Introduction to front lounge campervans

The alternative to a campervan with fixed beds (double or twin singles), is one that features a front (or rear) lounge. Come bedtime, the lounge seats convert to make up beds, either a double or two singles. 

Why a front lounge layout?

In losing fixed beds in the rear, this allows for much more room inside the campervan and, typically, the kitchen and washroom will be located at the back of the campervan. That leaves room for a humongous lounge in the front with large sofas that convert to a double or two single beds at night.

Cab seats swivel, too, allowing for a lounge that might accommodate at least six campers, so it’s ideal if you often meet up with friends and family and like to entertain.

These sorts of campervans are typically true two-berths, so they won't suit if you need more than two travel seats.

A typical front lounge campervan layout:

Storage considerations

The downside to this layout, or any without a fixed bed, is that beds need to be made up each night and put away every morning. That means bedding needs to be stored during the day, so have a good look at where this will go, especially if using infill cushions to create a double bed.

Some campervan designs are better in this regard than others. Typically, the sofas will lift to reveal storage space below, which is ideal for bedding, but check that the space is not taken up largely with heaters, tanks, etc. 

Why choose a front lounge campervan layout?

Front lounge campervan layouts provide a seperate lounge area from the kitchen and washroom, which are typically located at the back of the campervan. This type of layout is popular with those seeking spacious open-plan living, especially those wanting space to entertain.

Choose because:

•   We like open-plan living with plenty of space to relax

•   We want lots of room to chill out with friends and family

•   We like the flexibility of having the choice of a double or two single beds

•   We want a spacious kitchen and washroom

•   We only need two travel seats

Our top tips for buying a front lounge layout campervan

Have a go at making the beds up and putting them away again to see how easy this. They can vary quite a lot, with some needing many more cushions than others. Also check where your bedding will stow during the day, and any infill cushions required to make a double bed. Check that storage space below the seats isn't all taken up with heaters, tanks, etc.

Our top picks of front lounge layout campervans

This is a popular layout in the UK so, as such, you’ll find a good range from brands like Auto-Sleepers which, in fact, offers no fewer than three front lounge campervans in its range. There’s the Kemerton XL, the Symbol Plus and, our favourite, the Symbol – a compact camper that’s suitable as a daily driver. Another popular British brand is Murvi – have a look at the Pimento SB.

Front lounge layout campervan videos

Here are some of our Campervan magazine videos featuring front lounge layouts. We hope you enjoy watching them as much as we enjoyed making them. It you like them and want to support the making of more videos like these, then don't forget to 'Like' or 'Subscribe' as it really helps us - thank you!

Reviews of front lounge layout campervans

Here are some of our Campervan magazine reviews of some popular front lounge layout campervans.

Finished reading?

Find out more about campervan layouts with our complete campervan layouts guide.

Back to:  The complete campervan layouts guide