Your bed is the heart of your campervan. It’s where you rest after long days of travelling, working, or adventuring, and it often dictates the rest of your layout. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here, but understanding the pros and cons of different setups will help you decide what suits your van and lifestyle best.
Fixed Beds
A fixed bed is permanently in place, meaning you can crawl straight in at night without any setup. One of its biggest advantages is the storage space it creates underneath, often called the “garage.” This is especially useful for anyone travelling with outdoor gear such as bikes, surfboards, skis, or climbing equipment. It’s also great for long-term travel, giving you space for tools, spare parts, or bulky items you don’t want inside your living area.
The downside, of course, is that a fixed bed takes up a large portion of your van. In smaller vehicles, that can make the space feel tight. But in a medium or long wheelbase van, the convenience often outweighs the loss of floor area, especially if you still have room for a small seating or kitchen area up front.
Non-Fixed Beds
A non-fixed bed gives you far more flexibility in how you use your space. During the day, the area can double as a living or working space, with more room to move around. At night, it transforms into your sleeping area. This type of setup is especially popular in smaller vans, where every centimetre counts.
The main benefit is versatility because it allows for a more open, social layout that feels much bigger than it really is. The trade-off is convenience, you’ll need to make your bed each night, and store your bedding somewhere during the day.
There are many styles of non-fixed beds, including sliding slat systems where the bed frame pulls out over a seating area, pulley systems where the bed lowers from the ceiling, or convertible bench setups where seats fold down or rearrange into a bed.
Lengthways vs Widthways
The orientation of your bed makes a big difference to both comfort and layout. A widthways bed runs across the van, which saves valuable floor space, but it only works if your van is wide enough or if you’re shorter in height. Most people need at least 180–190 cm to sleep comfortably.
A lengthways bed runs front to back, taking up more space but offering greater comfort and accessibility. It’s often easier to get in and out of, and you don’t have to climb over your partner during the night.
How to Install a Fixed Bed
Once you’ve decided on your layout, building a fixed bed is relatively straightforward. The key is to make sure it’s strong, square, and properly secured to the van structure.
A. Using Wood (Plywood or Timber Frame)
- Measure the height, width, and length of your bed area, allowing for mattress thickness and overhead clearance.
- Build two side frames (the bed rails) from 44 x 44 mm timber or 18 mm plywood strips, ensuring they’re level and securely fixed to the van walls or floor battens.
- Connect the two side frames using cross beams every 40–50 cm to prevent flexing.
- Cut a sheet of 12–18 mm plywood for the top and screw it into the frame.
- Optionally, hinge one or two sections of the top board for access to the storage space below.
- Sand and seal all edges to prevent splinters and moisture damage.
B. Using Aluminium Bars (e.g. Unistrut or 80/20 System)
- Mount two aluminium rails to each side of the van using bolted brackets, ensuring they’re level.
- Install cross members between the rails to form a solid platform, spacing them around 40–50 cm apart.
- Cut lightweight plywood panels to rest on top of the frame, securing them with self-tapping screws or bolts through the aluminium channels.
- Add reinforcing brackets or gussets at each joint for stability.
- Finish by adding edge trim and protective caps to avoid sharp corners.
Whichever method you choose, always check that your bed structure is firmly fixed to the van and able to withstand movement and vibration. A solid bed frame not only improves safety but also reduces squeaks and rattles on the road.
Making the Most of Your Under-bed Garage Space
The space under a fixed bed (often called the garage) is one of the most versatile areas in a campervan. How you access and organise it can dramatically improve the functionality of your van.
For many vans, the garage is accessed from the rear doors, which is perfect for storing bulky items like bikes, surfboards, skis, or camping gear. You can keep everything neatly stacked or in storage bins, making loading and unloading quick and simple.
Some designs also provide internal access from the living area. This is ideal for items you use frequently, like a fridge, drawers, cupboards, or even a pull-out table. Internal access can turn the garage into a fully integrated storage and utility area, letting you reach essentials without stepping outside (especially handy in bad weather).
To maximise efficiency, think about:
- Dividing the space with shelves, bins, or sliding trays to separate gear by type or frequency of use.
- Using drawers or pull-out trays for smaller items, so you don’t have to crawl in to reach the back.
- Incorporating your systems (fridge, water tanks, battery storage) in the garage to save living space while keeping them accessible for maintenance.
A well-planned garage space turns your van from just a vehicle into a highly functional, organised home on wheels. The key is thinking about what you’ll need most often and how to reach it quickly, whether from the back or inside your living area.
Creative Ways to Organise Your Under-bed Garage Space
Your garage doesn’t have to be a jumble of gear and boxes. With a few clever ideas, it can become a highly functional and flexible storage zone that feels like an extension of your living area.
Modular Storage Trays and Bins
Stackable bins, pull-out trays, or modular storage boxes make it easy to separate gear by type. For example, outdoor equipment in one tray, tools in another. Pull-out trays mean you can access the back of the garage without unloading the front items.
Bike and Board Racks
If you travel with bikes, surfboards, skis, or other long equipment, install racks or hooks along the walls. Some racks are foldable or removable, so you can adjust them depending on your trip. This keeps gear upright, secure, and out of the way of other items.
Fold-Out Worktops or Tables
A pull-out or fold-down table in the garage can double as a workspace for cooking, repairs, or hobbies. Some vans even have small pull-out benches that slide from the garage to the living area for easy use.
Removable Storage Systems
Removable crates, baskets, or even wheeled drawers allow you to take gear in and out of the van quickly. This is especially handy for groceries, laundry, or wet camping gear.
Integrated Systems
Use the garage to house functional systems like a fridge, water tanks, or electrical components, while keeping them accessible. Sliding panels or hinged doors make it easy to maintain or upgrade components without dismantling the entire bed structure.
Label and Zone
Label bins and create “zones” in your garage (tools in one corner, sports gear in another, cleaning or maintenance items elsewhere). This saves time and prevents the frustration of digging through everything every time you need something.
By thinking creatively and tailoring your garage to your lifestyle, you can turn what’s often an overlooked space into one of the most useful areas in your van, keeping your living area clutter-free while keeping everything you need within reach.
Installing a Non-Fixed Bed
Non-fixed beds are all about flexibility, so the installation approach will vary depending on your chosen style — whether it’s a folding bench, a pull-out slat system, or a pulley/ceiling bed. The goal is to make it sturdy, safe, and easy to use day to day, while keeping weight and complexity manageable.
Folding Bench or Convertible Seating Bed
Many small vans use a bench or sofa that converts into a bed. To install:
- Build the bench frame using plywood or lightweight timber, ensuring it’s strong enough to support two or more people sleeping. Aluminium framing systems can also work for a lighter, modular setup.
- Secure the frame to the van floor using bolts or brackets. Ensure it’s firmly fixed to avoid movement while driving.
- Create the fold-out sections using hinged plywood panels or cushions. Test the hinges and folding mechanism several times to make sure it’s smooth and durable.
- Add cushions or a mattress topper that doubles as seating padding during the day.
- Check clearance and movement to make sure the bed can fold out fully without hitting cupboards, walls, or windows.
Slatted Pull-Out or Slide-Out Bed
A slide-out bed is great for vans with longer wheelbases:
- Install side runners or tracks along the floor, ensuring they are level and parallel.
- Build the bed base on lightweight ply or aluminium slats that can sit securely in the runners.
- Test the movement before fixing permanently, making sure it slides in and out smoothly and locks in place for sleeping.
- Add support brackets or fold-out legs if extra strength is needed when extended.
- Place your mattress or cushions on top, and check that it aligns correctly when stowed or pulled out.
Pulley or Ceiling Bed
Ceiling-mounted beds are ideal for vans where floor space is precious:
- Attach aluminium or timber support rails to the van walls or roof beams. Ensure the van’s structural points are used for load-bearing.
- Install pulleys and straps capable of safely lifting and lowering the bed.
- Fit the bed platform, usually plywood or lightweight slats, to the lifting mechanism.
- Test the bed’s movement multiple times with weight on it to ensure stability and safety.
- Add cushions or a mattress topper. Consider safety straps or locks to keep the bed in place while driving.
Tips for All Non-Fixed Beds
- Use high-quality hinges, bolts, or sliding mechanisms to prevent loosening over time.
- Make sure the bed is easy to operate. Daily setup and takedown should be simple.
- Think about storage integration, many non-fixed beds can hide gear underneath or inside the frame.
- Always test weight and stability before sleeping on it for the first time.
Non-fixed beds require a little more daily effort than fixed beds, but they reward you with versatile living space, more room for moving, working, or socialising, and a layout that can adapt to changing needs on the road.
Summary
Your bedroom and garage are key to a functional and comfortable campervan. A fixed bed offers storage underneath, while a non-fixed bed maximises living space. The right choice depends on your van size and lifestyle.
Think about how you’ll use your garage. Rear access is great for bulky gear, while internal access can integrate fridges, drawers, or pull-out tables. Simple organisation like pull-out trays, bins, and racks can make this space highly practical.
