Choosing the Right Type of Bed for Your Custom Van Build

Picking the right bed for your custom build can be challenging, so we’ve put together this quick guide of the options available.

When it comes to building a custom van, the many choices available to you can feel endless, and while there are no right or wrong answers, there are choices that better fit your unique style of adventure. Choosing the right type of bed for your van build is just one of the hundreds of decisions you’ll make for your custom build. Here’s a detailed look at the various types of beds you can consider for your van build-out to aid you in this pivotal decision in the design process.

1. The Fixed Bed (Our Most Popular Option)

Overview: A fixed bed is a permanent sleeping area that doesn’t need to be folded or converted, most often found in the rear of the van with a garage storage area below. This is a popular choice for van dwellers who prioritize a consistent sleeping setup. If you choose to sleep widthwise in the van, it is a very popular choice to add FlareSpace to maximize the sleeping length of the bed.

Pros:

Simplicity: Always ready for use, offering a consistent sleeping environment with a traditional mattress.
Storage: Space underneath the bed can be utilized for designated storage.

Cons:

Space Usage: Takes up a significant amount of space, which could limit daytime activities and/or floorplan options.

2. Dinette to Bed Conversion

Overview: A convertible dinette bed combines a seating area with benches and a fold-over leaf that can be transformed into a bed. This multifunctional setup is excellent for those who need both a dining area and a sleeping space.

Pros:

Multifunctional: Serves as both a dining and sleeping area, saving space and creating a more open design.
Storage: Benches on either side provide a great place to house power systems, plumbing systems, and additional storage.
Custom Lengths Available: Dinette to bed conversions can be built lengthwise in the vehicle, and are therefore not limited to the width of the van

Cons:

Convenience: Requires conversion each day, which can be inconvenient.
Comfort: Bed is made up of multiple bench cushions vs. a single traditional mattress.

3. Dinette to Bed Conversion Plus Bed on Electric Actuators

Overview: A bed on electric actuators can be raised or lowered with the push of a button. This high-tech option allows you to store the bed against the ceiling when not in use, freeing up the floor space and can be built over-top of a dinette that converts into a bed, enabling the vehicle to sleep more people comfortably.

Pros:

Convenience: Easily raised or lowered, making setup and stowing quick and effortless.
Space-saving: Maximizes floor space when the bed is stored.
Modern: Adds a high-tech, luxurious feel to the van.

Cons:

Cost: Typically more expensive.
Maintenance: As with all systems in your build, some maintenance is required to ensure the system runs seamlessly long-term.

4. Murphy Bed

Overview: A Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed, is a bed that can be folded up against the wall when not in use. This type of bed is ideal for those who want to maximize the floor space during the day.

Pros:

Space-saving: When folded, it frees up a significant amount of space.
Versatile: Allows for a more open layout during the day, making the van feel larger.
Stylish: Modern Murphy beds can be designed to blend seamlessly with the van’s interior.

Cons:

Convenience: Requires conversion each day, which can be inconvenient to some.
Not Ideal For Very Tall Sleepers: Similar to a widthwise Fixed Bed, taller sleepers will benefit from Flarespace to extend the sleeping length.

5. Additional Bunk Beds

Overview: Bunk beds are a great option for families traveling with small children. They provide multiple sleeping areas without taking up too much additional space.

Pros:

Space-efficient: Multiple beds in the footprint of one.
Family Friendly: Ideal for families or groups.

Cons:

Size: Bunks are often very small and can feel cramped unless designed for small children.
Convenience: Bunks are often stored away during the day requiring conversion each day.
Impact on Other Beds: Bunk Beds are often over-top of another bed, making the lower bed feel more cramped than it would otherwise.

6. Additional Pop-Top Bed

Overview: Pop Tops are a great way to create a sleeping area for two additional passengers without taking up any additional living space.

Pros:

Space-efficient: Is fixed to the top of the van, so requires no real estate within the van.
Family Friendly: Ideal for families or groups.
Comfort & Privacy: The pop-top bed is surprisingly comfortable and roomy, and feels like a completely private sleeping area often with its own lighting zone and fan.

Cons:

Cost: Pop-tops are a significant expense.
Access: A ladder is required in order to access the pop-top, which can be difficult for less mobile adults or very small children.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bed for your custom van build depends on your unique style of adventure and the crew you plan to adventure with. While we hope that this blog post gives you some useful information to consider, don’t hesitate to lean on your Rossmönster design team, as they will be your best resources to help guide you to a solution that makes the most sense for you.