The bed you choose is crucial when converting a standard vehicle into a camper. The journey on the road is hectic, so you need a bed that serves you with utmost cozyness. You need something that will fit neatly in your truck and be both comfortable and functional. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of some awesome camper van bed ideas and some more to assist you. There are so many possibilities available, so you’re likely to find a solution that works for you. Let’s explore this informative piece.
7 Best Camper Van Bed Ideas You’ll Love
Whatever vehicle you choose, here are 7 bed designs that will simply fit inside. Check them out:
Permanent Platform Bed
This is a very common configuration for a campervan bed idea. In short, an eternal platform bed is a bed that remains stationary. Usually, an elevated wooden platform or frame serves as the foundation. Depending on your room, you can place it along the length or across the width of the vehicle.
There are many advantages to this type of bed. You don’t need to assemble it or rearrange anything after you park. Additionally, you’ll find room underneath to store items like small kitchenware, camping supplies, and batteries. However, there are also drawbacks. It works best with larger vans, such as Sprinters or Transits, because it takes up a lot of space. If your van is smaller, consider choosing a bed that can be folded up or moved when not in use.
Convertible Couch Bed
Just picture your van carrying the finest of both worlds. You may have a comfortable bed at night and a warm sofa during the day when you have a convertible couch bed. It resembles a sofa bed or futon on wheels.
When it’s time to nap, the couch can effortlessly be folded into a double bed. It’s pretty practical, particularly after a lengthy drive. The drawback is that building one yourself might be challenging because it requires specialized components like sliding slats or hinges. But if you’re handy with tools, it might be a fun project.
Elevated Bed
A raised bed is a novel take on a fixed bed that slides up (or down) to reveal a dinette or concealed workspace during the day. Another benefit is that it makes space for a queen bed or even two bunk beds.
The elevated bed design’s cost and complexity will significantly impact how it is implemented. Although including lifts in your bed design can be costly, there are low-tech, more cost-effective alternatives, such as non-motorized pulley systems.
Garage door motors or pulleys with chains or cables can be used to raise the bed from the top or to push it up from below using linear actuators. If you are creative and have some electrical knowledge (for motorized lifts), you may be able to do it by yourself..
Removable Table Bed
It’s an excellent idea for van life to have a table bed that can be removed. It’s becoming increasingly popular with mobile digital nomads. With this improvisation, you can have a seating space for dining during the day. Simply remove or fold the table at night, and voilà! Between the chairs, your bed is ready. Now, your table and couch double as your bed. It’s fantastic. It only requires a little more time to put up than a permanent bed.
Drop Down Table to Bed
Convertible campervan beds are pretty well-liked. It is a clever use of available space in a compact campervan. This component serves as a desk, a bed, and a place to work all at once. Typically, a table sits in the center between two bench seats. The table rotates 180 degrees to support the mattress. Then, the cushions from the benches lay flat on the table to create a full mattress.
Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are excellent if you’re traveling with family and a little child so everyone can sleep peacefully. Bunk beds in a van can be put up in two different ways. One bed option is a fixed double bed that can fold from the wall above a single raised bed. An additional choice would be to create two single beds by piling two benches on top of one another. Although it may require some room, it’s ideal for family road vacations.
Burrito Beds
Are you trying to find a bed that fits neatly into your van? Come to the bed of burritos. Unlike other models, this bed saves time by rolling up in a few folds and gets its name from the delicious dish it imitates. Unfolded, it’s similar to a tortilla; for you, it’ll become a cozy bed for sleeping on. It may not be as sturdy as other beds, but well-made beds can be comfortable. It can also be folded like a Murphy bed, which keeps your van tidy and frees up more room for activities or work.
Things To Consider When Choosing Your Camper Van Bed
These are some of the crucial considerations to make to pick the ideal camper van bed providing maximum comfort and usefulness when traveling:
Who’s Sleeping in Your Van?
The number of people who’ll be living in the van will determine the type and size of the van bed. It’s the most basic and important factor to consider, along with the size of your van. Will you be tucking the kids in at night, living the single life in a camper, or sharing your bed with your partner? All of these are important questions which you must have the answer to. Does your ninety-pound pooch enjoy sharing bedtime cuddles? Then, even if you’re going alone, you’ll want extra room.
Do You Need Multiple Beds?
It’s quite convenient to have some space for a buddy to stay, whether for a single night or a more extended trip. Consider placing a foldable guest bed next to your main sleeping space to ensure everyone is comfortable. A Murphy bed, which folds into the wall, or a single bunk bed arrangement would be ideal for youngsters traveling with you in your van.
What’s Your Sleep Style?
Living in a van makes it important to get a decent night’s sleep. The way you sleep is also a major issue to think about. You will require more room in your bed than a smaller person who stays still if you are tall or move about a lot when you sleep. Do you prefer to sleep on your stomach or your side? Verify that your bed has adequate space for that as well. Thus, consider your sleeping habits and ensure the van’s bed suits your preferences. You’ll enjoy better travel evenings in this manner.
Will Your Bed Serve as Extra Seating?
You can generally sit on the bed while your friends use the bench seat in your vehicle. However, you might prefer a bed that doubles as a couch. In addition to providing extra seating for visitors, a couch bed allows you to sit comfortably and take in breathtaking vistas, watch movies, or read books without having to lie down. It’s a great way to enjoy various activities and extra room in your van.
Convenience
Do you want a fixed bed that you can sleep in every night or a flexible bed that you have to set up every night? You may like having a fixed bed since you could easily crash on it whenever needed. However, other individuals would rather have a fold-away bed so they have more area for pleasant activities during the day, like cooking and games, rather than occupying so much space for a bed. You have to emphasize on your preferred setting.
Space for Storage
Space is crucial whether you’re living or traveling in a van. If you enjoy activities like climbing, bicycling, or paddleboarding, you may want a bed with storage space underneath for your equipment. Where do you store your clothes, though? Having cupboards or closets takes up room for sleeping. If you place cabinets above your bed, make sure you can still sit up straight without running your head over. Fortunately, clever solutions are available, such as storage niches or shelving beneath beds for personal belongings.
Cost and Construction
The cost of building a bed in a van might vary greatly. If you want to tuck your bed away, you may go fancy with a mechanical bed lift (beginning around $1500) or go basic with Ikea pieces like Skorva rails ($15) and LURÖY slats ($30). If money is scarce for you, keep the below points in mind:
1. Simple beds are less expensive than ornate ones.
2. More expensive custom-sized mattresses may be required for small rooms.
3. Special cushions are required for turning seats into beds, and they might be expensive. However, creating your foam cushions will save you money.
Roll with Highland Vans, Travel in Comfort
The van life world is innovative, ranging from comfortable convertible configurations to excellent space-saving devices. At Highland Vans, we create environments where memories are made, not merely conversions. Together, we can turn your dreams of living the “van life” into a reality with a high-end, creative, and comfortable van bed that just speaks your mind. Partner up with Highland Vans- accept the freedom of the open road with the knowledge that your accommodations are cozy and fascinating!
