‘JACK AND JILL’ washrooms – washrooms that have two doors at the back, leading to either side of an island bed – were recently all the rage, primarily because such a layout also allowed you to have a usually large basin between the two doors. They’re less popular now, but Coachman seems to have been confident enough about it to relaunch the VIP 545 with just such a washroom.

This was the layout that the 545 had when it was first introduced over a decade ago. Does it still stand the test of time, and does it compare to the best 4 berth caravans? I went to take a look.

Pitch and set-up

Like all Coachman caravans, the VIP 545 looks sleek on the road. The double lockers that Coachman introduced at the front in later years make it much easier to access the gas bottle and any other items you might put there without having to clamber over the A-frame.

Other features include ATC, an AKS 3004 stabiliser and alloy wheels.

There is also an external locker on the nearside front corner. That’s right next to an external barbecue point, so you could set up al fresco dining in no time.

All the service points – the mains hook-up, the water inlet and the cassette toilet access – are all tucked away on the offside.

Lounge in the VIP 545

It’s a comfy front lounge that I think could easily seat four; it’s well-lit, too, thanks to the large sunroof and the big Heki in the middle, with ambient light and four spotlights for the evening. The yellow scatter cushions help set off the slightly dark seat cushions.

A light and airy lounge in the VIP 545
Light and airy lounge thanks to good-sized windows and sunroof

I thought the pull-out shelf above the central chests would make a good place for snacks, while the table is an arm’s reach away in the sideboard unit to the right of the door. The space at the top of this includes a USB and USB C socket, two mains sockets and all the sockets you need for a TV that, placed here, could be seen comfortably by most people in the lounge (see: “do you need a special TV for a caravan?” if you’re wondering what television to get).

On the large front sill you will also find another mains socket and a wireless charging pad. Its presence might help explain why none of the spotlights have USBs in them.

The kitchen in the Coachman VIP 545

The side kitchen comes with an extension, which only butts a little way into the lounge. But I don’t really think you need it because there is a good amount of workspace, with two mains sockets nearby and plenty of room for a kettle or toaster, always caravan essentials.

Kitchen in the VIP 545
Kitchen workspace extension is useful but does take up some lounging space

The round sink is good and large, and sits next to a dual-fuel four-burner hob above a separate oven and grill. Both are nicely lit by a window that has an attractive marble splashback surround. You also get touch-sensitive dimmable lighting.

There’s only a half-height caravan fridge, but you do get a microwave.

Washroom in the VIP 545

Having gangways to three doors can mean that facilities in the washroom are meagre. Fortunately, I found that’s not the case here, as you get a large rectangular salad bowl-style basin with a huge mirror, and another mirror next to a well-lit and spacious loo area.

The washroom in the VIP 545
Shower area is generous with a third door that opens into the main living area (left); ‘Jack and Jill’ layout has doors on both sides, while a big mirror and basin are a welcome surprise in this washroom style (right)

Some designers have also used the ‘Jack and Jill’ layout to create a partition door so that two people can effectively use the washroom at the same time in privacy. Coachman hasn’t done that here, but the shower cubicle is still pleasant to use, with two towel hooks above a ladder radiator outside.

I did think it was slightly unusual that there was no vent in the cubicle.

Beds in the VIP 545

Designers often assume that, because there is access either side of the washroom, you don’t need it around the bottom of the bed which can then butt right up against the central pillar. This is not good if you happen to be taller than average but usually don’t mind having feet that slightly protrude.

The rear island bed
Thanks to the double-door washroom there is access to both sides of the bed

That does happen here, although the bed is 1.9m (6’ 2”) long. There’s a headboard, spotlights with USB ports and little pockets nearby, and the central pillar is a useful place to have a second set of TV sockets.

The front beds are most suitable as singles for smaller children, but they come together very easily to make a large double with pull-out slats, as the corner cushions are separate from the main base cushions.

Storage in the VIP 545

Underseat areas can both be accessed through flaps internally, with the nearside one completely clear. In the bedroom there is a huge clear space under the bed, in addition to the wardrobes, and three smaller overhead lockers.

The kitchen has a cupboard between the oven and the fridge and another drawer above it. The table storage has a shelved cupboard next to it and a locker above the space for the TV. The washroom has a shallow double cupboard with shelves over the toilet and a big cupboard underneath the basin.

Alternatives to consider

The 2026 Swift Elegance Grande 845 is a stylish tourer with an excellent washroom, plenty of space and lots of equipment. Or you could look at the 2025 Coachman Acadia 675 Xtra, a four-berth with a spacious interior and a comfortable lounge.

See what we made about buying a used 2017 Coachman VIP 545/4, a tourer that provides comfortable touring for all four of you.

Technical specification

  • Price: £37,220
  • Berths: 4
  • MIRO: 1522kg
  • Payload: 156kg
  • MTPLM: 1678kg
  • Interior length: 5.74m
  • Shipping length: 7.37m
  • Overall width: 2.31m
  • Contact: coachman.co.uk

Spec list

  • Al-Ko galvanised steel chassis
  • AKS 3004 stabiliser
  • ATC
  • Alloy wheels
  • Underslung spare wheel
  • Heavy-duty corner steadies
  • External BBQ point and mains socket
  • Alde heating
  • Omnivent
  • Flatbed microwave
  • Dual-fuel four-burner hob with separate oven and grill
  • Thetford C262 toilet
  • LED lighting
  • Bluetooth speaker system
  • Mains sockets & USB ports
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Teleco Teleplus TV aerial
  • Front double bed 2.0 x 1.37m
  • Or two single beds 1.5 x 0.7m
  • Rear double bed 1.9 x 1.4m

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