Fixed RIB 129cm vs 112cm on rails in a LWB - advice needed!

[VicC2025]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to pick your brains about a bit of a layout dilemma with our LWB T6 van conversion.

So, I ideally want a wider bed (looking at the 129cm RIB) because when we hired a VW Ocean last year, the narrower rock and roll bed felt really cramped. I'd definitely prefer more space when sleeping!

BUT... I’m also aware that in a LWB van, without rails, the bed/chairs are fixed pretty far back, and I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable about the idea of the kids (5 and 10) being so far away from us while driving. Safety-wise, I know it’s fine, but practically, I’m worried about the family feeling really spread out, and how that affects sitting around a table together too.

If I go for rails to move the bed forwards when driving and backwards for camping, then I lose the option of a proper sink and two-hob kitchen because I'd need a slimmer unit, plus it's a fair bit more cost-wise.

So...

• 129cm RIB fixed = bigger bed, full kitchen setup, but the kids are further back
• 112cm RIB on rails = flexible layout, kids closer, but a smaller bed and compromise on kitchen space

I'd love to hear your experiences, what would you prioritise? Is the gap between the front seats and the bed really that noticeable with a fixed 129cm? Or would rails make that much of a difference for family life day-to-day?


Thanks so much, would really appreciate your thoughts!

 

[Bav]

Hi Vic. Welcome to the forum.

If you're intending for 2 adults to sleep on the RIB, I'd say 120cm is the minimum bed width required for a decent night's sleep. So, on that basis, I'd prioritise sleep comfort and go for a fixed, wider RIB.

However, if you have a pop-top with a bedboard >=120cm wide, then I'd consider having the adults sleep up top, with the kids on the narrower, sliding RIB.

 

[doncarlyon]

I don't think the distance is that much of an issue - it's not that big a space really.

The cost alone for the bed on rails would be enough for me to say it's not worth it just for that purpose.

We are in the process of having a fixed Stide seat/bed fitted. It is positioned a bit further forward than a RIB fixed, so that could be another option for you.

 

[VicC2025]

Thanks for your advice @doncarlyon and @Bav. I think I've decided against the rails now. TBH it'll probably be nicer having the kids a little further away, hopefully the sound of them arguing might be a little less intense .

 

[T6 Syd]

Hi Vic, welcome. At the risk of causing you more headaches, do you really need the fixed kitchen units? I totally agree that a wider bed is the way to go - two adults in our pop top causes it to sag and you roll together (and neither of us are that weighty, especially not my other half) - could be fun but not best for a good night's sleep.

Your options in a LWB are more than a SWB. You can have room at the back for a kitchen - slide out or even part fixed if you want. Alternatively a small pod at the front could hold a fridge and either a sink or a hob, probably not bother of the latter two or your seat will not be that much closer to the front. Think how much you'd need the hob/sink compared with the comfort of the bed and flexibility of the seating.

Horses for courses, we have changed to a full width bed on rails, sparked by wanting the seating closer to the front, but there are only three of us so one on a fixed rear seat way back would be isolated.

 

[Bav]

two adults in our pop top causes it to sag and you roll together

I guess it depends which bedboard you have. Ours is rated to 300kg, but you are correct - some are just rated for kids.

 

[danmon81]

keep us posted on this, just bought a LWB and planning on doing the same and getting a RIB bed.

 

[VicC2025]

keep us posted on this, just bought a LWB and planning on doing the same and getting a RIB bed.

I'm going to the Southern Motorhome show next Fri, so I'm hoping to be able to have a look at a few different layouts and set-ups. But my current thinking is the 130 Rib not on rails and keep a proper kitchen set up. My daughter has special needs and sleep issues, so when we go away we tend to split the kids up - I sleep with her and my husband with my son. So we need a decent size bed as she's a wriggler! I did look into a kitchen at the rear set up, with two single ribs up front, but I just don't really like that layout. It seems cramped up the front, and also I want to be able to open the back doors and chill sat on the bed, and you wouldn't have that with a rear kitchen.

My main concern is really potential travel sickness with the kids right at the back, and them feeling a bit far away, but push come to shove we can always take turns with them sat up front (most captain seats aren't isofix but you can put a car seat in them still). Although I wouldn't want to do that really - once kids know that's an option they'll be "feeling sick" all the time probably!! Little buggers!

 

[Bav]

Kids, eh?

We have a LWB with a fixed RNR bed. There's rarely anyone in the back, but, on those rare occasions, we find it really difficult to hold a conversation with the rear passengers due to the distance.

 

[meza]

After having a van with rails there’s no way I’d choose one without for travelling with kids.

Ours are 5+7 and it makes both long journeys, and day to day life with the van so much better having the kids sat in “car like” position right behind the front row. Getting in and out, doing seat belts, passing drinks and snacks, retrieving fallen toys from floor, resetting a tablet, talking to them, and so on. All of that would be so much harder if they were miles away in the boot, especially in an LWB!

Also, if you’re going camping is all the kit just piled up on the floor in front of them? With rails you give yourself an enormous boot to work with.

It’s a game changer, even without the kids.