(photo courtesy of Dethleffs)
Maybe you have twin beds at home, or perhaps you prefer to sleep apart in the summer heat, or you just want flexibility for use of the ’van by different family members or friends.
If so, single beds are the answer.
Words by Rachel Scholes and Peter Vaughan
The single bed layout
(photo by Warners Group Publications)
These layouts are typically in motorhomes of around 7m to 7.5m.
However, there are also many van conversions with fixed single beds, some even as short as 6m overall (though many more are around 6.4 metres) and single bed layouts feature in a number of compact, narrow-bodied low-profile coachbuilts, especially from German manufacturers.
There are two basic types of single bed layout. Most common are models with their beds mounted at the very rear of the ’van.
Usually, these have a big garage beneath, although a small minority of manufacturers offer the choice of high or low-level beds. In ‘low bed’ form, night-time access is easier but the storage space below is considerably reduced.
High bed versions are mostly approached by stair-style steps but not all suit those with shorter legs and some leave inadequate headroom to sit comfortably on the bed.
(photo by Warners Group Publications)
Most of the layouts with beds right at the rear of the motorhome offer the possibility to convert the singles into a giant double with a centre infill, giving you the possibility of cosy double bed sleeping in winter and separate beds in summer.
But access is rarely anything like as easy in double bed format and often requires a ladder. Ablutions sit forward of the beds with the same opportunity for en suite facilities as in island bed models.
Secondly, there are layouts with across-the-rear bathroom facilities, with low beds placed immediately forward of the ablutions. These work best for couples, as bathroom access is through the bedroom.
Bed sizes can be an issue as feet cannot usually overhang. Remember, too, that many models have unequal-length mattresses, typically dictating ‘his and hers’ sleeping. Look out, also, for lockers that will be uncomfortably low above your pillow, preventing sitting up in bed.
Why should I buy one?
- ✔ Flexible sleeping as singles often convert to double
- ✔ Huge garage storage on high-bed model
- ✔ Plenty of choice of new models, especially from German brands
Top choices of 2024
- Frankia Now (low-profile)
- Hymer ML-T 580 (low-profile, optional 4x4)
- Westfalia Columbus 640 E (campervan)
