Motorhome front lounge layout

The front lounge layout

Without a fixed bed

All the types we’ve described so far have a lounge at the front. But here we are referring to layouts without a fixed bed, so you’ll need to convert seats to beds at night, unless the main bed is a drop-down type.

Drop-down beds have transformed this sector, especially when the mattress lowers electrically, right down to seat height. Proving extremely popular currently and, perhaps, the most en vogue motorhomes of them all are low-profiles (usually a fraction under 7m long) that have XXL-sized rear washrooms that also incorporate a garage beneath their huge across-the-rear wardrobe. The latest entrant in this sector is Bailey, but compare its Adamo with key rivals from Adria, Chausson and Pilote. With a garage for bikes, a big lounge, instant bed and huge bathroom, these models tick a lot of boxes for couples.

Drop-down twin beds

Chausson also offers drop-down twin beds, so you can go to bed at a different time to your partner. In fact, the French firm is a dominant force in this part of the market, offering a more compact 6.4m model as well. Its exciting new X550 is even more compact – it’s a must-see new model that could be perfect for buyers considering a van conversion, as well as those looking to downsize.

Buying used

If you’re looking to buy used, A-class models with generous front lounges used to be big sellers, especially past models from Hymer and Rapido. Today, Auto-Trail, Frankia, Itineo, Pilote and Roller Team all offer A-classes without fixed beds – a key advantage being that (unlike in a low-profile) when the bed is down you haven’t lost all your lounge.

Traditionally British

Much more traditional are British designs with an end kitchen, corner washroom and parallel settees up front. Usually found in smaller coachbuilts, this layout is a design classic that still works for couples seeking a compact ’van (Auto-Sleepers’ Nuevo and Auto-Trail’s Tracker EKS are both long-established examples).

Family solution

Families could look for overcab coachbuilts with a pullman dinette and a lengthways side sofa up front. This once top-selling design is almost extinct nowadays (Auto-Sleepers is one of the few to persevere with it in the Broadway EK model). There’s plenty of choice on the used market, though, if you’re looking at older, budget-priced coachbuilts.

Whether it’s a pullman dinette or side settees at the front in these UK designs, it is the kitchen that remains the constant, arranged part way across the rear wall. Then, it’s the unit located forward of the door on the nearside that houses the fridge, while its top surface provides an area for meal preparation.

Front lounge layout variations

There are some fantastic variations to the front lounge layout, each having a significant impact of different areas of your motorhome functionality and overall experience. Here are some of the major layout variations:

Swift Edge 412

The original front lounge layout, mainly the preserve of British motorhomes. Two long sofas make a double or sometimes twin singles. No rear travel seats.

Auto-Sleeper Amethyst

Commonly this comes with an overcab bed and can sleep up to five people – just check the seatbelt provision for all occupants.

Auto-Sleeper Amethyst AltLounge

A more traditional layout commonly found in British motorhomes. The L-shaped sofa should offer two rear travel seats.

Pilote Pacific P6262D

An unusual, more modern layout that is likely to have a drop-down bed above the lounge and rear external locker space.

Roller Team T-Line 590

A new breed of layout with a washroom across the rear. The bed drops down from above the lounge and some models will make a second double from the lounge seating.

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