Fixed single bed
Single bed layouts don’t just come in large motorhomes
Motorhomes with twin beds
If you’re planning to tour in the middle of a Mediterranean summer, single beds might be more appealing than a double. Or, perhaps, you have twin beds at home, or you just want flexibility for use of your ’van by different family members or friends. If any of this sounds like you then fixed single beds are the way forward.
Bedroom specifics aside, these layouts are typically fitted in motorhomes that are 7m to 7.5m long. However, there are also van conversions with fixed single beds, some even as short as 6m overall (though many more are around 6.4 metres), and single bed layouts feature in a number of narrow-bodied lowprofile coachbuilts, including the new Rapido C55 and Swift Escape Compact C502 (with unusual low-level beds).
Although very popular today, this layout is a relatively recent development, so it’s scarcer in older used ’vans. Many single bed models hail from the Continent, and especially German manufacturers, but there are also alternatives from the major UK manufacturers.
There are two basic types of single bed layout. Most common are models with their beds mounted at the very rear of the motorhome. Usually, these have a big, full-width garage beneath, although some manufacturers offer the choice of high or low beds. In ‘low bed’ form, night-time access is easier but the garage/storage space below is considerably reduced.
Most of the layouts with beds right at the rear of the motorhome offer the possibility to convert the singles into a giant double with a centre infill, giving you the possibility of cosy double bed sleeping in winter and separate beds in summer. But access is rarely anything like as easy in double bed format and often requires the use of a ladder (although Carthago has a neat solution to this issue).
Wardrobes are typically placed under the foot of the beds in high bed versions, while ablutions sit forward of the beds with the same opportunity for en suite facilities as in island bed models. Often layouts are identical forward of the bedroom to island bed variants in the same range.
Secondly, there are layouts with across-therear washroom facilities, with low beds placed immediately forward of the ablutions. These work best for couples, as washroom access is through the bedroom. The facilities will feature a separate shower and often include the wardrobe, too, so it should also act as a full dressing room.
Again, the bed sizes are often an issue, as feet cannot usually overhang – although, when converted to double bed format, some of the largest motorhome beds in the market can be found. Remember, too, that many have unequallength mattresses, typically dictating ‘his and her’ sleeping, but this is unhelpful if you’re both tall. Look out, also, for cupboards that will be uncomfortably low above your pillow, while some of the best designs allow the head of the bed to rise on a ratchet system. It’s surprising how many single bed layouts do not allow you to sit up in bed.
High bed versions are mostly approached by easy stair-style steps but not all suit those with shorter legs and some leave inadequate headroom to sit comfortably on the bed.
A particularly clever variation on the single bed theme is the Chausson 630 with electric single beds that lower individually over its spacious side settee front lounge.
If you avoid motorways like steering away from the shopper who’s forgotten their face mask and seek out quieter roads that might not suit all motorhomes, slimmer coachbuilts like the Van TI make a lot of sense. Overall length is kept down to just below 7m, too, and yet you’ve got a huge garage and more than half-a-tonne of payload. What’s not to like?
Well, of course, there are additional challenges for manufacturers in creating a smaller motorhome that doesn’t actually feel smaller and here we come to Knaus’ innovation with this latest Vansation model. It introduces the new FoldXpand construction at the rear with flushfitting tail lights allowing an extra 10cm more internal length for the same external dimensions. And that’s not the only neat bit of redesign that’s happened this year because the new seatbelt structure in the half-dinette lounge claims to create an extra 12cm of room here, too.
There’s more to this motorhome than clever tweaks to the compact single bed concept, though – it’s got a great spec as well. Vansation models come with a 4m awning, 27in TV with Oyster 60 Premium satellite dish, a rear view camera linked to the 8in touchscreen for the radio and sat-nav, 16in alloy wheels and a water filter.
The rear garage has impressive headroom of 1.19m and can carry 150kg. The kitchen has great storage and a generous 142-litre fridge, but only a two-burner hob as standard. More importantly here, perhaps, are single beds measuring 1.94m and 1.96m in length.