Caravan Bed Layouts Explained: Which One Is Right For You?

You’ll spend a third of your Big Lap in bed. On a trip that lasts 12 months, that’s 4 months of sleeping. The bed layout affects sleep quality, access (can you get in and out without waking your partner?), storage underneath, and how much van length the bedroom consumes. Showroom visits don’t reveal these things. You need to understand the options before you start comparing vans.

Island Bed

What it is: A bed with access from both sides, positioned centrally (usually at the front of the van) with walkways on each side.

The advantage: Both sleepers can get in and out independently. No climbing over each other for nighttime toilet trips. Easier to make. The most comfortable couple’s bed configuration by a significant margin.

The downside: Requires van width to accommodate walkways on both sides, which typically means a wider van (7’6″ or more) or a shorter bed. Consumes more floor space than a wall bed. Usually queen size (1500 x 2000mm) but can be slightly narrower in compact vans.

Best for: Couples. This is the preferred option for long-term travel if your van width allows it.

Wall Bed (One Side Against The Wall)

What it is: A bed positioned with one long side against the van wall. One person sleeps on the wall side, the other on the open side.

The advantage: Space-efficient. Only needs a walkway on one side, freeing up floor space for the bathroom, wardrobe, or storage. Common in narrower and shorter vans where an island bed doesn’t fit.

The downside: The wall-side sleeper has to climb over their partner to get out, or shuffle to the foot of the bed. Manageable for a weekend. Genuinely annoying every night for a year. Making the bed properly against the wall is also more difficult.

Best for: Compact vans where an island bed won’t fit, or single travellers.

East-West Bed (Across The Width)

What it is: A bed running across the width of the van rather than along the length. Typically positioned at the front or rear.

The advantage: Maximises the remaining van length for kitchen, bathroom, and living space. The bed takes up less “length” of the van because it runs sideways. Common in shorter vans (under 18 feet) where every centimetre of length matters.

The downside: Limited length. The interior width of most caravans is approximately 2.1 to 2.3 metres, which means the bed is shorter than a standard queen. Tall people (over 180cm) may find their feet touching or hanging off the end. Width is usually limited to double-bed size.

Best for: Shorter vans, people under 180cm tall, travellers who prioritise living space over bedroom space.

Drop-Down / Murphy Bed

What it is: A bed that folds up against the wall or into the ceiling when not in use, converting the bedroom area into additional living space during the day.

The advantage: Dual-purpose space. A small van can have both a liveable lounge area and a comfortable bed by converting between them. Clever use of limited space.

The downside: Daily conversion. Making and unmaking the bed every day is fine for the first week. By month three, it’s tedious. The mechanism adds weight and a potential failure point. Mattress quality is sometimes compromised by the folding mechanism.

Best for: Very compact vans where a permanent bed isn’t possible, or vans where daytime living space is prioritised.

Bunks

Bunks are covered separately as they’re primarily a children’s sleeping solution. See our dedicated guide for bunk configurations and recommendations.