6 Best RV Murphy Beds For Maximizing Small Spaces
Maximize your RV living area with our top 6 Murphy bed picks. Discover space-saving designs that offer comfort, durability, and style for small-footprint travel.
Transforming a cramped RV floor plan into a multifunctional living space often hinges on how you handle your largest piece of furniture: the bed. A well-integrated Murphy bed allows you to reclaim precious square footage during the day, turning a static bedroom into a spacious lounge or office. Mastering this vertical transition is the single most effective way to make a small rig feel like a true home.
|
|
|
|
$299.00
|
$1,504.02
|
$875.00
|
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Why Murphy Beds Are Ideal for Small RV Layouts
In a small RV, the bed is usually the biggest "dead space" offender, sitting idle for 16 hours a day while taking up a third of your floor plan. By switching to a Murphy bed, you essentially double your usable living area during the daylight hours. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a flow that allows you to move, stretch, and work without constantly navigating around a mattress.
Beyond the extra floor space, Murphy beds offer a psychological reset. When the bed is tucked away, the "bedroom" vanishes, signaling that the workday has begun or that it’s time to host friends. This physical separation between rest and activity is vital for maintaining sanity in a tiny mobile environment, especially for couples or digital nomads.
Essential Factors for Selecting Your RV Murphy Bed
Weight is your primary constraint when outfitting an RV, as every pound affects fuel efficiency and suspension wear. Before purchasing, check your rig’s cargo-carrying capacity and ensure the bed’s weight won’t cause the wall to bow or the frame to shift during travel. Always prioritize lightweight materials like aluminum or high-grade plywood over heavy particle board.
Mechanism reliability is the second critical factor, as an RV experiences constant vibration and road shock. You need a system that locks securely into place so it doesn’t deploy while you’re navigating a mountain pass. Look for hardware that features heavy-duty gas struts or balanced spring systems, which make lowering and lifting the bed effortless regardless of your physical strength.
Wall-Mount Murphy Bed: Best for Custom RV Builds
If you are a builder or working with a custom shop, a wall-mount mechanism is the gold standard for versatility. These kits allow you to build your own cabinetry around the bed, meaning you can integrate matching storage, bookshelves, or even a desk right into the frame. It’s the ultimate choice for those who want a seamless, high-end look that doesn’t scream "aftermarket addition."
Because you supply the exterior panels, you can match your RV’s existing wood tones and finishes perfectly. Just remember that this requires a higher level of craftsmanship to ensure the cabinet is square and properly anchored to the RV’s studs. If you have the tools and the time, this is the most professional-looking route you can take.
Lori Bed Platform: Best DIY Murphy Bed Solution
The Lori Bed is a fantastic, no-nonsense solution for the DIYer who wants to avoid complex spring mechanisms. It uses a simple, manual pivot system that relies on gravity and balance rather than heavy metal springs or gas struts. This makes it significantly lighter and easier to install in trailers where weight is at a premium.
Because it lacks a mechanical assist, you have to be comfortable lifting the bed platform yourself. It’s a trade-off: you lose the "one-finger lift" luxury, but you gain a system that is virtually indestructible and incredibly easy to maintain on the road. If you prioritize simplicity and lightweight construction over mechanical convenience, this is your best bet.
Wilding Wallbeds: Best Custom Cabinetry Option
Wilding Wallbeds are the heavy hitters of the industry, offering pre-built cabinetry that feels like residential furniture. These aren’t just frames; they are full-scale, beautiful wood units designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. If you want a "plug-and-play" solution that looks like it came from a high-end interior designer, this is the brand to look at.
The primary drawback is weight and footprint; these units are substantial and require a rig with a solid wall to support them. However, if your RV has the capacity, the durability of their hardware is unmatched. For those living full-time who want a "forever" piece of furniture that won’t rattle or break, Wilding is the clear winner.
Bestar Pur Murphy Bed: Best for Full-Time Living
The Bestar Pur is a favorite for those who want a sleek, modern aesthetic without the custom-build price tag. It features a robust dual-piston system that makes opening and closing the bed smooth and quiet. It’s a great mid-range option that bridges the gap between basic kits and expensive custom cabinetry.
It’s particularly well-suited for full-timers because the finish is highly durable and resistant to the scratches and dings of RV life. The clean lines fit well in modern van conversions or newer travel trailers. If you want a reliable, professional-looking bed that you can order and install in a weekend, the Bestar is a top-tier contender.
Night & Day Furniture Murphy Cube: Best Compact Fit
The Murphy Cube is a clever, space-saving alternative that functions more like a cabinet than a wall-mounted bed. When closed, it looks like a small chest or console, and the mattress folds out into a sleeping surface. It’s perfect for smaller RVs or vans where you don’t have the wall space to mount a traditional vertical or horizontal Murphy bed.
Because it’s a standalone unit, it doesn’t require permanent mounting into your RV’s wall studs, which is a huge plus for renters or those who don’t want to drill into their rig. It’s not as "hidden" as a wall-mount, but it’s the most portable and flexible option on the market. If you need a guest bed or a primary bed that doesn’t require a major renovation, this is the most practical choice.
Murphy Bed Frame Kits: Best for Weight Efficiency
If you are building your own furniture, buying a standalone frame kit is the smartest way to save weight while ensuring safety. These kits provide the core metal skeleton and the pivoting hardware, leaving you to construct the surrounding frame from lightweight materials like cedar or aluminum. It’s the best way to keep your rig’s center of gravity low.
When choosing a kit, look for ones that include a locking strap or a positive-latch system to keep the bed closed during transit. A frame kit gives you complete control over the final weight and dimension of the bed, making it perfect for custom builds where every inch matters. If you have the DIY skills, this is the most efficient path to a custom RV bedroom.
Installing Your Murphy Bed Safely in an RV
Installing a Murphy bed in an RV is fundamentally different from installing one in a house because your walls are likely thin, hollow, or insulated. You cannot simply screw into the paneling; you must locate the aluminum or wood studs within the wall. If you miss the studs, the bed will pull away from the wall the first time you hit a pothole.
Use heavy-duty toggle bolts or through-bolts with backing plates if you cannot hit studs directly. Always use Loctite on your bolts to ensure that the constant vibration of the road doesn’t loosen the hardware over time. A properly anchored bed is a safe bed, so take the extra time to reinforce your mounting points before you mount the frame.
Maintenance Tips for RV Murphy Bed Mechanisms
Road vibration is the enemy of any mechanical system, so plan to tighten all bolts and check the pivot points every few months. Keep the gas struts or springs clean and free of dust, as debris can build up and cause the mechanism to bind. A quick wipe-down and a light application of silicone lubricant will keep things moving smoothly.
Listen for new rattles or squeaks, as these are often the first signs that a mounting screw is backing out or a frame piece is shifting. By catching these small issues early, you prevent long-term damage to the wall or the cabinetry. Treat your Murphy bed like a piece of mechanical equipment, and it will serve you reliably for years of travel.
Choosing the right Murphy bed is about balancing your need for floor space against the reality of your RV’s weight and structural limits. Whether you opt for a lightweight DIY frame or a robust, pre-built cabinet, the goal remains the same: reclaiming your space to live more freely. Take your time with the installation, respect the weight limits, and enjoy the newfound versatility of your mobile home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an RV Murphy bed?
RV Murphy beds are hinged, fold-down bed frames engineered to fold vertically against an interior wall or inside a cabinet when not in use. This setup frees up floor space during the day, revealing a couch, desk, or open walkway underneath. Most units rely on gas struts or counterbalance springs to make raising and lowering safe. In small trailers under 22 feet, this conversion can effectively double the usable living area.
What does an RV Murphy bed over sofa design do in small travel trailers?
A sofa-style RV Murphy bed combines daytime living room seating with nighttime sleeping space within the exact same floor footprint. During the day, the couch provides seating for lounging or watching television. At night, travelers fold the sofa seat flat or clear its back cushions so the bed frame can lower directly over the base. This dual-purpose layout saves roughly 50 square feet of floor space in compact travel trailers.
How do you install an RV Murphy bed frame in a camper van?
Installing an RV Murphy bed frame in a camper van requires securing structural mounting brackets directly to the van wall ribs and reinforced floor framing. First, locate the metal chassis studs using a magnetic finder, taking care to avoid wiring. Fasten heavy-duty steel brackets with structural plusnuts or bolts. Next, assemble the pivot hinges and gas struts, adjusting the counterbalance tension before bolting the mattress deck into place.
How do you measure a camper for an RV Murphy bed installation?
Measuring a camper for an RV Murphy bed requires recording the interior ceiling height, horizontal wall width, and forward floor projection when unfolded. First, measure vertical clearance from floor to overhead cabinets or ceiling vents. Next, check side clearance between windows and slide-outs. Finally, extend a tape measure 80 inches outward from the wall to confirm the lowered mattress will clear kitchen counters and dinette corners.
RV Murphy bed vs fixed bed which is better for full-time living?
Fixed RV beds offer better long-term comfort for full-time living, whereas RV Murphy beds provide far better daytime living space in rigs under 26 feet. Fixed beds accommodate standard residential mattresses up to 12 inches deep and maintain permanent under-bed pass-through storage. However, an RV Murphy bed folds away during work hours to reveal a couch or dinette, making tight spaces feel substantially larger. Campers who work remotely often prefer Murphy models, while full-timers with orthopedic back needs lean toward fixed platforms.
How much does an RV Murphy bed kit cost on average?
Aftermarket RV Murphy bed hardware kits typically cost between $300 and $700, while complete manufactured bed systems range from $1,200 to $3,500. Hardware-only packages include pivot plates, gas pistons, and mounting brackets, leaving you to supply the lumber and mattress frame. Full assemblies include the fold-down platform, sofa base, and surrounding cabinetry. Professional installation by an RV technician typically adds another $500 to $1,500 in labor costs.
Why will an RV Murphy bed not latch properly when folded up?
Latch failure on an RV Murphy bed is typically caused by an overly thick mattress, bunched bedding at the hinge point, or misaligned locking pins. Most RV wall recesses accommodate mattresses no thicker than 8 to 10 inches. Heavy blankets or mattress toppers jammed against the base prevent the latch from engaging cleanly. To fix this, strip bulky bedding, inspect the side brackets for frame warping caused by road vibrations, and adjust the strike plate alignment with a socket wrench.
Is an RV Murphy bed safe and comfortable for heavy adults?
Quality RV Murphy beds are safe and sturdy for heavy adults as long as the user stays within the manufacturer weight limit and frame anchors. Most reinforced frames support between 500 and 800 pounds of evenly distributed sleeping weight. Upgrading to an eight-inch high-density foam mattress ensures firm lumbar support without exceeding the depth limit. Inspect the fold-down support legs periodically to confirm all load-bearing bolts remain tight.
