The U-shaped lounge is one of the most popular campervan layouts for medium wheelbase vans. It provides generous daytime seating — a proper social space — that converts to a double bed at night. This layout is common in factory-built motorhomes and translates well to DIY conversions.
What Is a U-Shaped Lounge?
A U-shaped lounge consists of three bench seats arranged in a U shape around a table. Two benches run along the van's sides (one on each wall) and one across the rear. A drop-down table fills the centre.
Daytime: Comfortable seating for 4-6 people around a dining table. Work space, board games, or just lounging. Night: The table drops, cushions fill the centre, and the whole area becomes a double bed approximately 1.85m x 1.40m.
Ideal Vans for This Layout
The U-shaped lounge works best in MWB (medium wheelbase) vans with at least 2.8m of load length:
| Van | Load Length | Width | Suitable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Custom LWB | 2.80m | 1.78m | Yes |
| Renault Trafic L2 | 2.93m | 1.96m | Yes |
| VW Crafter MWB | 3.08m | 1.89m | Yes |
| Ford Transit MWB | 3.05m | 1.78m | Yes |
| Citroen Relay MWB | 3.08m | 1.87m | Yes |
Transit Custom LWB and Renault Trafic L2 are the sweet spot — long enough for the lounge but still parkable in standard spaces.
Dimensions and Layout
A U-shaped lounge needs:
- Rear bench: 1.40-1.70m wide (full van width minus cabinet depth on each side)
- Side benches: 1.00-1.30m each (depending on where kitchen is placed)
- Gangway: 0.40m between benches (where you step into the lounge)
- Table: 0.60m x 0.40m drop-down
Seat heights: 0.45m from floor to seat cushion, 0.35-0.40m seat depth. The table should be 0.70-0.75m high (standard dining height).
Bed Conversion Mechanism
The U-shaped lounge converts to a bed in three ways:
Method 1: Drop Table
The table lowers to seat cushion height. Cushions fill the gap. This is the simplest mechanism — a telescopic leg or hinge.
Parts needed: £20-50 for table mechanism.
Method 2: Sliding Benches
The side benches slide outwards 0.15-0.20m to close the gap, and the rear bench also slides forward slightly. Creates a larger, gap-free bed surface.
Parts needed: £80-150 for drawer slides or a custom seat box mechanism.
Method 3: Filler Cushions
Purpose-made cushions fill the centre space when the table is lowered. The simplest approach but you need somewhere to store the filler cushions during the day.
U-Shaped Lounge with a Garage
One advantage of the U-shaped layout: the rear bench can be built on a raised platform (0.55m high, like standard seat height) that creates a "garage" underneath for bikes, water tanks, or outdoor gear. Access through the rear doors.
Kitchen Placement Options
With a U-shaped lounge, the kitchen must go on one side of the van, reducing one side bench length.
Option A: Kitchen on Driver's Side
- Driver's side bench shortened to 0.60m (single seat)
- Kitchen unit 1.00-1.20m long
- Passenger side bench full length (1.20-1.50m)
- Rear bench full width
Option B: Kitchen at the Front
- Kitchen unit behind the passenger seat, forward of the lounge
- Full U-shaped lounge at the rear (no bench shortening)
- Requires a longer van (3.0m+ load length)
Option C: Kitchen across the Rear
- Kitchen runs across the back doors
- L-shaped lounge instead of U-shaped (two benches on the sides, no rear bench)
- Less seating but more counter space
Cushion Specifications
Proper cushions make or break the U-shaped lounge comfort. Recommendations:
- Foam: HR35 (high resilience) density, 100mm thick for seats, 75mm for backrests
- Cover: Hard-wearing fabric like tweed or outdoor canvas (not velvet or cotton — it wears quickly)
- Bed conversion: The seat cushions become the mattress. Ensure all cushions are the same thickness (100mm minimum) for a flat sleeping surface
- Filler gap: The centre gap when the table is lowered should be no more than 100mm. Fill with a dedicated 100mm thick cushion or use foam bolsters
Storage Potential
A U-shaped lounge provides significant storage:
- Under each bench: 0.40m³ total (3 benches at 0.15m³ each)
- Under rear bench (if raised): 0.50m³ additional
- Under table: Limited (table legs get in the way)
- Overhead lockers: 0.30m³ above the side benches
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best daytime social space in a van | Bed setup takes 5-10 minutes |
| Converts to a large double bed | Cushion storage during the day |
| Huge under-bench storage | Rear bench blocks access to garage |
| Works well for families with kids | Heavy — uses more wood and cushion foam |
| Comfortable living for wet days | Requires minimum 2.8m load length |
UK Build Tips
- Weight: A full U-shaped lounge in 18mm birch ply with three benches weighs 80-120kg. Use 12mm ply for non-structural panels to save 20-30kg.
- Ventilation: The rear bench covers the rear wheel arches. Ensure 20mm gaps for airflow to prevent trapped moisture.
- Seatbelt compliance: If the lounge seats are used while driving, the seats must have 3-point belts bolted to the vehicle's structural crossmembers. See DVSA guidelines for seatbelt installation.
- MOT: A U-shaped lounge that blocks the rear doors may need an additional means of escape. Fit a sliding window or pop-out vent on the side.
Conclusion
The U-shaped lounge is the most liveable layout for MWB vans. It prioritises daytime comfort and social space, which matters when you spend weeks at a time in the van — especially in UK weather. The bed conversion is quick, storage is generous, and the layout works for couples, families, and solo travellers alike.
Our recommendation: Use a drop table mechanism with filler cushions. Keep the rear bench accessible from the back doors. Build in 12mm ply to manage weight.
