Hi All, just wondered what everyone's opinions of "All in one bathrooms" were please? Think I've almost convinced OH to think about purchasing a caravan, he is steering towards a compact lightweight caravan which would mean a all in one bathroom, I'm not too sure. We will of course go and look around some dealers but I would appreciate your thoughts of the practicalities of one especially for longer stays? There will be just the three of us, me my Hubby and son, age 7. Thank you.
We like ours, only use the shower when we are on fully serviced pitch. Otherwise it means a full water barrel and empty waste water, or shut off when soaped up. So still use shower blocks. All in one's are fine cos you get more space in the van which for us is a better comfort. Big washrooms look great, but how long will you spend in there. Personal choice for more living space. Go and sit in lots of different makes, lie on beds, sofas and think how you'll use the space. We moved from an icarus 500 too. No regrets
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1. A dressing room come bathroom with toilet, washbasin and separate shower cubicle and usually the wardrobe
as compared to
2. A small corner type washroom where you stand in the shower tray to use the wash basin and toilet.
or
3. Some even have a tip up wash basin over the toilet.
The first is best as you can use it for dressing without having to pull all the blinds down in the caravan and, if you have children, Mum and dad have somewhere private to dress.
They are much more roomy to use.
You don't end up with a wet shower tray which won't empty completely because the van isn't quite level. You get wet feet using the toilet all day. The shower tray gets damaged while standing there with shoes on.
The other types take up less room though but with cleaver design can be made to fit.
Many folks don't really use the bathrooms but use site facilities instead.
Our Bailey Pursuit is only 13ft 6inch long but has a dressing room style bathroom and still gives a spacious van as a 2 berth. very cleaver design. Most vans that length can only manage a small corner washroom.
I wouldn't like a bathroom where your feet are in the shower tray as you wash or use the loo. Our end bathroom is very useful as a dressing room when we have grandkids with us, the shower cubicle is where we store bags and the loo is "solids-only" 'cos we only go where the shower blocks are good.
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The end bathroom with a side dinette/bunk(s) is a fantastic layout, that I would recommend, having had that as our layout for some 15 years in our old van. However, all vans have at least one compromise, and this layout means making the front beds up every night.
The end bathroom gives a spacious feel to a van, and the kitchen tends to have more work surface than most. Some vans have a drying rail in the shower, and you can use this as extra wardrobe space, if you are minded to use the site shower facilities (though opinions are divided over shower use in caravans)
There's three of us too - me, the mrs and our 8 year old son.
We've had a small side bathroom for four years and it's been fine, but we've never used the shower as we always use the on-site facilities.
We've decided to switch to a fixed bed layout with a full end washroom. We intend to use the washroom for getting changed and will probably only use the shower for a bit of storage.
It really is down to personal preference.
I used to have a van with an end bathroom but now have a 4 berth van (lunar quasar 464) with an end dinette and a side bathroom. The bathroom is smaller compared to an end bathroom but there's still a seperate shower. For me it's the best of both worlds. More living space but a seperate shower. It's just more of a squeeze for getting dressed/undressed in the bathroom but that's a couple of minutes twice a day so I can live with that. I also like having a view out the back as well as out the front!
We don't use the shower in the caravan, we use the site facilities, so when we were looking, the smaller the bathroom the better as it gave more living space...and I don't care about being in the bathroom to get changed...
We have an end bathroom layout and would not change it, preferring to compromise on making up the bed at night instead. We vary between using the on-site facilities or using our own, depending on what is available, how good they are or whether it's cold/raining! It also gives us the option of using the smaller, cheaper CL or CS sites with no or reduced facilities.
We also have a really big end bathroom which we always use to shower in. we've got a routine in place. I shower and dress whilst hubby puts bed and bedding away and prepares breakfast.
I make my grand entrance from the end bathroom dressed and ready for the day with my coffee and croissant waiting.
Trade off is I clear and wash up then take princess poodle out whilst he showers and dresses.
Think we've got it just right. Though there is only the 2 of us.
There's one other thing I forgot. The side dinette layout, rather than fixed bed, does mean that you sit and sleep on the same cushions. You also have to manhandle the cushions a lot more, and these aspects accelerate the wear on these items
Hi, thank you all for your comments they are much appreciated and have given me lots to think about. Some really good points about both styles of bathrooms. I will go viewing with a more open mind and seriously consider both types now.
We really like the look of the Adria caravans, and from what I have read on here they have got a good reputation. We have found a local dealer who stocks them so we are going on Saturday to have a look around. I will take my toothbrush with me to test those bathrooms!
Also check the weight. Adria tend to be heavier than other makes with the same layouts in my opinion anyway, I think they are also wider, good luck with looking and take a damp meter and don't be afraid to use it
Yes, take a damp meter, you are gonna spend money on a caravan, probably thousands so get your damp meter out, make sure you know how to use it and let your head rule your heart. If the meter shows sign of damp walk away. Dealers need to make money you don't need to buy a caravan with damp (sorry dealers). If you were trading in the dealer would produce a damp meter. Trust me, been there