The bed system in your campervan is arguably one of the most important decisions to make during the design phase. You’ll hopefully be spending many nights away in it, so it’s probably best you choose the right bed based on what you need. Whether it’s comfort, safety, space or storage you’re after, there’s a wide range of systems available these days. To help you with this, we’ve put together a few comparisons and key points in this article to help with any difficult decisions.
Our Favourite Camper Van Bed Systems
Below you can find a variety of bed systems we stock, their key values and what they have to offer for your upcoming campervan conversion.
RIB Altair Bed System
Prices from £2800
Manufactured by Scopema, the RIB Altair is a premium bed system known for its strength, convenience, and refined design. This 3/4 width unit is both M1 crash tested and TUV approved, offering peace of mind for long-term and safety-conscious travellers. The seat’s unique “flip over” function allows a seamless transition into a bed within seconds.
Storage is another standout feature: the rear cushion doubles as a parcel shelf or can swing upright to fit larger items, like bicycles. Optional trim configurations and matched front seat upholstery make this a highly customisable and practical solution for any high-spec conversion.
Key features:
- M1 crash tested and TUV approved for maximum safety
- Flip mechanism allows for rapid transformation
- Integrated parcel shelf offers increased cargo versatility
M1 Tested Rock & Roll Beds: Fabworx, Streamline & Smart Beds
Prices from £1950
A classic choice in campervan conversions, rock and roll beds combine reliable comfort with certified safety standards. These beds feature gas-assisted mechanisms for easy operation and are available in 3/4 width, making them ideal for builds that include kitchen or storage units. Our chosen brands such as Fabworx, Streamline, and Smart Beds offer variations in frame design and comfort levels. While the aesthetics and materials differ, all beds are M1 crash tested and TUV approved. Upholstery options can be customised to match the front cab, ensuring a seamless look throughout your van.
Fabworx Beds | Smart Beds | Streamline Beds
Key features:
- Available from trusted UK brands with M1 certification
- Gas-assisted lift for ease of use
- Customisable finishes and upholstery options
Forty Winks Bed System
Prices from £650
Designed with practicality in mind, the Forty Winks bed is tailored specifically for VW T5/T6 campervans. This full-width system allows you to recline the rear seats into a double bed while retaining everyday usability. When not in use, the bed folds compactly behind the seats and functions as a parcel shelf, maximising interior height and cargo space. Thes value of this type of bed system lies in flexibility and cost-efficiency for Kombi owners seeking a lightweight, low-fuss solution.
Key features:
- Ideal for VW T5/T6 Kombi vans
- Folds behind seats as a parcel shelf
- Cost-effective option for occasional use
Bed System Brand Highlights
You’ll find below specific highlights that we think are important to consider on the various bed systems we install.
RIB Altair (Scopema)
- Engineered in Europe with premium-grade materials
- Renowned for clever flip and storage mechanisms
- Ergonomic foam design for high sleep comfort
Fabworx
- Handmade construction ensures bespoke quality
- Strong steel frame suitable for frequent use
- Generous under-bed storage configurations
Streamline
- Lightweight frames support efficient conversions
- Full M1 safety compliance for peace of mind
- Practical designs for compact and mid-range builds
Smart Beds
- Known for intuitive, gas-assisted folding systems
- Offers memory foam options for added comfort
- Stylish, modern finishes and upholstery choices
Forty Winks
- Designed for full-width, quick-convert sleep setups
- Allows everyday vehicle use with minimal disruption
- Excellent value for Kombi owners
An Overview Of Bed Systems
Here’s a useful table to help decide on the ideal campervan bed system for your campervan.
| Bed System | Best For | Price | Safety Certified | Storage Access | Daily Usability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIB Altair | Long-term travel, high spec builds | £2800+ | Yes | Excellent | Excellent |
| Fabworx | Versatile users, frequent conversions | £1950+ | Yes M1 tested | Excellent | Good |
| Streamline | Lightweight builds, compact vans | £1950+ | Yes M1 tested | Good | Good |
| Smart Beds | Mid-range users, comfort seekers | £1950+ | Yes M1 tested | Good | Very Good |
| Forty Winks | Kombi owners, occasional use | £650+ | Not M1 Tested | Fair | Very |
A Comparison Of Campervan Bed System Features
Now that we’ve shown you our favourite brands to install, you may want to know how you can make the right decision based on your options. We’ve put together what to consider below and how it can impact your choice.
Campervan Bed System Safety
Safety should always be the first consideration. Check for M1 crash testing and TUV certification to ensure the bed system meets European standards. These certifications confirm that the product has been tested in crash simulations and approved for real-world use.
Mattress & Upholstery Comfort
Comfort can vary significantly between brands and models. Consider the type of foam used, seat depth, and ergonomic design. Beds like the RIB Altair and Smart Beds tend to offer higher levels of comfort suitable for regular use.
Ease of Use & Mechanisms
A bed that’s difficult to operate can be a daily nuisance. Look for systems with gas struts or intuitive folding mechanisms that convert the bed in seconds. Smart Beds and RIB systems are particularly user-friendly.
Campervan Bed Storage Options
The practicality of your campervan depends heavily on storage. Beds that include folding or elevated designs offer access to the space beneath or behind the unit. RIB and Fabworx beds lead in this area.
Efficiency Of Space
Consider whether you need a 3/4 width to accommodate kitchen units, or a full-width bed for maximum sleeping space. Full-width options like Forty Winks are ideal for short trips with less onboard gear.
How To Choose A Campervan Bed System Based On your Use Case
Understanding the strengths of each bed system is great, but you may still not fully know how to choose based on these key features. To help you with this, we’ve outlined below what beds are best for your use case.
Full-Time Vanlifers
RIB Altair beds provide ergonomic support, long-term comfort, and unmatched versatility with their folding storage system. These beds are ideal for individuals who live or travel extensively in their van.
Weekend Explorers
M1 tested rock and roll beds offer a more affordable yet certified-safe option with decent comfort. They strike a good balance between everyday usability and weekend practicality, especially when sourced from reputable brands like Smart Beds or Fabworx.
Kombi Commuters & Occasional Campers
Forty Winks beds suit drivers who use their van as a daily vehicle and occasionally convert it for overnight trips. Its parcel shelf mode and full-width sleeping area make it excellent for flexible lifestyles.
Families Or Gear-Heavy Travellers
Those needing to store large items like bikes or outdoor equipment should consider the RIB Altair or Fabworx models, both of which offer superior under-seat or swing-up storage options.
Lightweight Builds Or Payload Restrictions
Streamline beds are an excellent option where weight-saving is important, such as for fuel-efficient setups or when adhering to vehicle payload limits.
Choose Templer Way Campers For Your Campervan Bed System Installation
Whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing campervan conversion, or you’re designing your dream van, we can help. We stock a variety different bed systems and vans to ensure you get the right fit. To find out more, contact our team today.
