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Here, we is.

We prefer the space when we are using the 'van.  Making the bed up is part of the getaway.   The putting away in the morning is the sign that it another day on holiday so lets get sorted and enjoy the day.

We have a 4 berth side dinette model which suits us.  We prefer an end bathroom as we like to stay on CL's and access from our lane into the garden at home doesn't allow for a van long enough for a fixed bed AND a full end bathroom.   I dont like the corner shower/loo set up.

The front lounge area has two long singles though and only takes a couple of minutes to make up into a double (we go for the two kingsize quilts setup, one below and one on top).  If we are really bushed we have been known to just leave the beds as singles and roll up in a quilt each! The side dinette has had the upper bunk taken out, and is used by our son when the weather is too bad/windy for him to sleep in his tent (which he much prefers to being with us in the van!).

An added bonus is this layout has large kitchen workspace which is great.

OH is 6 ft 2 and we found in  many of the fixed bed models we have looked at the bed just wasn't long enough anyway.  In fact we have said that when we eventually change this van (probably when son aged 15 refuses to come with us at all!) when we would just go for a 2 berth end bathroom model. 

Quote: Originally posted by alan29 on 01/2/2012

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Complete waste of space. That you only use when you are unconscious.
Is it really THAT much effort to make up a bed:?
Really?

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We looked high and low for a van without a fixed bed.  But there was little to choose from, so we bought one.  I agree that the bed is a waste of space and that the storage is a nightmare unless you box the underbed area out to prevent things flying about and damaging the plumbing and walls,

We went for the fixed bed because we had started to keep the front dinette area as a fixed bed and use the 3 seater area at the back of the van as the sitting/eating area.  it worked well.  We have become used to the fixed bed.  It is really a 2 berth van and should be classed as such.  I can not imaging using it as a 4 berth in poor weather. Summer would be ideal with the awning.

The major issue with fixed bed is the size.  Being 6ft2ins tall long beds are at a premium - especially if like me you do not want a long van.