Choosing a Family Caravan
Our honest guide to family caravan layouts, brands, and what to look for — based on our experience with the Coachman Acadia 830.
Family Caravans — What to Look For
Berths and Layout
For a family of four, a 4 or 5-berth caravan is the practical choice. The key layout question is whether you want fixed beds (always made up) or made-up beds (converted from seating each night). For families with young children, fixed bunk beds at the rear are a significant quality-of-life improvement — no making up beds every night, and the children have their own defined space.
Width
Standard caravans are 7ft 6in wide. 8ft-wide caravans (like our Coachman Acadia 830) offer significantly more floor space and feel much more like a domestic living space. The trade-off is that 8ft-wide caravans require a wider tow vehicle and can feel large on narrow country lanes.
Single vs. Twin Axle
Twin-axle caravans are more stable on the road and offer more storage, but they are harder to manoeuvre on site. For families planning long trips, the stability and space of a twin axle is usually worth it.
Coachman Caravans
Why We Chose Coachman
Coachman is one of the UK’s most respected caravan manufacturers, known for build quality, thoughtful layouts, and the Xcel bodyshell technology. We chose the Acadia 830 for its family-specific design and have been delighted with it.
The Coachman Acadia 830 — Our Caravan
The Acadia 830 is a 5-berth, 8ft-wide twin-axle caravan with a layout specifically designed for families with children. Here is what makes it exceptional:
Fixed Bunk Beds: Located at the rear, these give the children their own permanent sleeping space. No making up beds every night. The rear area also includes a large wardrobe and drawers positioned next to the bunks, keeping the children’s gear organised.
Side Dinette: Opposite the kitchen, a second seating area that is perfect for the children to eat, draw, or play while the adults relax in the main front lounge.
L-Shaped Front Lounge: The 8ft-wide bodyshell means the front lounge feels genuinely spacious — more like a domestic living room than a caravan. The seating converts to a large double bed.
Large Kitchen: Extended worktop space, a tall fridge-freezer (essential for a week’s family food), and a full oven and microwave setup.
Full End Washroom: A spacious rear bathroom with a separate shower cubicle. No need to use campsite facilities for the morning rush.
Alde Wet Heating: Domestic-style central heating that provides even, quiet warmth throughout the caravan. Essential for autumn and winter trips with children.
We are planning to transition the bunk beds to single beds as Bodhi grows — she is a tall 8-year-old and is starting to outgrow the top bunk.
[PERSONALISE: Add your own verdict on the Acadia 830 — what you love most, anything you would change, how it has performed over the years.]
Other Coachman Models for Families
Acadia 545 — 4-berth, single axle, more compact. Good for smaller families or those new to caravanning.
Laser 665 — 6-berth, twin axle. For larger families or those who want extra space.
Vision 580 — 5-berth, fixed island bed at the rear. Different layout approach to the Acadia.
Other Brands Worth Considering
Bailey — the UK’s best-selling caravan brand. Good value, wide range of layouts.
Swift — strong build quality, good warranty, wide dealer network.
Elddis — competitive pricing, good entry-level family options.
Lunar — no longer in production but excellent used values.
Adria — European manufacturer, excellent build quality, increasingly popular in the UK.