Tune in to our twin bed TV special

Welcome to another themed Summer Special TV show on The Caravan Channel and this time our focus is on tourers with the popular fixed twin bed layout, so be sure to tune in!

When you do, you’ll need to be aware that The Caravan Channel has moved. It is still on Showcase TV which is on Freesat 402 and available to watch live online as before, but if you’re watching on Sky, you will now have to go to channel 261. If you’ve previously series linked our shows, don’t worry, you don’t need to adjust your settings.

First, we’ve got the 2016 Swift Conqueror 565. Of course, it has fixed twin beds, but before we get to them, Practical Caravan’s Group Editor Alastair Clements is enjoying time in the 565’s lounge which has a large, panoramic sunroof, and which converts into a double bed. The smart kitchen has good storage space, an illuminated splashback, a separate oven and grill, a dual fuel hob, a tower fridge, a microwave and an omnivent above – what it lacks in space it makes up for in spec. And then we come onto the fixed twin singles, and the nearside bed is suitable for six-footers. Watch our Swift Conqueror 565 review in our latest Summer Special show on The Caravan Channel to see this van for yourself and to check out its washroom.

Then we look back at several caravans we’ve featured previously, all of which have fixed single beds, and we start with the Hymer Nova GL 541. Practical Caravan’s Test Editor Mike Le Caplain is on hand to guide us round this tourer. It’s certainly a well-finished product with a very comfortable U-shaped lounge, and the kitchen’s spec includes a dual fuel hob, a microwave and a slimline fridge, while the all-in-one washroom has underfloor heating. He’s impressed by the length of the fixed single beds and we think you will be, too – and the fact they have thick mattresses and proper, sprung, wooden bases. Tune in and see if you agree.

Next, we’re back at the spring 2015 NEC show with our Group Editor, revisiting his Lunar Delta TS review. This twin-axle van feels luxurious from the moment you step inside, its front lounge, fixed twin single beds and full width end washroom layout only adding to this – it’s a popular layout. As this is a twin fixed single beds special, we’re pleased to say that in this Lunar you get a pair worth shouting about, being 6ft 2in long, very comfortable and well lit. But Alastair reckons it’s the washroom that steals the show here. Want know more? Watch our show on The Caravan Channel on Sky 261, Freesat 402 or live online, at the times listed below.

A fixed twin single bed model from Bailey Caravans’ 2015 range follows, Practical Caravan’s Alastair Clements returning to review the Bailey Unicorn Cadiz. Of note is the updated kitchen with more worktop space, while the bright lounge can be converted into a roomy double or used as two single beds, and has a contemporary feel thanks to the pale wood and soft-close cabinets with chrome details. Those fixed twin single beds don’t disappoint, either, and the larger-than-before full width end washroom has its own heater, to keep you cosy all year round.

If this Cadiz really floats your boat, you’ll need something to tow it with, and last year our Tow Car Editor David Motton hitched one to a diesel-fuelled Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer, to see if it’s up to the job. Motty finds it’s a composed, capable tug, that is a winner when it comes to fuel economy. Watch to really find out what tow car ability this Insignia has.

Finally, while we often speak of tourers with fixed twin beds as being perfect for two, how are they as family caravans? To answer this question, our Group Editor took his young family to the Malverns last year in a Bailey Pursuit 550-4.

This Summer Special will be broadcast on The Caravan Channel between Monday 17 August and Sunday 30 August 2015, at these times, on these days: