Robert and Carol, parents of four children

Robert and Carol have four children between the ages of five and 14, so they are looking for a family caravan with bunk beds, preferably in a room that can be partitioned off, and a sizeable front lounge so everyone can eat together. Money is tight, so they don’t want to spend more than they have to, but fortunately, they have acquired a van to tow with, so weight is less of an issue.

1 2012 Swift Sprite Major 6

This workhorse of a caravan has been an on-and-off (currently off) presence in the Sprite line-up for decades now.

It’s easy to see why, because it provides six berths as well as a second dinette, while having enough room for a big kitchen.

The four single beds are split between two permanent bunks and two more bunks made out of the dinette, an arrangement that works well for children of differing ages, as some can go to bed before the others.

Yet there is still room for the adults in the large front lounge.

Price £11,495

Berths 6

MTPLM 1437kg

Shipping length 7.19m

Struans Leisure

struansleisure.com/ caravan/swift-major-6

2 2013 Lunar Quasar 556

This layout might be more like what Robert and Carol have in mind when they talk about a separate area for the kids.

The rear lounge is easily large enough to give four kids their own space – with their own TV.

At night, it converts into two pairs of bunks, with a concertina screen to partition the space.

The kitchen is large enough to accommodate a large party, with a four-burner dual-fuel hob and a separate oven and grill. The washroom also has a separate shower cubicle.

Price £10,995

Berths 6

MTPLM 1355kg

Shipping length 7.34m

Mandc Ltd

motorhomesandcaravans ltd.co.uk/product/lunarquasar-556-2013

3 2012 Bailey Pegasus Ancona

This isn’t a Grande, so it’s not 8ft wide. But second-generation Anconas still delivered a lot.

It’s more like the Sprite in layout, with a set of permanent bunks to the rear, and a side dinette by the kitchen that can convert into two more bunks, possibly at a later stage in the evening for older children.

A second eating area near the kitchen is ideal for kids’ meals, and means adults and older kids, who may be eating separately, can relax in the lounge while the others are eating.

Price £11,999

Berths 6

MTPLM 1499kg

Shipping length 7.25m

Stowford Leisure

stowfordleisure.co.uk/ caravans/bailey-pegasus2-ancona-16190