A fixed-bed caravan gives you a permanent sleeping area that remains made up throughout your holiday. Rather than converting the front lounge into a bed every evening, you can leave your bedding in place and keep the living area available for relaxing, dining or entertaining.
However, not every fixed-bed layout works in the same way. Transverse doubles, island beds and fixed single beds each offer different advantages, and the position of the washroom can significantly change how private and spacious the caravan feels.
This guide explains the main fixed-bed caravan layouts available across the Coachman range and helps you decide which arrangement is best for your touring style.
What is a fixed-bed caravan?
A fixed-bed caravan has a permanent double bed or two permanent single beds built into its layout. The bed does not need to be assembled from lounge seating each night.
Most Coachman fixed-bed models also retain a front lounge that can be converted into extra sleeping accommodation. This means many are officially four-berth caravans, even though couples may choose them primarily for the convenience of having separate bedroom and living spaces.
The principal benefits include:
- No need to make up your main bed each evening
- A dedicated bedroom area
- Storage beneath the fixed bed
- A front lounge that remains available during the day
- Greater comfort during longer touring holidays
The trade-off is that a permanent bed occupies floor space. Choosing the right layout therefore means deciding how you want the bedroom, washroom, kitchen and lounge to work together.
Transverse fixed-double-bed layouts
A transverse bed runs across the width of the caravan rather than lengthways. This arrangement makes efficient use of the available interior length and allows caravan designers to include a permanent double bed without unnecessarily extending the overall body.
Transverse layouts are a good choice for couples who prioritise a generously sized bed, a spacious lounge and plenty of storage. The space beneath the bed can often be used for larger touring equipment, with gas-strut assistance making the storage area easier to access.
One consideration is nighttime access. Depending on the exact position of the bed, the person sleeping nearest the caravan wall may need to move around or climb past their partner.
Within the Lusso range, the Lusso I and Lusso II both feature transverse fixed-double-bed layouts. The Lusso I is a single-axle model, while the Lusso II is a larger twin-axle alternative with a longer interior.
Other Coachman transverse fixed-double-bed options include the Acadia 545 and the eight-foot-wide Laser 545 Xtra. Both are four-berth, single-axle models with permanent double beds and convertible front lounges.
A transverse fixed bed may suit you when:
- You want to maximise the available living space
- Under-bed storage is important
- You prefer a permanent double bed
- You do not need access to both sides of the mattress
Island-bed caravan layouts
An island bed can be accessed from both sides, making it easier for each person to get in and out without disturbing the other. This is one of the most desirable fixed-bed caravan layouts for couples who want their touring bedroom to feel closer to a bedroom at home.
Island beds can appear in several different arrangements. Some are positioned ahead of a full-width rear washroom, while others sit in a private end bedroom separated from the living area by a central washroom.
The Coachman VIP 545 features an end island bed with a central washroom. Positioning the washroom between the lounge and bedroom helps create a more private sleeping area while keeping the model on a single-axle platform.
The VIP 575 offers an alternative island-bed arrangement with a rear washroom. The Acadia 575 provides a similarly practical option within the Acadia range.
For buyers who want additional interior width, the Laser range includes two twin-axle island-bed models on its eight-foot-wide platform. The Laser 855 Xtra pairs a transverse island bed with a central washroom and an L-shaped front lounge. The Laser 875 Xtra positions the island bed ahead of a full-width rear washroom, with a parallel front lounge that converts into an additional double bed.
An island-bed fixed-bed caravan may suit you when:
- Easy access to both sides of the bed is a priority
- You want a more domestic-style bedroom
- Bedroom privacy is important
- You take longer touring holidays
- You would prefer not to climb over your partner at night
Island beds require more surrounding floor space than some other layouts, so it is worth viewing the bedroom in person. Check whether there is enough room to move comfortably when the bed is fully extended and whether cupboards and storage compartments remain easy to access.
Fixed-single-bed caravan layouts
A fixed-single-bed layout places two permanent single beds lengthways, normally with a central walkway between them. Each person has independent access to their bed, making this a particularly practical arrangement for couples with different sleeping routines.
Fixed singles can also make the centre of the caravan feel open because the walkway creates a clear route towards the rear washroom. Depending on the model, the space beneath each bed can provide useful storage for clothing and touring essentials.
Coachman offers fixed-single-bed layouts across several of its ranges.
The VIP 565 is a four-berth, single-axle model with two permanent single beds. It combines independent bed access with the manageable dimensions of a single-axle caravan.
For buyers who want an eight-foot-wide, twin-axle caravan, the Laser 865 Xtra provides two wide fixed single beds alongside a flexible front lounge and central washroom.
The Lusso III takes the same fundamental layout into Coachman’s flagship range, pairing wide twin single beds with a spacious rear washroom and an L-shaped front lounge.
Fixed single beds may suit you when:
- Each person wants independent access
- You have different sleeping schedules
- You prefer not to share a double bed
- A clear central walkway is important
- You want a rear washroom behind the bedroom
The Lusso IV: a private rear bedroom in its own class
The Lusso IV introduces a layout that sits outside the standard three categories. It features a fixed rear transverse island bed, with a mid washroom placed between the bedroom and the front living area. This arrangement creates a genuinely private sleeping retreat that can be closed off entirely from the main lounge and kitchen.
The Lusso IV is a twin-axle model and the most comprehensively specified caravan in the Coachman collection, combining the private end-bedroom layout with an L-shaped front lounge, a curved kitchen and the full Lusso specification, including air conditioning, a solar panel and E&P self-levelling as standard.
This layout may suit you when bedroom privacy is the overriding priority and you want the most clearly defined separation between sleeping and living spaces.
Fixed beds in family caravan layouts
A fixed-bed caravan can also work well for families. In these layouts, the permanent bed gives parents a dedicated sleeping area, while the lounge and dinette provide additional berths for children or guests.
The Coachman Acadia 660 Xtra is a five-berth, twin-axle caravan with an eight-foot-wide body. It combines a fixed double bed with a front lounge and side dinette, giving families several distinct spaces for sleeping, dining and relaxing.
This type of layout is particularly useful when family members have different bedtimes. The permanent bed can remain prepared, while the separate seating areas provide flexibility during the day.
For family touring, also consider where each person will store their clothes, bedding and personal belongings. A layout may technically provide enough berths, but usable storage and space to move around are equally important during a longer holiday.
How does a fixed bed affect caravan storage?
One of the biggest advantages of a fixed bed is the storage space beneath it. This can provide room for bedding, outdoor furniture and other bulky equipment that would be difficult to accommodate in overhead lockers.
However, weight distribution remains important. Having a large storage compartment does not mean that every heavy item should be placed beneath the bed. Your caravan must remain within its permitted payload and MTPLM, with equipment distributed safely.
When viewing a model, check:
- How the under-bed compartment opens
- Whether it has gas-strut assistance
- Whether it can be accessed externally
- How much of the space is occupied by other equipment
- Whether you can reach regularly used items easily
Coachman’s current Lusso models include lift-up storage beneath their fixed beds, with external access also provided for added convenience.
Which fixed-bed caravan layout is best?
There is no single layout that will suit every tourer.
Choose a transverse fixed double when you want to use the caravan’s length efficiently and value a generous permanent bed.
Choose an island bed when access from both sides and a more domestic bedroom arrangement are your main priorities.
Choose fixed single beds when each person wants an individual sleeping space and independent nighttime access.
Choose the Lusso IV’s private rear bedroom when complete separation between sleeping and living areas is the most important factor.
For family touring, look for a layout that combines a permanent adult bed with flexible lounge or dinette sleeping areas.
You should also consider the location of the washroom. A rear washroom can provide a spacious, private changing area, while a central washroom can help separate an end bedroom from the front lounge.
Questions to ask before choosing your layout
Before deciding on a particular fixed-bed caravan, spend time walking through the model as you would use it on holiday.
Can both people get into bed comfortably? Can you open wardrobes and cupboards while someone is standing in the bedroom? Is the washroom accessible without disturbing whoever is sleeping? Is there enough space to move through the caravan when the front bed is also assembled?
You should also compare the caravan’s length, width, axle configuration and MTPLM with your tow vehicle, storage arrangements and preferred touring sites.
A floorplan can show where everything is positioned, but seeing the layout in person is the best way to understand whether it feels right.
Fixed-bed caravan FAQs
Is a fixed-bed caravan worth it for two people?
Yes. Many four-berth fixed-bed caravans are purchased by couples who want a permanent bedroom and a separate front lounge. The extra berths provide flexibility rather than requiring four people to travel every time.
What is the easiest fixed bed to access?
An island bed or two fixed single beds will generally provide the easiest access. Both arrangements allow each person to reach their sleeping space without climbing over the other.
Do fixed-bed caravans have less lounge space?
Not necessarily. A permanent bed uses part of the interior, but larger and eight-foot-wide models can still provide generous lounges. The advantage is that the lounge remains usable without needing to be converted into the main bed every night.
Are fixed-bed caravans always twin axle?
No. Coachman offers numerous single-axle fixed-bed models, including the Acadia 545, Acadia 575, VIP 545, VIP 565, VIP 575, Laser 545 Xtra, Laser 575 Xtra and Lusso I. Larger models may use twin-axle platforms to provide additional interior space and carrying capacity.
Explore the complete Coachman caravan collection or find your nearest Coachman dealer to compare the layouts in person.
