I've been looking around for a small van/mh - something like the Adria Twin 540 or Hymervan 314 sort of size with passenger seat/dinette. However both of these and others have a double bed in the rear. I just can't seem to find any with a rear lounge and pull out bed instead.
Does one exist? Alternatively how easy would it be to take out the bed and replace it with a U (or even L) shaped sofa? I know I'd lose storage but having come from a little camper I know I don't need a lot of that.
I can't think I'm the only one who doesn't want a bed taking up so much space when a little sofa would be well used. Has anyone any thoughts or creative ideas or has done this?
You are right to ask this question before buying and altering anything you quite like, into something you would prefer.
You do not say if you are looking for new or pre loved. An 'L' shaped lounge, will usually make 2 single beds with just the removal of the backrest cushions. Similarly the 'U' shaped. Measure for length of both before deciding which may suit you. That's the easy part of L or U. Then you will need a portable table to eat at and a place to store that table. It would however be easy to use outside also.
Elddis did make both types, and also ones with pull out slats that made the lounge L or U into a double bed.
Autocruise (now owned by Swift) also did the same U/L layouts for many years. This will only help you if you are buying used.
I wonder though with either of these layouts where will be the seat belts for any passengers. Mostly that layout will have a centre kitchen and wardrobes one side and bathroom the other. The front seats for driver and passenger will quite possibly not swivel, and could be the only ones with seat belts.
It is a 'Bank Holiday' coming up, get out and about and have a look, or peruse the internet. Good luck.
Thank you very much indeed both of you for taking the trouble to respond. Lots to look into here.
I should have been clearer, sorry. I'm definitely looking for used and a small wheelbase - both of those I mentioned are 5.4 m long with a dinette/passenger seats at the front and bed at the back. I don't know why there isn't an option for the above spec with a sofa that makes into a bed at the back. The space required is the same surely.
I've googled and checked various websites till I'm google-eyed as well as visited shows etc over the past couple of years to no avail. I even came across a review which asked the same question. That's why I've come to the opinion that the only way to do it is to diy.
Will keep looking though but would like to get something this Autumn as I miss my little camper soo much! But I want what I want!!!
I have an Adria twin with fixed bed at the rear gas bottles are under the bed on the drivers side and all the electrical stuff on the other side
the bed is raised higher than normal to accomodate the gas bottles and electrics
my van is 6m so the shorter one may be different so coverting to a lounge may be a wee bit more than a simple task
Have you thought of buying a good quality used van then having it professionally built into a camper of your own design.
Would be a total one-off
------------- Vans' of the past
1986 Sprite Musketeer. sold
1989 Swift Corvette. sold
1998 Merc Sprinter self build camper. sold
2006 Peugeot, Elddis 100 Sunstyle. sold
2002 Swift Challenger 400. sold
2008 Fiat, Timberland Destiny. sold
2003 Peugeot, Leisuredrive Calypso. sold
2011 Sprite Finesse. current
Thank you again. Yes my research has come up with the same conclusion, that somewhere for the gas locker etc would need to be found. However there is often a wardrobe which I don't mind losing so maybe cables etc could be re-routed. I have actually now found one with a sofa in the back, but without a half-dinette - grr frustrating!!
I did think a while ago about having one built but as there are several that are 'nearly there' it seemed a shame to start from scratch. However that might be the only option. Can anyone recommend anyone who could build me a campervan?
Please put in you location and I know you will get replies if you want a van built. If you find a van you like they do convert 'your' van or theirs. Not your address, no phone number etc...just the county you live in will be fine. That way you will get more ideas for 'local' converters.
Hi jayeen
If I may ask, Re: Layout
Have you an actual, real "need" for a rear lounge, and/or a real "dislike" of a fixed bed?..or is all this just something that is an anticipated "maybe", type of thing? (it that makes sense).
Because how a layout works in actual use, can be a lot different to how it is first perceived, when peering into one on a forecourt..
We(and many others)found that the advantages of a having fixed bed, which gives great "lounging" potential during the day, along with ample storage beneath, and which obviously does away with the need to disassemble the "lounge" each night, to be a great plus point...
I certainly wouldn't be cutting and carving up a perfectly decent(and re-sellable!) "mainstream" van, just because it's layout may not suit you 100% at the moment ..
(the "at the moment" bit may be relevant, as we have found that our layout preferences have changed umpteen times over the years )
Obviously, if you manage to buy an absolute bargain, and there is very little to lose, than that would be different.
Thank you again. Yes I'm in the North Midlands/Peak Park area so pretty central for everywhere really if anyone can recommend a converter. Googling finds a few but you can't beat personal recommendation.
I suppose my decision to go for this layout stems from years of tenting and caravanning, then a small campervan for the past 10 years. I've come to realise what is important to me and what isn't. For a start as there's only one of me (grandchildren now being too old to share a bed with granny - they go in the awning/small tent alongside now) I don't need to lug about a big bed that would only be used for 7 hours in 24, whereas a lounge would be used far more. I wouldn't want to use the bed for lounging, I prefer to keep the uses separate. Quite happy to pull out each night. Storage isn't important; a campervan-style hob and sink is fine. Don't use oven at home so don't need that, don't have a microwave at home so don't need that either. 10 years in a tiny camper have taught me that a proper bathroom is a must though.
I absolutely agree, cutting about a perfectly good van seems criminal and when I started this hunt I was sure I'd find the right set up in say, a 5-10 year old van. So surprised not to.
A mini half dinette affair is also important as I'm still working mostly from home so will need table space. Yes it could all change in a few years but at the moment I want what I want now! (Stamps feet petulantly!!)
Haha - I'm not demanding (not much!) so will keep on with the hunt but any other views would be most welcome, I really appreciate everyone taking the time and trouble to help - I hope I can return it sometime.
How would the Leicestershire/Northants area be for looking into a camper converter?
I will give you this one anyway. They do own van or your van.
Custom Camper Solutions. 01536 762895
See I want a fixed bed ideally the Adria twin but can’t one in my price bracket. They seem to be newer everything I see is a diner or has a fixed bed and is too much for me sadly.
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Topic: Converting fixed bed to sofa?
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via mobile 30/5/2019 at 1:42pm
