Verdict
Without doubt, the VIP 460 is a lovely van. If you don’t mind making up the bed each night, it makes a compelling argument for itself, and we can see why it’s so popular.
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Spacious feeling
- Serious thought given to the design
Cons
-
Washroom light switch location
-
Small payload on standard plate
It might surprise you to learn that after the 575 transverse island bed layout that appears in its VIP and Laser ranges (the latter as an 8ft-wide Xtra model), Coachman’s biggest seller is the two-berth Coachman VIP 460.
It just goes to show the traditional caravan layouts haven’t lost favour with touring couples or singletons.
If you don’t mind making up the beds each night, we think the 460 has a great deal going for it, offering plenty of useful features that you could be looking for in one of the best caravans. It’s smaller and lighter than the fixed-bed versions, and provides more usable space, especially during the day, because you haven’t got that fixed bed taking up loads of floor area or adding to the caravan’s overall length.
Pitch and set-up
When Coachman launched its current VIP bodyshell in 2018, it was an immediate hit – contemporary, yet classy, in our opinion. That continues with the latest graphics.
The VIP is a very well-equipped caravan, as you would expect from one of the best makes of caravan. The Al-Ko chassis has heavy-duty corner steadies, and you should get a smooth tow, thanks to shock absorbers, an AKS 3004 stabiliser and ATC stability control.
On the nearside, there’s a 230V socket, a gas barbecue point and external access to the area under the nearside bunk.
The offside is home to the battery/EHU locker, water inlet and drains (sensibly located just behind the wheel), and the toilet cassette. There’s also an offside services light. The twin front lockers, although not huge, work well in practice too, we thought.
Lounge in the Coachman VIP 460
The lounge is the area that benefits most from the caravan not having a fixed bed. Of necessity, lounges in the types of caravans with fixed-bed layouts often have short seats. We found the VIP 460’s seats were long enough to stretch out on (after all, they convert to single bunks if required) to enjoy a nap. They would also be suitable for at least six people to socialise in comfort, and day or night, there’s lots of light, natural or artificial.
Thanks to those twin front lockers, the central chest doesn’t intrude into the space and there’s a nicely wide shelf right across the front of the caravan, incorporating a wireless mobile phone charging point.
Bolsters in each corner and thoughtfully placed speakers add to the classy look.
Kitchen in the Coachman VIP 460
We found the kitchen in the VIP 460 to be a good size, but add its work surface (including the fold-up extension at the end) to that above the Thetford fridge on the nearside and you’ll see there’s lots of space.
The height of both units is the same, too, an example of the thought that’s gone into the caravan design. Granted, a TV is likely to be above the fridge (where the various connections, including two mains sockets and USB/USB-C points are fitted), but there should still be some space left. See ‘do you need a special TV for a caravan?’ if you’re not sure about the type of television you should have in your tourer.
We should highlight that the plateless microwave is above the fridge, so might be a bit high up for some. But it’s good to see two more mains sockets in the kitchen, placed where they can both be used simultaneously.
Sleeping in the Coachman VIP 460
As usual with this layout, you can have two single beds, each 1.85 x 0.73m, or a huge double that measures 2.08 x 1.72m. To make up the most comfortable bed, the main seat cushions would need turning around, so that the knee-rolls would be next to the caravan wall.
Whichever way you arrange the bed(s), there’s a touch-controlled reading light in each corner and a handy shelf for a cuppa. This is the type of thoughtful feature that we like to see when we’re looking for the best 2 berth caravans, providing comforts that can enhance any sleeping experience.
Washroom in the Coachman VIP 460
Coachman excels at washrooms, and the VIP 460 is no exception. This is more of a dressing room, because the wardrobe is in here (as is the table storage). There’s the firm’s standard unit beneath a salad-bowl-style basin, and Alde’s heated towel rail.
An opaque window and clear rooflight let in plenty of natural light. You’d have to be careful turning on the washroom light at night, though, because it’s placed next to the one that lights up the entrance area.
Storage in the in the Coachman VIP 460
To say there’s plenty of storage for a touring couple in the VIP 460 is an understatement. Your bedding will easily fit underneath the nearside bunk (although there’s no access from the front – you’d have to lift up the seat cushions), and there’s more space underneath the offside bunk, too, if needed. There are four overhead lockers in the lounge, along with a couple of smaller ones in the front corners, and a drawer in the central chest.
The kitchen has three large drawers and a pull-out basket unit under the sink, a cupboard above the fridge, and more overhead lockers and shelves.
There’s a heated boot cupboard just inside the entrance door, and storage in the washroom is excellent, too.
Alternatives to consider
The Bailey Discovery D4-2 impressed us immensely when we reviewed the 2023 model, with plenty of flexibility provided despite a pared back design. Alternatively, the 2024 Coachman VIP 575 has a luxurious layout and a solid build quality, providing an extra two berths for couples who want a bit more space.
Technical spec
- Price: £33,740
- Berths: 2
- MIRO: 1319kg
- Payload: 125kg (181kg with plate upgrade)
- MTPLM: 1444kg (1500kg with plate upgrade)
Coachman VIP 460 dimensions
- Interior length: 4.75m
- Shipping length: 6.38m
- Overall width: 2.31m
- Front double bed: 2.08 x 1.72m
- Single beds: 1.85 x 0.73m
Spec list:
- ATC
- Alloy wheels
- Al-Ko Secure wheel lock
- Teleco Teleplus TV aerial
- Exterior BBQ and mains socket
- Nearside awning light
- Offside services light
- Alde heating
- Omnivent
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Technical Specifications
Berth | 2 |
MiRO | 1319 kg |
Payload | 125 kg |
MTPLM | 1444 kg |
Interior Length | 4.75 m |
Shipping Length | 6.38 m |
Width | 2.31 m |