Buying a Motorhome: Fixed Bed Layouts

Fixed beds

There are five key types of fixed bed layouts:

Transverse double bed
Often have large storage area below - sometimes big enough for bikes (below right) or scooters - which is also known as a garage layout.
Size of garage depends on how high the bed is - the higher the bed the more difficult the access and less headroom; the lower the bed the less storage space there is
Some beds can be raised (manually or electrically) to increase storage or lowered to improve access and headroom.
Some motorhomes (the largest A-class models only) have enough space below the transverse double bed for a small car (Smartfortwo, Fiat 500 etc) as shown on the right
There are van conversions with this layout now, but lounge space is often just a half dinette. The mattress folds up out of the way for increased multi-functionality. Store bikes here while on the road.

French bed
Also referred to as a longitudinal double bed
Usually has long, narrow washroom adjacent
Bed is at domestic height, with smaller storage locker below.
Storage underneath can be accessed by external access hatch or by lifting bed base up (usually on gas struts)
Bottom corner of bed is cut off to allow access to washroom, although the amount varies between motorhomes
The person sleeping next to the wall will have to climb over a partner to get in and out of bed in the night
Sometimes the washbasin is outside the washroom
In smaller versions the lounge and kitchen can be compromised, with just a half dinette and small cooking area.

Island bed
Fixed double bed at the rear, with access to each side of the bed
Most have storage beneath, but often only with access form the inside. There are only a few models (often very large motorhomes) with garage space beneath
Often have his and hers wardrobes on either side of the bed
Can have door allowing you to completely close off the bedroom area
Usually larger motorhomes with separate showers
The relatively recent motorhome layout on the right has a sideways island bed with a washroom at the rear. The bed usually has a mechanism that allows it to slide out of the way offering improved access to the washroom during the day.

Single beds
The most common motorhome layout of this kind is high-level single beds at the rear with 'garage' space below that often is ample enough for bikes, as shown on the right

On some models you can access the garage space from inside as well as out
Access is normally via a small staircase
Look out for models that have flexible mattresses that can raise up at the head-end to allow you to sit up in bed comfortably
There is another layout of this type, with low-level single beds either side of a central aisle that leads to an across-the-rear washroom (shown far right). This doesn't have that large garage space but the washroom is generally more spacious and headroom is better.

Bottom bunk folds up to create storage space big enough for one or two bikes
Two main layouts; side bunks (shown right), have a wshroom adjacent and rear bunks (shown far right)

FRONT LOUNGE LAYOUT
REAR LOUNGE LAYOUT

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