Reconfiguring for the Perfect Adventure
Building a camper van is never a one-and-done process. Over time, you learn what works, what doesn’t, and what could be improved. After traveling extensively in our camper for the past few years, my wife and I have decided to redesign the interior layout to better suit our new travel style—just the two of us.
This is Camper Build 2.0, an old-school approach to maximizing comfort, functionality, and storage.
The Original Layout & Why We’re Changing It
Our original setup worked really well. We had:
- A low unit on the left side with a cooker and sink
- A tall unit on the right side housing the fridge, toilet cabinet, and storage
- A bench seat in the middle that folded out into a double bed
However, after years on the road, we’ve realized there are two major issues we need to fix:
- Morning coffee access – My wife insists that we must be able to use the cooker without packing away the bed.
- Bathroom access – We should also be able to reach the toilet without disturbing the bed setup.
With these priorities in mind, we’re going for a fixed bed design that slides forward so we can sleep lengthways in the van.
The New Layout Plan
1. A Fixed Bed with a Sliding Extension
Since our van isn’t quite wide enough to sleep sideways, we’re installing a fixed bed that can extend when needed. This means:
✅ Enough storage space underneath for our bikes, kayaks, and SUP
✅ A comfortable sleeping area without sacrificing living space
2. Moving the Cooker for a More Social Setup
In the old setup, the cooker was at the back, which was convenient but also created two separate zones:
- The cooking area
- The lounging space under the awning
We want a more inclusive layout, so we’re repositioning the cooker near the sliding door. This way, the person cooking (usually my wife—I won’t lie! 😆) can still be part of the conversation.
3. A Two-Seater Bench for Versatility
We’re adding a two-seater bench in the center of the van. This might also serve as a rock-and-roll bed, giving us extra seating and another sleeping option if needed.
Building the Bed Platform
To make sure our bikes fit underneath, I measured everything carefully. The full-suspension bikes are taller than single-speed ones, so I adjusted the bed height accordingly:
- Bed platform height: 80cm from the floor
- Clearance between the top of the bed and roof: Plenty of headroom for sitting comfortably
To support the bed frame, I used:
- 80cm tall wooden stanchions for stability
- A 57-inch long beam along the wall, secured with rivnuts into the van’s body
The bed will be 90cm wide when closed and 1.8m wide when extended, allowing for a comfortable sleeping area without wasting space.
Strength Testing & Mockups
Since I’m not an engineer, I did a weight test on the center beam. The 90mm high wooden beam felt incredibly solid and sturdy, giving me confidence in its ability to support our weight.
With the frame in place, I started mocking up the cabinet enclosures. The garage space under the bed will be a game-changer, allowing us to store bulky gear like surfboards and other adventure equipment.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning! In the next phase, I’ll be:
🔨 Enclosing the cabinets and garage area
🛠 Fine-tuning storage solutions for better accessibility
🚐 Installing finishing touches for a cozy, functional living space
If you enjoyed following along, give this post a thumbs up, subscribe to the channel, and stay tuned for the next update!
🎥 Watch the full build series to see how we bring this vision to life.
💬 What do you think of this new layout? Let me know in the comments!
Happy days & happy travels! 🚐✨
