A Comparison Guide to Family Friendly Motorhome Layouts

Choosing the right motorhome for family adventures is about much more than the brand. While quality, technology, and design all play an important role, the layout of a motorhome can have the biggest impact on comfort, practicality and enjoyment when travelling as a family.

From dedicated children’s sleeping areas to spacious lounges and flexible dining spaces, family friendly layouts are designed to make life on the road easier. At Lowdhams, we stock a wide range of motorhomes from leading manufacturers including Hymer, Ace, Malibu, Chausson, Dethleffs, Sunlight and Swift, offering something for every type of family.

In this guide, we compare some of the most popular family motorhome layouts and highlight which brands are the best in each category.

Fixed bed motorhomes remain one of the most popular choices for families. Having permanent sleeping arrangements means no daily conversion of seating areas into beds, meaning everyone can settle into routine more easily.

Fixed single beds are particularly popular as they provide individual sleeping spaces while often allowing additional storage underneath. Models such as the Dethleffs Esprit I 7150-2 EL, Sunlight Adventure T 68 C and Malibu A-Class I 470 RB-LE all-offer practical fixed single bed layouts that work well for families travelling with older children.

For parents looking for a little more comfort, island bed layouts provide easy access from both sides of the bed and a more premium feel. The Malibu A-Class I 480 RB-QB combines luxury with family practicality.

Best for:

• Families with older children
• Couples travelling with occasional guests
• Long touring holidays

For larger families, dedicated bunk bed layouts often provide the most practical solution. Children benefit from having their own sleeping area, while parents get to have a separate bedroom space.

Dethleffs has long been recognised as one of Europe’s most family focused manufacturers. The Dethleffs XL Family A 7872-2 is a strong example of this commitment, offering six berths and six travelling seats, making it an excellent choice for larger families or people who regularly travel with grandchildren.

These layouts help create clear separation between living and sleeping areas. This is particularly useful during longer trips or if you are travelling in varying weather conditions.

Best for:

• Families with multiple children
• Multi-generational travel
• Extended touring holidays

A lot of motorhomes now feature drop down beds above the lounge area. This solution maximises living space during the day while still providing additional sleeping accommodation at night.

Brands such as Chausson have become well known for introducing clever space-saving innovations, with many of their models featuring electric drop-down beds. This layout allows families to have a large lounge and dining area without sacrificing sleeping capacity.

During the day, the motorhome feels spacious and open. At night, extra beds can be deployed quickly without significantly disrupting the living area.

Best for:

• Families wanting flexible living space
• Weekend adventures
• Occasional family trips

End lounge motorhomes create a bright and sociable environment, making them popular with families who enjoy spending time indoors.

The rear lounge serves as a comfortable gathering space for meals, games and relaxation. A lot of these layouts can also be converted into additional sleeping accommodation when required.

Models such as the Malibu A-Class I 441 KB-LE feature spacious end lounge arrangements that combine premium comfort with versatile family use.

Best for:

• Families who prioritise living space
• Social travellers
• Couples with visiting children or grandchildren

Low profile motorhomes have become more popular with families. Their aerodynamic design makes them easier to drive while still having comfortable accommodation.

The Malibu Low Profile range, alongside models from Sunlight and Hymer, demonstrates how manufacturers are maximising interior space within more compact dimensions. These vehicles often appeal to families who want a motorhome that feels manageable on UK roads while still providing practical sleeping and living arrangements.

Ace motorhomes also offer a good option for families looking for a modern vehicle that can be driven on a standard Category B licence.

Best for:

• First-time motorhome owners
• Families wanting easier manoeuvrability
• UK touring holidays

For people looking for comfort, there are plenty of brands that offer layouts that combine luxury with practicality.

Hymer motorhomes have a reputation for innovation, safety, and brilliant quality. Models such as the Hymer ML T 580 Crosstrail and Hymer B-Class B ML T 780 Blackline showcase premium engineering and refined interiors that appeal to families planning extensive European tours.

Similarly, Malibu motorhomes offer a range of A-Class and low profile models packed with clever storage solutions and premium features.

Families looking for great value should also consider the exclusive Swift Hi-Style Xtra and Swift Voyager Xtra ranges available only through Lowdhams. These special edition motorhomes include additional specification as standard, offering more equipment and enhanced comfort without the need for costly upgrades.

Best for:

• Frequent travellers
• European touring
• Families seeking premium comfort

The perfect family motorhome layout depends on how you plan to travel. Larger families may benefit from dedicated bunk beds and higher berth capacities, while couples travelling with older children might prefer fixed single beds or an island bed arrangement.

People looking for bigger social areas should explore end lounge designs, while families seeking flexibility may appreciate drop down bed layouts. If ease of driving is a priority, a low-profile motorhome could provide the perfect balance between practicality and comfort.

With leading brands including Ace, Chausson, Dethleffs, Hymer, Malibu, Sunlight and Swift available at Lowdhams, there is a family friendly motorhome to suit every lifestyle, budget and travel ambition.

Visit Lowdhams to explore the latest motorhome ranges and discover the layout that will make your next family adventure even more enjoyable.