Traveling in a camper van offers an unmatched level of freedom and adventure, but it also comes with space constraints, especially when you’re sleeping more than two people. Traditional camper vans are usually built with a couple in mind, using the majority of the space in the van for built-in cabinetry, a kitchen set up, and sometimes a bathroom. Given the tight quarters, accommodating extra travelers can require creative solutions.
In this article, we’ll explore the sleeping arrangements of three of the most popular camper vans on the market: Winnebago Revel, Storyteller Overland MODE, and Adventure Wagon. All three of these are built on either a Mercedes Sprinter 144 or Ford Transit 148 Long – both very similar when it comes to floor space. While there are bigger vans like the Sprinter 170 or Transit Long Extended that offer more room, they sacrifice the maneuverability and practicality that make the shorter wheelbase vans so popular. Beyond basic set up of the Revel, Storyteller, and Adventure Wagon builds, we’ll also look at alternative solutions that can expand sleeping capacity beyond two people.
The Winnebago Revel – sleeps 2
The Revel’s primary sleeping area is 49" x 79”, which is slightly narrower than a standard full-size bed. By most people’s standards, this would be considered either a spacious single sleeper or tight sleeping for two. The bed can be raised and lowered to create storage space while on the move.
Although it can seat up to four, the Revel does not have a dedicated space for a third sleeper. Some users get creative and make a bed for a child or small adult using the bench seat and the kitchen galley extension.
The nature of the Revel’s RV-style layout with a bathroom, kitchen and table makes for tight quarters even for two. Comfortably sleeping more than that is challenging without significant customization or adding external sleeping solutions.
The Winnebago Revel’s RV-style layout with a kitchen and bathroom makes it challenging to sleep more than two people.
Storyteller Overland MODE – sleeps 3
The MODE’s primary bed spans the rear of the van and measures 56" x 79" (4” narrower than a queen bed). This bed can be folded up from the center to create a pass-through area for extra storage and ease of movement. There are two versions of each MODE van: one with a full, permanent bathroom, and one with a convertible Halo shower. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the version with the Halo shower because it offers more sleeping area.
While still designed primarily for two, Storyteller Overland’s MODE series offers a more versatile layout and has a legitimate option for adding a third sleeper via the configurable nature of the GrooveLounge, which is essentially a multi-functional seat that switches between a passenger seat, an extra sitting area, and a 34” x 72” bed.
With a convertible 3rd bed, the Storyteller Overland MODE is a better choice than the Revel for accommodating a third sleeper, though the single-level sleeping configuration takes up a significant portion of the van when in sleep mode.
The Groovelounge in the Storyteller MODE vans without a full bathroom converts to a 34” x 72” bed.
Adventure Wagon Interior System – Sleeps 4
Due to the modular nature of the Adventure Wagon interior, there are multiple ways you can configure the sleeping arrangement. Adventure Wagon’s MOAB mattress measures 65” x 77”, ample room for sleeping two adults. Because the MOAB is attached to L-track, it can be moved up and down, meaning the bed can be put at any height and can be stacked to create bunks. This allows enough room for four in the back of the van without sacrificing space up front. Adventure Wagon also offers a narrower version of the MOAB, called the MOAB Traverse, which is meant for sleeping sideways across the van to save space. The Traverse mattress measures 60” x 77”, saving approximately 17” of space while still providing the width of a Queen size bed.
Adventure Wagon’s third sleeping platform, called the Soogan Bunk, allows you to sleep three comfortably when combined with the MOAB. It comes in two widths and can be folded up against the wall when not in use. The Soogan is a single sleeper that hangs from the L-track on the ceiling and side wall of any Adventure Wagon van. It uses the Hest Sleep System, which includes an inflatable rigid drop-stitch base (think SUP), in combination with a Cordura sling that is attached above via straps much like a portaledge. The Soogan Bunk will be available in late November 2024.
Foregoing permanent hard cabinetry above the bed area allows you to take advantage of the high roof van design by stacking large beds for maximum occupancy. However, you’ll have to sacrifice some forms of permanent amenities like hard overhead storage.
A Soogan Bunk hung above a MOAB bed provides ample sleeping space for three in the Adventure Wagon setup.
By forgoing some overhead storage, you can take advantage of a high-roof camper van and stack beds to comfortably sleep four.
Alternate Solutions for Sleeping More Than Two
If your van’s built-in sleeping arrangements aren’t enough, there are several alternate solutions that can expand your sleeping capacity without compromising too much comfort. The Luno Air Van mattress is a relatively inexpensive temporary solution, while a pop top tent is a much more expensive, permanent solution.
The Luno Air Van Mattress is designed specifically for camper vans and can be set up in the front cab area. By inflating to fit across the front seats, it creates a sleeping area for a child or a smaller adult, without taking up space in the back of the van.
So when is the Luno Mattress the right call? If you normally travel with two or 3 (depending on your van) but want the option to add an additional sleeper on occasion, the Luno may be the solution. A bonus is that, at 10” x 22” when packed, it doesn’t take up much storage space in your garage (although it’s not a small item to pack in your van). Another consideration is set-up and take-down time. If you’re on the move every day, it may be a pain to deflate and inflate the mattress all the time. But, if you’re set on camping out for a couple nights and don’t plan to drive your van anywhere, the Luno is a viable solution.
The Luno Air Van Mattress is a viable solution for the occasional third wheel
A pop-top tent is a great way to add a dedicated sleeping area without taking up precious interior space. Mounted on the roof of the van, these tents provide an elevated and separate sleeping loft that’s accessible by a ladder. Although pop tops are not available with Revels, Storytellers, or Adventure Wagon’s, they are a common addition to other models and can often be added to a custom van build, depending on the builder. Pop tops usually range from 41” to 54” in width, enough space to sleep two children comfortably, or two adults snugly. They’re generally over 74” in length. Of course, this extra space comes at a cost (and a hole in the roof of your van), starting at around $7,000 and topping out at over $12,000 for the Super Pacific Cloud Cap.
A pop top is a good option for those who need a permanent additional sleeping solution and don’t want to sacrifice space for amenities in the van. They’re also relatively easy to pop up and pull down, so they’re a good choice for families on the go. But as mentioned, the space and convenience come with a significant price tag.
The Super Pacific Cloud Cap is a solid choice for those willing to invest in additional sleeping space
Final Thoughts
So, can sleeping more than two people in a Sprinter 144 be done comfortably? Yes, if you buy or design your van for your specific situation. Do you want your camper van to be able to accommodate the occasional 3rd or 4th passenger, or will you be traveling with them on a regular basis? Does your travel style require maximizing interior amenities, or do you plan to take a less complicated approach? Taking advantage of the high roof design of camper vans is one way to maximize the space to comfortably sleep four or more. It also helps to employ clever space management and have multifunctional design elements. At the end of the day, the more people you want to sleep, generally speaking, the more you must sacrifice in terms of permanent storage, kitchen, and bathroom solutions.
We hope you found this article helpful on your journey to find your perfect van set up! Happy Trails!
