When designing or choosing a campervan, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right campervan bed system for your needs. Your bed is not just where you sleep, it also affects seating, storage, safety, and overall comfort on the road.
Two of the most popular options on the market are a RIB bed and a rock and roll bed. Both are widely used in campervan conversions, but they differ significantly in terms of design, comfort, and practicality.
Whether you’re looking to buy a campervan, or you’re in the middle of converting one yourself, we take a deeper dive into these two campervan bed systems and look at the pros and cons of each, helping you to understand the key difference so you can choose the best setup for your needs.
What is a RIB bed?
A RIB bed is a premium campervan bed system designed and manufactured in Europe, and it’s commonly found in high-spec campervan conversions – like our Pioneer Prestige conversion. It uses a fold-out mechanism where the seat base pulls forward and the backrest folds flat, creating a bed on a solid, supportive platform. This design helps provide a flatter and more comfortable sleeping surface than many standard alternatives.
RIB beds are well known for their safety, comfort, and build quality, which is why they’re such a popular choice in modern campervans. They’re fully crash-tested and often fitted with integrated seatbelts, making them a trusted option for both travel and sleeping. For those who want a campervan bed that feels secure, practical, and comfortable for regular use, a RIB bed is often seen as one of the best options available.
What are the pros of a RIB bed?
One of the biggest advantages of a RIB bed is comfort. Unlike some other traditional campervan beds, RIB beds use high-quality foam and a flat sleeping surface, making them feel much closer to a standard mattress.
Another key benefit is safety. RIB beds are fully crash-tested and often include seatbelts, making them a popular option for those who want the ability for multiple passengers to travel safely, like families for example.
RIB beds are also very easy to use. The mechanism is smooth and quick to operate, allowing you to convert from seating to sleeping in seconds without removing cushions or rearranging parts.
Some other key benefits include:
- A completely flat sleeping surface
- Strong and durable construction
- Premium finish and upholstery
- Better long-term reliability
What are the cons of a RIB bed?
One of the main downsides of a RIB bed is the cost. As it’s a premium product, it’s typically more expensive than a standard rock and roll bed. So if you’re undertaking a DIY campervan conversion, you’ll need to consider if this campervan bed suits your budget.
As well as that, RIB beds can also be heavier due to their strong construction. Depending on your setup, this may slightly reduce the payload capacity of your campervan.
Additionally, in some layouts, the structure of this bed can limit under-seat storage compared to simpler campervan bed systems. However, this will be dependent on the specific design of your interior.
What is a rock and roll bed?
A rock and roll bed is a traditional and widely used campervan bed system in the UK, commonly fitted in a wide range of campervan conversions – including our Pioneer Plus, Pioneer Go, and Pioneer Explore conversions to name a few. It works by folding the backrest down to create a bed, usually using a hinged or sliding frame that allows the seat to convert from a travel position into a sleeping area.
This type of campervan bed is popular because it’s cost-effective, versatile, and widely available, making it a common choice for many conversions. Rock and roll beds can also be made in a variety of sizes and styles, which offers more flexibility when designing the layout of a van. For campervan owners looking for a practical and budget-friendly solution, a rock and roll bed remains one of the most popular options on the market.
What are the pros of a rock and roll bed?
One of the main advantages of a rock and roll bed is affordability. It’s generally cheaper than a RIB bed, making it a good option for those who are converting a campervan on a tighter budget.
Rock and roll beds are also highly versatile and can be customised to suit different layouts and designs. This flexibility makes them suitable for a wide range of campervan conversions.
Another benefit is storage access. Many rock and roll bed designs allow for easier access to storage space underneath the seat, which can be useful if you’re planning longer trips.
Some other key advantages include:
- Lower upfront cost
- Flexible sizing and layouts
- Widely available across UK converters
- Good use of under-seat storage
What are the cons of a rock and roll bed?
Comfort can be a potential drawback with some rock and roll beds. Depending on the design of your campervan, your sleeping surface may not be completely flat, and you may feel joins or hinges through the mattress.
As well as that, the setup process can also be slightly less convenient when compared to a RIB bed. Rearranging a rock and roll bed usually requires having to move cushions which can be awkward in a small space.
Finally, some older models of rock and roll beds haven’t always been crash-tested, so it’s important to check specifications carefully if you plan to carry passengers.
At camper_versions, safety is our number one priority. That’s why we only install M1 tested rock and roll beds in our conversions, giving you peace of mind that your campervan meets recognised safety standards for both travel and everyday use.
How to choose the right campervan bed
Choosing between a RIB bed and a rock and roll bed ultimately comes down to your priorities and how you plan to use your campervan.
For example, if comfort and safety are your top priorities, a RIB bed is often the better choice. It offers a more premium feel and is ideal for longer trips or frequent use. If budget and flexibility are more important to you, a rock and roll bed can still be a great option, especially for occasional trips or simpler campervan builds.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself when choosing a campervan bed:
- How often will I be using the bed? If you’re planning frequent or longer trips where you’ll be sleeping in your campervan regularly, comfort becomes a top priority.
- Will I be travelling with other passengers? If you want the rear seat to be used for travel as well as sleeping, a bed that integrates safety and a seatbelt is an ideal option.
- What are my storage requirements? If you want easy access storage, you’ll want to opt for a campervan bed system that offers under-seat storage.
- What will be the overall campervan layout? The size and design of your van will influence which bed system works best with your kitchen, storage units, and living space.
- What is my budget? You want to aim to find the right balance between cost, comfort, safety, and long-term value.
Taking the time to understand your priorities can help you make the right decision on the most suitable campervan bed for your needs.
Want further advice on campervan bed systems?
Choosing the right campervan bed is a key part of any conversion. Whether you opt for a RIB bed or a rock and roll bed, getting it right can make a big difference to your comfort and overall experience.
At camper_versions, we specialise in the design and build of professional VW campervan conversions that encompass carefully selected campervan bed systems that balance comfort, safety, and practicality. We have a huge range of campervans for sale – some of which are ready to drive away today – that feature either a RIB bed or rock and roll bed as part of our bespoke campervan conversions.
Whatever campervan bed option you’re considering, we can help you find the best solution for your needs. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today for further advice or to enquire about one of our professionally converted campervans.
Campervan bed FAQs
What is the difference between a RIB bed and a rock and roll bed?
The main difference between a RIB bed and a rock and roll bed is how they’re constructed and how they perform in terms of comfort and safety. RIB beds use a pull-forward mechanism and provide a flatter, more supportive sleeping surface, while rock and roll beds fold down using a hinged frame. RIB beds are typically considered more premium, whereas rock and roll beds are more budget-friendly and flexible.
What is the best campervan bed for everyday use?
The best campervan bed system for everyday use will depend on how often you use your van and what you prioritise. If you regularly travel and sleep in your campervan, a RIB bed may be the better option due to its comfort and ease of use. For more occasional trips, a rock and roll bed can be a practical and cost-effective choice.
Do campervan beds affect storage space?
Yes, your choice of campervan bed can impact how much storage you have. Some rock and roll beds offer easier access to under-seat storage, while RIB beds may prioritise structure and comfort over storage space. It’s important to consider how much storage you need when choosing your bed system.
Can I upgrade my campervan bed later?
In many cases, it is possible to upgrade your campervan bed system, but it may require changes to your existing layout or fittings. It’s usually easier and more cost-effective to choose the right bed at the start of your conversion, but upgrades can be done with the help of a professional conversion company, like camper_versions.