Why is layout important?

This set of articles will delve into the murky world of caravan layouts, but more importantly, how to pick the right one for you and your situation and how not to waste time and money on the wrong one.

Why is getting the right layout important?

 When a customer has the right layout that works for them going caravanning will be a joy and something to look forward to. Buying a caravan is a significant investment so picking the correct one is very important.

On a number of occasions I have had people at the dealership who have for what ever reason, purchased the wrong layout so the pleasure of caravanning has been eclipsed by being uncomfortable. When this happens time and money has to be spent on rectifying the issue, normally resulting in a change of caravan.

 If we can avoid this by matching the customer to the correct layout, the experience of caravanning can be fully enjoyed.   

Why are there different layouts?

The simple answer to this is because we are all different, and we all want different things. If we took this to its logical conclusion there would be about twenty two thousand different caravan layouts produced each year as this is the average number of new caravan sold annually over the past decade or so. Because each person has their own thoughts of the 'perfect' caravan layout, and if the manufactures could afford to do it, we would end up with no two caravans looking the same and a mind boggling amount of choice. A bed here, a bed there, a bed coming down from the ceiling, a twenty foot washroom with no kitchen because "I don't go away to cook." 

 Luckily, one, the manufacturers couldn't do it, and two, (I cant believe I'm saying this) we are a fairly reasonable breed of people and except we may have to make some compromise when picking a caravan layout. 

 The other thing that helps this situation is the we like to form groups, I have worked out that there are broadly speaking, give or take, around eight different groups of people that caravan, each with a layout that suits that particular way of caravanning. (You can find out which one you are later). So there is a need for variation, we need different layout combinations to accommodate the different ways we use our caravans.

How many layouts are there?

 If we take Swift's current range, there are thirteen different layouts across the different model ranges. That's not to say that's all the available layouts in this years crop of caravans you will see. Other manufactures will keep hold of older, less popular layouts, and may come up with the next best thing that gets copied by everyone else next year. So let's say that there could be a range from thirteen, to twenty five different layouts of new caravans to choose from in any given year.

 If you take into account all the variations on these layouts over the years and all the ones that have their time and faded away from popular use, and all the one off experiments, there would be hundreds, if not thousands of different caravan layouts to choose from, but all the variations are broadly based around core criteria. 

So, how do I choose my ideal caravan layout?

 The probability of your perfect caravan layout being out there somewhere is quite high, equally, the probability of finding that particular caravan layout, it being of the right age, in the condition and at the price range you require, is quite low. You need to narrow it down a bit. Having a precise set of criteria fixed in your mind that is non negotiable will hinder this process, so a broad set of criteria is the way forward. 

 Having attended both major shows held each year in various locations for the past thirteen years, I have seen my fair share of people walk into the NEC on the first Tuesday looking to purchase their first caravan, only to be confronted with a bewildering array of choice. A look of panic sets in and they can easily fall into the trap of buying the wrong product because, more often than not, the sales person at the show isn't bothered if the product is right for the customer or not. (Obviously this doesn't apply to any of the people I work with!)  

 Using the broad criteria method mentioned above it is easy to narrow down the amount of caravan you need to look at, reducing the time wasted looking at products you don't want. This is the normally the way the process goes.

Size:

The general size of the caravan is normally the first thing that a customer will pin down. The two main categories are;

1. Single axle: This is a caravan with one axle and generally ranges from 1100Kgs for a smaller two berth to 1600Kgs for a larger four or six berth.
2. Twin axle: This is a caravan with two axles and generally ranges from 1650 Kgs to 2000+Kgs

 The main consideration for the size of the caravan available to a customer is the type of tow vehicle they have. (This is a whole other subject, the details of which are to follow.) Other considerations are storage and the process of towing itself. Some people opt for a smaller caravan as it is easier to tow and manoeuvre, however with a motor mover fitted the manoeuvrability of a caravan isn't such an issue.

Beds:

 The next decision normally made before the buying process starts is whether to have a fixed bed or not.

This is a personal choice and there are plus and minuses for both which I will go into later. Recently the trend for fixed beds has grown so I would say that ninety percent of caravan layouts now incorporate a fixed bed in some form. The main fixed bed types are:

1. Island beds: This is a fixed bed that can be walked around on both sides.
2. Single beds: These are a set of single beds normally parallel to each other.
3. Side beds: These are beds that are against the side wall of the caravan.
4. Bunk beds: These are designed for children and family layouts.

Non fixed beds come down to two main layouts, so if you don't require a fixed bed, the choice of caravans layouts is greatly reduced making the process a little easier. 

Washroom:

This is the third criteria that is normally set before the buying begins. Again it is a personal choice that will narrow down the potential layouts available. Most caravan layouts will incorporate a shower cubical in some form. But customers have quite set views as to whether they require a 'full' washroom or not. 

TV:

Believe it or not, this is a factor that can make or break a caravan layout. It is normally a sub factor that rules a particular caravan out once the above criteria have been met to the customers satisfaction. I have however had it as the criteria for buying a caravan. 

So, how do I choose then?

Well, that's down to you, but I suggest that before you set foot on a dealers forecourt, or visit a show and you are intending to buy, ask yourself what your main criteria are. Is a fixed bed a must? What can your tow vehicle pull? Do you want a washroom? Then put these things into order of importance, then at least you have a point at which you can start looking. There is no point looking at a large twin axle fixed bed caravan if you tow with a Mini, (if you tow with a mini, good luck by the way.) 

Next time.

I will go a little deeper into which layouts suit which situations, and look into some of the advantages and disadvantages of different layout attributes.  

   

Choosing the right layout.

This article will look into how to decide which layout will best suit your needs.

 How do you use the caravan?

The first thing to ask when a customer is unsure what layout to go for is "How do you use your caravan?" 

 This is important because the answer will provide information on which layout is the best for the situation you mainly find yourself in, so let's go through some of the common different uses.

 The weekender.

Typically the weekender will, as the title suggests, use the caravan to get away for the weekend and occasionally get away for the odd longer stay somewhere. These people will use the caravan to return to an area perhaps not too far away that has the type of activities they enjoy. This type of caravanning opens up all the main different layout types.

 When customers go away for the weekend their sleep patterns are generally in sync so will retire at the same time. This means that the two berth layout or four berth layout with a side dinette and without a fixed bed may be ok as the need of one of the party to retire early isn't an issue. Also due to the short break, normally just a few nights at a time, the monotony of making the bed up and down doesn't become an issue and is forgotten by the time the caravan is used again.

 The two berth and four berth non fixed bed layout have a distinct space advantage over the fixed bed layouts, and will suit people who think that a fixed bed is a waste of space. These people generally value the feeling of space and the open feel that a non fixed bed allows.        

 The Long Tripper.

Again as the name suggests, these people will go away for long periods of time, perhaps taking the caravan onto the continent, staying away for months at a time. Or holiday of two to three weeks taking advantage of a trip further away from home. When customers choose this type of holiday, inevitably at some point one of the party will want to retire early, or have a bit of a lie in.

This is where a fixed bed comes into its own. A fixed bed will leave the front lounge area free so the bed doesn't have to be made to have breakfast or watch TV which lends itself to this type of caravanning.   

 Of course the situation may change, or you may do both types of touring but I would suggest that if you are thinking of long trips away then  the benefit of the fixed bed may outweigh the negatives.

Seasonal Pitches.

 If you use your caravan on a seasonal pitch then the weight and length of caravan normally won't factor into the decision making process as once the caravan is on site it will not be towed. 

Most customers in this situation go for a large twin axle caravan purely because it gives them as much space as possible. 

It is then only a decision on budget and where the fixed bed should be. Island beds are popular on seasonal pitches as there give that close to home feel. Also the continental type caravans such as Hobby and Fendt are popular, that tend to be wider and longer than the UK vans, although we now do have 8' wide caravans on offer in the UK market.     

Children?

 The choice of layout narrows down a bit when you have a family that includes young children.
My advice in this situation is to put the children's sleeping area first. If that are happy and have their own space, then things tend to go a bit smother at bed time, especially if they are younger and need to go to bed earlier than the rest of the family.

 If you have older children then the age and size of them will be a factor in the decision on layout.
It is best to think of the likely ownership time scale of the caravan. It would be unwise to buy a caravan with fixed bunks if the children will grow out of them within the anticipated ownership of the caravan, you need to think for or five years ahead, unless you don't mind changing the caravan before that time.        

 Also when you have children the likely hood of using the on site facilities goes up just because of the sheer amount of water needed to shower them. Don't forget that most of the time you will need to transport all the water needed to and away from the caravan, this can become an issue if the whole family is using the shower in the van.

 It becomes much easier to use the toilet block and there for if you have a caravan with a large washroom that is not being used, the space could have been used more wisely to provide living space that you may see more use for.

Tow weights and storage.

This of course can be a large factor in the layout choice you can ultimately make. You may want a big twin axle with a fixed island bed and end washroom, but if you tow with a limit of 1300Kgs then it is just not possible. 

 There may well be storage issues that need to be taken into consideration, especially if you want to store the caravan at home. 

There may be restrictions on the length of driveway, or access problems that may limit the length and wight of the caravan which then effect the layout choice available to you.

Family Situation?

Of course the personal situation the each customer finds themselves in vary greatly and what will be ideal for one may not suit another. This is why we have so many different layouts that cover a variety of different situations.

 I recommend making a list of the criteria that you want the caravan to have with the "definitely need to have" at the top, going down to the "Can live without" at the bottom.

If you defiantly need to have an end washroom, then this may effect what fixed bed layout you can achieve when you include the budget you have. If you are looking at newer caravans then there is a greater level of choice.

 A large part of my job is insuring the the customer gets the right layout to suite their needs.
I have fifteen years experience doing this and can narrow the choice down to a few particular layouts fairly quickly once I understand the customers situation. If you have any questions about layout choice, please feel free to ask below. 

      

Twin axle, Single axle, Fixed Beds?.

What are the advantages of Twin axles.

 The main advantage is space. 

A twin axle caravan of a similar layout to a single axle version will feel more spacious, having a larger washroom or longer front seats. But more often than not in new caravans it will be the center kitchen area that will benefit as the front lounge and end washrooms are normally copied and pasted  from model to model to save development costs. 

 Having said this the difference is sometimes only fifty centimeters and it is difficult to see where this is. It is normally a good indication as to whether the customer needs to go to a twin axle or not, if they can't see the difference when going from one to the other, then they may not benefit from it. 

 The other main advantage is stability. A twin axle caravan is less prone to snaking as the two points of contact on the road surface act as a stabilizing force.

What are the disadvantages of a twin axle caravan?

 With the extra materials used to produce a larger caravan comes extra cost. A typical twin axle caravan will cost £1700 more than its single axle equivalent.
The other disadvantage is maneuverability. Due to the extra points of contact on the road when the caravan is maneuvered you get what is called 'scrubbing'. This is friction between the tyres on the surface of the ground as they try to combat any sideways movement. Combine this with the extra weight and it makes manhandling the caravan a lot more difficult than a single axle caravan.

 This can be combatted with the addition of a motor mover which have become very effective in recent years. 

 So if space is what you are looking for then a twin axle is the way forward, providing that the disadvantages do not outweigh the advantages. With the rise in popularity in seasonal use the twin axle caravan is coming into its own because maneuverability isn't an issue.

Why are there twin Axle caravan layouts?

 The extra size of a twin axle caravan allows manufactures to expand on the range of layouts they can produce. Adding a larger washroom, extra bunk beds or just more space in key places so the customer feels more comfortable.
 But with the extra size come extra weight, axle manufactures produce an axle which are designed to carry a certain weight. So once a caravan gets too big for the weight group it is designed for, a second axle needs to be added. There are advantages and disadvantages to twin axle caravan which we will delve into in another instalment.

Why so many fixed beds?

The main reason for the rise in popularity in fixed bed layouts is the change in use that caravans have seen over the past number of years.

 The caravan was a means to get away for a few weeks each year during the summer holidays. The technology in the early caravans restricted their use to the warmer months on only the hardy few would consider using them in the winter. Also most caravan sites would shut at the end of october.

 As the caravans have got better heating systems and insulation the season has been extended to all year round use and the caravan has become to be seen as a home from home to many people instead of a glorified tent. This has attracted many more people to the caravanning holiday and the layouts have come along to support the change in use from the occasional week here and there to longer term use.

Washrooms.

 Many manufactures work hard to include a full washroom in each layout and there are very few layouts today which don't include a full shower cubicle. There seems to be a strange reaction by the customer regarding showers. Many customer report that they do not use the shower in the caravan but it is still a main criteria when choosing a layout. This has lead to the almost total demise of the "Over the toilet shower" type of washroom which has the knock on effect of making the caravan longer and heavier.   

Choise.

The main reason we have so many different layouts is the diversity of people who want to use a caravan, from a two berth couple with a small tow vehicle to a family of six with a large tow vehicle.. Different people have different criteria when considering the layout they require, and this will be the subject of my next blog, What layout should I choose?