Short wheelbase vans — the Ford Transit Custom SWB, Renault Trafic L1, VW Transporter SWB, and Mercedes Vito Compact — offer car-like handling and fit in standard parking spaces, but their 2.5-2.7m load length requires smart layout thinking.
This guide covers fixed bed layouts that work in a short wheelbase van.
Our Recommendation
For a couple under 5'10": Transverse bed with under-bed storage. This gives the most balanced layout for daily living and sleeping.
For a solo traveller over 6ft: Longitudinal single bed with a galley kitchen opposite. You get a full-length sleep and a usable kitchen.
For weekend use only: Keep it simple with a rock and roll bed. The convienience of converting between modes beats the extra 30 minutes of setup per trip.
The SWB Challenge
A typical SWB van has 2.5-2.7m of usable load length behind the front seats. That is about the same as a large estate car. To fit a bed, kitchen, and storage in this space, every layout choice becomes a compromise.
Key SWB dimensions:
- Transit Custom SWB: load length 2.55m, width 1.78m
- Renault Trafic L1: load length 2.53m, width 1.96m
- VW Transporter SWB: load length 2.55m, width 1.70m
Layout 1: Transverse Fixed Bed (Best for Couples)
A bed running across the van behind the front seats, using the full width of the van.
Bed dimensions: 1.70-1.96m wide x 0.55-0.70m deep (depending on van)
Pros:
- Bed does not take up length — leaves space for kitchen behind
- Full width gives a double or wide single bed
- Storage underneath for water tanks, gas bottle, gear
Cons:
- Bed depth is limited to 60-70cm — short for a double bed
- Tall sleepers (over 5'10") cannot stretch out
- Access requires climbing over your partner (one side is against the wall)
Best for: Couples under 5'10" who do not mind cosy sleeping.
Layout 2: Longitudinal Fixed Bed (Best for Solo or Tall)
A single bed running along one side of the van, leaving a corridor down the other.
Bed dimensions: 1.80-1.95m long x 60-70cm wide
Pros:
- Full-length bed suitable for tall people (up to 6'4")
- Galley kitchen or storage can fit along the opposite wall
- Easy access — walk in and sit on the bed
Cons:
- Single bed only (too narrow for two people side by side)
- Loses half the van's width to the bed
- Limited kitchen space on the corridor side
Best for: Solo travellers over 6ft who need to stretch out.
Layout 3: Raised Fixed Bed (French Bed)
A fixed bed raised 80-90cm above the floor, with living space underneath.
How it works:
- Bed platform at head height (80-90cm from floor)
- Seating/dining area below, accessible when the bed lifts or slides
- Kitchen at the rear or in the remaining space
Pros:
- Maximises floor space for daytime living
- Can fit a double bed without sacrificing kitchen
- Storage underneath the bed
Cons:
- Bed feels like a cupboard
- Headroom above the bed is limited (40-60cm)
- Requires a raise mechanism — more complexity and weight
Layout 4: Multi-Function Rock and Roll Bed
A bed that folds into a seat during the day. Not a fixed bed but worth mentioning as the most common SWB solution.
Pros: Full daytime living space. Cons: Bed must be made up every night, mechanism adds weight (£400-800), and the foam mattress is thinner for folding.
Interior Layout Comparison
| Layout | Bed Size | Day Space | Storage | Build Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transverse | Double (short) | Good | Under-bed | Medium |
| Longitudinal | Single (long) | Limited | Overhead | Medium |
| Raised | Double | Excellent | Under-bed | High |
| Rock and roll | Double (thin) | Excellent | Moderate | Low |
UK-Specific Considerations
Transverse bed for tall people: A transverse bed in a 1.70m wide VW Transporter is only 1.70m wide — too narrow for anyone over 5'6" to sleep diagonally. The Trafic's 1.96m width gives an extra 25cm, making transverse viable for couples up to 6ft.
Headroom above raised beds: Most SWB vans have 1.30-1.40m internal height. With a bed at 0.85m, you get 45-55cm of sitting headroom. Enough for lying down and reading but not sitting up straight.
Winter condensation: SWB vans have less internal volume, so humidity builds faster. Fixed beds with solid ply bases trap moisture between the mattress and ply. Use slatted bases or ventilated bed platforms.
Bed Base Materials
- 18mm birch ply: Recommended. Strong, light, and moisture-resistant with proper sealing.
- 12mm ply + slats: Better airflow under mattress, reduces condensation. Use 12mm ply with 30mm slats at 50mm spacing.
- Aluminium extrusion: Lightweight but expensive. Pro-flex or custom profile.
Conclusion
The best SWB layout depends entirely on your height, whether you travel solo or as a couple, and how much daytime living space you need. A transverse bed is the best all-rounder for couples; a longitudinal bed suits tall solo travellers. Either way, build a ventilated bed base, leave access to under-bed storage, and keep the build weight under 200kg to preserve payload.
