Caravans with fixed single beds and an end washroom used to be all over the place, but are somewhat rarer now. This season, they don’t appear in any line-up at Swift or at Erwin Hymer UK, and there is only one such model – the Unicorn Deluxe Cadiz – in the Bailey line-up. So it’s good to see that Coachman has retained its one model with such a layout, the Coachman VIP 565, for 2026.

However, Coachman has rejigged the layout slightly in a tourer, which was a highly commended contender in our best caravan for families category at the Practical Caravan Awards 2026. Now, the wardrobe has been moved into the rear washroom, subsequently creating what is perhaps a more enticing dressing area.

Pitch and set-up

This caravan layout means it is possible to have an external locker at both the front and rear on the van’s nearside – in other words, plenty of opportunities for storing heavier items when you’re packing a caravan, such as outdoor furniture that you might want to take out as soon as you set up camp.

The gas bottle locker – one of two at the front – is easy to access, even if you have taken advantage of the bare A-frame to mount a bike rack there. A gas point on the nearside corner also means you could set a barbecue up in no time. All the other service points are nicely tucked away on the offside.

Lounge in the Coachman VIP 565

A bright and airy lounge is typically a feature seen in the best caravans to buy, providing a comfortable space for relaxing in. Here, a combination of a large Heki rooflight and a big sunroof allows plenty of daylight into a front lounge that can easily seat four.

Ambient light and four spotlights keep things bright in the evening. The foldaway table is only an arm’s length away, stored in a dedicated cupboard to the right of the door next to the fridge, although there is also a pull-out shelf above the central chest that is fine for snacks.

The lounge in the VIP 565
Decor is tasteful, classy and should hold up well over time

There is a socket in the front offside corner, with a wireless charging pad nearby on the sill, but also more sockets, including USB, USB C and 12V and mains sockets, above the fridge. A TV positioned here could be seen from the lounge (see: do you need a special TV for a caravan to help you find the right set for your tourer).

Kitchen in the Coachman VIP 565

A slightly protruding side kitchen gives you plenty of space to work on, with sockets nearby and a large, round sink with a flush-fitting cover that adds workspace. You get a dual-fuel four-burner hob above a separate oven and grill, and an Omnivent in the ceiling nearby to remove any smells.

The kitchen in the VIP
Dual-fuel four-burner hob above an oven and grill

A splashback also prevents any mess from the hob getting onto the nearby bed.

Above where you might put a TV, is a flatbed microwave. But the caravan fridge below it is only half height and 91 litres – on the small side for four.

Washroom in the Coachman VIP 565

The shower cubicle only has one plug hole and has a solid door that has a tendency to knock against the basin unit outside. Still, it is large with good headroom.

The washroom
The washroom is well-lit and spacious, and now has a wardrobe suitable for four

The salad bowl-style basin sits in front of a huge mirror, and this whole area is well lit thanks to a large Heki. A ladder radiator supplied by the Alde heating system is next to the loo. The wardrobe in here makes this a nicer place to get dressed in privacy, too.

Sleeping in the Coachman VIP 565

In the VIP 565, the two rear single beds are comfy, with the one next to the kitchen marginally longer. They come with smart headboards and spotlights with USBs on the base.

The two fixed single beds
The two fixed single beds have smart headboards and spotlights with USB sockets

The front settees only just make it to 5ft, so are likely only suitable as singles for children. But they easily come together with slats and the backrests to make a large double.

See our tips on how to make a caravan bed more comfortable if you’re after advice on improving your sleeping experience in your current tourer.

Storage in the Coachman VIP 565

Good storage options will be crucial when you’re loading a caravan. The underseat areas are both easily accessible from inside, either through internal access flaps or by raising slats that stay up once you remove the cushions. The nearside is clear.

The areas under the beds are also clear, and, although there are no internal access flaps, Coachman has included a small drawer on the offside that could be useful for items you use regularly if you don’t fancy pulling the slats up. They do stay up if you lift them, however, even with the mattresses on them, which will be handy when you’re packing a caravan.

The storage under the bed
The bed stays up when accessing the storage. Handy small drawer, too

There are two large overhead lockers and corner lockers in the front lounge, six more lockers over the beds, plus the central chest.

But what about the wardrobe in its new position? Well, the hanging rail isn’t that much longer than it was in the old position, although it is still adequate for four. There is a large, empty and tall space in the far corner behind the ladder radiator that we would fill with temporary plastic shelves.

It’s big enough for something heavier, but given the position you might need to consider how this could affect weight distribution in the van. Elsewhere in the washroom is a
large cupboard and more shelving.

The kitchen base unit includes a cupboard with large baskets, three good-size drawers and a decent pan locker under the oven. Above are two large lockers. There’s also a some shelving next to the microwave.

Alternatives to consider

The Bailey Phoenix Black 640 was our pick for the best 4 berth caravan at the Practical Caravan Awards 2026, where its new spacesaving washroom door impressed, as did the addition of velour window panels.

Alternatively, you could take a look at the Coachman VIP 545, which comes with a comfortable front lounge, good kitchen workspace, and a refreshed washroom layout.

Technical spec of the Coachman VIP 565

  • Price: £37,220
  • Berths: 4
  • MiRO: 1517kg
  • Payload: 155kg
  • MTPLM: 1672kg
  • Interior length: 5.74m
  • Shipping length: 7.37m
  • Overall width: 2.31m
  • Contact: coachman.co.uk

Spec list

  • Al-Ko galvanised steel chassis
  • AKS3004 stabiliser
  • ATC
  • Underslung spare wheel
  • Heavy-duty corner steadies
  • Offside services light
  • External BBQ point and mains socket
  • Alde heating
  • Omnivent
  • Flatbed microwave
  • Dual-fuel four-burner hob with separate oven and grill
  • Thetford C262 toilet with electric flush
  • Bluetooth speakers
  • Mains sockets and USB ports
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Teleco Teleplus TV aerial
  • Beds: Front double 2.08 x 1.39m Or two singles 1.51 x 0.73m
  • Rear offside single: 1.91 x 0.73m
  • Rear nearside single: 1.83 x 0.73m

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.