Over the past few years, the number of van-lifers has grown to an estimated 3 million people in 2021. From freedom to financial sufficiency, van life offers people a break from constraints of modern life. Many van-dwellers enjoy their lifestyle since they have a sense of self-sufficiency. Beyond the beautiful natural landscapes and adventures, this nomadic lifestyle requires good planning.
If you’re looking to convert a van into a mobile home for your adventure, you need a lot of DIY skills and some preparation. Whether you’re looking to live in a van for a few months or years, your van bed is one of the most important aspects of your setup. That’s why finding the right van bed is crucial for a successful van life.
A well-designed van bed platform can make or break your comfort, which is why building the right bed for your van is a key part of making your vehicle feel like home.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the general steps you need to take to build your DIY van bed platform. We’ll go over everything from popular layout options to where you can find a van mattress.
1) Choosing Your Van Bed Layout
Depending on your storage and lifestyle needs, your van bed layout matters. Before you rush off to buy materials, ask yourself these questions to decide on a good sleeping area layout for your van:
- Do you plan to store gear and use under-the-bed storage?
- Will you be sleeping alone, with a pet, or with a partner?
- Do you want a convertible bed or a fixed bed?
The most common van bed platform styles are the fixed platform bed, pull-out or sliding bed, and convertible bed.
The fixed platform bed is the most popular setup for full-time vanlifers. This requires you to build a raised platform, add a van mattress, and use the space underneath for storage.
For smaller vans, you might want to consider a pull-out bed that slides out only when you need it. A convertible bed is also a great alternative. You can use it as a seating area during the day and transform it into a bed at night.
2) Deciding on the Right Materials for Your Van Bed Build
Once you’ve thought of a good layout, it’s time to pick the right materials for your van bed frame. Consult long-time van-lifers for their suggestions on what would be the best materials to build with.
In general, you should pick lightweight, sturdy, and moisture-resistant materials. Seasoned van-lifers often suggest using plywood, specifically marine-grade plywood, if you have the budget for it. If you go for wood as your material, don’t forget to sand and seal it with waterproof sealant or varnish.
Additionally, aluminum or steel brackets are crucial for providing extra support to your bed platform. If you’re building a slide-out setup, use sturdy drawer slides or piano hinges.
For the actual construction of your van bed platform and frame, consult online guides and videos for more information.
3) Find a Mattress that Fits Your Van Bed Perfectly
Some people build out their van bed platform, then realize that standard mattresses won’t fit. They end up buying a mattress that’s too big and go through the hassle of cutting it down to size.
As you work out the details of your bed, you can find a custom van mattress to complete your setup. You should take accurate measurements of the width, length, and height of your bed frame to ensure that your van mattress is perfectly-sized.
Aside from sizing, you should consider what your van mattress should be made from. Custom mattress manufacturers offer foam, latex, and hybrid material options. But, for your van, foam mattress are an ideal option. Lightweight foam mattresses for vans offer you comfy sleep every night on the road.
Once you have the numbers and decide on your preferred mattress material, ordering a high-quality mattress for your van is straightforward. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any wasted space and uncomfortable sleep surfaces.
Complete Your Van Bed Setup with a Custom Van Mattress
DIY-ing your entire van sleeping area isn’t an easy feat. But, it’s one of the most rewarding parts. When you complete an entire build that’s tailored to your lifestyle and needs, you feel a sense of accomplishment that’s unmatched.
Your constructed van bed, however, isn’t complete without a good custom mattress that lets you get quality sleep on the road.
At Custom Mattress, we can help you craft a foam mattress for your van, allowing you to specify its dimensions. You can also choose the right firmness, support, and pressure relief that meets your sleep needs. Whether you need a single sleeper van mattress or a full-size mattress, we’re here for you.