Bed layout - 2 singles v double?

[Moped]

We are looking at potential fixed bed motorhomes and weighing up the bed options at the back. It’s either 2 singles which can be made up to a double or a double with side cabinets. In all cases the toilet showers are between the bed and lounge/kitchen areas. The single bed arrangements seem to have larger garages under as they can be raised as required. But the single bed arrangements do not have any side tables for drinks or books. Also the sitting up experience is better with the double bed as it sits lower relative to any overhead lockers.

Based on user experience overall what is either arrangement like to live with?

Mrs Moped prefers the double bed layout as it is more caravan like and Mr Moped prefers the single bed arrangement as it offers a larger garage under so we are seeking help!

 

[Mr and Mrs Tupcox]

We like the French bed lay out. With bathroom at the side this helps to keep length of van down.
But we did have a swift kontiki tagg with a French bed and bathroom across rear which was massive space.

 

[Moped]

Incidentally, we have owned two vans with Longitude single beds and two with French bed
Therefore we do have experience of both.
Mrs wouldn't have another French bed as usually the lady is the shorter person who sleeps on the outer cut off side, and gets disturbed when the male gets up etc

French beds are out for the “disturbance” reason suggested. Also the layout inevitably does not contain a suitable garage under with access hatches on both sides and for long trips away this, for us, is a must have.

 

[witzend]

In answer to the op have you looked at Island beds they offer a different option I know Rapido offer one

While single beds would mean less disturbance I can't say I'd not be awakened by anyone moving around the van during the night. But reading this thread I can now believe some sleep thru an intruder.

 

[Moped]

Rap

In answer to the op have you looked at Island beds they offer a different option I know Rapido offer one

While single beds would mean less disturbance I can't say I'd not be awakened by anyone moving around the van during the night. But reading this thread I can now believe some sleep thru an intruder.

Rapido do offer interesting options but we have narrowed the list down to manufacturers with a lounge layout, not dinette, and offering either twin singles or a central position island bed, and preferably Alde heating. We have noted that single beds = tall garage v island twin = lower garage. Payload is important and it is surprising how some of the larger motorhomes have small payloads of under 500kg. But whatever and all other things being equal, manufacturers seem to offer the options of 2 singles or a double bed in the back of the unit with a garage under.

 

[Forresbroons]

Our French bed set up lifts up which gives us loads of storage space below which is also accessible through a pair of doors at the rear .

 

[colinm]

We have 'twin singles', which is a large double with small cut out, as most of them are, we like it, BUT, not all twin singles are the same. We've been looking at a larger van for extended trips, as our layout suits us we looked at similar, but we ruled out a Hymer ml t580 as sitting up in bed was not as easy and the overhead lockers made it look very claustrophobic a big no no with gf.

 

[TeamRienza]

Does your username dictate that you need a tall garage to keep a moped or similar? Unless you have or plan to have one then I don’t see the point of the wasted height in there. Apart from the handlebars being high then a lot of space is dormant. You could certainly add shelving or stacking boxes, but most garages have a mediocre load allowance which could leave the van or the rear axle overnight.

I speak as someone who comes down on the side of the island bed which means the whole van is on one level, no ‘climb overs’ and good head room with wardrobes and side tables. The head of the bed can be tilted for casual day use or reading. As for the lower garage, we carry 2 folding electric bikes which was part of our plan when buying. Our van came with a usable payload of 310 kg. I upgraded to 3850kg but still have an axle weight (rear) of 1960kg (2000 kg max) with 2 folding bikes and carefully selected supplementary essentials.

Davy

 

[Moped]

Does your username dictate that you need a tall garage to keep a moped or similar?

Well spotted! Other options are a scooter rack on the back or a trailer but we have observed and chatted with owners who store theirs in garages and really want to go down the same route hence the bed question. We currently store 2 folding ebikes in a garage but it’s not big enough for a scooter. And Mrs Moped has dream of having a self contained bed area rather than one that is shared with the lounge area.

 

[Okta]

For us the bed arrangement is only fit for purpose if you can get up and go to the loo in the night without disturbing the other person. All other considerations are secondary. Singles.

 

[silverweed]

In answer to the op have you looked at Island beds they offer a different option I know Rapido offer one

While single beds would mean less disturbance I can't say I'd not be awakened by anyone moving around the van during the night. But reading this thread I can now believe some sleep thru an intruder.

About 6 years ago both of us and our 2 Yorkshire terriers slept through an intruder in the van. He put a screwdriver into the driver door lock to open it and had a good rifle through the wardrobe. Whilst there was question about the sobriety of one of us I and the dogs had not touched a drop and did not awake until after the event