What Is The Best Motorhome Layout for Families?
At RV Super Centre, we help people find motorhomes that suit how they travel – how you sleep, eat, relax and spend time together. There’s no ‘best’ layout, but some designs work particularly well for family life on the road.
Below, we look at the most popular options and how to decide what will work for your family.
Key Things Families Should Look For
Before you get set on a specific model, think about what you need day to day.
Ask yourself:
- How many belted travel seats do we need now – and in a few years’ time?
- Do we prefer fixed beds, or are we happy making beds up each night?
- How much storage do we need for bikes, buggies, sports kit or pet gear?
- Will we mostly use campsite facilities, or do we want to be more self‑contained?
Our specialists at RV Super Centre can help match these answers to a suitable new and used motorhomes, but understanding your priorities is the ideal starting point.
Popular Family Layout Types
Overcab Motorhomes
Overcab motorhomes feature a large bed above the driver’s cab. This classic family layout gives you a permanent sleeping area without taking space from the lounge.
Families like this because they offer a ‘den’ for children, they also offer a clear separation between daytime and night‑time zones, and often a generous rear lounge or dinette.
Fixed Bunk Bed With Garage
A fixed rear double or bunk bed over a garage space style motorhome is ideal if you travel with lots of kit. Parents get a permanent bed, and children can sleep in a drop‑down bed over the lounge or on a converted dinette.
The rear garage is perfect for bikes and bulky items, helping to keep muddy gear away from the living space and making it easier to stay organised on longer trips.
Bunk Beds For Children
Many family‑focused layouts offer bunk beds at the rear. These give each child their own sleeping space and can stay made up all holiday. Under‑bunk lockers provide storage for toys and outdoor equipment, helping keep the central area clear.
Living Space: Dinette Vs Lounge
Your main living area will shape how comfortable you feel on rainy days and long evenings inside. Two common styles are:
- Dinette‑based layouts – forward‑facing seats with belts around the table, often converting into a bed. These are ideal if you do lots of touring, need extra travel seats and tend to eat indoors.
- Rear lounge layouts – a U‑shaped lounge at the back that converts into a large bed. These work well for families who value space to spread out, play games and relax once parked up.
Some family motorhomes combine both, with a practical dinette at the front and a more relaxed lounge or seating area further back.
Washroom & Kitchen Practicalities
For families, a well‑planned washroom is often more important than a particularly large one. Look for:
- A separate shower if you plan to stay off‑grid or use smaller sites
- Enough space to help younger children wash and get changed
In the kitchen, check worktop space, fridge capacity and storage for snacks and packed lunches. A convenient layout for families means that someone being in the kitchen doesn’t stop access to the kitchen.
Matching Layout to Your Family
Smaller families or those with older children might be happy with a more compact campervan, perhaps with a pop‑top roof and convertible beds. Larger families often benefit from a full‑size motorhome offering a mix of fixed beds, bunks and convertible seating.
If you travel all year, prioritise a comfortable lounge and effective heating. If your trips are mostly in summer, you may value storage and extra beds over interior lounging space.
Explore Family‑Friendly Motorhomes With Us
The best way to choose is to go inside different motorhomes and imagine your daily routine. At RV Super Centre, we stock a wide range of new and used motorhomes and campervans, and our team can guide you through options that fit your family, budget and travel plans.
Whether you’re buying your first motorhome or upgrading as your children grow, we’re here to find a layout that keeps everyone comfortable, safe and happy on every trip. Get in touch with us today.