Motorhome island bed layout

The island bed layout

Why an island bed?

So, you want a permanent double bed, but you can’t live with the access issues posed by a French bed or transverse double? This is the answer. An island bed is like your double at home, with access to the mattress on either side. It can be found in coachbuilts of all types. Typical overall lengths are around 7.5m but more compact designs (down to 6.5m and, increasingly, around 7m) do exist. French brands especially favour island bed layouts (whereas German makers tend to focus more on single bed floorplans).

Lots of choice

At the front, you can choose between half-dinette lounges and side settees. The latter are increasingly common, with most continental manufacturers now offering settees that can be converted into a pair of forward-facing travel seats – some doing this transformation rather better than others! UK layouts with side settees don’t usually adapt, so offer no rear travel seats (except in Bailey’s new Adamo).

Great storage

As with all fixed bed layouts, underbed storage is a key feature. This can be a bike-swallowing garage if the bed is set high enough. A number of models have bed raising/lowering mechanisms (manual or electric) to change the locker-size-to-bed-height ratio, but remember that you’ll almost certainly want to move your bikes outside and lower the bed to a more comfortable height for your kip.

Check access space

The size of the bed and the access around it are two issues that need checking – brochure figures cannot always be trusted. Beds can be short and/or with a radiused foot, while space for undressing can be lacking, too. Some have a mechanism that sees the head of the bed rise as the mattress moves back – thus creating more space for getting dressed, while making sitting up in bed easy and comfortable. But, if this is the case, do look carefully at how much room there is around the foot of the bed when it’s fully extended for sleeping.

Bathroom variations

The best island bed floorplans feature an en suite washroom with the shower on one side and the toilet/washroom on the other, with a door that closes across the aisle to create a generous full-width en suite. Here, again, it’s space that separates the good from the not so good. Also, look for a second door that gives privacy between the bedroom and the bathroom, especially if you’re intending to use your motorhome as a four-berth.

Much more unusual is a central washbasin design, where the basin is mounted on the reverse side of a wall at the foot of the bed. This wall is perfect for mounting a bedroom TV, but now bed length is even more important as your feet can’t overhang. Also, shutting off the toilet and/or shower for privacy can be more convoluted with this design.

There are also layouts with island beds running across the vehicle (mainly from UK manufacturers), though bathroom facilities are then rarely as good. Itineo has come up with one of the best transverse island bed designs yet seen, which also incorporates a large garage beyond the bedroom.

Space-saving compromises

And another variation is the semi-island or offset island bed, where there is more limited access to one side of the bed – this is a space-saving compromise between a true island bed and a French bed.

Finally, if you don’t want your bed taking up this much room, you could go for Bürstner’s drop-down island bed, where the bed’s space is replaced by a sofa in the daytime.

Search our motorhome buyers database

Information on thousands of models

Looking for the perfect motorhome? Search our extensive database of thousands of makes and models. An almost complete database with everything you could ever want to know about virtually every motorhome.

Island bed models

We have even done the search part for you. Just click below to see all our island bed models:

• Island bed motorhomes

Buying your first motorhome?

If you are buying your first motorhome, then this special edition is for you. It has everything you need to guide you through choosing a layout, all the new models, what to look out for and how to get the best price. It also includes everything you need to know as a new motorhome owner about maintenance, insurance, practical advice and so much more...

Find out more about Buying Your First Motorhome magazine special edition:

Buying Your First Motorhome   

Expert motorhome advice to your door!

Why not subscribe to one of our fabulous magazines and get expert advice, travel ideas, technical help and all the latest news for your motorhome and your motorhome adventures!