The bed is one of the most important parts of the nomad life vehicle, and should be one of your first considerations when planning your build. Since it is likely the largest single object in your vehicle, its design and location requires careful thought.
Convertible beds are beds designed to transform to a seating area, or to otherwise move or fold in some way. They are designed to be useable for other purposes or at least to be out of the way when not in use. They may collapse or slide out of the way, often by moving pillows or portions of a divided mattress. They may be designed to lift up on one end (like the hood of a car) to access storage areas underneath.Read more about convertible beds …
Fixed beds have the disadvantage of always being a bed; they take up a huge amount of floor space in any vehicle, but in a way this is an advantage: there is no twice-daily chore of reconfiguring the living space. Most fixed beds are placed fairly high off the floor so that the space under the bed can be used for storage or other uses. In many vans, fixed beds are placed at the rear with the space under it used as a garage for the electrical system, water tanks, and storage of any gear that is used outdoors or things that aren't needed very often.Explore fixed bed options …
A murphy bed in a partially-built cargo vanMoveable beds include beds that do not transform or collapse in any way, but are either tilted vertically against the wall or lifted up horizontally to the van ceiling with an electric or manual lift. Moveable beds are a decent compromise between a convertible and a fixed bed, but they do add to the complexity and cost of a build.Learn about elevator beds and Murphy beds …
A temporary bunk bed designed for children which fits in a van cab.Unattached beds, such as foldable cots or mattresses, offer the flexibility to completely stow your bed during the day. In cold weather, you'll need additional insulation (pad/blankets) under you too. It's usually difficult to store things under cots, so that space may not be useable for other things. You can also use a hammock that is hung between mounting points you've placed on the vehicle interior; hammocks may or may not be compatible with your body for long term use, so be sure to test that before making a hammock your only sleeping option.Continue reading …
If you really like camping and/or minimalism, it's possible that no bed is the right bed for you. Starting from the idea of your vehicle as a metal tent, you may be able to sleep without a bed, either directly on the floor or with a simple pad as if you were camping in a tent. Most people will prefer something more than this, and it will be required in cold weather if your vehicle floor is not insulated adequately. If you think floor sleeping is a possibility for you, be sure to test it thoroughly before committing to it when planning your build.Continue reading …
Sleeping in small vehicles
If you have a car, your bed options are very limited, and will typically just mean folding down one or more seats and placing a sleeping pad or short air bed over it. In many cars the rear seats fold down so your feet can extend into the trunk. There are specially designed air beds shaped to fill the footwells of the rear seats so you can sleep side-to-side in a car that doesn't have folding seats. If you plan to live in your vehicle full time, consider removing seats permanently to make more room. In an SUV, you have more space but are similarly constrained by seats. If you have a minivan, or in some SUVs, you can fold down or remove the rear seating completely to make enough room for up to a queen size mattress. Many nomads will build a bed platform to increase storage space and get off the cold floor.
Bed position
Where you put your bed will define the rest of your layout. Where you can actually fit your bed depends on the size and shape of your vehicle, the size and shape of you (and your partner, if applicable), and the location of any additional bed(s) in the vehicle. Taller people may not be able to sleep comfortably with a bed oriented with the head on one side of the vehicle and the feet on the other; they may need a bed positioned lengthwise along the side of the van. In some cases, sleeping diagonally on a too-short but wide bed will grant enough extra space, but this generally doesn't work if you sleep with a partner. Some people will add bump outs to expand the width of the vehicle slightly to allow for a longer side-to-side bed. Some vehicles have slide outs to expand the width of the vehicle when it's not in motion. If you have pets that sleep with you, that may mean you need a larger bed too.
The height of your bed makes a difference in sleeping temperature too, due to temperature stratification. If your bed is near the ceiling, it will be warmer than if it is near the floor.
Mattresses
Mattresses are more varied for nomads than those in sticks-and-bricks residences. Due to the unique constraints of beds inside a vehicle, mattresses must often move or change each morning and night, and may need to fit into non-standard spaces. As such, conventional mattresses may be less common than custom-sized ones.
Choosing a thinner mattress saves weight and space, both of which are valuable in such a small space. If you can, try a thinner mattress than you would have in a sticks and bricks residence to see if you can still get a comfortable sleep. However, good rest is extremely valuable too, so don't skimp on thickness and comfort if it means you'll be tired or hurting in the morning.
If you have any type of bed in your vehicle, mattress ventilation is very important to keep mold and mildew from forming. Ensure that the space under your bed is well ventilated. If that's not a possibility, you'll need turn over your mattress regularly so that its underside can dry out. An alternative solution is a plastic waterproof mattress cover, which may decrease comfort.
Beds gallery
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