Fixed bed vs no fixed bed?

Looking at changing my pvc to either an A or C class and definitely going for a fixed bed.
Viewed a couple of Burstner C class last week one of which had 2 beds that lifted into the roof space. To be honest when I went into the motorhome I was amazed at the space and only realised the beds where there when I noticed the runners the beds ran on.
I’m definately considering that option when I change.
 
Our van is 6.25m and we have a fixed bed (French bed). Our first van was an Eldis 140 and after the first weekend away to try it out it was a nightmare. As others have said you’re faffing about with pull out slats, cushions and bedding every night and then the reverse procedure in the morning before you can even sit down with a pot of tea. We sold the Eldis, bought the van we have now and although we lost money on the deal it was well worth it for the convenience of a fixed bed. One of you wants a siesta/go to bed early? No problem. Under bed storage is adequate for us and we’re away for 9/10 months of the year. I wouldn’t have anything other than a fixed bed. With a pvc it’s a different matter I would imagine but with a low line flimsy we wouldn’t have anything else. I see where Nigel is coming from with the nightmare of two weeks rain and you’re stir crazy but even so......

Pat
 
Fixed transverse king size for us, Hymer A class 7.5 metres, last 3 vans have had fixed rear beds over large garages for cycle storage, wouldn't have a van without fixed bed even a PVC.

Graham
 
I have a fixed bed in my van but to be honest if I didn’t need the garage for my trike I would not have a fixed bed preferring a bit more living space.
 
In our last van, an L2H2 Transit self build, we had two singles - one a transverse across the back doors and the other a bench, longways behind the drivers seat, doubling as a bed and also dining seating. The passenger seat swivelled which gave us a sort of L-shaped social area. It suits us as my wife is an early to bed (and rise) and I'm not. She's also a restless sleeper. :dnd:

I'm part way into a new build (Movano L2H3) and I am going for the same design except that this time the driver's seat will also swivel. Given that the bench bed will be in the way of the leg room I'm trying to design it so that it is on sliders and slides partly back towards the back doors into a garage under the transverse bed.

It's an odd setup which suits how we use our van, but you couldn't buy a van with this sort of arrangement, except as an expensive custom build. I couldn't get on with a rock 'n' roll bed to fix up/down every night/morning. Also, the bedding all sits on the transverse bed all day, out of the way.

I like the idea of the bed that lifts away into the roof space on a hi-top but I'm not sure how I would design it.
 
I definitely want a permanent bed. I don't need a kingsize thing that takes up a lot of room in the van but I would like to be able to lie down for a nap without having to rebuild the interior of the van every time just for a 10 minute nap. It would also be nice to be able to put my feet up and lounge whilst watching TV or reading a book, instead of sitting up straight in the passenger seat.
 
Would only have a fixed bed - well it is two, if one counts the drop down. Both king size and ready to use.

That is in a 7m 'A' Class, with fixed over large garage.

Reasons?

Garage for bikes and items you could not easily store/access in underfloor lockers.

Don't want to make up each night.

OH can crash in the afternoon.

We sleep better in our fixed than at home.

Still plenty of living area(for 2) - especially with the 'feel' of the panoramic window.

Island fixed bed would be nice but one needs 7.5-8m MH if not to sacrifice living space, because the 2m head-to-toe is longitudinal not transverse.

All a no-brainer for us.

Geoff
 
I'd definitely compromise with a drop down bed if ever I changed my van or found it it really difficult to make up the bed but would never ever go for a fixed bed. Yes it would be convenient sometimes not to have to bother with making the bed but it doesn't take long with a roll-out mattress topper. I love the full living and socialising space in my rear lounge far too much and would really resent having a big unusable and often dark area taking up half the van during the day. Besides, my lounge sofas are already 2 single beds right there, so if I was feeling really tired or lazy, I'd just sprawl out as is and grab a blanket. I think a fixed bed works OK in a really large van, where you still have a comfortable socialising/sprawling/reading/watching tv space up front, without having to sit upright at a table.
 
Fixed bed for us would never go back to making up each night, we replaced the mattress to a memory foam the same as we have on the beds at home, we also leave the heating on all night when its cold.
 
Fixed here usually means a garage underneath which means junk, then more junk and even more junk which at some point means being emptied and then refilled with more junk.
 
Fixed bed here too above garage I sleep better in the van than I do at home. The beds like the one the seven dewars sleep in it can be two large singles or a massive double we need two sets of double bedding I sleep like a starfish and the garage is the same size three bikes tables chairs and a load of other crap. But I’ve seen vans two meters smaller with bigger lounge areas can’t have it all but a good sleep helps.
 
Looser cruiser said:
Fixed bed here too above garage I sleep better in the van than I do at home. The beds like the one the seven dewars sleep in it can be two large singles or a massive double we need two sets of double bedding I sleep like a starfish and the garage is the same size three bikes tables chairs and a load of other crap. But I’ve seen vans two meters smaller with bigger lounge areas can’t have it all but a good sleep helps.
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Size of your bus Wully I'm surprised you've not got a swimming pool.
 
A good range of opinions and experiences being posted.

I'm lucky, My Hymer came with 2x double beds, the usual drop down double over the driver's cab and the second one at the rear with a large garage underneath it.
Such luxury for a lone traveller.

I use the drop down bed to store linen and clothes while I sleep in the rear one.
A 6"thick, full double sized memory foam mattress with a faux sheepskin under sheet, a duvet - all set for any weather.

Given the choice of twice daily faffing with bedding etc or a fixed bed with under-storage most would choose a fixed arrangement.

A good dual use of space is the drop down, over the cab beds as in the Hymer. But not all vehicles have the space for such a luxury.

james
 
In reality how long does it take to make a bed up. Not long. Its not worth losing the living space for us unless you have a abundance of room.
 
Fazerloz said:
In reality how long does it take to make a bed up. Not long. Its not worth losing the living space for us unless you have a abundance of room.
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But it’s Not JUST about How Long it takes to make up & Put Down the bed, With a Fixed Double you can Leave the Pillows, Duvet & Or Bedding being used actually ON the Bed, With a Pull Out Or Make Up Bed you will then have to ‘Store’ the Bedding in a Locker Or Cupboards taking it out & making up as required, & on vehicles with that set up I would imagine that Cupboard space is even more of a Premium than some Bigger vehicles.
 
If you had a camper the size of a removal van then yes a fixed bed.

:drive:
 
I had a long bag made, zipper all the way along the top. Goes behind the back rest cushion. 4 pillows and duvets goes straight in. Takes seconds.
 
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