HOW TO BUILD A CAMPER VAN:
B E D
In this section we’ll cover :
Bed layouts and design
Side flares
Mattresses
Pillows and bedding
Van bed build guides
Let’s get started.
Contents
Basics
Mattresses
Layout & design
Bedding
Installation
Flares & cut-outs
Pillows
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B E D
Basics
First let’s talk about factors like your van’s width and the materials you might like to use to create your bed. Or perhaps you’d like to buy a ready made one instead.
Fixed or non-fixed bed?
There are two main types of camper van bed: fixed and non-fixed.
A fixed bed is permanently made up and requires no setting up before use
A non-fixed bed is made up into a bed at night and returned to a seating area in the daytime; this adds dual functionality as non-fixed beds can be made up into a range of styles as we’ll discuss below.
How wide is your van?
Your van’s width may be a big factor in the layout you decide on; panel vans are typically around 2m (6ft5) wide, however the roof usually tapers in to around 1.5m which means the higher you built your bed the narrower it will be, and with insulation and walls added the interior width of the van can be reduced to around 1.8m (5ft9). For this reason you may favour a lengthways bed layout instead of a widthways one if you’re tall, although as we’ll discuss below there are many camper van bed ideas and workarounds for this issue.
What materials to use?
Most camper van beds are made from timber wood, plywood or MDF as it’s cheap, lightweight and easy to work with. However it is also possible to build a camper van bed frame out of sturdy, lightweight aluminium, or mild steel, although this is much heavier.
Build or buy?
There are many companies who build ready-made camper van bed frames or camper van bed kits that come flat-packed ready to install and will cut down your build time hugely. However they come at a cost, and they are only available for common van types including Volkswagen T4, T5, T6, Kombi, Crafter and Caddy, Mercedes Sprinter and Vauxhall Vivaro, so if you have an older or unusual van you may have no choice but to make your own.
Most vanlifers prefer to build their own beds from scratch so they can make them exactly to their preference and van’s specs, which allows flexibility when deciding about options like under-bed storage.
B E D
Layout & design
Unless you’re planning to simply throw a mattress on the floor and hit the road, deciding your camper van bed layout is one of the most important parts of a van build (see our planning section for more on van conversion layouts).
There are literally tons to choose from, so here’s a rundown of the most common van conversion bed layouts.
The MOT checker on UK government website is a great tool for checking any UK registered vehicle’s history.
Fixed bed - widthways
One of the most common van bed layouts the classic fixed bed runs widthways and is made of a sturdy timber frame, or sometimes aluminium. It requires no setting up at night, allows for plenty of under-bed storage and is typically built at the back of the van for optimum backdoor views, although it could also be placed behind the front seats. We have this layout in our LDV Convoy van.
Fixed bed - lengthways
A fixed bed that runs lengthways is a less common choice, typically reserved for extra long wheel base vans or even buses with storage built along one or both sides. However it is possible to build a lengthways bed in a smaller van, with a pull-out bed extender to make up the full length at night.
Cab bed
If you have a Luton van you’ll most likely want to build the bed above the cab, which is usually a large enough area to install a double bed that leaves the entire floorspace below free for a living area. This is the layout we chose for our Bedford van conversion.
Photo of bedford above
Rock n roll bed
Rock n roll beds are most commonly seen in small vans such as Volkswagen Kombis, T4s, T5s and T6s. They create a seating area for daytime use which pulls out seamlessly like a sofa bed at night that usually occupies the whole interior space of the van. They’re not typically used for panel van conversions due to having little or no storage space underneath, however they are lightweight and very versatile.
Murphy bed
A Murphy bed (or fold-down bed or pull-down bed) is a bed unit that is hinged at one end to store vertically against the wall when not in use. Installing a Murphy style bed in a van is a great way of creating extra living space during the daytime, but it will occupy an entire wall costing you potentially valuable storage space.
Table bed
A table bed is converted from a seating area to a bed either by lowering the table on a telescopic leg or by lifting up the tabletop and inserting it into slots between the two bench seats, sometimes with an additional panel if the table is not as long as the seats. The seat cushions are brought into the middle of the bed platform to make up the mattress, with the seat pads sitting in the middle and the backrests padding out the sides. The main downside of this layout is the time it takes to set up at night and the slight discomfort from having gaps between the mattress cushions, although this can be mitigated with a mattress topper. We’ll discuss this further in the mattresses section below. It also limits your design choices for a table which will have to be rectangular in order to form part of the bed.
We also have this style of bed in our Bedford van, which works by removing the live edge table and inserting a piece of plywood with hinged legs between the two bench seats. We found this to be the easiest option as building a table to the exact specs needed to transform a bed was too technical.
Sliding bed
A sliding bed (or slide-out bed, slat bed or pull-out bed) is a clever space-saving design that allows a bench seat to be doubled in size to create a full double bed simply by sliding out a rack of slats with legs attached. The bench seat can be rectangular or L-shaped which will determine how large the slide-out area is, and the bed is then made up from the seat cushions like the table bed above.
A variation on this is the folding bed, which has a platform that is hinged in the middle and unfolds to double the size of the bench seat. The bench seat is typically used for storing bedding which means there is less storage for other items in the van. This layout is usually used in medium to small vans that aren’t large enough for a full-sized fixed bed, and we have this layout in our Sherpa van.
Lifting bed
A camper van bed lift system is a high-tech approach which has its pros and cons. The bed lift works by raising the van bed up to ceiling height during the day and lowering it at night for sleeping, allowing you to make full use of the floor space during the day. This layout is popular with cyclists, bikers and snowboarders who need space to store gear in transit.
The bed is raised by an electric motor and gearbox, or a manual hand crank, and you will need to install guide rails on the walls of your van to make this work. The downside is that the electric motor draws power from the van’s leisure batteries and there’s a chance the motors could malfunction after some time meaning you’ll have to hand crank the bed into position. The other drawback is that you will lose standing height in the van which may not be ideal for tall people.
Bunk bed
Bunk beds are a perfect option for family van conversions, and can be a great chance to get creative. Whether you install a simple hammock bunk bed system commonly seen in classic VW campers, a removable or foldable bunk bed, or you build bunk bed pods above or below your double bed or along one side of your van’s living space, even a regular panel van can accommodate up to a family of five. The downside is you’ll lose precious living space, but it’s a worthy trade-off to be able to travel as a family and make memories together.
Hammock bed
A hammock bed is not really suitable for long-term use as a bed due to being pretty uncomfortable, however they are a popular option for day beds and occasional guests, stowing away to take up virtually no extra space. You’ll want to make sure your van is structurally sound before installing one of these (unlike our rusty LDV) as it will involve installing heavy duty eye hooks into the diagonal metal corners of your van to hang the hammock from.
Front seat bed
Last but not least is the front seat bed, popularly used by families with children or for guests or even devoted car campers. These can be bought as an inflatable front seat mattress with footwell-plugging units or DIY’d from scratch. However there are three main issues to overcome: the steering wheel, the gearstick and van seats being moulded for comfort which does not provide a flat surface to build a bed on. There is no one size fits all unit in this case, you’ll just have to figure out your own depending on the size and layout of your van’s cab. There’s a reason this type of bed is usually used for children or pets, as it’s pretty small and cramped, and without proper windscreen insulation can get chilly at night.
Our friend travelled with us for 2 months sleeping on a DIY front seat bed made of plywood with a hinged leg and a single air mattress, although it wasn’t the most comfortable set-up and she eventually left to fly somewhere warm after enduring one too many sub-zero nights in the Carpathians. Oops.
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Flares & cut-outs
Flares and cut-outs can be a great way to provide more leg room if you find yourself touching the walls or having to sleep diagonally.
Side flares
Side flares are window-shaped pods that are installed in a van’s side panels to add between 3” and 10” of extra widthways space inside- think of them like bubble windows, although some have glass and some don’t. For tall people those few extra inches might make the difference between a comfortable and a miserable night’s sleep, allowing you to have a full length mattress. They can be professionally installed by a company like Flarespace or self-installed to save on costs, however they may not be available for all makes of van, with Volkswagen and Mercedes being the most common, and may interfere with sliding door functionality if not installed correctly. Matching paint colours can also be tricky.
Cut-outs
Cut-outs are a cheaper and simpler method of gaining extra bed space. Where insulation and wall panelling take away a few inches making your van narrower, cut-outs remove part of this around the windows at either end of the bed to allow enough space for a full-length mattress. The downside is you’ll lose insulation between your windows and living area which can cause heat transfer and make it chillier at night, and you’ll need to take care that your mattress is not directly touching the glass as condensation could make it damp and mouldy.
P L A N N I N G
Mattresses
So you’ve decided on a van bed design and layout, now you’re going to need a mattress. We spend roughly a third of our lives in bed and even more so in a van where your bed can be your main relaxing space when you’re not out exploring, so choosing the right mattress is an important decision
The style of mattress you need will depend on your bed layout, but the material is down to personal preference. Read on to find out more about the different camper van bed mattress options.
General considerations
Size
All mattresses come in standard sizes, although these vary by region. In this guide we’ll be using standard UK bed sizes (see below).
Most van mattresses will be a double, small double or ‘shorty’; a small double is shorter in width while a shorty is shorter in length. A few vans have queen-size beds and many buses and trucks will even have room for a king size.
Unless you’ve installed side flares or cut-outs then a standard length double mattress won’t fit comfortably in a widthways bed layout. The only two options in this case are to buy a small double or a ‘shorty’ mattress, or a spring-less mattress such as memory foam which will squash down enough to lie flat, unlike a spring mattress which will bulge in the middle, ruining both the mattress and your sleep.
Thickness
The thickness of your mattress is important to consider. A thicker mattress will insulate better against the cold and provide a more comfortable night’s sleep. A thinner mattress won’t protect you from rising cold so well, but it will fold in half easily should you need access to underneath the bed. The height of your mattress can also be an issue if your van roof is low or your bed is high, as every extra inch will put you closer to the ceiling.
Support
If you suffer with back or joint problems then you absolutely won’t want to skimp on a mattress. We recommend looking at higher end options made of a firm foam that offers lumbar support, or for a budget-friendly alternative invest in a good mattress topper to cover a cheap or DIY mattress. Your back will thank you.
Materials
Memory foam
Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice for van conversions: they’re comfortable, they’re lightweight and they disperse weight and heat to give you a comfortable sleep even on a warm night. They’re also easily cut into shape making them a great choice for smaller vans, or can be squished slightly between walls if length is an issue.
Hybrid
One of the most popular modern types of mattress, a hybrid foam mattress combines springs, memory foam and gel foam to create a soft, cooling and supportive mattress all in one. These are typically pricer and often sold as a high tech alternative to regular mattresses, and cannot be flipped or cut down owing to their construction, however they do guarantee a supremely comfortable night’s sleep.
Gel-infused foam
Gel-infused foam is much like memory foam although a little stiffer and more breathable. Gel foam mattresses are equally good at dispersing heat and can also be cut to size if necessary. Gel is also commonly used as a topper for memory foam mattresses to offer cooling and support in one.
Spring
A spring mattress is what you’d typically find in a house; these cannot be cut or squished down, and so will only fit in certain vans dependant on their width and layout. These mattresses are readily available, cheap to buy and retain heat well, however they can be much heavier than other types of mattress so if weight is a concern this may not be the right type for your conversion.
Latex
Latex mattresses can be a lifesaver in a van if your sleeping partner likes to fidget, as the soft latex material reduces motion disturbance during the night. Latex is also more durable than foam, and often made of entirely natural materials if sustainability is a concern. However they are among the heaviest and most expensive on this list.
High density foam
If you’re making your own camper van bed cushions from scratch then a high density polyurethane foam will be the ideal base you need. This foam can be bought in bulk and cut down using a sharp bread knife or electric saw, or ordered online pre-cut to any size or shape you want. It will also need to be upholstered, which can be done at home if you know your way around a sewing machine, or sent to an upholstery company.
The recommended minimum thickness of high density foam for a camper van cushion or mattress is 4”, or 3” if topped with a 1” layer of memory foam.
Futon
A futon mattress is more of a “grab it and chuck it in the van” idea than an actual bed option as it is not supportive enough for long-term sleeping, however it can cheaply and easily provide you with a no-build van bed, so they’re worth considering as a temporary or part-time option.
Air
Although we wouldn’t really recommend an air mattress for any long term travelling they are good in terms of space saving and weight. They can be inflated to create a comfortable bed for the night and deflated and stowed away the next day, although they provide very little in the way of insulation and can easily be punctured. A self-inflating camping mat is a more hard-wearing alternative to the traditional air mattress. Although a little thin on their own they self inflate via a valve and contain a layer of foam which reduces the pressure on seams that often leads to puncturing. We keep one of these in our van as a guest bed as they roll up impressively small.
Topper
A magic ingredient that can bring comfort to even the thinnest and most uncomfortable sleeping platform, a mattress topper is perfect for adding a little luxury to your van, and a great way of filling over gaps in a sofa bed cushion set up. However comfortable they look they are not to be used as a standalone mattress. For high end options and maximum back support consider brands such as Simba, Emma and Octasmart.
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Bedding
The bedding you choose will depend on the kind of van travels you are planning.
Duvet
Duvets are an all-round good option for bedding and suitable for most climates dependant on their thickness. Although not popular abroad they are the go-to for British homes and vans. They are encased in a cover which makes them more hygienic as you simply need to change and wash the covers regularly. Choosing a tog can be tricky if you plan to live in your van full time, unless you have access to a place you can store your summer and winter bedding and rotate them seasonally.
Duvets also come in a range of filings, with down and feather being the warmest and synthetic being cooler and vegan-friendly.
One of you a hot sleeper while the other one feels the cold at night? Check out dual tog duvets- one duvet split into two temperature ratings. You’re welcome.
Camping blanket
If you’re traveling to colder climates and want to wrap up warm or you simply don’t want the hassle of making up a bed with sheets then a camping blanket is a warm, no-nonsense choice for van bedding. They’re typically washable, rip-proof and stuffed with layers of high-tech insulation, which means they come at a price. However they can be rolled up and stowed away in under a minute making them great for non-fixed beds, and are ideal for taking out on hikes, picnics and camp-outs too.
Check out the Original Puffy blanket by U.S.-based Rumpl, or the UK-based Voited with their RipStop Cloudtouch pillow blankets (we have one of these in our Sherpa van).
Sleeping bags
Perfect for weekend warriors or those traveling to particularly cold climates, a sleeping bag is a simple choice of bedding but one that could become essential in subzero temperatures. Make sure to check the rating so you know the one you’re purchasing will be suitable and keep you toasty on even the coldest of nights. Double sleeping bags are also available for couples who wish to share body heat.
Fleece
A fleece blanket should be an essential in everyone’s bedding cupboard. Warm enough for cold winter nights but also light enough to be used as a summer blanket and easily stowable, they’re particularly good for layering underneath other bedding as the fleece will help to retain body heat.
Blanket
Blankets are great for layering and come in all sizes and materials, but they’re also great for aesthetic reasons, finishing off your van’s interior with a touch of decorative flair- a good throw blanket can say a lot about you and your van’s personality. They can be added on top of a duvet or layered together, and they also work well as outdoor rugs or beach blankets (or if you’re like us, something to lie on underneath your van while you repair it for the third time in a week). Wool is a particularly warm and hard-wearing fabric choice with moisture-wicking properties, but cotton and synthetic are also good choices and cooler too. And we’ve all seen those viral Mexican blankets and Aztec blankets on Instagram.
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Pillows
Like choosing a good camper van mattress, pillows can have a big impact on your sleep quality at night. The firmness, material and height are all personal choices but very important ones based on what kind of sleeper you are.
Unfortunately pillows are one of the bulkier items you’ll need to store in your van, which will be a particular concern if you have a seating area that transforms into a bed, so if space really is a premium you might want to invest in a collapsible camping pillow like those at the bottom of this list.
Synthetic
Synthetic pillows, often made of polyester, are a cheap, breathable and non-allergic option, and possibly the most common type of pillow.
Buy on Amazon
Cost: £-££
Pros:
+ Budget friendly
+ Non-allergic material
Cons:
- Short lifespan
Feather
Feather pillows are a soft, luxurious option offering mouldable support for the head and neck, though unfortunately not cruelty-free.
Buy on Amazon
Cost: ££-£££
Pros:
+ Soft, mouldable support
+ Longer lifespan
+ Breathable
Cons:
- Prone to noise and odour
Memory foam
Memory foam offers firm support that moulds to the exact shape of the head and neck, although some people may find them too high or firm. Some may be infused with temperature-regulating gel to help with a cool night’s sleep, and others contain a shredded memory foam filling which moulds better than block foam.
Buy on Amazon
Cost: £-£££
Pros:
+ Hypoallergenic
+ Good contour support
Cons:
- Retains body heat
- Can be expensive
Gel
Gel pillows offer excellent neck support and a cooling effect throughout the night. They also have the advantage of being naturally moulded, dust mite and mildew resistant, as well as being allergen and chemical free.
Buy on Amazon
Cost: ££-££££
Pros:
+ Long lasting durability
+ Good neck and back support
+ Allows body cooling
Cons:
- Can be very expensive
Hybrid
At the cutting edge of pillow technology are hybrid pillows, offering a blend of patented technologies unique to each brand, combining multiple layers of material to provide customisable comfort, support and cooling. These also come with a hefty price tag being some of the most expensive pillows on this list, but a worthy investment for back and neck pain sufferers. Some of the most well known brands are Simba, Emma and Panda.
Buy on Amazon
Cost: £££-££££
Pros:
+ Long lasting durability
+ Good neck and back support
+ Allows body cooling
Cons:
- Can be very expensive
Latex
Latex pillows are firm and supportive like gel or memory foam, but with the added bonus of being natural and antimicrobial, made from the tropical rubber tree.
Buy on Amazon
Cost: ££-££££
Pros:
+ Most durable material
+ Allergen free and non toxic
+ Best possible support
Cons:
- Can be very expensive
- Fixed height and shape
Wool
Wool is an excellent choice for pillow stuffing as it is naturally antibacterial and damp resistant, as well as being organic, eco-friendly and surprisingly machine washable. The only downside is it comes with a hefty price tag, and is also not vegan friendly.
Buy on Amazon
Cost: ££-£££
Pros:
+ Natural material
+ Absorbs moisture
+ Regulates temperature
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Requires special care
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a somewhat unconventional pillow filling but it has the distinct advantage of being adjustable by removing some of the buckwheat hulls to achieve the correct height. This enables correct alignment of the head and neck for optimum comfort and the hulls allow airflow to pass through keeping the head cool- some neck pain sufferers swear by them.
Buy on Amazon
Cost: ££-££££
Pros:
+ Perfect for firm pillow sleepers
+ Superior support
Cons:
- Noisy
- Heavy
Inflatable
Inflatable pillows are a budget choice and really not a good option for any kind of long term use, however they are easily stowable and great for spontaneous weekend camping adventures.
Buy on Amazon
Cost: £
Pros:
+ Very cheap
Cons:
- Not made to last
Camping pillow
Camping pillows bridge the gap between a regular and inflatable pillow. Ideal for those looking to save space in their vans, but offering more comfort and support than an inflatable pillow, these pillows can be rolled up into a stuff sack, and once unrolled instantly fluff back up to their original shape.
Buy on Amazon
Cost: £-££
Pros:
+ Packs down very small
Cons:
- Not great for long term use
Installation guides for beds from youtube and post with each bed type above?/ finish with closing paragraph below
