Single bed campervan layout guide

Introduction to single bed campervans

Fixed single beds are fitted in a number of panel van conversions, some as short as 6m overall, although most are around 6.4 metres. Although very popular today, this layout is a relatively recent development, so it’s scarcer in older used campervans. Single bed layouts are popular on the Continent, so you'll mainly find them in the ranges of German, French and Italian brands.

Why 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.

A typical single bed campervan layout:

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 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

Our 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.

Single bed campervan videos

Here are some of our Campervan magazine videos featuring single bed layouts. We hope you enjoy watching them as much as we enjoyed making them. It you like them and want to support the making of more videos like these, then don't forget to 'Like' or 'Subscribe' as it really helps us - thank you!

Reviews of single bed campervans

Here are some of our Campervan magazine reviews of some popular single bed campervans.

Finished reading?

Find out more about campervan layouts with our complete campervan layouts guide.

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