Best Bed Frame Designs for Hiace Campervans | DIY Layout Guide

Best Bed Frame Designs for Hiace Campervans

(Fixed, Folding & Modular Layouts Explained)

Choosing the right bed frame design for a Toyota Hiace campervan is one of the most important decisions in any DIY camper kit for Hiace. The bed affects storage, comfort, interior flow, and how usable your van feels day to day.

This guide compares the best Hiace bed frame designs, using real interior dimensions and practical layouts commonly used across NSW & QLD camper builds.

Key Hiace Dimensions That Affect Bed Design

Before choosing a bed frame, keep these Dimensions for Toyota Hiace in mind:

• Interior width (wall to wall): ~1,550 – 1,600 mm

• Width between wheel arches: ~1,250 mm

• Wheel arch height: ~300 – 320 mm

• Interior height (standard roof): ~1,320 – 1,350 mm

• Interior height (high roof): ~1,600 – 1,650 mm

These measurements determine:

• Bed height

• Storage drawer clearance

• Mattress thickness

• Sitting headroom

Fixed Bed Frame (Most Common & Strongest)

Overview

A fixed bed frame stays in one position permanently. It is the most popular choice for Hiace 4WD campervan and long-term touring builds.

Pros

• Maximum strength and stability

• Large under-bed storage

• Easy to build (ideal for DIY beginners)

Cons

• Less daytime living space

• Fixed layout limits flexibility

Ideal Measurements

• Bed height: 420 – 470 mm

• Mattress: 100 mm foam

• Storage drawers: 250 – 300 mm clearance

✅ Best for:
Long trips, off-road builds, Hiace 4x4 off-road setups

Folding / Convertible Bed Frame (Seat-to-Bed)

Overview

A folding bed converts from a bench seat to a full bed, saving space during the day.

Pros

• Multi-purpose use

• Better interior flow

• Ideal for compact builds

Cons

• More moving parts

• Less storage underneath

Typical Setup

• Bench height: ~400 mm

• Bed extension panels: 400 – 600 mm

• Mattress sections: 2–3 foam panels

✅ Best for:
Weekend campers, urban travel, budget DIY camper kits

Modular Bed Frame (Most Flexible)

Overview

A modular bed frame uses removable or sliding panels that allow multiple layouts.

Pros

• Maximum flexibility

• Can switch between cargo and camper mode

• Ideal for shared vehicles

Cons

• Slightly more complex planning

• Requires precise measurements

Common Modular Options

• Slide-out bed platforms

• Removable side panels

• Adjustable leg heights

✅ Best for:
Daily drivers, surf vans, temporary camper builds

Lengthways vs Sideways Sleeping

Sideways Bed

• Requires: ~1,600 mm interior width

• Best for sleepers under 170 cm

• Saves length for kitchen/storage

Lengthways Bed

• Requires: ~1,850 – 2,000 mm length

• Best for tall sleepers

• Most common in Australian Hiace builds

💡 Many DIY builders combine lengthways beds with extendable sections.

Bed Frame Materials – What Works Best?

Timber (Most DIY Friendly)

• Easy to cut and repair

• Affordable

• Slightly heavier

Aluminium (Lightweight & Premium)

• Strong and light

• Higher cost

• Requires metal tools

Most DIY camper kits for Hiace use marine plywood + timber framing for durability.

Real Build Inspiration (Video)

See real-world Hiace bed designs here:

🎥 Interior layout & bed height reference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsCpPG2m4VU

🎥 Modular bed & storage ideas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eab2iWhGMI

These videos help visualize spacing and proportions better than drawings alone.

Choosing the Right Hiace for Bed Layouts

The van itself matters as much as the bed design.

Explore suitable base vehicles here:

• Toyota Hiace specialist:
  👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/

• Hiace models ideal for camper builds:
  👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/toyota-hiace.html

Related reading:

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/toyota-hiace-van-for-sale.html

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/campervan-for-sale.html

• 👉 https://commercialmotorgroup.com.au/commercial-van-for-sale.html

Which Bed Frame Design Is Best?

There’s no single “best” option — the right bed frame depends on how you travel.