2020 Caravans, Camper Vans, and Motorhomes

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We liked his Altea Avon caravan from Adria. It has a great family-friendly layout.

there are three fixed bunks

At the front of the caravan the seats convert into a double bed. At the back there are three fixed bunks, plus an additional seating area with table (which also converts to a bed). We think this additional table at the back is great, as it creates more space and gives your kids their own space to sit and play.

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Pros

A great layout for larger families

Practical Caravan ‘Highly Commended’ Best Tourer for Large Families

Cons

This is a big twin-axle caravan to tow

I would have liked to have seen some built-in protection to stop kids rolling out of the bunks.

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With the layout of the Bailey Cabrera, you get the luxury of a fixed double bed, with the kids either sleeping on each of the front sofas, which can also be turned into a double bed if necessary.

Obviously, with a fixed double, you miss some additional living space. This might not be a problem if you plan to get a caravan awning.

It does also have a central shower. This can be closed off, but if you have different people in your family wanting to use the shower, it will block off the front and back half of the caravan.

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Pros

If you don’t like making up your bed, this double bed provides some luxury.

Cons

The double bed comes at a cost of living space.

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The Bailey D4-2 is a very small caravan, so if you are limited in storage or towing capacity, then this might be a cut-down option.

But is this too small for a family? It only is a 2-berth, so yes, you can’t fit everyone inside the caravan. However, with the addition of an awning, this might still be an option. Though, when planning on visiting a campsite, check that they allow people to sleep in awnings. Some sites don’t!

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Pros

A small lightweight caravan (only 995kg max weight).

Cons

A very small caravan for a family.

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The Coachman Acadia 580 is designed for families, with two fixed bunkbeds at the rear. The layout is very similar to our Compass Casita 586 (though the Acadia only has 5 berths).

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Pros

Fixed bunk beds and a good living layout make this a great family caravan.

Cons

Couldn’t really spot anything at fault with this. It looks a good family caravan.

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The Coachman Acadia 630 is the big sister of the Coachman Acadia 530. Like the 530, you get two fixed bunks and a large living area.

The extra space in this van appears to have gone on the rear bathroom. For us, this is not worth the additional difficulty in towing a large caravan over the 580, which has the same number of berths.

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Pros

Fixed bunk beds and a good living layout make this a great family caravan.

Practical Caravan ‘Winner‘ Best Tourer for Large Families

Cons

This is a larger caravan to tow.

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The Compass Casita 586 is the caravan we bought, and we think it has a great family layout 🙂

The fixed bunks at the back are great for kids, giving them their own bit of space.

In the middle of the caravan, the additional seating area with table can also convert into two bunk beds. And at the front of the caravan, the seating area converts into a double bed.

The 2020 version of the Compass Casita 586 has a slightly updated layout than our version. We think this tweak is great and adds more storage and a better bathroom layout.

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Pros

A fantastic caravan for families.

Two fixed bunks plus two additional bunks.

Cons

None. This caravan has been great.

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The Xplore 586 is the same layout as the Compass Casita 586.

The difference is that the Xplore 586 is slightly cheaper and has a slightly lower spec than the Compass Casita version. For example, you don’t get a microwave in the Xplore 586.

If you want to save a bit of money, this is a great option for family caravanning.

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Pros

A fantastic caravan for families.

Two fixed bunks plus two additional bunks.

Cons

If you can, stretch for the extra features of the Compass Casita 586.

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The Casita 868 is the twin-axle big sister of the Compass Casita 586.

However, rather than being just a larger version of the Casita 586, the Casita 868 has a new layout for 2020.

It still has the fixed bunks, but it now also has a fixed double too. That’s a lots of beds for the family, and means there are less beds to convert and make up at night.

There is a catch though: all the fixed beds share the same bedroom. This might be a ‘Marmite’ design, where you either love it or hate it.

Families often share a bedroom in hotel rooms, but would you want this all the time in your caravan?

The layout also includes a central shower. Anyone using the shower is ‘on show’ unless they close the doors, which will shut off people from getting to and from their bedroom.

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Pros

A large family-designed caravan.

Has fixed bunk beds AND a fixed double bed.

Cons

All sharing a bedroom might not work for some families.

The central shower might be a problem.

Remember, this is a large caravan to tow.

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Sharing the same layout as the Compass Casita 868, the twin-axle Elddis Avante 868 is another caravan designed especially for families.

Coming in at a similar price to the Casita 868, the Elddis Avante 868 offers an alternative trim.

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Pros

A large family-designed caravan.

Has fixed bunk beds AND a fixed double bed.

Cons

All sharing a bedroom might not work for some families.

The central shower might be a problem.

Remember, this is a large caravan to tow.

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These campers from Coachman look quite smart.

They are based on a custom Ford Tourneo and come with a 6 speed manual gearbox or can be upgraded to an automatic.

There are lots of extra features, such as built-in Wifi and solar panel.

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Pros

4 berths without being a big van

A well spec’d package.

Cons

As with many camper vans, it would mean the kids share a double.

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This van comes via Concept Multi-Car and is a Reimo Renault Traffic Sport van conversion.

They did demonstrate how you could take three small kids with this van, but if your kids are larger, you can only sleep two in a double.

CMC have a lot of different van conversions all the time, so check out their website.

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Pros

Your usual 4 berth van layout with a choice of sizes and engines

Cons

Just the usual limited space for the larger family

** THIS IS OUR SECOND FAVOURITE VAN AT THE SHOW **

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This camper van felt like a small motorhome.

It was one of our favourite vans at the show. It might have been our favourite if they showed their family version that has kids bunks.

From the outside, this van doesn’t look like much. This is a good thing as the more expensive looking van is more likely to be broken in to or stolen. However, when you get inside the van, the interior is top notch.

At first the living space is normal, with seating for 4 around a table, and the kitchen to the side. However, if you look up, you’ll see that it is a drop bed.

There’s also a double bed at the back of the van – but there is a family edition with bunks.

You also get a bathroom and separate shower. To avoid wasting space, the wardrobe swings inside the empty space of the shower, which is a neat design.

With all of these features, we were amazed at the prize.

Dreamer Family Camper Van

Although we didn’t see the family version at the show, it is worth mentioning it, as the Dreamer Family Camper Van looks a perfect layout for families.

You get the great features of the Dreamer Select camper van range, including the drop bed, but there are also fixed bunks.

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Pros

Excellent layout and specifications

Bathroom and shower

Beds you don’t need to keep making up

Cons

The XL edition only has double beds, but look at their Family version instead.

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This Westfalia James Cook Classic certainly looked impressive, with its big go-anywhere tires and bedroom that extends out the back of the van.

All those features do come with a price tag though, but it is based on a Mercedes Sprinter van.

With the fantastic exterior, we felt a little let down inside. Despite the large van size, it felt cramped compared to some other vans we saw at the show.

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Pros

A larger 4 berth van with an extending bedroom

Has a bathroom

Swing out kitchen unit.

Cons

Inside, the extra space felt wasted.

Expensive

It’s only 4 berth with the roof conversion option.

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The Westfalia Kelper Sixty is a more traditional VW layout.

Of course, the striking red and white colour scheme can’t be ignored. You’ll either love it or hate it.

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Pros

The small compact size means you can get to many places larger vans can’t

Cons

Could be a bit cramped for a family. We think a drive-away awning is a must for the family.

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Compared to the Westfalia Kelper Sixty, the Kelper One has a more subdued and classic finishing.

The kitchen is more towards the back of the van, and at the very back, you can find a toilet.

There is a double bed in the pop-up roof, and the main seating area converts to another double bed.

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Pros

This is still a smaller van to drive but gets a lot into the layout.

Cons

Those cream finishes might be difficult to keep clean with kids!

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As with the Westfalia Kelper One, the Jules Verne is a compact van with a lot of features.

The layout is the same as the Kelper One, with the toilet and kitchen at the back, and the seating area converting to one of the overnight beds.

The difference to the Kelper One is that the Jules Vern is built on a Mercedes van instead of VW.

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Pros

Low roof clearance means you can park in many car parks bigger vans cannot.

A well-spec’d van

Cons

More expensive than the VW conversions

** THIS WAS OUR FAVOURITE FAMILY CAMPER VAN AT THE SHOW **

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From all the vans we saw at the show this was our favourite.

The layout of the WildAx Solaris XL reminded us of our caravan, and we were very impressed with its features.

You got two fixed bunks, a well spec’d kitchen with large oven and grill, microwave, and massive family-sized fridge freezer.

The living area felt spacious and you didn’t feel crammed into a small space.

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Pros

Bunks for the children

Bathroom with toilet and shower

Excellent kitchen with full cooker, microwave, and fridge freezer

Spacious

Cons

Larger than small VW vans, but smaller than motorhomes

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We liked the Adria Sonic 600 SL motorhome.

There are two fixed beds for the kids at the back, with an optional third smaller bed.

Meanwhile, there’s a double drop bed for mum and dad at the front.

Underneath the fixed rear beds is a good-sized garage for outside table and chairs, and all those other bits you need to take.

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Pros

A good layout for families. The kids can have their own space away from the adults 😉

Good storage in the garage

Adria has won lots of awards

Shower is ‘private’

Cons

Fixed rear beds eat into living space

A bit more expensive than some motorhomes, but this is an a-class.

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This is another European a-class motorhome, this time from German brand Carado.

As with many other motorhomes, this has two fixed beds at the rear, making an ideal ‘kids room’, with parents using the drop-down double bed at the front.

Underneath the fixed beds is a good sized garage for all those family bits and pieces.

However, a big downside I see with this layout is that the shower has no privacy from the rear bedroom. If you want to use the on-board shower, then you will need to get, and keep, the kids out of their room if you don’t want an audience while cleaning yourself!

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Pros

Should be a good layout for families (except for the shower), and has a large fridge-freezer.

Large garage

Cons

The open shower is not the best for family layouts.

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This is the first C-Class motorhome in our list, and it’s massive!

The model on display is the A 9050-2 DBM with a fixed double bed. There is an alternative layout, which might be more family-friendly, the A 9000-2 EB that has two fixed singles.

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Pros

Massive: loads of space

Sleeps 6

Large garage

Cons

Massive: could be restricted to which campsites will accept it.

Very expensive

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This is an A-Class Globetrotter, and like the larger C-Class XXL A model, this only sleeps 4, not 6.

The XLi uses the familiar fixed beds in the back and a drop-down double over the cab.

You can choose between a fixed double or fixed singles.

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Pros

Massive garage

Quite roomy inside

Rear bedroom could be the ‘kids room’

Cons

Shower position is not best if the rear is the kids room

Pricey

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The Elddis Autoquest 196 brings a 6-berth motorhome at a price similar to, and in some cases, cheaper than a camper van.

What’s more, we think this has a great family layout.

The back of the motorhome is a separate living area, which converts into beds. This makes a great kids room area.

There is a drop-down double for mum and dad over the main living area. Plus, the dining area can be converted into more beds.

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Pros

Good family-friendly layout

Rear area great as an extra living space and kids bedroom

Self-contained bathroom

Cons

Doesn’t have a garage

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This motorhome has a fixed double-bed layout, giving mum and dad the space at the back. This kids would have to sleep in the living area, which converts into beds.

Unlike many motorhomes with a fixed rear bed, the Encore 250 has a private bathroom with shower, and so is a more friendly option.

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Pros

Family friendly- shower.

Cons

Fixed bed takes up some living space

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This is very similar to the Encore 250, so if you are after a fixed double bed, the Encore 255 provides a slightly different layout.

The bedroom with the fixed double-bed is smaller, making room for the bathroom and shower. This is a full-sized separate shower in the bathroom.

The kitchen is in the middle, and the front area is the living space, which is where the kids would sleep.

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Pros

Large private family-friendly bathroom.

The kitchen is more central than the Encore 250 layout

Cons

You are still trading living space for the fixed double bed

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This German motorhome feels bright and spacious.

It has two double beds, and so this layout could be limited for a family. An option of an additional berth is possible.

The shower is also of the ‘exposed’ design, so not as family-friendly.

Underneath the double bed is a good sized garage.

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Pros

A bright spacious a-class motorhome at a very competitive price

A good sized garage

Cons

Beds could be limiting for family.

The shower isn’t very private

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The C-Class Etrusco A 7300 DB didn’t appear as spacious and bright as its A-Class sibling, the Etrusco I 7400 QB. However, it does have a more family-friendly layout.

At the back is a fixed double and there’s also a double above the cab. Plus, the living area converts into beds.

The bathroom includes a good size shower and is private.

At the rear, you’ll also find a garage big enough for lots of storage.

An even better family layout is the Etrusco A 6600 BB, which has bunk beds at the rear.

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Pros

Good size garage

Private shower in bathroom

Lots of sleeping options

Cons

Two beds in the rear would be a better family layout. Look at the A 6600 BB that has bunk beds.

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This Italian motorhome looks like a luxury yacht on the inside.

As with other motorhomes, it has two fixed beds at the back. We think this makes an ideal kids room. The bathroom is fully private this time too.

With the fixed beds comes a large garage, and so there’s plenty of space for storage.

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Pros

A good family layout

Large garage

Cons

More expensive than others

** THIS IS OUR SECOND FAVOURITE **

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This motorhome has a fantastic layout.

At the rear is a large living area, giving your family much more space to spread out.

Yes, the kids could sleep on the seats. However, the K-Yacht 80 has a neat trick: the ceiling in this living space comes down to reveal a double bed.

At the front of the motorhome is the usual kitchen, dining room, and over-cab drop-down bed.

There’s a fully enclosed bathroom with shower too, and a small garage for storage.

We’ve seen a second hand one of these at a much more affordable price 🙂

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Pros

Excellent family layout, with large living space

Lots of sleeping options

Cons

Smaller garage than others

More expensive than others

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Unlike the K-Yacht 80, the 85’s layout doesn’t have the additional living space.

The fixed beds could make a kids room, but the shower is exposed, expecting the fixed beds to be the master bedroom.

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Pros

You could us the rear beds as a kids room, but it’s not as family friendly as other layouts

Cons

Exposed shower

Not as much living space as the K-Yacht 80

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We’ve mentioned a lot how the rear fixed beds can make a good kids room. Well, the Itineo SB740 is designed for that, with two fixed bunks and even a table an chairs (which can convert into an extra bed).

Up front, mum & dad get the drop-down double over the cab.

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Pros

A kids bedroom designed in the back of the motorhome

Large family size fridge

Small garage too

Cons

If you use the shower you block off access to and from the rear bedroom

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At the show was the new Swift Kon-Tiki Sport 597.

This is quite a large C-Class motorhome with fixed twin beds at the rear above a very large garage.

If you are interested in a motorhome this size, then look at the Swift Kon-Tiki Sport 596. It’s slightly more expensive but we think has a better family layout.

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Pros

A large garage for plenty of storage

Cons

We think the 596 model has a better family-friendly layout

** OUR FAVOURITE MOTORHOME **

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This motorhome doesn’t have bunk beds; it has two doubles. And it doesn’t have a massive garage. It’s bathroom isn’t the most practical design as to use the shower you block off access to the rear of the motorhome.

So why is it our favourite at the show?

Well, inside the motorhome it is very bright and airy, and feels like there is a lot of space. And there is.

We have found on our travels that giving people some space apart sometimes makes things a lot better. There is a large living space at the rear of this motorhome, as well as the one at the front.

Kids could just sleep on the benches at the back. However, it has a neat trick, in that the roof lowers to reveal a double bed.

You can lock this bed off part way down, and then you have bunk beds, with one child sleeping on the seat below.

This great living space and different sleeping options make this our favourite.

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Pros

Large amounts of living space

Flexible sleeping options

Cons

Garage not as big as other motorhomes

Bathroom design could be better