Camper-van conversions have become the modern adventurer’s ticket to freedom. As more people trade flights for open roads, today’s RV builds are turning into full-featured homes on wheels.
But there’s one design challenge that consistently separates average builds from great ones: how to fit a real bed into a small, mobile space.
Murphy beds seem like the obvious solution—until installation comes into play.
Most camper walls aren’t built like residential walls. They’re thinner, sometimes curved, and not always designed to handle heavy, load-bearing furniture. That’s why choosing the right Murphy bed—and installing it correctly—matters just as much as the layout itself.
Lori Beds offer a strong, reliable wall-mounted system designed for durability and everyday use. When paired with proper reinforcement, they become an excellent option for camper builds that prioritize stability, comfort, and long-term performance.
Key Takeaways
- Murphy beds can work in campers—but only with proper wall support
- Lori Beds provide a sturdy, residential-quality solution for reinforced builds
- Smart installation is the key to making wall-mounted beds viable in RVs
- Convertible sleeping spaces dramatically improve livability
AT A GLANCE
What Makes a Murphy Bed Work in a Camper?
Can You Use a Lori Bed in a Camper?
Benefits of Murphy Beds for RV Travels
Incredible Van Conversion with Murphy Bed & Creative Shower
Trading Rent for Life on The Road with an Ingenious Murphy Bed Design
DIY Van with a Full Bathroom & Murphy Bed
A Murphy Bed Enlarges This Well-Crafted Van Conversion
Van Conversion Has a Quick Stowaway Bed
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
What Makes a Murphy Bed Work in a Camper?
In a traditional home, Murphy beds rely on structural walls for support. In a camper, that same concept requires adaptation.
To successfully install a Murphy bed in a camper, you need:
- Reinforced mounting points (metal framing or added backing)
- Flat, stable wall surfaces
- Weight planning to stay within payload limits
When these conditions are met, a wall-mounted Murphy bed becomes not just possible-but highly effective.
Can You Use a Lori Bed in a Camper?
Yes, but it depends on your build.
Lori Beds are best suited for:
- Larger RVs (Class B+, Class C, and Class A motorhomes)
- Vans with custom framing or reinforced walls
- DIY or professionally built designs with mounting in mind
They may not be ideal for ultra-light or pre-fabricated vans without modification. But for properly built interiors, they offer a dependable and comfortable solution.
Benefits of Murphy Beds for RV Travels
Named after its inventor, William Lawrence Murphy, this bed design is all about maximizing your living area without sacrificing comfort. Here are some benefits of using Murphy beds for RV travels.
1. Optimized Space
One of the biggest perks of an RV Murphy bed is that it helps you make the most of your limited space. RVs aren’t exactly known for their spacious interiors, and having a bed that tucks away means you can use that area for different daily activities.
Insert this paragraph: Space-saving is everything in camper design. For tips on choosing the smallest yet most comfortable fit, check out our Murphy Bed Size Guide.
2. Increased Living Area
When you tuck your Murphy bed, you instantly free up much floor space.
Imagine being able to entertain friends, stretch out for some yoga, or simply enjoy the extra room to breathe. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in how comfortable and livable your RV feels.
3. Versatility and Multifunctionality
Many designs have integrated storage and built-in features like a sofa or desk. During the day, you might have a cozy couch or a desk to complete work. At night, those pieces transform back into your bed.
4. Improved Aesthetics
Modern Murphy beds come in various styles and finishes, so they match just about any RV interior. Whether your RV has a sleek, modern look or a more rustic charm, there’s a Murphy bed design that will fit right in.
5. Enhanced Comfort
Some people worry that a tuck-away bed might not be as comfortable as a regular bed. But with today’s Murphy beds, that’s not an issue. It often comes with a high-quality memory foam mattress and sturdy frame, so you get a good night’s sleep like at home. It’s the best of both worlds – space-saving during the day and comfort at night.
Turn your camper into a space-saving masterpiece with a smart RV Murphy bed design. See how to make every inch work harder for you.
Incredible Van Conversion with Murphy Bed & Creative Shower
If camper dwellings conjure visions of cramped living quarters, this video is going to blow your mind. The creators of Tiny House Giant Journey filmed this segment that will change how you see RVs.
In this video, high-end sprinter van owner Jarrod Tocci walks us through his incredible van conversion. After living in a one- van- dwelling, Tocci quickly realized he could make some improvements to add space.
Tocci’s clever design allows him to tuck away the kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and bedroom when not used, including a Murphy Bed design and a hidden shower.
Trading Rent for Life on The Road with an Ingenious Murphy Bed Design
Tiny Home Tours always delivers some of the best examples of small-space living with style. In this video, Tiny Home Tours caught up with Lauren, who dove headfirst into the van-living lifestyle and made it work for her and her pup.
Lauren was living in the Washington D.C. area, dreaming of one day owning a home, when she realized the housing market she was up against. “A bad house in a bad neighborhood started at half a million dollars,” she told Tiny Home Tours.
Instead of throwing away money on rent, she saw the opportunity for van living. And we’re glad she did. Lauren walks us through her beautifully designed and eco-friendly camper, complete with an ingenious Murphy bed storage solution, in this video.
Check out RV Murphy bed ideas that instantly elevate your setup.
DIY Van with a Full Bathroom & Murphy Bed
In 2018, MarIajosé and Chase knew that corporate life wasn’t in the cards. Chase was affected by a corporate restructuring and lost his job. From there, the couple decided to sell their Nashville, Tennessee, home and live life differently.
Their 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Cargo Van, which they call Chevere, provides a cozy 91-square-feet of living space, but you’d never guess the home was less than 100-square-feet when you stepped inside.
The creative couple didn’t sacrifice their love of design when they gave up a larger floor plan. This video gives a jaw-dropping tour of their van, which is outfitted with a full-size bath and an innovative stowaway Murphy bed design.
Conversion with Indoor Shower, Off-grid Solar, & Convertible Bed
The pandemic fundamentally changed the way Sunny and Luna thought about how they’ve spent their lives together—no more putting their dreams on the back burner. It was time to make a significant change by downsizing.
Following Sunny’s dream to live life on the road, the couple transformed a Ram Promaster into their rolling home. “We are loving remote living and working from all over the U.S.,” Luna said on the couple’s YouTube channel. “This lifestyle has taught us so much, and one of the best parts about it is the community that we have found of incredibly kind and open-minded people who love exploring this planet and living life on their own terms.”
In this video, Sunny and Luna give a full tour of their sustainable van, which includes a Murphy bed, an indoor shower, and solar panels for electricity. They also document their journey and even provide DIY camper conversion plans on their website.
Artist Conversion Van with Murphy Bed
Cargo Van Conversion is the go-to website for people who want to live their dream life on the road. In this video, they walk you through just how to install a Murphy bed in a camper — with a little extra flair.
The host installs the cabinets and gives insight into making the place homier by adding a modern oil painting with bright primary colors to contrast the glossy white bed surface when it is in an upright position.
He also plans to attach a foldable desk to the Murphy bed, with another picture to add sophistication to the interior design of the van.
Imagine a camper that gives you more room by day and real comfort by night. Make that upgrade with a beautifully designed Murphy bed.
A Murphy Bed Enlarges This Well-Crafted Van Conversion
The website Treehugger highlighted this masterfully designed van conversion. The craftsmanship is top-notch because the builder, Ryan Wells, is a true woodworking pro. Ryan, who owns Rydawell Woodworks, converted his high-roofed Dodge Promaster into a portable home that he can take with him on work-related trips.
This van relies on clever convertible designs to create distinct work and rest areas within one space.
The bed, which typically hogs the most space in a tiny home, was the biggest challenge for Ryan. So, he came up with a custom Murphy bed solution to make the van ideally suited for work and rest.
Van Conversion Has a Quick Stowaway Bed
Another epic van conversion featured by Treehugger is one man’s dream come true. British mechanical engineer Mark has always wanted to take a rock climbing trip across North America.
Instead of suffering the high cost of nightly hotels, Mark had a better way to spend his time and money on his nine-month adventure: sleeping in a fully outfitted camper. He transformed a nondescript white cargo van into an inexpensive home on wheels, using a combination of off-the-shelf and reclaimed materials.
Mark’s van features solar power, running water, and a stowaway bed. In this video, Mark gives us a tour of his highly functional live-in van. It’s almost hard to believe he only spent $1,000 on materials for the renovations!
Murphy beds are a fantastic solution for making a lot out of a little. That goes for traditional homes or abodes on wheels. Murphy beds are an eye-catching feature that makes any space multifunctional, whether you live in a 90-square-foot camper conversion or a 5,000-square-foot mansion.
Create a camper that works around your lifestyle, not against it. See how a Murphy bed can transform your entire setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a Murphy bed in an RV?
Yes, but the model matters. Most Murphy beds require permanent wall mounting, and RV walls — thin composite panels with minimal framing — can't support that. Lori Beds rely on secure wall mounting for safe operation.
What size Murphy bed fits in a camper?
A twin vertical Murphy bed fits most camper vans, Sprinters, and Class B rigs, sitting flat against the side wall. Class A and Class C motorhomes can typically fit a full or queen vertical model. Always measure your interior carefully before choosing.
How much does an RV Murphy bed weigh?
It varies by model, but weight matters in any RV build since every rig has a payload limit. The Murphy bed mattress you choose also contributes to that total load, so factor in its weight alongside the frame when checking against your rig's payload rating.
Looking for more design inspiration? Check out the additional guides below.
The Bottom Line
Murphy beds can absolutely work in campers—but they aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Lori Beds aren’t about quick installs or shortcuts. They’re about creating a solid, residential-quality setup inside a mobile space. With the right structural support, they transform a camper into something far more functional and comfortable.
If your build can handle a wall-mounted system, the payoff is a cleaner design, better sleep, and a space that works harder every day.
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