We currently have a 6 berth Sterling Europa 565 which has been a fabulous layout for us going away as a family. However, we are now at the stage where our boys no longer want to come with us so we are looking at swapping to a fixed bed layout. We are looking at the Swift Challenger 510 and the 580. We quite like the fact that with the 580 you can both get out of bed without someone climbing over the other person. The side bed layout remains very popular though so are we overlooking something? We would welcome any thoughts as to which of these layouts works best for people. There must be some reasons as to why the side option is still so popular? We obviously want to make the right decision. The Europa 565 has been perfect for a family having fixed bunks as well as a table and seating area for the boys at the back but before this van we had two different layouts we thought would work but didn't really. Hope we can get the layout right for the fixed bed! I know it will come down to personal preference but any thoughts would be welcome and might help us to decide.
Having had a side double we would go for an end island bed next time.
We didn't last time due to the layout of the model we wanted. End bathroom and island bed isn't a great combination as you can't easily get round the bed when extended to get to the bathroom. Negates the benefit of an island bed and creates a problem for our 2 girls in the night.
Our current van isn't a fixed bed but this is just a cheap stop gap until we can change my wife's car for something larger.
Works perfectly for us, him by the toilet cos always needs to get up in the night, me on the otherside to put the kettle on, see to the dogs or kids!!
Changed the van this year to the twin axle version, pulling the bed out to go to bed is not effort at all, yes the space to walk around to get to the loo in the night is tight but perfectly manageable.
End Island bed and side washroom works well for us. The toilet is accessible for all 4 berths when my daughter comes with us and we can both get out of bed without problems.