Introduction to single bed campervans
Buying Advice
Single bed campervan layout guide
Perhaps you have twin beds at home or you want to be able to get out of bed easily without clambering over your partner.
Maybe you want flexibility for use of your campervan by different family members and friends. If this sounds familiar, a single bed layout could be the answer.
Iain Duff Content Editor: Campervan/Camping
Iain Duff Content Editor: Campervan/Camping
Why choose a single bed layout?
Fixed single beds are mounted at the very rear of the campervan. Usually, these have a big garage beneath, and many fold out of the way during the day, creating a large loading area for things like bikes or kayaks, with lashing points on the floor.
Sleeping arrangements
Most of the layouts offer the possibility to convert the singles into a giant double with a centre infill, giving you the choice of cosy double bed sleeping in winter and separate beds in summer, or the flexibility of using your campervan with friends and other family members.
Bed sizes are often an issue, as feet cannot usually overhang. Many have unequal-length mattresses, typically dictating ‘his and hers’ sleeping, but this is unhelpful if you’re both tall. Access is often via a couple of steps, which provide storage for things like shoes. The washroom is ahead of the bedroom and some extend into the aisle and have doors to close them off, creating an en suite or dressing room.
Storage considerations
Usually, there is a big garage below the bed, but this depends on how high the bed is. Low beds will offer more headroom for sitting up in bed but have less storage below; high beds will provide a big garage but headroom will be restricted. Look out for cupboards that will be uncomfortably low above your pillow, as it's surprising how many fixed single bed layouts don't allow you to sit up in bed.
Why choose a single bed campervan layout?
If you don’t want to be climbing over each other to get out of bed when nature calls in the middle of the night, then single beds could be the answer. Similarly, single beds are ideal if you sometimes go camping with different family members or friends.
Choose a single bed campervan because:
- We have twin single beds at home
- I need easy access in and out of bed
- We often travel to hot climates and want cooler sleeping arrangements
- I might go camping with friends or other family members sometimes
- Other family members might use our campervan
Top tips for buying a single bed layout campervan
Single bed layouts can suit couples that might sometimes go camping with other people besides their other half – perfect for dad and son weekend fishing trips, for example, and you can also have a big garage below to store all your tackle. Just be careful there’s enough payload if you’re also taking kayaks, bikes, etc.
Our top picks of single bed campervans
There’s a good choice of single bed van conversions on the market, especially from continental manufacturers, such as the Globecar Summit Prime 640, Globecar Campscout Elegance, Pilote V630LG Special Edition and Malibu Van Charming GT 640 LE RB.
