Four bunk caravans all the rage

Family bunk caravans went to a whole new level at this year's Victorian Caravan Supershow, with a number of caravan manufacturers displaying supersized models with apartment-style layouts and standalone kids' 'bedrooms' boasting very comfortable twin double bunk set-ups.

Until recently a typical, full-size family 'van was around 20ft (body length), forcing caravan designers to squeeze two or three bunks into a rear corner, alongside a wardrobe and washing machine, and directly opposite the corner ensuite with separate shower and toilet.

But the latest crop of Australian-built but American-size quad-bunk vans are a metre or more longer, allowing for a bit more space and sleeping room for the rug rats, and without having to stack them like sardines as siblings draw straws for the top bunk!

Lotus Off Limits

The most eye-catching example at the Victorian Supershow was the new Melbourne-built Lotus Off Limits, a monster triple axle, 26ft 5in (body length) family van with four bunks up back, well away from the parents' queen bed at the front, and separated by the ensuite. Also, no complaining about hot summer nights, with an air-con unit for both both parents and kids' 'zones'!

The other drawcard for parents with big broods is the offside slide-out containing a spacious leather-lined club lounge/dinette, which is big enough for six family members to spread out without bumping elbows at dinner time.

The only downside was the price ($187,941) and a fully loaded weight of 4450kg, which puts most popular dual cab utes and off-road SUVs out of the towing picture.

Design RV Forerunner

For growing families on tighter budgets wanting to do a Big Lap 'gap' year, a more affordable ($85,990) family quad bunk option at the show was Design RV's 24ft 8in tandem axle Forerunner.

While not as glamorously equipped, nor as spacious or set up for off-road travel as the Lotus Off Limits, the Forerunner Touring 'van ticked most of the boxes for a modern travelling family including a big kitchen, top-load washing machine and 190 litre fresh water capacity.

We also liked the big L-shaped lounge/dinette, north-south queen bed and twin double bunks, with the full width ensuite located in the more traditional position along the rear wall.

The quad-bunk Design RV's 2860kg ATM should also make it a less stressful towing proposition.

Retreat Whitsunday 260B

Melbourne's Retreat was also promoting its 'four bunks' 26ft Whitsunday 260B family van, and it came pretty well equipped for its $92,491 advertised price with a microwave, air conditioner, 120Ah battery with 190W solar panel, reverse camera, 188L fridge and twin 95L water tanks among the standard features.

Described as "glamping in style and comfort", the big tandem axle van had a similar four-bunk layout to the Design RV's, with plenty of leg and headroom in each of the four bunks for growing kids, along with a dual-cab ute friendly 3500kg ATM.

Nova Family Escape

Also on display from Melbourne dealer Freestyle RVs was the tandem axle 23ft 6in Family Escape six-berth family van from Nova.

As well as its sharp $88,990 pricing, the big family van had a bit more off-grid capability than some of the other sub-$100K quad bunk vans at the show, including a twin 105Ah battery system with two 160W rooftop solar panels.