Recreational Vans
A bunk bed with garage pairs an elevated sleeping platform with a dedicated cargo bay underneath it. The format shines for riders, climbers, and families who carry bikes, motos, boards, or bulky bins that need secure storage. Separating sleep space from a dirty gear zone keeps bedding clean and speeds camp setup since cargo loads do not invade your living area. The garage also doubles as a utility bay for batteries, water tanks, heaters, and recovery gear. When designed correctly, you gain clean lines, fast loadout, and a quiet sleep space above your equipment.
Start with what must fit in the garage. Standard mountain bikes with wide bars need about 30 to 32 inches of width clearance and 44 to 48 inches of standing height if you prefer to roll them in upright. Dirt bikes often require 74 to 88 inches of length and 36 to 42 inches of bar width, while height can drop to roughly 38 to 42 inches if you compress forks and use low profile wheel chocks. If you carry e bikes, account for weight and rack strength since many models exceed 60 pounds each.
Bed height follows garage requirements. Many builders set the mattress platform around 40 to 45 inches from the floor for moto clearance, or 34 to 38 inches for bikes only. Keep at least 24 inches of headroom above the mattress to avoid a cramped feel. Wheelbase selection matters too. A long wheelbase van allows a fixed bunk with full length sleeping and room for vertical storage under the bed, while shorter wheelbase platforms may benefit from a lift bed or split folding panels to reclaim daytime headroom.
High roof platforms like Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster provide interior height that supports a comfortable bunk and functional garage. A 170 inch or extended wheelbase offers the most flexibility for a fixed bunk with moto space. A 144 inch or regular wheelbase can still manage a bunk bed with garage if you prioritize gear length and use wall mounted storage to keep aisles open.
Fixed bunks bring simplicity and rigidity, ideal for heavy cargo below. Lift beds using 12 volt actuators or manual winches add daytime clearance and lounge space. Folding wings or removable slats can widen a sleep platform at night while keeping a narrow aisle during the day. Use lightweight aluminum or steel frames with wood or composite slats for strength without excess weight. Add sound dampening, insulation, and a vapor barrier to keep the sleeping area quiet and dry above the garage.
A bunk bed with garage lives or dies by its tie down strategy. L track or E track along the floor and walls creates flexible anchor points for soft loops and ratchet straps. Low mounted chocks stabilize moto wheels, while fork savers prevent seal damage during transport. For bikes, wall mounts that capture axles or bars keep frames separated and paint safe. Drawer modules and stackable bins fill the negative space between wheels, and ceiling nets manage light soft goods. Plan a dedicated wet zone with drain mats for muddy gear so the rest of the garage stays tidy.
Garages are a smart home for auxiliary batteries, inverters, and shore or solar charging systems because the mass sits low and close to the axle. Use vented enclosures and short cable runs for safety and efficiency. Install bright, low draw LED strips that do not blind the sleeper above. Add a roof vent or low side vents to purge fumes if you haul motorsports equipment, and always travel with fuel in approved, sealed containers stored outside the living envelope when possible. A diesel or gas fired heater with properly routed intake and exhaust keeps both the garage and the bunk comfortable in cold weather.
Climb access should feel natural and secure. A side ladder, removable steps, or integrated cabinet steps reduce footprint while keeping night time entry quiet. Rounded edges, soft touch head bumpers, and a safety rail create a calm sleep space. Include a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm, and clear egress paths. Weight distribution matters. Keep the heaviest items low and centered over the rear axle to preserve handling and braking. Always confirm payload capacity, and factor passengers, water, fuel, and gear.
The best bunk bed with garage layouts handle mornings and nights without fuss. Blackout shades keep first light out while a small reading light avoids waking the whole crew. A USB port and small shelf at pillow height keep essentials close. Under bed acoustics improve with insulation and fabric panels that tame echo in the garage. Use washable mattress covers and a vent gap above the mattress to avoid condensation. Finally, test load the garage with your actual kit before finalizing panel heights and door openings. Real gear reveals the truth better than drawings.
If you want a bunk bed with garage that feels dialed on day one, work with a shop that builds around your gear list and travel rhythm. OZK Customs designs and builds complete adventure vans in Fayetteville, Arkansas, focusing on secure garages, quiet sleep, and reliable off grid systems. Explore our latest platforms and services here: Recreational vans, Custom build van, and Mainstream vans.
We build for real use, which means your bikes or motos secure cleanly, your bunk sleeps like home, and your power system hums quietly while you rest. Tell us what you carry and where you go, we will shape the space so load in takes minutes and camp reset feels easy.
Request a consultation today. Let OZK Customs craft a bunk bed with garage that matches your cargo, crew size, and routes, then pick it up in Northwest Arkansas and head straight to the trail.
Ready to turn a bunk bed with garage concept into a dialed adventure rig built for your gear and travel style? Schedule a consultation with OZK Customs in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Our team designs and builds complete custom vans with secure garages, refined sleeping platforms, and integrated power. Tell us your cargo and route, we will deliver a quiet, safe, and trail proven build.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com