What is an Island Bed in a Motorhome?
Posted: 10/03/2025 Author: Jackie ShipleyTags: motorhomes, travel master
Essentially, owning a motorhome means that you can take your place to live with you while you travel. You could be away for a few days or a few weeks – but however long your trip, that on the road lifestyle will entail some sleeping, and so you’re going to need a bed. When choosing a motorhome, one of the most important things to consider is the sleeping arrangements, with comfort, space and accessibility all playing crucial roles in selecting the right type of bed. One of the most sought-after styles is the island bed, and this article on the Coachman blog explores what that is, what its advantages are, and how it compares to other types of bed in motorhomes.
What is an Island Bed?
An island bed in a motorhome is a free-standing double that’s accessible from both sides (much like a traditional bed in a house). It’s typically positioned in the rear or central section of a motorhome, which allows for easy access when it’s bedtime, without anyone having to clamber over their partner or squeeze into a corner. Island beds are a popular style of bed with motorhome owners as they offer home-like comfort and convenience. There are several benefits to island beds.
- Easy access: With space on both sides of an island bed, getting in and out is hassle-free, and you won’t disturb your partner. Island beds can be particularly beneficial for people who have mobility issues.
- Homelike comfort: The design of an island bed closely resembles a standard bed, which means homelike familiarity – and a good night’s sleep.
- Enhanced storage: Many motorhome island beds incorporate under-bed storage, making them practical for keeping bedding, clothing or other essentials.
- Privacy and separation: In some motorhome layouts the island bed is positioned in a separate bedroom area, which offers travellers real privacy.
- Aesthetic appeal: The symmetrical layout of an island bed can create a more open and luxurious feel within the motorhome.
Other Types of Motorhome beds
Island beds offer many advantages and as mentioned above, are certainly the most homelike of all motorhome bed styles, but they do require a larger amount of interior motorhome space to accommodate them. If you’d prefer to prioritising absolute efficiency in the use of space, then other bed types could be worth considering.
- French: This is a fixed double bed but positioned against one side of a motorhome, often with a corner or curved cut-out to make the most of the floor space. Unlike island beds, access to French beds is from one side only. They’re ideal for travellers looking to save space without little compromise on comfort.
- Transverse: This type of bed is placed across the width of a motorhome (and typically at the rear), allowing for a full-size double bed without too much living space being taken. However, with a transverse bed it’s possible that one person may have to climb over their partner to get in and out.
- Drop-down: This type of bed is a space-saving solution – a bed in the ceiling, essentially. It can be lowered when needed and then retracted during the day. Drop-down beds are usually electric and are common in compact motorhomes or those with open-plan living areas.
- Twin beds: Two single beds positioned parallel to each other in a motorhome, usually either side of the central walkway. This set-up is particularly popular with solo travellers or couples who prefer their own sleeping space. In some motorhomes there is the option to convert twin beds into a large double.
- Rear lounge: A rear lounge bed is created when the rear seating area is converted into a bed. This flexible option maximises living space during the day, though requires setting up each night (which may not be ideal for everyone).
Is an Island Bed Right For You?
When you’re pondering the question “what is an island bed in a motorhome?” and deciding whether that’s the right choice for you, you’ll find that it depends on your individual preferences – and, of course, your practical needs. When comfort, easy access and a dedicated sleeping area are essentials or high priorities for you, then an island bed is the perfect option. If space-saving and versatility are more important, however, there are other motorhome bed types which might be more suitable.
Coachman’s exceptional Travel Master motorhome range boasts two popular layouts that offer practical and flexible sleep solutions. These include an island bed in the 545 and twin beds in the 565. Both feature an electrically operated drop-down bed above the front lounge. This luxury 4 berth motorhome range from Coachman has an option for your lifestyle.
An island bed in a motorhome offers an unparalleled level of comfort and convenience, making it a highly desirable choice for many travellers. While it requires a larger vehicle to accommodate, its benefits in terms of accessibility, storage, and home-like feel make it a worthwhile investment. By understanding the differences between various bed types, you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall motorhome experience. Come and talk to us at Coachman about the Travel Master range.
