10 (MORE) INGENIOUS BED DESIGNS For Your Van Conversion

[@SelectKiko]

nothing like watching someone show you their ingenious bed design that's so complex they're out of breath by the end of it. so clever

[@akekestory493]

😂 ik some of these are complicated.

[@AnaTorres-kd9pb]

@@akekestory493 and very narrow 😩😅 I don't think I could sleep on them and not to mention privacy for intimacy 🙈🙉🙊

[@questioner1596]

I think it depends on how you use it. If you drive or exercise all day and just want to crawl into bed, then you want something permanently made up. If you're hanging around one campsite most of your trip, having versatile space makes more sense.

[@alexchin1795]

I agree these bed builds are way too complicated to make up. The way I designed my bed is a tri fold with a trifold mattress, so at the end of the day I just slide it down and the bed is already made. Super easy. Hard to build though.

[@judithjeffers7666]

These are for folks with kids. That said I want to know where’s the toilet.

[@brin57]

Some great ideas there. I have noticed a lot of folks shut off access to the front cab. Having done a few years of van life and quite a bit of wild camping, there have been a few occasions where making a quick egress has been necessary, due to sketchy situations. Which would not have been possible safely, if we had to exit the van. Just something for people to think about when designing. Having said that, if you only plan on using camp grounds or van parks, this would most likely not be an issue.

[@esval3054]

I agree.

[@summermercier1901]

Indoor access to the driver's seat, for me, is a must

[@stughume8916]

Had a situation where the rear doors of my transit wouldn't open, had to get through to the front and put the key in the ignition to get them open. Would still be in there if I'd left the bulkhead in😂

[@matthiashepworth6583]

100%. For security reasons, it is a must to be able to drive away from any undesirables who may be pestering you.

[@DehydratedHumor]

I know myself well enough to know if I didn't have a fixed bed I would end up sleeping on the couch/bench or floor half the time

[@billiejean3504]

I would just leave the bed made all the time and pretend it was a fixed bed

[@zataha3]

Yeah some of those are too much to do every night

[@pamelakilponen3682]

@@zataha3 that flip bed too much of a chore! at night when you are so tired the last thing I would want to do is make up a bed.

[@cubemissy]

That’s why I’d want. twin bed, and it would double as a couch.

[@kalenagy]

😀😀

[@kittywampusdrums]

Reinforce the walls and string a hammock. Best space saver bed you can have.

[@ForteanEnquirer]

Yes I can’t understand why there are so few films of vans with hammocks

[@ForteanEnquirer]

Also if you get a South American style hammock they are really comfortable

[@yazuzya]

And your whole beautiful life in a van turns into a constant assembly and disassembly of the bed.

[@evecarrington562]

Yep...not as easy and carefree as they make it out to be. Don't even mention for many of these builds that they don't even include a bathroom with a shower.

[@nealtran6844]

I like your channel for solving a particular design issue in van life, such as bed, shower, kitchen, security. Not like other channels, your channel is more like a library where viewers can screen quite a few designs and pick the one that suits them.

[@penelope-oe2vr]

I'm not making room for guests when I build my van. The entire point is to get away from people. And beds with joins in them absolutely stink to sleep on.

[@HockeyCraig]

I concur. Lived on a boat and used the dinette as the bed. As I slept I would sink between the seams in the cushions. Not very comfortable.

[@Jennifer-bs6oy]

You darn right no people

[@rollinhome2]

We build these for the R

[@rollinhome2]

If we're commited to lengthy travels..2 people max in the medium vans.. Fully functional interiors that has a solid bed is a must..none of these split cushions ..shared with the dinnete or other..I'm not a traveling 12 step program holding meetings in my van.. I am considering a bunk (traveling alone..bout 54" high..functional mechanics n storage under..some kitchen components under the non ladder end This is the layout I'm looking for pictures of ...if any one has such..

[@Greenwitch_Garden]

😅my thoughts exactly.

[@unimog404]

Things I learned from this video! Fixed bed! No building a bed! No sections Matras :D Rebuilding your bed is fun for 3 times :)

[@professorweeto]

The slats one at the end is a great space saving idea.

[@KOTW.Adventures]

I've watched both videos and there are some amazing ideas, but I still think a fixed bed is the best option. Unless you have a really small van. You can always sit outside under an awning!

[@Afett111]

Even in the winter?

[@KOTW.Adventures]

@@Afett111 I live in Australia, so yes... ;-)

[@Coldgroove-S]

Just got a kings awning, first one ever owned man I love it, and yes can definitely do winter with an outdoor set up in aus

[@darkquintet1047]

@@Afett111 winter is just a word, winters are different in other places, so try be clear in what your 'asking'

[@tornaider]

Not if u live in fricking snow all year.. or even not all year.. if u live a place that gets snow ... The whole build has to change

[@guthmanb]

We've used this kzbin.infoUgkxwY_GQlMmFUAMhEN7rwfizj6Pi1RPnF_8 travel bed for our toddler multiple times while traveling, since she just moved out of the crib and wasn't comfortable with her in bed yet. She has slept great in it every time!

[@johnh1001]

This is very funny ! ! ! Starting at about time 7:20 we all can see your overalls have a pocket in the front , but there isn't a button hole eyelet . If these were to be North American overalls , there would be an eyelet at the top of that front pocket . This was used to put a little metal "T" into . Then you clipped your pocket watch onto that little T and then the watch went into your front pocket . Wah La ! ! ! No more lost watch ! Have a Good one !

[@BadgersInTheAttic]

There's some very clever engineering on display here, but honestly, I can't see myself faffing around with all that rigmarole every single night. Fixed bed, or bed lift for me, thanks.

[@annettefournier9655]

Lots of options. Great. I couldn't sleep on those multiple cushions. The, seams and crevices where they meet is nightmare to me. Different strokes.

[@robby.barron]

annette fournier same! They aren’t great to sleep on and I went for a different option in my van build

[@Bethanjbjrs]

I think it can work depending how it is laid out. I've heard people say that where they are jammed tightly together with no chance to move and there is memory foam the gaps are not obvious. I also think it depends where the gaps are compared to your body. It is much more noticeable under your butt than under your knees for instance. We have two twin mattresses, occasionally we sleep sideways if someone tall is in the van and needs more leg room. The gap ends up in the small of my back and I can't feel it there. The ones where there are tons of tiny ones jammed in together don't look fun though. Also some people put a thin topper on top before they make their bed which can help.

[@QuirkyTJones]

Yes especially the ones for the sofa beds 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ Definitely no comfort

[@johnbarclay88]

The roll-out slats get my vote.

[@NyraPope]

What the crap homegirl has the kids sleeping on the counter that’s crazy and so so so smart ! she saving so much space !

[@jimeckert607]

I like the mechanical bed. Thanks for the variety of beds and how they function.

[@louis9231]

Your name's Nate Murphy and you did a van bed vid without a Murphy bed? Lol Nice designs. Planning my first low budget van for later this year, thanks for all the ideas

[@Sarah.VilasBoas]

The #2 is definitely my favorite. Really clever and gets best of both worlds.

[@nisley5276]

This video and also the part 1 video of van bed designs have absolutely convinced me I want a fixed bed! The storage you get on both sides underneath looks awesome!

[@billyray323]

The Jigsaw bed was a great idea, especially attracted to that feature, because it would be great for smaller vans. Well done all of you 🇬🇧🥂🍾

[@k-town873]

2002: Watching MTV Cribs, dreaming of luxurious mansions 2020: Watching Van Conversions

[@justrobin1234]

2002: Young, hopeful and idealistic imagining that you too can, if you just work hard enough, reach the upper echelons of society and be part of the top 0.01% that own luxury mansions. 2020: Older, wiser, dreams mostly crushed, resigned to living in a van (lmao don't take this too seriously, Nate has it right!)

[@LZmiljoona]

@@justrobin1234 2020: Older, wiser, and know that the experiences a van can give you outweigh the materialistic possesion of a mansion (I know you're joking, and I'm also not completely serious ;) )

[@justrobin1234]

@@LZmiljoona Absolutely!

[@YogaBlissDance]

I know right!

[@immortalsofar5314]

2006: Quit my job, got my first RV to live in (used), lived on land keeping chickens and goats and never looked back. 2020: Converting a van from scratch to get around the lousy design of commercial RVs.

[@lavanyatagra4608]

Thanks!

[@NateMurphy]

Thank you so much!

[@grandmasmagic3858]

after watching for various ideas of beds it suddenly came to mind, how about a bed that fully folds out from the back door..?? I'm an Aussie and we have a Jayco Expanda where the beds come out from either end of the caravan leaving the body of it for living..you could probably do the same concept coming out of the back door when you open it..the beds have a canvas awning which comes out as well and held up with a fold out frame..in our caravan we have a king size bed in the front (mine) and queen in the back (brothers)..I'm sure with some thinking a similar idea could be incorporated into the van..

[@laurawalsh2829]

Love the very last bunk design! Great use of space for adults with minimal work. Otherwise, a fixed bed works for me!

[@msfelika]

Thank you for such a wonderful well thought out channel I’m a 57 yr old women and have been wanting to go tiny living either RV, bus or van and you have provided a lot of reasons why van living might be best for me and my dog and cat

[@irisqueen4376]

Thanks Nate! Between the 2 videos I'm surprised you left out the van with the Murphy Bed.

[@jesselowe5346]

Idk how people sleep on beds made of multiple cushions, you always end up sleeping in the gap between them

[@adinashaina9977]

A few of those had really good feel to them, open, well designed. Impressive. Also like the idea of trying out a quirky camper.

[@MrZrazies]

I used #7 lol. I’m 5’10. I wanted to sleep across in back of the van but not enough room so came up idea just like #7. It works pretty well. Couch and bed. Also more room for my tote boxes under it. Simple. Just what I like.

[@chocolaterain2977]

fixed bed fan here fixed bed all the wayyyyyyy

[@gungfuriceboy]

your 'Fixed'...King size Bed...at the 'START'...is the 'BEST'!!!

[@SilverfoxJB]

I was designing my perfect camper last week and #2 was totally the bed and seating area I decided on. I'm glad it's a thing

[@judyintheburg]

2:55 "we've had six around it" with your cute accent made me giggle

[@nassimorousseau6914]

haha same ! (I was looking for this commentary before writing it :)

[@tempchannel3885]

@@nassimorousseau6914 #metoo

[@SanneBerkhuizen]

@@nassimorousseau6914 same

[@Beasthornen]

I got some really good ideas from this video! Awesome thanks!!! Also, take a drink everything you here "basically", "literally", and "technically".

[@BEETSEEKA]

No to having to pull out those complex sleep systems night after night. Defiantly nope. But cool for a stationary setting. Thanks

[@2fernandi]

Very sturdy, and easy to clean.Excellent product

[@florencepearson1550]

Nice now where's the bathroom

[@1bsbsbsbs]

Vanners wear depends.

[@forestnymphconfessions3596]

Walmart, rest areas, parks, campgrounds....then there is always a composting toilet. 😁

[@taylorcasey6406]

There’s something called “bush”

[@atlas3191]

@@forestnymphconfessions3596 I wanna get a composting toilet, I don't trust my body enough to not have a reliable place to toliet in my future van.

[@neonrainbow9033]

HAULT you are going into Class B camper van /RV territory. would you like to proceed? [ Y E S ] [ N O ]

[@sharonbaker2775]

I loved watching your video. I’m a camper at heart, and I got a lot of good ideas from it. Thank you.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Option 2 is exactly what I'd do. I want both and I want it easy to get either sofa or bed mode. I would even make it so I can press a button and it'll go on its own without me having to stay there and press the button. So just press the button, brush your teeth, bed. Quite like #7 too, though I'd just sleep upstairs all the time.

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

I have watched a lot of van conversion videos and I have yet to see anybody address the need to be able to exit the vehicle quickly in a fire, especially if you were asleep in bed. All you need to do is to visit an auto junkyard and look at the vans that have burned to know that by the time the fire department gets to your vehicle it may be a burnt shell of metal. If you wake up to a smoke-filled van you’re gonna want to go out the back doors if that’s where your bed is, before being overcome by smoke. Many beds have been placed right up against the rear doors and so high from the floor that I wonder if it’s even possible to open the doors with the bed in place. If your bed is located back there and it’s pot not possible to open the back doors with the bed and place then you need to re-design your bed location. Also, you should place a second smoke detector inside any cabinets that contain your batteries and or major electrical components so that you get an early warning if there’s an electrical fire. Practice exiting your van in complete darkness so that you don’t know what to do if you wake up to a smoke-filled van.

[@Amit_Kumar_Trivedi]

2nd design appeals the most to me

[@morphergaming0531]

By far the best vid on bed buildout ideas.

[@alinic721]

Watched tonnes of videos looking for inspiration on how to have a fixed bed and a good social area. Love your design. So simple but brilliant. Annoyed never thought of it haha

[@carolwigglesworth2439]

how about a van build with just a single bed. when i build mine i will be traveling alone. No need for a giant bed

[@PixiBoii]

It's so easy to design a van for one or even two, there are a million ways to do it. Need space for three or four, now that's a challenge.

[@avalon_is_awesome2262]

Exactly even single ppl have king or queen beds but a double is way smaller imagine what you could fit

[@garyphisher7375]

What if you get lucky?

[@yorkshirej2219]

You could fit a bath and loads more storage in with the extra space you save with a single bed

[@cvcoco]

@@garyphisher7375 Then things will be extra cozy which, lets face it, is a longshot for a lot of people so why design and suffer for it? Answer? Go to her van (?)

[@beckyelliott2871]

I like simple to make up beds, like fold down Murphys, sofa sleepers.and futons are easier to put sheets and blankets on and transitions to a setting or fold out of the way.

[@beckyelliott2871]

Each of these bed arrangements gives alot of ideas to think about, and what each van dweller has to use their own situation to consider - so much to “sleep on”🙀😸 I saw a video where the owners, a retired couple, had a cute arrangement where they had a bench seating - the lower bench seat was also the lower bed, with a Murphy bed flipped up and was secured to be the bed of the other person. The reason behind this was that the one on the lower bunk needed to get up at night to visit the bathroom. It was easier to have the

[@DeborahLong7777]

Great ideas Nate ! Love the one that comes down, you have your couch, table, bed is ready to get into!!! Awesome!

[@MrNosslo]

your solution seems the best I think. Still building on our house, but when that is finished (if ever) .....Once we transformed a little Renault r4 into our travelling home and spent a good time going around former Jugoslavia (and other countries since we travelled fro m Sweden) . All cooking and stuff like that outside of coarse, but it really worked out fine. Now we´re much older so demands are higher but not to high. A fixed bed is almost necessary at our age though..Well, just wanted express my apreciation of your ideas presented in your videos ! A bit hard to keep it short and stringent..might be another age factor :)

[@whatthefuckity9029]

the mechanical bed is exactly what I've been looking for! I wanted a fixed bed and a seating area. I was thinking it would be cool to put the bed above the cab but most vans don't have space there. the mechanical bed is a perfect solution! im sure its expensive though

[@MrBizarro9000]

+2k bucks

[@cameronbryan2088]

Build your own the motors and bearings cost a bit but everything else can near enough be scavenged or a pulley system to cut the motors out :)

[@Therapistinthewhitehouse]

cameron bryan If you went old school you could do it for the cost of 4 block and tackle a couple of cleats and some rope. You’d also be able to level the bed easily when parked on a slope.

[@ariane44199]

Actually Ladislav Jecminek has built hers for really cheap. She shows how to do it in one of her KZbin videos. You may want to check it out. 😄

[@jamespasifull]

Fixed bed systems seem ideal, but in fact they're a bit of a space-eating luxury!! If your only headache is having to put your bed together, at the end of the day, then you're doing ok, I think! At least you've got a bit of elbow room, until sleep time! 😁

[@BigRedUS]

Some of these beds look so uncomfortable.

[@dexstewart2450]

Fixed, Queen after watching this

[@blupoppy608]

they are all great ideas, nice but the Jigsaw bed and bunk is a really great idea, the bunks to be used multifunctional, excellent idea!! and so cute :)

[@oskarstaudte]

Ok the first one is actually kinda genius, the fact that the plug is only for the feet is really cool. Might consider that option for a future vanbuild

[@Willleo661]

I think the counter top bed with simple and effective safety “net” is genius!

[@cvcoco]

@William Leoppky Oh yeah great until you have to get up to pee at night and find yourself sleepily trapped. Then you will stop using it. Then you wake up at night and fall out because you sleepily forgot its a long way to the ground. So you broke your ankle but luckily you have ready transportation to take yourself to the ER.

[@jillw.2524]

All are Awesome beds.. no complaints here.

[@CaffeineJogger]

Complicated bed competition. Your so exhausted after setting up the bed you drop off to sleep.

[@orrgazmo]

4:05 Don’t want to sound like a smart ass But that’s definitely more than 5 seconds 😂 Great idea though, love it 👍

[@Hobbit883]

Gleich mal ein like da lassen! Zwei meiner favorites zusammen! Da freu ich mich aufs gucken!!

[@niahoward1920]

Great ideas! Women Really need to watch that Vocal-Frye !!

[@Tooma1979]

That last one with the long bolt bunk bed that has the top bunk drop down to make a long bench fantastic idea, to be honest I need a van as much as a camper so I would make the bottom one on a long bolt as well so I could drop both the top and the bottom to create a van most of the time if I have the kids make both bunk beds up back to work drop both top and bottom to create a van again cheers for the idears buddy

[@forestnymphconfessions3596]

I wish there were a convenient way to make a bed in a camper. No joke, I've been known to put multiple sets of sheets on so I can just peel them up one by one, lol.

[@themercurialmoxie]

The last one was clever and easy. Nice!

[@charlie123866]

i did a 3ft sliding bed that sits above two bench seats when fully open..when bed is closed its a dining area.i built the bench seats first, one eack side 6 feet long.then made sliding bed to straddle both benches..then just fold over the 4 inch memory foam mattress.where the bed slides out theres a slide out table too..it can in theory now sleep 4 to 6 people in a lwb vauxhall movano ex minibus.

[@kirstysewell367]

Number 9 I love the layout. Better to have a bed already made up. I'm also obsessed with Insta camper van ideas 😀

[@TheblackMoon1444]

Agree 👍🏻!

[@jhare18]

I prefer #3 the fixed triple bed bunks which could be adjusted a little for three adults. Coupled with good sized Wet Bathroom in a 5m Van for me would be perfect. The remaining space would be for a small dresser (hanger and folded) small fridge, kitchen sink and small burner. Other items can be bagged or tucked somewhere inside the van. I liked #3.

[@nomadicmillennials4577]

Great bed setups! Especially the bed lift one😉

[@NateMurphy]

Thanks again for letting us feature your bed. It's such a cool idea!!

[@lilymae859]

Brilliant and unique designs!! ❤️

[@racheljoanfleming159]

I am 'The Princess and the Pea" so the sectional beds do not work for me...however love the fixed bed options. Great ideas for storage as well. Well done.

[@barbarafarrington7146]

Happy trac is a great idea. It gives extra room for others, but the draw back is you can’t stand up in your space. A bit claustrophobia. Triple bunk is a super idea for kids, but now you have no place for storage. In the end I still have to go with a pull out couch in the back, like most larger companies use in their builds along with pull out food storage. As people age,life happens and they are no longer able to climb up into beds and go to a lot of lifting and trouble just to get comfortable in a bed.

[@naturalnat3452]

Numbers 5 and 10 are so cool and so creative!! wth??

[@k.j.2481]

To all of you American English speaking people, at 2:57 he said , We've had Six around it." Thank goodness for close captions.

[@1973Grejluder]

3 more solutions. A) If the passenger seat is removed then it would be able to take advantage of the space occupied by the seat. The part of the bed that will replace the seat, could be used for one's legs. And then have some sort of murphy bed for the upper body. The side door is not in use when sleeping. B) Depending on how tall you are solution A can also be used in the driver's side. Here it simply requires that the seat can rotate and the steering column can be changed. C) If you are not very tall again, you could have a murphy bed that folds down and in the front seats. Here it's also required that the seat can rotate and the steering column can be changed.

[@MarisaAndChew]

I couldn't do the multiple cushion beds, I need a real mattress, especially if I'm going to do it long term! I struggle to keep up with straightening my blankets daily never mind putting 7 cushions back in place locking things etc all to make it feel like a living area.

[@BrigitteGoodman]

If I had to spend half an hour every day fixing all my velcro mattresses I'd rather stay at home for the holidays. Holidays with kids should be much easier for mummy.

[@coratheexplorer1824]

Very clever design.. Amazing, I'm going to change my bed design make it higher so I will have more storage.

[@NateMurphy]

🎓. The Van Conversion Course; www.diyhero.me/ 📖 The Ebook Guide: bit.ly/2WERxIN Don’t forget to Subscribe for more! Thanks

[@luistingsonjr.7748]

the no.2 and 3 are very very good idea amazing it can sleep many ang carry more passenger...

[@Ryanpeasebum]

21:30 I lo0ve the deployable slats.

[@nadinemarchand7288]

Super ingenious to extend space thanks to share your super ideas could use also for mini houses tiny house bungalows. Really thanks

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Happy jack #1 for me I need to do that in my house.

[@cherrierichardson1032]

Love that table!

[@NewKidsOnTheFrags]

I think Murphy Bed is the best for motorhome. Air bed is another good idea, too.

[@TheblackMoon1444]

Number 9 for me is much more better and beautiful idea! 😎

[@NateMurphy]

Check out our last video - 10 more bed designs for van converisons here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5K7hq2QeKmbo5I

[@sherrytrunick9106]

Io

[@morganfalkdesigns]

Love the slats...very clever.

[@jimocean8158]

It’s a very useful video, thanks a lot!

[@GreatGrannyFreeBird]

love the twin to double options!

[@NiklasRi]

I like the 2nd most but the idea for the first bed of the last van was really cool

[@membear]

If I lived in a van I would not be doing a lot of entertaining. I would have like zero people over.

[@longhairmullet]

membear 😆

[@JazzyBlackNettah]

👍🏾

[@jujubaloolian]

I mean if you're going camping with friends it would be nice, kinda like an RV camper

[@QuirkyTJones]

No one other than any additional people who live with me 🤣🤣🤣

[@akekestory493]

Living in a van is something I do with 1 other person. I'd live an rv with other peeps though

[@germanevision]

Well, I have learnt in the last 15 years that people actually make a place worth living. If people are good even slums can be good, and a luxury apartment can be a place you don't want to come home to if people are bad. I am going to design a wide-body 23-feet long Force Traveller 4020 to travel with at least seven friends in India. After researching for a year I found the bed for eight is the most challenging part but not impossible. There should be convertible bunk beds of 7'x8' at the centre of the van (not rear). One will drop down from the roof and the other would be U-shaped bench seats converted. I also would have two 250-litre water tanks below the bed. My only worry is will the 22-seater van be capable of moving with such a load especially when driving up a hill.

[@ericskarl5855]

I like number 8 the best and the lattice bed part in number 9. Won't need the bunk beds. I figure I can always add the pop top of needed.

[@rohtati1020]

#'s 6 & 9 are the best choices since you don't have to assemble/disassemble, twist this, pull that, hide this, screw that, etc., and by the time you have the bed all set and done, you're too....

[@benedibrava]

crazy the bed is that big, specially if you are on van by yourself

[@WRECKERMANDAN]

Nice vids. Just watched the first. Im building an E350 right now. Thanks for some great ideas! 👍

[@eleanorcramer7986]

Like the bunk beds that top one can fold down to be couch back

[@Squarekn0t]

Nate, Mom always said "Make Your Bed". she was serious and no bankers and mash if you didn't. By the way it was well known in our family. the Murphy Bed was a place we had to hide Da when he came home from the pub wid da Black & Tans chasing him!

[@DutchAussieProductions]

Thanks for the top notch videos Nate. I am full of ideas for our van again. You have a new subscriber.

[@Lmt1wp]

Would appreciate knowing the wheelbase with each setup intro. For example the happy jack system is rumored to only be supportable by a dually or 3500 wheelbase. Thanks!

[@immortalsofar5314]

7:20 - I love this idea, with a few variations. I want a full-time bed, most of the time I sleep alone but I want to convert it to a double should the need arise. I love this simple, elegant solution. I love what 18:25 did, I also have a Renault Master, but living year-round, full-time meant that sacrificing insulation at the head and foot of a transverse bed wasn't really an option. Purchased your eBook. I'll probably be adapting a lot of the ideas (I lived in a commercial RV for 13 years and I'm building around the problems they have) but it's good to have a starting point and sometimes it's tough figuring out where to start.