Bed Width

[Oldwolf]

Recently have been looking at ready made bed kits that fit in my Sienna minivan. I noticed that many of them are around 24” wide. The self-built-up set I currently have has a width of 26”. I recently reduced the length of my bed from 74” to 72”. Also reduced the height of the bed 1.5 inches which still gives me ample storage space below plus more head room. Now I am thinking I could pick up another 2” by reducing the bed width. That got me to thinking about you folks, and what bed widths you have in your mini-vans. What have you found to be an acceptable width for your sleeping requirements?

I have been looking at CampNCar and appreciate their designed simplicity and functionality.
https://campncar.com/store/

 

[bullfrog !]

Recently have been looking at ready made bed kits that fit in my Sienna minivan. I noticed that many of them are around 24” wide. The self-built up set I currently have has a width of 26”. I recently reduced the length of my bed from 74” to 72”. Also reduced the height of the bed 1.5 inches which still gives me ample storage space below plus more head room. Now I am thinking I could pick up another 2” by reducing the bed width. That got me to thinking about you folks, and what bed widths you have in your mini-vans. What have you found to be an acceptable width for your sleeping requirements?

I have been looking at CampNCar and appreciate their designed simplicity and functionality.
https://campncar.com/store/

I’ve found that a good nights sleep is most important so 28” or 30” is my standard.

 

[rruff]

I've slept 1 on 20", 2 on 30", 2 on 36"... and currently 1 on 54"...

If space was tight, I'd want just enough and no more, but everyone is different about that.

 

[INTJohn]

The beginning of a beautiful day is the result of a great sleep and the beginning of a great sleep is a comfortable mattress & bed.

My bed is 30” x 78” and my mattress is an Exped Megamat 10 LXW

jonny boi gits bch bum bewty sleep

 

[Tony's Dream]

I started out with a 32" and tried to save space and reduced to a 24" mattress. The smaller mattress made for a restless night so I switched back to the 32. As stated above, a good night sleep sets the mood for the day. I will take a good night sleep over space any day.

 

[maki2]

My bed width is 29”. I tested it to se what the minimum was for being able to roll from my back to lie on either side of my body. You do not want to be lying right up against a cold wall. So you either need to add crib bumpers on the wall or you need enough bed width so you are not forced against that potentially very cold surface in winter. Are your head or feet going to be bumping against a cold wall? When designing the interior think through the whole potential scenario for use in all conditions including what if it’s hot and what if it’s cold. Can you keep the blankets tucked in if you roll over? Can you get up in the night to use the toilet without tripping over stuff? Is there a USB outlet next to your bed? Do you have a place to set a water bottle next to your bed? I put a fold-up cup holder on the wall next to my bed in easy reach so I can get a drink of water without getting out of bed. The little comforts of home really help the journey, design them in while you make your plan.

 

[Dirtrider]

In my first Chevy Express van, I made a frame that pulled out to make a full size bed, then slide it in during the day
There are many on YouTube to check out.
Good sleep is one of the most important things person needs

 

[rruff]

In my first Chevy Express van, I made a frame that pulled out to make a full size bed, then slide it in during the day

Oh ya! One annoying aspect of that is lack of access to stuff when the bed is out, but expanding the bed into the aisle is a great idea if you have one.

Good sleep is one of the most important things person needs

I'm reminded of some Buddhist monks who specifically avoid sleeping on comfortable beds. I think good sleep is more psychologically dependent than physical....