Introduction to transverse bed campervans
Buying Advice
Transverse bed campervan layout guide
The transverse bed layout is the oldest of all fixed bed formats and a best seller on the Continent, so you'll find this floorplan in van conversions from most major manufacturers.
As a tried-and-tested design, campervans with a transverse fixed bed are popular both on the Continent and in the UK.
Built typically on the Fiat Ducato because it's slightly wider than similar panel vans, you’ll find this format in van conversions from almost all of the major European brands – not just campervan specialists like Dreamer, Globecar and Westfalia but also names better known for their motorhomes, including Hobby, Hymer, Knaus, Pilote and Rapido.
Iain Duff Content Editor: Campervan/Camping
Iain Duff Content Editor: Campervan/Camping
Why a transverse fixed bed layout?
If you’re in the market for something that’s compact with maximum storage space in the boot for bulky sports gear or bikes, for example, or if you want a van conversion with the comfort of a fixed double bed, this could be the layout for you.
Sleeping arrangements
Bed length is a key factor to consider. Widthways beds can sometimes be short, (minimum length is usually at least 1.83m) as these berths occupy the full breadth of the vehicle, and don’t forget that the person sleeping against the wall will have to clamber over their partner for a night-time loo visit.
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.
In a typical transverse bed campervan layout, beds usually split and fold (or sometimes rise all-of-a-piece electrically), thus allowing the loading of taller items, such as bikes. If this aspect is important then check out how each manufacturer has developed the storage area, as they differ in practicality.
Storage considerations
This layout is as much about the storage below the bed as the bed itself and these models often boast some of the most spacious garages found in campervans, which is handy if you often carry bulky items.
Panel van conversions also have the advantage of rear barn doors that open wide to receive your holiday gear in their underbed load areas, too.
Why choose a transverse bed campervan layout?
A transverse bed layout is about bed comfort as well as the storage space below, which is great for storing camping clobber but make sure you can easily get in and out of bed, as it might be positioned quite high up. This layout is usually only found on Fiat Ducato conversions, as this base vehicle is just wide enough to accommodate a transverse bed.
Choose a transverse bed layout because
- I want a comfortable fixed double bed at the back
- I often carry things like bikes and kayaks
- I need easy access to the storage area through the barn doors
- It's my only vehicle so I need a daily driver/campervan
- I like Fiat Ducato-based continental campervan designs
Top tips for buying a transverse bed layout campervan
Van conversions with rear beds adopt different methods of folding/raising the bed for large loads – try before you buy.
Compare load area dimensions, too, with the bed down and with it stored – they vary more than you’d think.
Our top picks of transverse bed campervans
There’s a huge choice of van conversions with transverse rear beds, mostly in 6m panel vans, but also the shorter 5.4m Fiat Ducato-based vans from brands like Globecar and Malibu.
Note that there aren’t really any alternatives to the Ducato base vehicle because it’s slightly wider than the VW Crafter or Ford Transit, for example, making the Fiat just wide enough to accommodate a transverse bed.
