alternative layout

[wayney]

I have a 2022 swb kombi and have been thinking of layouts to include a small garage under a fixed extendable bed.
i was wondering why for 2 people most of the conversions have 2/3 seats at the front then a 2/3 bench seat at the back which converts into a bed. Why is it that for 2 people captains chairs swiveled round is not ample. This would create space to have a 130cm fixed bed extendable at night with a garage under and more space for a larger area for cupboards. Am i missing something?

 

[Sackmycook]

I don't get the '130cm fixed bed, extendable at night ' concept you mention. What is it when not extended ? A bench seat ?

 

[JoshB_]

If it’s your own van, obviously you can do whatever you want with it. The 2+2 with a rock n roll bed suits probably 90% of people and so that’s what the majority of buyers expect when looking to buy a ready converted van.

Quite a few on here have opted for a U shape layout, where the “bed” is a wrap around bench.

Not many opt for both front seats to swivel as the drivers seat clashes with the kitchen unit in a “normal” configuration.

Your idea of a fixed bed is quite common in the Crafter/Sprinter world as they’re much bigger vans. It’s the headroom that’s the major problem. There’s hardly any in a Transporter and why the vast majority have a pop-top.

Or you go for a Kombi style bed that folds over (which I think is what you’re getting at).

 

[StratosFearXX]

I'm all for an alternative layout. Not a fan of the full camper layout at all but there you go we're all different.

I currently have a Woody's wagons beach bed and that's about it ... removable/portable cooker/sink pod, leisure battery for lights, charging and diesel heater, good enough.

 

[Turboponzy]

Most people’s vans double up as a family car or have to carry passengers so need the extra seats. Everyone is different and it does seem like alternative layouts are becoming more popular. We have captains seats and the rear is made to carry bikes inside with a bench bed down each side.

 

[DXX]

i was wondering why for 2 people most of the conversions have 2/3 seats at the front then a 2/3 bench seat at the back which converts into a bed. Why is it that for 2 people captains chairs swiveled round is not ample.

Because that’s the standard front seat configuration on the base level vans that many of the higher volume converters buy to maximise profit.

 

[wayney]

Thank you all for your replies, so i think what im asking, is it a comfortable option to just have the 2 captains chairs that swivel as the the only seating in the van as i can see it would give me alot of usable space at the rear. My idea is that i could have a small fixed bed area with small garage to travel with my road bike , then the small bed could be extended forward at night to make a 1.80m bed,
Full height cupboards as normal on one side at the back, cupboards at low level running from side to side at the base of the bed when its in it smaller setup, covered at night when the bed is extended.
Have worked out that i could still fit the 3 seater Kombi bench seat in when needed.

 

[CAB]

Thank you all for your replies, so i think what im asking, is it a comfortable option to just have the 2 captains chairs that swivel as the the only seating in the van as i can see it would give me alot of usable space at the rear. My idea is that i could have a small fixed bed area with small garage to travel with my road bike , then the small bed could be extended forward at night to make a 1.80m bed,
Full height cupboards as normal on one side at the back, cupboards at low level running from side to side at the base of the bed when its in it smaller setup, covered at night when the bed is extended.
Have worked out that i could still fit the 3 seater Kombi bench seat in when needed.

Try renting one, and leave the bed down for the weekend?

 

[StratosFearXX]

Thank you all for your replies, so i think what im asking, is it a comfortable option to just have the 2 captains chairs that swivel as the the only seating in the van as i can see it would give me alot of usable space at the rear. My idea is that i could have a small fixed bed area with small garage to travel with my road bike , then the small bed could be extended forward at night to make a 1.80m bed,
Full height cupboards as normal on one side at the back, cupboards at low level running from side to side at the base of the bed when its in it smaller setup, covered at night when the bed is extended.
Have worked out that i could still fit the 3 seater Kombi bench seat in when needed.

Yes, sounds an interesting setup. I travel, solo travel that is (though not so much these days) with a Paramotor, paragliding gear and sometimes a very small motorbike. I like a bit of space.

 

[Sasquatch]

Yes, sounds an interesting setup. I travel, solo travel that is (though not so much these days) with a Paramotor, paragliding gear and sometimes a very small motorbike. I like a bit of space.

You are James Bond AICMFP!

 

[Huba]

Thank you all for your replies, so i think what im asking, is it a comfortable option to just have the 2 captains chairs that swivel as the the only seating in the van as i can see it would give me alot of usable space at the rear. My idea is that i could have a small fixed bed area with small garage to travel with my road bike , then the small bed could be extended forward at night to make a 1.80m bed,
Full height cupboards as normal on one side at the back, cupboards at low level running from side to side at the base of the bed when its in it smaller setup, covered at night when the bed is extended.
Have worked out that i could still fit the 3 seater Kombi bench seat in when needed.

I have an 'alternate' layout. I originally planned on leaving the triple bench seat as usable and technically still is in my layout but I gave up on it as it weighs so much its immovable for a single person, and a challenge for two blokes, getting it in and out , into the house / garage and storing it wasn't practical, for me anyhow. I ended with a single seat that is more movable and still gives me +1 seat if needed

In a SWB I think your storage will be severely limited with a road bike stored horizontally. I can transport one in mine, but not with the bed down

If you PM me I can point you in the direction of my build pics which will give you some ideas maybe

 

[StratosFearXX]

You are James Bond AICMFP!

That's a new one on me ... AICMFP ...

 

[CAB]

That's a new one on me ... AICMFP ...

And I Claim My Five Pounds.

Although I doubt @Sasquatch is quite old enough to remember when newspapers actually did this.