Really Cool Beds for Van Dwellers

Kimberly Smith RVs July 6, 2017

You may be wondering where and how, those who live out of their vans sleep comfortably. You may also be someone thinking about buying a van to convert into a living space and wondering what options you have for bedroom furniture. It takes no genius to realize that it would require a genius to put a full bedroom in a van, so what are the options for van dwellers once nighttime rolls around and it’s time for sleep? Well, there is always the floor, but no one wants to do that long term.

We wanted to inspire you and spark your imagination by giving you some really cool options for how to sleep comfortably as a van dweller. Some of these options are beds you simply place inside your van space and others will have multiple uses. You can also get crafty and build the kind of bed that would fit perfectly in your van space, but not everyone has that kind of time, talent, or interest.

Below we share some pics that should motivate you to think outside the box when it comes to beds and bedding, while living in a van.

The Simple Solution

You can go the simple route if you’re not hard to please and you’re also an easy sleeper, by purchasing a few crates and a mattress and throwing the mattress on top of the crates. It’s simple, quick, and most importantly economical.

The Futon

The futon is another great and simple solution. Many come with their own wooden or metal frame that can be propped against the wall during the day with a few reinforcements to keep it from flying around when you’re driving.

Go Totally DIY

If you have any building skills at all or are a quick learner. you can build your own bed from your own specific measurements. Many van dwellers do this and they don’t mind having their bed be the center of attention when they have visitors.

The Multi-Purpose Bed 

Stores like Ikea and other home stores sell economical crates that can be used as coffee tables, dining tables, and side tables. The great thing about using crates is that they can also be used for storage. You can place the crates where you want in any design you want, L-shaped for example, put your mattress or futon mattress on at night or use as a sitting space during the day with pillows and accessories, so it can act as a sofa as well as a bed.

Try an Air Mattress

Air mattresses are not the lumpy cheap plastic things they used to be. Although, you can still find that kind if that’s all your budget can allow, but there are excellently made air mattresses out there on the market today that sleep just as well as any decent regular mattress.

The Loft Bed

Some van dwellers are savvy enough to build a loft in their van and a ladder with just a few steps and throw a good mattress up there in that space. It’s out of the way and the rest of the van can be used for living and dining space.

Below are some examples of the bed solutions we talked about and more, in our gallery.

6010 total views, 6 today

Take a peek inside the Simple Sleeper: Its multifunctional interior is super convenient

Lovella Bargas RVs June 7, 2016

This travel trailer has caught some attention recently for its stylish design, combined with utilitarian features. It’s a Trekker Trailer, the Simple model.

Specs:

Dimensions: 7ft 6in L, 4ft (or 5ft) W, 4ft H
Weight: 4ft – 750 lbs
Weight: 5ft – 850 lbs
Frame: steel 2000 GVRW
Tires: 13 in high speed
Box structure: premium hardwood ply with aluminum skin
Base Model Includes: A/C, Drop Floor, 2 doors, and mattress

MSRP: Ready to go at $6,275 for 4ft wide model or $7,250 for 5ft wide model

Options:

Outdoor kitchen: $695 for 4ft model, $795 for 5ft model
Roof rack: $295
15 watt solar charger: $270
Total Interior:

89″ Long
4ft model 46 1/2″ Wide, 5ft model 58 1/2″ Wide
56″ Tall

Check out the gallery of photos below (all images on our site are expandable, even the featured image at the top).

Find more from Trekker Trailers, and other unusual dwellling builders we’ve indexed in our Home Designers and Builders Directory. You can search the company’s name and look builders near your area. And to see more unusual dwellings,click here.

3196 total views, 0 today

Van conversion by photographer Norbert Juhász

Lovella Bargas RVs June 7, 2016

When it comes to vans there are people who love vans and people who really don’t. If you’ve ever had a van, I don’t see how you can’t think they’re about the best vehicle going. They give you so much freedom to do what you want in a mobile way, to pack stuff, camp if you need to, all without being a completely RVed vehicle (which is also good, but a different thing).

Anyone who’s had a van has probably thought of camperizing it. Yes, making an RV out of the back, whether with a full kitchen and electronics, or just a bed and some storage.

This guy, a photographer of all things, did it. He blogged about it, so here we are sharing his work.  Nice work, Norbert Juhasz, and the van is almost 20 years old (as a lot of the best and most available camperizable vans are).

Check out the gallery of photos below (all images on our site are expandable, even the featured image at the top).

Find more from Design Boom, and other  tiny house builders we’ve indexed in our Home Designers and Builders Directory. You can search the company’s name and look builders near your area. And to see more tiny house,click here.

4545 total views, 0 today