Fixed beds and French beds are the two most popular sleeping layouts in modern caravans. A fixed bed offers a permanent, ready-made sleeping space, while a French bed (also called an island bed) is positioned sideways with access from both sides. The right choice depends on your priorities: sleeping comfort, daytime living space, or ease of bed-making.
- Fixed Bed (Transverse): Couples wanting maximum living space
- French Bed (Island): Couples wanting easy access from both sides
- Choose a fixed bed for maximum simplicity; choose a French bed for easy access from both sides.
Fixed Bed (Transverse)
Best for: Couples wanting maximum living space
A fixed transverse bed runs across the width of the caravan at the rear. It's permanently made up, so you never need to convert furniture. The trade-off is that one person typically has to climb over the other to get in and out.
Pros
- Permanently made up. No daily setup
- Maximises lounge and kitchen space
- Often found in shorter, lighter caravans
- Good storage underneath the bed
Cons
- One side against the wall. Difficult access
- Can feel cramped for taller users
- Partner disturbance when getting in/out
French Bed (Island)
Best for: Couples wanting easy access from both sides
A French bed (or island bed) is positioned lengthways with space on both sides for access. This makes it much easier for both sleepers to get in and out independently, at the cost of slightly more floor space taken up by the walkways.
Pros
- Access from both sides. No climbing over
- Feels more like a bedroom at home
- Better for couples with different sleep schedules
- Usually a generous double size
Cons
- Takes up more floor space than a transverse bed
- Often found in longer, heavier caravans
- May reduce rear lounge or washroom space
Feature comparison
| Feature | Fixed Bed (Transverse) | French Bed (Island) |
|---|---|---|
| Access from both sides | ||
| Permanently made up | ||
| Maximises living space | ||
| Typical bed width | 130-140cm | 140-150cm |
| Under-bed storage | Good | Moderate |
| Common caravan length | 5.5-7m | 6.5-8m |
| Towing weight impact | Lower | Higher |
| Partner disturbance | Higher | Lower |
Our verdict
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
A French bed (also called an island bed) is a sleeping layout where the bed is positioned lengthways in the caravan with walkway access on both sides. This makes it easy for both occupants to get in and out independently, similar to a bedroom at home.
It depends on your priorities. A French bed offers easier access from both sides, which is better for couples with different sleep schedules or those who need nighttime bathroom access. A fixed transverse bed maximises living space in the same caravan length.
Generally yes. French bed layouts require a wider or longer caravan body to accommodate the walkways on both sides of the bed, which typically adds weight. Always check the MTPLM against your car's towing capacity.
French beds are most commonly found in caravans 6.5 metres and above. Some manufacturers offer them in shorter models, but this usually means compromises in kitchen or washroom space. Check our layout finder for specific models.
Key terms in this comparison
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