Campervan Build: CROSSWISE vs LENGTHWISE BED --

Will Burson retired from the rat race at age 40 for a life of adventure, travel and off-grid living. Follow along for fun, laughs and tips on how to live the life you want now instead of in 20 years!
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[@365daysofveronica]

I know this is common sense but it really helps just to have someone to walk you through it, thank you!

[@ashleyhill9092]

It really does!

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@victorhelems6606]

Theres an important factor i havent seen mentioned. Having all your stuff on one side of the vehicle can throw off the balance of the vehicle. The excess weight will wear the tires on that side of the vehicle more, make turning more difficult, among with numerous other problems. This needs to be thought about when laying out your floor plans in a vehicle.

[@cooldesertknight9013]

A very important (and crucial) point. Thank you for addressing it. Salaam to you and to all.

[@jonclough6344]

This is a good point but many campervans vans in Europe/uk are built this way, I’ve personally had one and didn’t notice any adverse affects to the vehicle or handling. It depends on the load you have in the van. If you choose the van carefully in terms of load ratings it shouldn’t be an issue.

[@perrymason8471]

Rotate your tires every 5000 miles and you'll be fine.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@ThisIsSolution]

If your mattress is lead then you may have issues.... otherwise the "weight" issue is moot

[@gypsydavy708]

I think length ways. I'm obsessed with having a walkway from front to back. Multiple dedicated exits. Thanks, i subscribed.

[@BoBurson]

Yes that is a good setup Gypsy.

[@fredhubbard7210]

At 6'5" this is a no-brainer. I built my van (live-in 5 days/week) longwise with a pull-out for when my partner is with me.

[@charlesgallagher1376]

being 5’8” is a advantage living in a van.

[@BoBurson]

THanks Fred

[@fredhubbard7210]

@@charlesgallagher1376 Can you sleep cross wise and stretched out? It seems kind of tight even then.

[@Al_Dente-d1p]

Fruit.

[@ruthcrawford3015]

Wow, really appreciate the graphics! I have been binge-watching van builtdout videos and this one is just excellet! Simple, to the point and the graphics are a perfect touch. Thanks so much for sharing! I know excatly where to put the bed now!

[@BoBurson]

Sure thing Ruth

[@livinginthenow]

The biggest draw for widthwise is the storage space available from the rear. And that is pretty cool. But it isn't ideal for people who are trying to stay as stealth as possible. For that set of people being able to access all of your storage without leaving the van is a priority, and that is much easier to accomplish with the lengthwise orientation. The thing that appeals most to many people who choose a lengthwise bed is the ability to have a sort of "hallway" in their van, which gives the illusion of more space. This orientation also provides the opportunity to set your bed up to use as a couch if you have guests. For me, the lengthwise setup gives me oodles of counterspace, which enables me to have a work area or desk in my van. Any way you choose, it comes down to priorities.

[@BoBurson]

I think height/ability to stand could make lengthwise more appealing, too, for hall thing you mentioned.

[@livinginthenow]

@@BoBurson I'm sure that would be true. Folks with Sprinters, Promasters, or high tops would benefit from the walking space. For me, though, since I don't have a high top, I'll be using a seat with wheels and rolling back and forth along my "hallway" when I'm not on the couch. I figure that will be a lot easier on me than crouching or crawling.

[@lolouro2266]

great analysis... first one ive seen do this...

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching Lolo

[@hazel555]

I like the hammock idea; another is to move the twin bed up, right behind drivers seat; then you have a good space in the back for kitchen, etc.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@denisfortier9716]

this is a fantastic analysis. You answer so much questions i had. Thank you very much. This was a brilliant expose. I am a retired teacher and you beat me here with this very pertinent usage of the software demonstration perfectly integrated in the argument. Its looks like you really master the usage of this software because the words flow is excellent in the way you speak. BRAVO. This was an eye opener, i LOVE that. I feel more motivated to do the building as soon as possible money-wise.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks Denis

[@karinhart489]

One I saw that I liked had the twin lengthwise starting behind the drivers seat, & the passenger's seat swivel around. Then they made good use of space in back (I forget what). Seemed like a more comfortable rainy day mode. Thx for posting your floor plans & keeping video under 10 mins. Really helps getting the grey cells percolating.

[@smallfootprint2961]

That can give you a couch area if you don't mind sleeping where people have been sitting. A narrow twin can serve quite well with bolsters at the back for daytime use. Make or have made a nice simple fitted cover. That leaves space at the back for an enclosed, portable loo and closet area. Kitchen and other storage on the other side.

[@BoBurson]

My pleasure

[@freedomfighter2911]

Traveling w bikes and motorcycles in the van adds another dynamic to the build.....good thoughts all around man. Thanks

[@BoBurson]

Sure thing, Freedom

[@stringbender57]

I had already decided to go with the twin along the wall for maximum space efficiency and you just sealed the deal for me. Plus I like in and out access on both the side and back of the van. Nice to see the van layout diagrams shown in the video. Thanks for doing this video!

[@BoBurson]

Sure thing buddy

[@diogenesthecynic5037]

If you go longways with a twin you can have it rotate off the wall of the van when not in use. Kinda like a Murphy bed for a van. It saves me so much room.

[@jmrichsonsr]

Clearly explained. Thank you.

[@BoBurson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@comfortouch]

Just wanted to point out, with the first 2 configurations, you'll have a large storage 'garage' under the bed. With the long (3rd configuration) the storage area has become hallway.

[@ronmiller7916]

The cabinet on the right can be floor to ceiling which is more space than you gave up under the bed.

[@charlesgallagher1376]

The length wise version is how I did mine. The storage space doesn’t disappear, it just gets longer and easily accessible with a hinged top.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@offthehook4u]

As a couple we had to go crosswise. We have 2 (30 x 72) foam pads that sit against each other making a 60 x 72 queen bed. Did this so at some point we have the option to lift up the back portion to form a sofa. Since we are both short this works for us but the head room isn't great because of the bed platform height to provide storage space. We have a LOT of under bed storage though (6 rubbermaid containers, a center channel for chairs & a cabana, and small nooks on either side of the wheel wells and on top of them. Working out how to now work around the gas inlet for additional storage or cabinets. A chevy express cargo van is great for a single but definitely presents more challenge when 2 people are attempting to utilize that same 70 sq foot space and not just for camping but full time living with no other home base.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@lisayah2455]

Great video!!!! Thanks

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@robgindc1]

Very helpful space & size perspective with visual aids. Thanks!

[@BoBurson]

Sure thing Bob

[@vincenzopromedia]

I'm looking at doing a modular design with my van. A chevy G20 or express van. 2 or 3 different possible layouts with a lot of flexibility in between. Basically using quick connect hoses, Anderson battery connectors, and the seats already come out so everything can easily be moved, or removed. The biggest trouble I see in a modular build is fastening floor cabinets. There would have to be latches that stay in the van, or a kind of very accessible bolts. Either way I think it would be dope if the van could still be a regular van, and a completely livable space whenever I want it. Especially without reducing the aesthetic quality, or quality of life while camping.

[@travelingtimothy]

great illustration, that makes things a lot more clear for me!

[@BoBurson]

THanks Timothy

[@hueypilot1950]

Simple math, I am too tall to sleep width wise. Still, I really liked the graphics that you incorporated into your video.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching William

[@davidjones-wy3ln]

Extremely helpful

[@BoBurson]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching David

[@hg2.]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@BoBurson]

Sure thing

[@xtrmfro]

I'm 6'4 so I'm limited to long ways. Great video. The diagrams were a great way to show different layouts

[@craigbeade8654]

or a recliner

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching Anthony

[@Operation3Sixty]

Solution: Go with a folding bed like Outdoors Embrace did. Much more practical for a van

[@BoBurson]

Good idea and even with folding bed you can choose orientation in high top vans or vans with back closed off for “garage.”

[@MyIronman8]

I like the third option . Because you can get a full foam mattress and cut it into to two twin beds the you make it the back part of the bed and you can make an side out part and the back part can go on the pull out part

[@BoBurson]

THanks VR

[@parepidemosproductions4741]

Thanks for sharing all the possibilities. I get tired of seeing the same layout for every van conversion 😅

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@Torin_by_the_Ocean]

In my 2012 Express I have my 72 x 33 bed across the back. I have 1/2 insulation at the head and feet. If you keep the bed low... like 11 inches off the floor... you can get 75 inches across the back. The leaves me lots of room in the van and I don't have to sleep diagonal even though I'm 6ft tall.

[@denisfortier9716]

fantastic, this is what i wanted to know for all these months of planing.

[@VANDWELLINGPRO]

One Awesome Inch in my Dodge it's widest part is just above the wheel wells.

[@Torin_by_the_Ocean]

Enoch I don't think the Astro is wide enough. Best thing is to get a measure tape and see.

[@imemine7]

But keeping the bed low really restricts the under bed storage potential. If you go lengthwise, you can raise the bed considerably and have a lot more storage. If you have an alternative seat, you can put the bed quite high and have tons of storage.

[@BoBurson]

Sounds cool

[@johnvancamper9581]

Thanks for sharing this. Also someone else commented a thank you for keeping the video under 10 minutes. I'm researching how I could put together videos about vans and I find shorter videos with less waffle good too. So thanks again for getting to the point. Just subbed. Happy travels everyone. John

[@BoBurson]

Sure thing John

[@VANDWELLINGPRO]

I'm 6 foot 2 and my bed is side to side and I sleep straight without having to go diagnally. Thank you Dodge!!!!

[@dielectricuniverse4076]

What year dodge and is it extended?

[@VANDWELLINGPRO]

Electric Universe Not extended this time. Maybe on the next one. I have a 97 now and a 94 before this one. I wasn't a"DODGE" guy before owning these. Thing is the Ford vans are famous for faulty Transmitions. Chevy famous for bad flaking paint and faulty engine. Dodge would be bad paint also( but not as bad as Chevys paint problems) and loud engine. The choice is a no brainier. This 1997 b2500 cargo I'm driving now has 340,000 miles on original engine. But it's about to give up the ghost here soon. Low oil pressure from everything worn out of spec. I never thought a modern American engine would last that long. P.S. my walls are insulates with 2 layers of mylar lined foam so that's NOT why I'm able to sleep comfortably. My bed is high enough that I keep milk crates under it in a huge drawer I open from the rear and have another inch to spare . IMO Dodge comes out on top.

[@gwho]

the dodge side to side length is 75 inches. maybe a couple more inches around the middle height. With insulation and wall paneling, you must barely fit.

[@johnwren3976]

I agree Dodge is sadly overlooked and has superior size in extended van/wagon. Beltline width of my 99 Dodge Ram 3500 Extended Wagon is only 69.5 at rear. ? Max exterior width is 78", with 2 walls 3-4" or so thick where's 75" coming from? www.autoblog.com/buy/1999-Dodge-Ram+Van+3500-Commercial_Maxi__Extended_Cargo_Van_127_in._WB/specs/

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@johnwren3976]

I think we all make the mistake of adapting our plans to the size of standard mattresses. Mattresses design by others for everyone. Forcing your living to someone else's paradigm. Dont let this limit your thinking and life. As far as storage, dont let all your stuff make living in your van uncomfortable. Utilize exterior storage. Roof racks, thule carriers, big pvc tubes, hitch mounted platforms (some swing away), aluminum tool/ storage boxes. Make racks for the sides of your van for surfboards etc. Instead, look at how YOU sleep. Do you actually need these sizes? Are you short? Tall? Do you sprawl across the bed, or do you side sleep somewhat curled up? Based on how YOU sleep design sleeping areas accordingly. Have cushions made to fit. You may open up space. In such a tiny area any freed up space is helpful. I started off thinking platform queen bed. We are now going L shaped beds. A platform (69.5x30) across the back for my 5'6" wife and a 45x20 couch down the passenger wall that pulls out 10+ inches for a 75x30 area overlapping the platform. Wife & I are both side sleepers.

[@BoBurson]

Good point John

[@violagentsch]

I live in a ford e350 triton. So its a lil longer but i still put my full size bed from wall to wall. More comfortable when parking in and trying to sleep. And when opening backdoors i have great space under the bed for storage

[@BoBurson]

Thanks Viola

[@lovingatlanta]

👍Very helpful. Thanks for sharing. 💞

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@sunsolstar]

great video,,thank you

[@BoBurson]

Sure thing

[@petmom74]

Thanks so much for the visual. I'm single but live with 5 small dogs and 2 cats. Trying to figure out my future van sleeping layout. This video helps a lot.

[@BoBurson]

Sure thing

[@allthingsme9810]

Yes! lolo is right. The best explanation ever.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@Sig721Tau]

Diagram #3, reminds me of Cycle Cruza or Delirious Donuts van set-up. Both guys park their motorcycle inside of their van. Great video!

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@henryrudolph1952]

Hi from New Zealand, I didn't insulate my first van, and I found that the condensation would wet my mattress. I couldn't work it out, I blame it on my dog (what an idiot I was.). Also when you insulate your van walls, it reduces the width of van.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@marymarmande8446]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@IamChevalier]

Just popped into my feed... However, to me - if going with the Twin length-wise as noted in the vid - I would mount it in a murphy bed style configuration, so it could be folded up out of the way - for increased access. If done correctly, you could easily use the back-side of the murphy cabinet as a fold down desk - I've seen it done quite well in tiny space / apartment configurations.

[@BoBurson]

Great plan. Personally I used bed too much to always fold up and down. Known other folks with same issue, but everyone's mileage will vary here.

[@jeffminnesota7376]

Good ideas long ways is better, but you could make slides that come to make full size then use futon mattress the have couch day mode.....always like the build out videos...

[@BoBurson]

Lots of options for sure

[@explorewestcoast]

Ford E350 here. 74x50 bed in the back-left configuration as seen in the video with head at the back of the van and feet towards the driver seat. That is closer to a full than a twin. I am 5 foot 9 or 69 inches. That works for me and the diagonal is 89 inches

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@perpetualfeast]

very helpful.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks

[@smallfootprint2961]

Good to show the possibilities. I'm sure there are more ideas, like what Karin Hart suggested below. BTW a regular full is 54" x 75". Regular twin is the same length but 39" wide. That is if you're using manufactured mattresses.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@happycampingcouple4558]

I wish I could see what two narrow beds looked like in an extended chevy express 3500. That's my new build! I'm 6'2"... we had a wide queen foam mattress in my last van and had it set up to sleep front to back.... thanks Will!

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@helicart]

Those considering a van would benefit from a decision tree, algorithm. There's fundamentals that dictate which layout is going to be better most often. And every layout has compromises, but the less you face those compromises the better. i.e. fundamentals are: usual no. of occupants - 1 or 2 frequency of entertaining or visitors staying onboard. usual weather - "mainly" mild weather use, or below 40F (5C). rain and storm frequency. winds. % free camp vs % paid parks % city vs country % off grid vs on. usual occupancy duration - weekend trysts, school vacations, 3+ mths, permanent %recreation vs working. volume of tools, toys, other equipment. Once you have thought deeply about this stuff, you can start weighting how important one feature is versus another - toilet/shower recess vs outdoor shower and portable toilet - more windows vs less - importance of an organized easy kitchen working area vs small and simple. (if you eat mainly raw salads and fruit in hot weather, then cooking is as big a deal. I have met people who eat extremely healthy who don't have a kitchen; just a portable gas burner on top of a chest fridge/freezer, and one cooking pot (a wok). Bfast is : oats or buckwheat, seeds, and berries in the mornings. Lunch : salad or fruit with a grain and reheated chili made in one cooking pot or a wok. Dinner: Asian stir fry, or Mexican chili with salad or steamed veg. For those people, the fridge/freezer is more important to allow cooking in bulk, then splitting into meal sized containers. Their cleanup is a lot simpler too so don't have the same critical need for a kitchen sink. Many who put in an elaborate kitchen rarely use its full potential. Another thing I have seen more recently are multi-cookers (combined pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute, slow cooker). However the pressure cooker bit can consume 1000 watts. If going away for less than a week, it is possible to pre-cook and freeze meals, and never have to cook a meal, just reheat. RANT OFF..... just highlighting that it pays to think about these things more deeply, and challenge the dominant paradigm.

[@gwho]

there really are so many variables and criteria/preference. I think the first thing would be to prioritize and weight each preference before plugging them in as arguments and obtaining the decision tree. But the tricky thing about that is that there are unknown unknowns, so you may not even know your preferences or that there was a thing/dimension to prefer. And not only for preferences, but also for implementation options - you may not know of a certain implementation option. Of course, if we crowdsource the work in a collective, centralized document, kind of like how wiki pages are or shared documents can get, then we may be able to have the union of all of the ideas of people that have been envisioned before, providing benefit to each individual, who are unlikely to have conceived of the entire union of options.

[@gwho]

When things are complicated enough, and the cost (money, time, effort, stress, etc) of just doing a live experiment / test is cheaper than analytically trying to plan it all out upfront, then that's when you buy a cheap van, and try it out, and sell it afterwards.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@anthonygasso]

I would choose the third option but with foldable twin bunk beds.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching Anthony

[@jeffckeane1704]

Hey, Will. Great advice. I had a '66 chevy G10 in junior yr H.S. and my good friend up the street had a '69 chevy G10, which was (luckily for his 6' + frame!...)an "extended" length vs my slightly shorter standard length. My bed was completely filling the back directly at and behind the frame of the pax side split cargo doors. The van was ALL panel except the two rear doors. They had been silver tinted w/ a navaho motif of a circle lower outside and stripes bottom and side. Sadly, after returning from a Rush concert at cape cod coloseum in'78, the truck was stolen. It was foune the next day, but an idiot poked around it instead of calling me and it was apparently then stripped and destroyed. Then, PROGRESSIVE INS CO. STOLE IT FROM ME. nice, huh? Great high schooler lesson. I will find another to build asap.

[@BoBurson]

Sounds cool. Thanks for sharing Jeff

[@nbgaf1040]

Perfect I'm just getting to build my bed frame now- going with a twin the long way so i can roll a motorcycle in through the back

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@mallorymcguire833]

Widthwise works if you're single. If two people are sharing the bed, having it across the back rather than from back to front means one person is going to have to climb over the other (and wake them up) if they have to get up in the middle of the night. If you build the bed from back to front, one person can use the aisle, the other can slide off the foot. Also, the storage space under the bed is the same for either layout, since the bed size is the same, and you have the aisle to reach the stuff in the rear of the bed storage.

[@BoBurson]

Good points Mallory

[@sonnyburnett35]

You’re the best man real straight to the point what are the vans can you fit a full sideways thank you looking forward to all your videos

[@BoBurson]

Thanks Sonny

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

I have an extended length van. its only maybe two feet longer? not sure but I can put a full size length wise in the back and it ends about a foot before the doors that gives me room for a bedside cabinet that runs the length of the bed and is nice to stash bedding and cloths and whatnot in.if I didnt want the cabinet I could have a queen back there but that seems like too much bed, id rather have the storage. It has been my favorite layout so far, I have tried a few different things. I am pretty happy with the van having that extra couple feet, no real disadvantages ,its just a little more apt to poke out the end of a parking space when the cargo carrier is on back.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@kyliecurry2760]

I have just designed a perfect 6. Something meter length, 2.4meter width van. King size bed and wardrobes, lounge room. Kitchen with breakfast bar. And bathroom.

[@BoBurson]

Sounds cool, Kyle

[@lexb277]

Great video.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@popatop75]

what about a twin with slide out slats for another twin or custom half twin?? not as much fun being alone for to long,, great video thanks

[@fin_jan]

That's a winner! Passthrough access when alone... but quick setup for "company".

[@BoBurson]

Good idea

[@jeffckeane1704]

Oh, Will, the other thing was, I like how you used the templates. I have extensive Drafting/CAD experience and would never consider ANY designing without such graphic assistance!😉

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching Jeff. Yes I have to visualize

[@jcoutee1980]

Thanks for this. I'm debating on trying to van life. Looking at cargo vans. This helped alot.

[@BoBurson]

My advice is invest as little as you can to test if you like it. It ain't for everybody...

[@forestnymphconfessions3596]

My grandfather used to have an awesome camper van with a sleeping area over the driver and passenger seat, it was awesome! Can't afford one of those myself but maybe some day. ✌❤

[@davelee9791]

Interesting Vlog of options..mine is option 3 with a 2ft couch which pulls out to a 4ft 5inch double bed and when put away has space for our motorcycle..which is wheeled out on arrival...for me it's the very best option..

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@Jane_under_a_tree_with_a_book]

Consider not having a dedicated bed, but use a roll-up futon? Or have a two narrow mattresses - use one half as couch seating and the other half as couch back support - that has a pull-out extension to turn into double bed when needed? Or a hammock?

[@BoBurson]

Really think about what it’s like to do that every single morning and night, day in and day out. Everyone I know gets sick of it and leaves it in the most-used “mode” all the time. Hammock could be great if you really like them. Not for everyone.

[@snowyconfession]

So.... in the end it will be depends on your activity, what kind of things that you will bring into the van (surf board, bicycle, etc) and also your height?

[@BoBurson]

I guess so

[@judichristopher4604]

Great video... I have had many RVs (I flip them)... What this comes down to is preference... but... to save SPACE the Bed across the back is the best ... and if you have it where you can FOLD it in half, so you can slide the bed up, (Pull Out Bed) that is even better, it will make a Couch when you push it back up...

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@EatSleepVan]

Number 3 is exactly what I'm planning, except on the narrow side will be a bench seat, and the ability to join them in the middle to make a big bed incase I need it.

[@rubenmartin7759]

Yes number 3 with one bed up the other and open to sleep. When it's closet can use as a table for cooking lunch laptop and more...

[@rubenmartin7759]

You can plan and extensible seat also used as a drawer with wheels from shopping cart and a door lock for stop. All this in the right closet. You pull out, lock, put a pillow and have a seat_drawer at same time. Closed all and open bed and sleep, they really key is one thing 2 uses. Xd

[@ronmiller7916]

4th alternative is #3 where the bed is on the passenger side. It covers 1/2 the sliding door (or in my case one of the barn doors) and it opens up the entire driver's side.

[@ronmiller7916]

Another alternative is to use a cot or extendable cot. My cot is 25 inches wide but I created a pullout that doubles the width. Got 2 great cot mattresses on Amazon so my bed acts as a sofa during the day and either a cot or if I pull out the extension, a full. I currently have it on the driver's side but am thinking of moving it to the passenger side so the driver's side is all free. It can also fit across but if I plan on pulling out the extension, I lose a lot of space I think.

[@BoBurson]

Cool good luck

[@caspervisuals4562]

I think I have came up with a super simple new bed set up that could be a HUGE game changer when it comes to van builds. It is the best of both worlds. And let's every hight of person sleep laying straight and allows a huge amount of space to open up.. honestly it's so simple I cant belive I didnt think of it sooner. You people want to know what my concept is, let me know and I'll share if not I'll just make it for my van when I finally start a build. and then make a video to show everyone my one of a kind van. But I have never seen or heard of anyone doing my concept.

[@cocoblue012]

I would love to hear it , always looking for new innovative ideas !!! trying to sort out an idea now .

[@caspervisuals4562]

it's as simple as making one of those slide together bed frames but instead of having it slide out to be wider. Just make the bed so it extends lengthwise. so when u have a twin bed it would slide toward the back to make a large chair and open up the side of the van. Or if you do a full size it would be like a couch in the back that just slides into a bed. So you would still be able to use the underneath as storage that u can access from the rear doors.

[@arthurbarbosa5825]

casper visuals check out Alex’s bed from the single track sampler, it has a pulley system that works similar to your design

[@BoBurson]

Thanks Casper

[@MC-hs4mf]

Why not a twin behind the driver seat with storage underneath? Then put sink and outside shower hose at sink area....maybe even a tank of water underneath the sink and the back doors a quasi shower blind with both doors open.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@taylorcovington3243]

Very helpful, thanks

[@BoBurson]

Sure thing Taylor

[@tavana123]

THanks this was very helpful

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@FrethKindheart]

Mine was the full configuration far left. When I had the twin instead of the full, it was much better. If I had to do it again, twin all the way, lengthwise, on the left side like in the third example. This maximizes your space much better, I think.

[@BoBurson]

I agree that is best one-person setup

[@zfoxfire]

I'm 5'3" so a twin bed across works best. plus I can build most the electronics behind the wheel wells with room in-between for sliding drawers under the bed

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@2fuzy]

i like the video however being as im 6'2" and working with an astro i got but one choice

[@WubiWatkins]

I have 2 short file cabinets behind driver. 76 inch x 30 inch , fold down bed to the rear door. Wall with door starts with shorter file cabinet and then some totes. I have access to all doors and room to change clothes, etc

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@ericvize3336]

what about a twin bed behind the driver seat? (Length wise, against the left wall??) storage at the back of the van?

[@BoBurson]

Sounds like a good plan. This playlist I made will help you see how it fits in different van models: kzbin.info/aero/PLLz9rjZKO7fCIIV0-RZN4HiK5TKjWI8hM

[@Zhonguoria]

When I bought a futon bed, I measured the width of my car. Chevrolet, Cadillac, Ford, whatever... the biggest bed you can buy is a full bed. With a full-sized futon, you can fold the bed frame into a twin-sized sofa footprint.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@lindamcdermott2205]

It seems if you could put your back bench seat flat you could sleep on that.... but 56 inches is 4 inches short of 5 foot.

[@BoBurson]

I'm not sure which vans have that option.

[@anagame1226]

Needed this information

[@BoBurson]

Glad to help Ana. I have a playlist with dimensions of different vans.

[@charliebleifeld4913]

Great presentation . I was thinking of having my full size bed behind the seats (2) people , with the head being right against the back of the back seats. Then you would have the entire back of the van to build cabinets and storage

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@freetrailer4poor]

Great video. I think adventure van man now uses a 24" wide lengthwise bed. I think I would go 30". Congratulations on 15K subscribers.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@allglad]

I prefer length at 6’. .....it allows more access to all areas of the van as well as legroom in bed.

[@BoBurson]

That’s what she said

[@christinemose7308]

Great video Will, especially since we are the identical height, lol. My design hasn't manifested yet but for my needs, I'm thinking a bed/couch conversion. No partner but two small dogs who share the bed with me and the need for a functioning work space to do watercolor painting and framing within the van. Looking forward to your discussion when and if you explore that option because I like how you explore a topic.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for the kind words, Christine.

[@yukimasaheppe1079]

Glad to see yah!!

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@rrhopewell]

I have been wanting to see a diagram like this. I am single and would use a twin bed in my camper van. I want it like the third diagram.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks Ramona

[@Amerikrainian]

The reason the "full" bed looks wider at 1:57 in the left vehicle is because it is wider. If you go back to 1:49, where you show the different size mattresses, you'll see that the "full" is narrower. And if you look at the "queen", those are the dimensions you are using for the "full" at 1:57. It's not an illusion or something. You can put a ruler on your computer screen and see that the "full" beds in the vehicles at 1:57 are not the same size.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@ab-ym3bf]

Easiest question of a van build. Lengthwise is the only option when one is 6ft5

[@CarlosBenjamin]

Where did you get the van floor plan? I’ve been looking for something similar for various vans.

[@BoBurson]

Google image search

[@cway444]

Good job. Thumbs up.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks

[@Don-ov1hf]

Have you thought about making a Murphy bed against your back door? You could probably have a garage or more storage behind the bed.

[@BoBurson]

Don't want to move it all the time but YMMV

[@jazziered142]

Yeah, my boyfriend is six foot three. There's no way we can get anything less than a queen. So I've been pondering this.

[@naturalnat3452]

A full XL has the same length as a queen bed for the tall folks, but it cuts a couple inches off width wise in case you’re trying to figure out how to accommodate for more potential storage space.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@sailingeden9866]

Either you got the width of the van wrong or your height wrong. Based on the information in your video, you are 5' 3" tall.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@H3Humper]

Great vid! What program are you using?

[@BoBurson]

Photoshop Thanks for watching

[@ahmedyousry9795]

Thanks for the video. Wht is the size from the back door to wht it supposed to be the back of the second row seats?

[@BoBurson]

Mine never had rear seats since it’s a cargo van. I don’t know what that measurement is.

[@Scrambler85]

At 6'4" I will be going with a Murphy bed

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@Yodaismycopilot]

So, just to clarify, your full (75" length) mattress fits sideways in your van without trimming it? Thank you.

[@BoBurson]

Yes but insulation can make this more difficult or impossible. I explain all this in my book (link in description).

[@nvcn86]

the lengths of those beds are all out of whack. a twin xl is 2m. the van is not 2m wide, as you said, 5'11 barely. so 3:41 makes no sense.

[@BoBurson]

Ok

[@yogipony9016]

An advantage of a passenger side bed, its safer if youre parked on the side of a road

[@gwho]

eh? why? are you talking about if a car slams into a parked car?

[@BoBurson]

Thanks good point

[@yogipony9016]

@@gwho yea if youre sleeping in the car

[@captaindrywall]

I built mine in a express for cross but we use it the length wise wife is 5'2" I am 5'"

[@BoBurson]

Cool setup

[@mikebtrfld1705]

I'm 6'6" and my camper/truck bed is just less than that. Diagonal is my only choice.

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@user-kk4ik4dc4i]

How wide are the different bed sizes? That would be VERY interesting

[@BoBurson]

Google is your friend

[@laurenjordan3434]

I wish you would have showed how a queen would have fit in there (both oriented in back and up front as a couch during the day and bed at night- going all the way across.)

[@BoBurson]

THanks Lauren. I may make more of these.

[@rockyshore7017]

How do you attach the bed, shelving, etc. to the interior of the van?

[@BoBurson]

Check video description for link to build series. There are videos specific to your question.

[@americanpatriot8426]

I am 6’5 and 240lbs so I will need to go long ways with the bed . There is plenty of room under the bed and behind the driver seat for storage

[@BoBurson]

Thanks for watching

[@intuitiveblogging]

Do some people use a bed that rolls up and can be stored out of the way during the day? I always wonder that when I see these videos.

[@BoBurson]

Hi, Bonnie. Yes, some folks leave an open area and use a yoga/exercise mat or camping bedroll that can be stowed when not in use. I have a 1” exercise mat I’ve slept on for multiple nights and it’s more comfortable than my futon, just far narrower.

[@mnsignr]

The problem with this video is all of the vans look like there the shortest versions van makes...!! How about doing a 170” or 159”wb, extended and high top!!!

[@BoBurson]

Thanks Paul I will try to make more videos