Are you decking out a new camper or considering some renovations? Sizing, style, and comfort are three elements you should be considering. Whether your camper is a traveling or stationary camper, consider a futon or sofa so that you and your guests can get proper beauty sleep.
Campers have come a long way in the 21st century and are now a desirable asset to many families. Whether it be for traveling the continent or settling down in a caravan park, you can impress the neighbors with a great-looking futon. Wake up on the right side of the futon or sofa every morning and check out our list of the best futons for your camper below.
RV Jackknife Sofa
The traditional RV Jackknife Sofa is the most common and standard type of sofa you will find in an RV. The quality completely depends on the make of the RV, and the quality isn’t always comfortable. Practical? Maybe. Fits almost perfectly? Definitely. The most comfortable option? Not always.
Jackknife Sofas don’t come in a huge variety of colors and patterns, so if you’re looking for something plain, simple, and easy to use, the Jackknife will suit you fine.
Doubling as a couch and a bed, the jackknife sofa doesn’t require a mattress, so although a little pricey, you save money on a mattress. Pull down the seat, and you have a decent size double or queen bed. Push it back up, and you have a two- or three-seater couch for yourself and/or guests.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Easy to adjust with one motion (Unless taking off armrests)
- 2- or 3-seater sizes available
- Designed for RV’s so numerous sizing options available
- Nothing to take apart (Unless you want to remove the armrests)
Cons:
- Not a huge variety of colors and patterns
- Bulkier than other options; can take up more space
- Designed for practicality, not for comfort
- Not all are designed with storage in mind (underneath storage)
- Can be pricey for better quality
Traditional Hide-A-Bed
For those who are conscious about saving space, have you heard of the space-saving design of the hide-a-bed? It’s not exactly a futon or a sofa, but it is space-saving, and it is a bed. So I wanted to include it to give you more variety and options to choose from.
This beauty looks like a cabinet on the outside, but once pulled out, and it is a fully functioning bed. The mattress, the bedding, and the pillows can all be stored within the cabinet, and no one would ever know until you pulled it out.
As it’s a cabinet, it also acts as an additional bench space on top for either preparing meals or for extra storage when the bed isn’t needed. It also allows for extra floor space when it’s packed away as it’s more compact than a futon, sofa, or couch.
The design I’ve chosen to share with you is the Atlantic Furniture Murphy Bed, Queen size. So you can see how much space you can save by storing all the bedding in the cabinet and still having a luxurious-looking space and a comfortable bed either for yourself or for your guests.
This option specifically has connected USB ports, but not all will include this. I would recommend this type of design for traveling camper vans as the main bed or for larger RV’s that also want more floor space but might need some additional bench space.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Easy to adjust
- Queen size bed
- Beautiful designs and patterns to choose from
- Leaves plenty of floor space
- Efficient storage with bedding stored in the cabinet
- Gel-infused memory foam mattress for comfort
- Once the cabinet is installed, there’s nothing to take apart; it simply just folds out
Cons:
- Not typically designed for campers, finding the right size could be difficult
- This is an expensive option. Prepare for this to take a chunk out of the budget
Murphy Bed
Depending on the size of your camper, you might consider a murphy bed. Yes, it’s true, you can have a murphy bed in a camper. This is great news for those that need the extra space for storage or dining elements.
A murphy bed is a great way to enhance space for those that need additional space in their campers for hosting more guests or maybe a space for yoga or exercise. Just like in a studio apartment, the murphy bed folds into the wall, bedding and all.
Check out this YouTube video where you can see a murphy bed design in a camper van.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust, just pulls out of the wall
- When pulled down, can lay over the seating area
- Sizing options from single to king available or DIY to size
- DIY options mean you choose the materials, hardwood, and paint
- You also choose the mattress, so comfort is your decision
- Easy to store on the wall leaving plenty of space and storage options
- Nothing to take apart, easy to pull down and put away
- Inexpensive if designing and making on a budget.
Cons:
- Can be difficult to install
- For best quality, can be expensive
Fold-Out-Chair
Who doesn’t love an ottoman? They’re stylish, provide additional storage space, can be used as a footrest or bench, and they come in plenty of colors and patterns. You can get ottomans for kid’s rooms, adult’s rooms, and for the lounge room, it’s your choice. The patterns and styles are limitless.
But did you know you can get a fold-out-chair-ottoman?
The fold-out chair works basically the same way as a sofa or futon but can come much smaller in size and fold out into a single bed.
This folding ottoman 4-in-1 sleeper is perfect for those who only have limited space for guests. You can easily fit one person on the fold-out-ottoman-sleeper and easily fold it back up when you’re done, so it resembles an ottoman again for seating.
Pros:
- No assembly is required.
- Easy to adjust in two or three simple steps.
- Space saver.
- Thick foam mattress.
- Nothing to take apart once set up.
- Metal frame with magnets, so the folds stay attached to the center frame.
Cons:
- It might be easy to install, but you’ll need to take into consideration how much room you need behind the head of the ottoman to pull it up for use as a bed
- Single size
- Limited colors and patterns available
- Not designed for long-term comfort
- No storage in ottoman
- A little pricey but cheaper compared to other options
Hi-Tech Futon
The Hi-Tech Futon is small and compact, looks good, and serves more than one purpose. This option features somewhere to sit, somewhere to sleep, somewhere to relax, and somewhere to charge your electrical devices.
This sturdy, easy to install, solid wood frame, pleather futon is pure luxury. It boasts comfort, technology, and affordability, and we can see how anyone that has this hi-tech futon would be fairly content with their arrangement.
Pros:
- Simple installation process
- Easy to adjust with simple fold-down to bed movement
- Two USB ports on the side of the futon
- Sits 2 – 3 people comfortably
- Artificial leather upholstery is easy to clean
- Compact design suitable for smaller spaces
- Underneath space for extra storage
- No additional parts to take apart when adjusting
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited colors and patterns
- Not designed for long-term comfort (Appropriate for guests)
Here’s another great hi-tech convertible futon option with drawers for extra storage alternatives. The mattress in this one is thicker and made from memory foam offering longer-term comfort. It seats three comfortably but fits two for sleeping.
Also, it is easy to install and adjust, and although only available in light or dark grey, this option won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Tri-Fold Sofa
If you’re lacking in space but still want to ensure you have sleeping space for the occasional guests, you might consider a compact tri-fold sleeper.
It comes in narrow, twin, and queen sizes, so depending on how much storage space you have, this might be the option for you. This option is easy and lightweight to fold up, pack away, and keep in your camper’s storage area rather than having extra seating that doesn’t quite fit.
The trifold can also double as comfy seating. Once it’s folded over three times, it’s pretty thick as it’s made from foam, so it is comfortable too. The only issue would be how you would bolt or stick it to the floor as there’s no frame.
This could be great for camping, too, if you fancy a night under the stars.
Pros:
- Nothing to install (If wanting to use as seating, consider sticking to the floor with Velcro
- Easy to adjust in two simple steps
- Single to king sizes offer 1-2-3 seater options
- Easy to store away, leaving more floor space when not needed
- High-density foam mattress for comfort
- Nothing to take apart for user-friendliness
- Affordable option.
Cons:
- Limited colors and patterns (Consider a slip-on cover for diversity)
- Not great for permanent fitting as it can’t be bolted down
Roll-Out Trundle
A roll-out trundle is a decent option for those who want to sleep in separate beds. Say if you have kids sleeping over or friends who aren’t a couple, for example. The roll-out trundle is two single beds, one on top of the other but low enough to transform into a couch.
Almost like bunk beds but without the risk of hitting your head on the top bunk. How many people have done that in their lifetime?
Usually, to accommodate the seating arrangement, so your feet aren’t hanging just above the floor (unless you have short legs, in which case it doesn’t matter which mattress you choose), the mattresses are around 9” thick. This doesn’t mean you have to purchase a thick mattress. As long as the mattress fits conveniently underneath the top bed, you can choose your thickness.
You might also like the Day Bed Trundle option; take a look here. Or this stylish modern look trundle sofa here.
Pros:
- Easy to install with no tools necessary
- Easy to adjust, just pull the bottom bed out
- Seats two to three comfortably sleeps two separately
- Choose your color palette and patterns with easy to slip on seat covers
- Creates space with easy to pull out bed
- You choose the mattress, so you choose the comfort
- Nothing to take apart
- Affordable
Cons:
- Usually comes in normal bed sizing, suitable for larger RVs.
- Lack of storage space underneath.
- Wheels on the bottom bed might slide around if not stuck down (Try Velcro or felt).
Foldable Arms
A more compact option is the futon sofa with adjustable arms. Just imagine having an armrest by day, head, and footrest by night.
The foldable arm option is for smaller, stricter space considerations and is suited to either one adult guest or two small-sized children. Sits two people comfortably and is easy to fit in those smaller areas in your RV.
Depending on the type you get, it may have storage space underneath, which is always a bonus. It comes in multiple colors, and plenty of stores manufacture these foldable arm futons, so you’re not limited to style and décor for your space.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Easy to adjust
- Seats 1 – 3 depending on the size chosen
- Variety of colors and patterns available
- Small and compact for saving space
- May have an underneath storage option
- Nothing to take apart, simply fold down the arms and the back
Cons:
- Only suitable for one adult or two small children
- Not designed for long-term comfort
- Can be pricey depending on the quality
Cup Holder Sofa Futon
What’s better than a couch with added cup holders? It’s basically like being at the movies but in your own camper. Pass the popcorn please, oh wait, it’s already right here in the middle beside my soda safely nestled in its holder.
This easy-to-bolt-down sofa is all about class and brings a modern touch to the inside of a camper. The material is leather, and the cushioning underneath is comfortably desirable.
This is easy to install, easy to maintain, and easy to adjust to either watch television, relax or sleep. If intended for guests, you might not want to share.
Pros:
- Comes with easy to install instructions
- Easily adjusted
- Comfortably sits up to 3 or 4 people depending on chosen size
- Comfortable for relaxing, watching TV, or for sleeping.
- Underneath storage space
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited colors and patterns are available
- Although the cup holder sofa is a sleek design, when being installed, consideration needs to be made for the backrest to be placed all the way down as a bed which could take up more room
- Although adjustments are easy, the cup holder and armrests need to be put in place or taken apart
Traditional Convertible Futon
Traditional futons aren’t typically designed for long-term comfort. They’re usually for housing guests every so often.
The traditional convertible futon might not be as comfortable as other quality or memory foam futons. But they can save on your budget and space and are easy to style or match with the multiple makes and models available today.
Simply lift up the back and push down until it’s flat and you have a double-sized bed for two.
Another great thing about the simple fold-down futon is that you can store blankets and pillows behind the back or underneath, where there’s plenty more room for alternate storage capacity.
Here are a few traditional futons that would be great and even practical in a camper:
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Easy to adjust
- Can choose two- or three-seater
- Suitable for sleeping two adults
- Huge range of colors and patterns available across manufacturer stores
- Not bulky, space saver
- Underneath and behind storage capacity for bedding or other
- Nothing to take apart, simply lift and fold down
- Pricing varies from affordable to expensive depending on the quality needed or wanted
Cons:
- Not typically designed for long-term comfort
Additional Storage Futon Sofa
Here’s an option for those looking for extra storage space. Whether you want the extra storage space for bedding, clothes, food storage, it’s safely tucked away under the coach and easily accessible whenever you need it with one simple maneuver.
Having storage in a smaller area like a camper is something you will learn to crave if you’re new to the camper game. Ease of access translates to ease of mind, and extra storage can go a long way if you’re traveling for a long time or living in the camper full time.
Ikea has some other great options for futons and sofas too, but we’ve chosen this one because of its reviews. 4 out of 5 stars with 175 reviews is a great result, and here’s why:
Pros:
- Easy to set up and install in the camper
- Easy to adjust from couch to bed with two simple moves
- Seats up to three or four people comfortably and sleeps two adults
- Space-saving compartment for alternate storage
- Comfortable
- Nothing to take apart once set up and installed
Cons:
- Larger than other options, not suitable for smaller campers
- Only five colors to choose from
- Mid-range to expensive pricing
Rock n Roll Bed
No, it’s not for dancing and jamming out rock and roll tunes on your electric guitar or drum set. It is indeed for sleeping. You won’t be disappointed when you see how it works in this YouTube video.
Commonly used by camper conversion companies in the UK and Australia, the rock n roll bed has become exceedingly popular over the last few years. With simple and easy steps to convert your seating into a sizeable bed, it’s easy to see why.
The seats used in the rock n roll design are also used as additional legal seating in the camper, along with seatbelts, of course. Designed for a good night’s sleep, the right maker will ensure your rock n roll bed is made from top-quality foam, and most conversion companies will make your rock n roll bed custom with your chosen colors.
The problem with this type of camper bed is that I can’t find any that ship to the US. So this could be a great DIY project to take on if you have the time.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust with one lever
- 2 – 3 seater
- DIY enables you to measure and fit the rock n roll bed to size
- Custom-made projects mean you get to choose the colors and patterns
- Space saver
- Quality foam for comfort
- Storage space inside/underneath
- Nothing to take apart once it’s set up
Cons:
- Can be costly to install
- Pricey. This option might not fit in your time or money budget
Things to Consider When Choosing a Futon For Your Camper
There have been several options presented, but there are several questions you will want to take into consideration before you finalize your decision.
How Big is the Space?
Futons and sofas are designed to save space. Depending on how much room you have in your camper will determine whether you can host guests. It would be nice to invite friends over for the night, especially if there’s non-soda drinking involved, and welcome them to a homey camper and a comfortable futon for the night.
Consider the space and dimensions you have to help you decide on either a 1, 2, or 3 seater futon.
Of course, don’t forget that you need to keep in mind how big the door area is and if you can fit everything through with ease.
Do You Need More Storage Space?
As well as considering the space for hosting guests, or even if you’re considering the futon for your own sleeping arrangements, don’t forget to take into consideration alternate storage space.
Storage space is usually the biggest issue in a camper. Oftentimes, people deal with constantly feeling the need to buy more jackets when out and about, so you can never have enough storage space.
If you are finding it hard to store all your luggage, you might think about purchasing a futon that comes with additional storage options like the Additional Storage Futon Sofa.
How Do You Intend to Use the Camper?
How you intend to use the camper is a huge factor in bringing in comfort. Full-time living? Part-time living? How often do you plan to have guests around, if ever? These are questions you need to ask yourself to help you decide on the best futon for your camper.
For obvious reasons, if you plan to live in your camper full time, you’ll want something comfortable and something pleasing to look at, possibly easy to style as well as something easier to use. If you intend on using your camper for weekend trips or holidays, you might consider the price over the comfort.
Mattress / Futon Sizes for Campers
The mattress and bed sizes in campers are often shorter, narrower, and generally much smaller than the average bed size for a house. Naturally, most campers just don’t have the space that a house does.
Regardless of whether you have an RV, trailer, campervan, slide-outs, or one of those spacious luxury RV’s fit for a king, comfort and space are still going to be an issue if you don’t have the right fittings.
There is technically no universal sizing guide for a mattress or futon in a camper because it differs from RV to RV. Campers come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s no real way of telling you exactly how big or small a camper mattress should be.
Most camper bed renovations are either custom-made, DIY projects, or measured and altered somehow to fit, which is the case in all campervan conversions.
You can check out this detailed size chart here but keep in mind that even this table is just a guide. In some cases, you may have to measure and have a custom mattress and frame made for you or made yourself if you fancy yourself a handyman (or woman).
Camping World RV and Outdoors has a good range of RV-sized seating and bedding.
How to Replace a Built-In Futon
Just like choosing a new couch for your home, you wouldn’t buy something over-priced, unpleasing to look at, or uncomfortable to sit or lay on while enjoying some downtime. Buying for your RV is not any different. Plus, if the futon is for guests, you don’t want them complaining about the discomfort of your home on wheels.
Whether you’re traveling in an RV, camper, or a travel trailer, or if your camper is stationary, there are various futon options to choose from. Typically, the built-in futons in campers are functional and standardly matching with the rest of the interior, but often they’re not especially comfortable.
As you can see above, there is a huge variety of futons that you can install in your camper. With the right tools and guidance, you can replace the built-in furniture of an RV or camper with regular furniture.
With the correct sizing, dimensions, and maybe with a hand from a friend, it’s possible to replace the traditional camper furniture with ease.
Here’s what you need to contemplate:
- How it’s bolted down
- Safety installations
- Weight of old vs. new furniture
- Measurements and dimensions
- Securing your new furniture
- Where are your fluid tanks, electricals, and mechanics located so you don’t risk drilling into them
A good comfortable futon is an absolute key to making your home on wheels feel that extra little bit homier, and that’s why replacing the original futon is something many camper owners look into.
Conclusion
Removing and replacing your camper furniture might be a time-consuming process, but it’s for the benefit of style and comfort. RV’s and campers typically design their seating for practicality but not necessarily for comfort and interior luxury. Style your home on wheels with a comfortable futon for a more homely, inviting, and relaxing experience.