Getting the bed right in your van is non-negotiable. This is why we have this full guide on building a bed. You should not give up sleep quality just because you are sleeping in a van. In this article we’ll go through the different types of beds, how to put one together, and the exact bed set up we have (and love) in our bed.
Consider what kind of bed suits you most before starting your build. A permanent bed means giving up some space in your living area or starting with a longer base vehicle. Some van designs include a fixed bed built higher up to provide underbed storage, but this will affect the height available on top of the bed.
If you travel as a couple and one of you will be sleeping by the back doors, consider how much room one of you will need to be able to climb over the other to get out quickly. Making the bed up every night can be frustrating and feel like a game of foam Tetris, and hiding a duvet during the day is difficult. Having your bed made up all the time means sacrificing the living space in your van permanently. Ah, the conundrum.
Your main consideration: Fixed vs Convertible
Fixed
A platform bed is like a throne for the tired traveler – a fixed bed space that’s always ready for you without the hassle of assembly. Plus, it provides a vast storage area underneath, known as the “garage,” perfect for stashing your gear or hiding your dirty laundry.
But beware, this bed’s high profile may not leave much headroom for your morning stretches or afternoon lounging or ;). If you’re looking to fit a larger mattress widthways, you can add flares, but that may require professional installation and compromise insulation.
Convertible
A convertible bed is the multifunctional campervan epitome. They can fold up into a sofa, dinette, or even a workspace, making it the perfect solution for those who want maximum versatility in their van.
Need a comfortable place to work during the day? No problem. Hosting a group of friends for a movie night? Easy peasy.
However, keep in mind that converting the bed back and forth can take some time and effort, and it may not be ideal if your sleeping schedule doesn’t match your partner’s.
Nevertheless, the beauty of convertible beds is that they allow for extra living space in the van, often set up as a couch during the day and a bed at night. Convertible beds are perfect for those who want to host guests or travel with more than two people in the van, and they offer more total space on your floor plan.
Some bed design thoughts:
Table bed:
This type of bed serves a dual purpose as both a bench seat, a diner and a sleeping spot. It’s a great way to maximise space in your van.
Flip bench bed design:
The flip bench bed design is a bench that can be easily converted into a single bed. Good if you can install the mechanical section but perhaps not for the early stage DIY’er.
Slide platform bed:
If you’re looking for a unique bed design, the slide platform bed might be right for you. It slides out from the back wall and can be pushed flush during travel, providing extra space when parked. These are often found in small vans, they work great.
Murphy bed:
A Murphy bed is a bed that folds up into a wall or cabinet. It’s great for saving space but requires assembly and disassembly each time it’s used. It can be difficult to install in a van due to limited space, but it allows for a walk-through floor plan and is a good option if you need to take big items (motorbikes) inside your van.
Lifted bed:
For a high-tech option,there is such a thing as a lifted bed that raises up to the ceiling during the day, with a seating area underneath. This option does not have storage above the bed and loses some headroom, but it’s super cool. It’s usually found in luxury camper van builds but can be converted DIY with electrical and building experience.
Hammock bed:
If you’re on a budget and looking for a compact and space-saving option, a hammock bed might be the right choice. It requires strong attachment points and some thought on weight distribution, and hammocks aren’t for everyone, but if it’s your thing there are worst ways to spend a night.
Bunk bed:
A bunk bed design includes multiple beds stacked on top of each other, making it great for accommodating more people in a small space (children). However, they take up a lot of space.
Japanese style futon:
A thin mattress that lies down on a big floor space, that can be rolled up and stored during the day is a space-saving and simple option. These futons are not completely comfortable.
Raised bed with storage:
A raised bed with storage (a garage)underneath is a great option if you need ample storage space but have limited headroom. It may require a ladder or steps to access the bed.
How to build a bed
Materials you will need:
- Saw (mitre or circular or normal)
- Carpenters square
- Drill
- Countersink and hole drill bits
- Sand paper (120 and 200 grit)
- L-Brackets
- Hinges
- Wood screws around 1″ length
- Wood Glue
- Electric Carving Knife
Step 1: Plan your bed frame dimensions
Since every van build design is unique, measurements need to be customised to fit the individual van.
Whatever kind of bed you are thinking about building, there are some key design factors.
Firstly, what do you need to go under the bed? Under the bed is usually one of the best storage spaces you have. Utilities (water tank/ batteries etc.).. Or bikes in a garage?
Next, you are going to need to think about where the supports for the bed are. Do you have enough access to anchored points on the frame of the van to get the bed design you are after? Your bed will need to hold ~75kg per person, plus 25kg for the mattress. Plus, the weight ‘under stress’ might be a factor, depending on your relationship status.
If you are making a fold out bed, do you have a mechanism in mind that will be easy to use?
How is your headroom? Are you sure you can wake up in alarm without hitting your head on the van, you don’t want to feel like you are in a coffin.
When you think you have an idea, then draw it out on your plans. Then, as per our planning article, create a layout in the to ensure that the bed is the correct size for your body.
Step 2: Build the bed frame
The bed needs to be sturdy, which means using the timber frame or metal framework you have in your van. We recommend building your bed van frame in 2×2 timber.
If you can, make all your cuts with a mitre or circular saw and use your carpenters square to ensure all the corners are square.
Lay the foundation layer using 2”x2” wood beams, and screw them to the floor (and subfloor) with wood screws. Countersink your screws.
Do the same across the sides that will be supporting your bed frame.
Connect the two with uprights. The legs will be straight, whereas the van sides will curve, so take this into account.
Use screws and wood glue. For added stability and support, consider using metal brackets in addition to L-brackets.
Add horizontal 2×2’s across the width of your bed.
Each pair of legs connected by a horizontal frame will increase lateral stiffness and provide vertical stiffness to support weight and allow for a reduction in the ‘platform’ thickness. However, if you have built out your frame properly, you don’t overdo it on horizontals or legs, your structure will be strong.
All frames are screwed and glued together.
Be careful not to have any wood touching the metal, or you’ll have to live with the squeaking.
Once you have a frame you are happy with, you can add a platform to any relevant area of bed that is fixed. 12mm ply will do the job, or 9mm if you have a lot of struts. Countersink all screws, unless you want to feel them through your mattress.
Step 3: Finish the platform.
Use sandpaper with a high grit to create a smooth finish on the wood, particularly on the platform.
Cut holes in any fixed part of your platform using a Hole drill bit. This is to ensure ventilation to the bottom of the mattress when in situ.
Hoover up. Paint if desired.
Step 4: Make it move
If you need to make things fold out, then measure and mark where you want the hinges to be.
Mark the screw holes and pre-drill holes for the screws to prevent splitting the wood.
Screw in the hinges only using one or two screws on each hinge. Screw them in lightly.
Test the hinges by opening and closing the bed frame. If it sits flush and you are happy with it, Add the remaining screws.
Step 5: Add your mattress(s)
There’s a section of our website dedicated to mattresses, so go check it out if you need to figure out which ones to buy.
To fit, you might have to cut it yourself, which you do with a bread knife. An electric carver works best if you (or your nan) has one.
When cutting a mattress, make sure it’s not a mattress with springs. Only cut foam mattresses. Be careful when you get near the floor, you don’t want to hit tarmac/ your carpet. We found that turning the mattress over, and cutting the same line from underneath worked well.
What we did
Our bed is a semi-garage bed. We wanted a full length bed, that was must have for us. We also knew we wanted to focus on creating a multifunctional space. The third thing we know is that we didn’t want to be folding things away, moving tables etc every day.
The design we came up with was to raise our bed to above the garage, with a mattress that sits on top of our half height bathroom.
In the day time, we have ⅔’s of a mattress that creates a bit of a daybed. At night time, we put the bottom ⅓ of the mattress under the bed sheet, on top of the bathroom, to create a full length bed.
The whole thing takes about 30 seconds and means that we have a huge amount of kitchen worktop, a really long bed that we never touch the end of, and an easy way to go between day and night mode.
The bed is really simple. On each side of the van, pinned to the metal framework, are vertical bed supports. We screwed in 2×2 to make these.
On top of that we built 2×2 horizontals across the garage space, to provide a base for the bed. That section of the bed is 120cm long, and we used 5 horizontals. One on each end, and 3 to cover the 110ish cm in between.
We did not include any vertical legs in the middle, because the bed is going to be plenty strong enough without those supports.
On top of this, we sat 12mm ply. To help ensure at least a basic level of ventilation and airflow to the mattress, we cut fat holes using a hole drill bit.
The bottom ⅓ of the bed (where our feet go) sits on top of the half height bathroom. The walls of the bathroom, and the lid, are made from 18mm plywood, which again is plenty strong enough to hold our weight.