixed bed, end washroom
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THIS IS THE most-supplied caravan layout in the UK and has been on dealer forecourts for only six years. It is the floor plan of choice for ‘empty nesters’ (couples who tour without children).
The end-washroom, rear fixed-bed Bailey Senator Series 6 California was launched in 2008. It took the layout from the twin-axle Senator Series 6 Wyoming, reduced the internal length to 5.61m and put it on a single axle. This cut the MTPLM to below 1500kg, bringing a wide range of tow cars into play.
The California soon had rivals in the form of the Lunar Lexon SE and Sterling Eccles Ruby, and more joined the fray in later seasons.Today, 30 of the 172 vans supplied for the UK volume market have this layout, a 17.4% share. There are four entry-level models, 15 mid-range and 11 upmarket.
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This Swift Challenger SE 570 is a popular end washroom, fixed-bed model with lots of kitchen space.
Floor plan in detail
What makes this layout so popular? In a nutshell: convenience – no more broken fingernails from making up the bed. Add the refinement of an end washroom with its own shower cubicle, a workable kitchen and a comfortable lounge and it’s easy to see why it has such a loyal following.
There are compromises, though, especially in single-axle versions. The front and back areas can come off worst, with short lounges and narrow washrooms (the distance between the tourer’s rear wall and the wall separating the bedroom and washroom). Kitchens may have restricted work surface, although a nearside dresser may offer some valuable overflow area.
Which one to choose?
So you’ve decided this floor plan ticks all the boxes, but which caravan do you buy? If you don’t favour a particular brand or range, your choice should be driven by which execution will work best for you (see opposite for a detailed look at this layout), at a price you can afford and a weight that will be a suitable match for your tow car.
Draw up a shortlist of target vans and visit local dealers. If you’re buying at the start of a season, go to the autumn NEC show, which will run 15 – 20 October this year. It’s ideal for shopping around – everything can be easily viewed under one roof. Visit The Motorhome and Caravan Show website for more information
Pros
A fixed bed with a proper mattress will make for restful sleep and offers plenty of storage underneath. It’s also hard to beat the refinement of an end washroom.
Cons
Space-hungry end washrooms and fixed beds can take a nibble out of lounge lengths. The same issue can affect kitchens, so be certain that you have enough space.
2013 Tourers with this floorplan:
Adria Adora Thames
Price £16,929
Berths 4
MTPLM 1800kg
Internal Length 6.35m
External width 2.48m
Elddis Affinity 540
Price £18,999
Berths 4
MTPLM 1450kg
Internal Length 5.6m
External Width 2.24m
Sterling Eccles SE Ruby
Price £19,833
Berths 4
MTPLM 1495kg
Internal Length 5.6m
External Width 2.25m
Swift Challenger SE 570
Price £19,833
Berths 4
MTPLM 1495kg
Internal Length 5.6m
External Width 2.25m
Bailey Unicorn || Valencia
Price £19,995
Berths 4
MTPLM 1497kg
Internal Length 5.68m
External Width 2.28m
Lunar Clubman SE
Price £21,195
Berths 4
MTPLM 1495kg
Internal Length 5.78m
External Width 2.28m
Sterling Elite Amber
Price £21820
Berths 4
MTPLM 1670kg
Internal Length 5.6m
External Width 2.31m
Swift Conqueror 570
Price £21,820
Berths 4
MTPLM 1670kg
Internal Length 5.6m
External Width 2.31m
Buccaneer Corsair
Price £24,299
Berths 4
MTPLM 1740kg
Internal Length 5.8m
External Width 2.3m
Lunar Delta RS
Price £24,395
Berths 4
MTPLM 1735kg
Internal Length 6.34m
External Width 2.28m
For more information on the details of this floorplan, and the similar rear fixed bed, offside corner bathroom model, have a look at the June issue.
Read further Layouts In Focus Buyer’s Guides in the Advice section.
