Introduction to French bed campervans
Buying Advice
French bed campervan layout guide
A French bed refers to a fixed double bed arranged lengthways against a side wall of the ’van, either offside or nearside, often with a corner cut off to allow access to a washroom.
The French bed layout is a popular choice in the UK motorhome sector, and so it's started to make an appearance in panel van conversions. However, since campervans are narrower than coachbuilt motorhomes, choice is more limited.
Here, we take a look in detail at French bed campervan layouts.
Iain Duff Content Editor: Campervan/Camping
Iain Duff Content Editor: Campervan/Camping
Why a French bed layout?
The benefit of this floorplan is that you tend to get more living space in the front area. Two-berth models might have a large sofa along one side, while others have a dinette with a two-seated belted travel bench so that four can travel.
Sleeping arrangements
There are some important factors to consider when choosing: because most French beds share space in the rear with the washroom alongside, the ratio of bed to washroom is crucial. A 4ft-wide bed will leave a little over 2ft for the washroom. However good the bed, the sleeper next to the wall will have to climb over their partner to reach the loo.
Then there’s the washroom door. Sliding or tambour doors often work best, but you still need room to access the ablutions, so the bed usually narrows towards the foot to make space. This ‘chopped off’ corner can see the sleeper on that side with a leg dangling.
Storage considerations
Check out the underbed storage capacity carefully because some can be very cluttered with heaters, water tanks and the like, which will limit what you can store under here. Access through the rear doors can also vary, so check how easy it is to get at the underbed storage area.
Why choose a French bed campervan layout?
A French bed refers to a fixed double bed arranged lengthways against a side wall of the campervan, either offside or nearside. One corner is usually 'cut off' in order to allow access to a washroom. The advantage is that you often get a spacious lounge or a dinette with a travel bench for two passengers.
Choose because:
- We want a fixed double bed
- We only need a two-berth campervan
- Having a space up front is important
- I don't want to make up beds every night
- We like an en suite-style bedroom
Top tips for buying a French bed layout campervan
Lie on the bed with your partner and check that you’ll both be happy with the size and shape of the bed, as well as access from duvet to washroom in the night.
Our top picks of French bed campervans
For British-built models, check out the Auto-Sleeper Kingham, Elddis Autoquest CV60 and Swift Select 164.
If you’re after a continental campervan, consider Rapido’s V62.
