Camper vans for three adults

How to size and plan camper vans for three adults

Traveling as three adults in a compact rig changes priorities. Space that feels generous for two becomes tight when a third sleeper and a third seat belt enter the picture. Start by listing non negotiables: seat belt locations, bed lengths, bathroom needs, and cargo for hobbies. A camper van that works as an rv for 3 adults balances privacy, flexible sleeping, and storage without tipping over weight ratings. The best fit comes from matching your daily routine to the interior layout.

Class B vs compact Class C

Class B camper vans ride on van chassis and keep the smallest footprint. They park in cities, slip into trailheads, and usually offer better fuel economy. Compact Class C motorhomes add a box for more volume and a cabover bed, often making a true 3 person rv easier to configure. If you value tight trail access and stealthy urban parking, a Class B wins. If you want separate sleeping zones and more interior height, a small Class C may edge ahead.

Sleeping and seating for a 3 person RV

Three adults need two real sleeping zones, sometimes three. Common solutions include a rear fixed bed for two plus a convertible lounge or dinette for the third. Another option is a tri fold sofa paired with a pop top or cabover bunk. Measure sleepers: tall travelers often need at least 77 inches of length, and shoulder width matters for side to side beds. Seating must match seat belts; never assume a lounge seat is travel rated without certified mounts.

Bed sizes and smart layouts

• Rear platform bed plus front dinette bed: simple, fast nightly setup
• Twin beds with aisle and convertible lounge: easiest for midnight bathroom trips
• Drop down bed over garage: maximizes storage beneath
  Choose cushions with proper density so the third bed does not feel like a bench. If you prefer separate sleep schedules, aim for layouts where one person can make coffee without climbing over others.

Power, water, storage, and budget realities

Three adults multiply resource demand. Battery capacity should cover laptops, induction cooking, fan or air conditioning, and device charging. A lithium system with at least 200 to 400 amp hours and a 2000 watt inverter is a practical starting point for a 3 person rv. Solar is helpful but alternator charging and shore power are essential on cloudy weeks. Fresh water tanks around 20 to 30 gallons and a grey system that matches your sink and shower use keep stops predictable.

Payload, weight, and safety

Check the van’s payload after accounting for passengers. Many rigs look roomy but run out of weight capacity once you add water, gear, and extra seating hardware. Distribute weight low and between axles to preserve handling. Confirm every travel seat has a certified belt and anchoring, headrests, and proper spacing from cabinetry. If you plan winter trips, insulation plus a heating system rated for altitude matters as much as the mattress.

Practical checks before you buy or build:

• Count seat belts and verify certifications
• Test set up and tear down of the third bed
• Measure real mattress lengths and widths
• Step into the shower with shoes on to gauge elbow room
• Confirm fridge volume and pantry access with three food bags
• Inspect garage space for bikes, skis, or totes
• Review the weight sticker and subtract water and passengers to see remaining capacity

Comfort upgrades that help three adults share space:

• Swivel cab seats to widen the lounge
• Lagun or rail mounted tables that tuck away fast
• Blackout window covers and a soft partition curtain
• Roof fan paired with ducted heat to reduce condensation
• Quiet close latches and soft lighting for late night movement

Cost planning for an rv for 3 people depends on chassis, power system, and interior complexity. Factory built Class B and compact Class C models command a premium for small footprints and brand name components. Custom builds vary by materials and systems. Factor in maintenance, insurance, storage, and travel style. If you frequently boondock, invest more in electrical and insulation. If you camp at sites with hookups, prioritize comfortable seating and a quick bed conversion.

Where to compromise:

• A wet bath saves space over a dry bath and works fine for short showers
• A convertible third bed is smarter than squeezing three into one large mattress
• Overhead cabinets help, but leave at least one open wall for shoulder room

When you are choosing among camper vans, let daily rhythm decide. Who wakes first. Who cooks. Who needs a quiet corner to work. Three adults can travel in comfort if the floor plan supports those patterns rather than forcing everyone into a single routine.

OZK Customs integrates these real world considerations into design. Our team aligns seat belt positions with structure, sizes mattresses to the sleeper, and tunes electrical systems for off grid reliability. If you want a layout that truly fits three adults, we help map the plan, select components, and build the interior to match your routes and hobbies.

Strong next steps:

• Explore proven layouts and features on our Recreational vans page
• See our process for a tailored interior on Custom van build
• If you prefer a platform that can finance, review Mainstream vans that finance

Tell us how your crew travels and what you carry. We will translate that into a floor plan, power spec, and storage plan that turns camper vans into comfortable homes for three adults. Submit the form and we will schedule a consult in Fayetteville to get you rolling.