Recreational Vans
A van bed platform does two jobs at once. It supports a mattress for restorative sleep and creates a predictable cargo zone under the deck. When planned well, it also manages moisture, noise, and weight so the cabin stays quiet and dry. The best designs feel solid when you roll over at night and still allow quick access to bikes, totes, tools, and power gear in the morning. Start by setting priorities for comfort, clearance, and the gear you must carry on every trip.
Begin with the sleeping surface. Common mattress sizes are Twin 38 x 75 in, Full 54 x 75 in, and Queen 60 x 80 in. Interior widths vary by van. A high roof Sprinter often gives about 68 in wall to wall at bed height. A ProMaster is wider near 74 in. Transit varies by trim and paneling choice. Sleeping sideways across the van can save length if your shoulder room allows it. Sleeping lengthwise preserves headroom at the walls and simplifies cabinet runs.
Platform height is driven by what needs to live below. Many riders set a top deck around 36 to 40 in from the floor to clear a mountain bike on a low tray. If you carry totes, measure the tallest bin plus finger space and a deck thickness, then add an inch of breathing room. If you want to sit up in bed, measure your seated height from deck to ceiling. Balance garage clearance with headroom comfort so the van does not feel cramped.
Warm bodies release humidity. Trapped moisture under a mattress can lead to musty foam or even hidden corrosion. A good van bed platform encourages airflow. Slatted tops, spaced ribs, or a perforated deck help air move. An anti condensation mat can add a micro channel under the mattress. Small ventilation cutouts near the rear doors and the cabin side create low resistance paths as air exchanges while driving or when a fan runs at night. Pair this with a fitted mattress protector that dries fast. The goal is to keep the sleep surface warm and the structure dry.
A platform must carry dynamic loads from sleeping, bumps, and hard braking. Aim for a static rating that comfortably covers two people plus a safety margin, often 500 to 800 lb or more depending on use. Materials include aluminum extrusions for light weight and stiffness, steel for concentrated mounts, and high grade birch plywood in 12 to 18 mm thickness for a quiet deck. Composite sandwich panels can reduce weight further with excellent stiffness. Wherever the frame meets the van, use proper isolators to prevent squeaks and to reduce vibration transfer.
Fasteners and anchors should be matched to factory hard points or properly reinforced members. Use rivnuts or plus nuts with correct grip range where appropriate, or bracket to seat rail systems when available. Locking hardware with thread locker helps prevent loosening from vibration. A solid structure feels silent, resists racking, and does not drum over uneven roads.
Fixed platforms are common because they keep sleep and storage consistent. A fixed deck with wide bays below can swallow bikes, skis, totes, and recovery gear. Add a shallow tray near the rear doors for dirty items and a taller center tunnel for bulky equipment. Pass through doors from the cabin side let you grab a jacket without walking to the back.
Convertible layouts trade some rigidity for daytime space. A tri panel deck can fold against the wall to open floor area. A flip up wing can create a lounge backrest. Sliding trays under the deck bring bins to the bumper so you do not crawl inside. Keep the heaviest items low and forward near the axle. Secure everything with positive latches so nothing shifts under braking.
Access is as important as strength. Hinged hatches over service areas make fuses and disconnects easy to reach. A removable panel near the wheel well can hide a water pump and filters. Build predictable cable and hose routes so you do not pinch lines when loading. Soft edge trim at cargo openings protects bags and hands. A textured deck surface or thin mat reduces mattress creep while still allowing airflow below.
Noise is the last test. Wood on metal contact can creak if it rubs. Felt tape or rubber isolators between frame and body reduce chatter. Even spacing on slats and a well supported center zone eliminate trampoline feel. Test by kneeling and shifting weight across the corners. A quiet platform is the sign of good contact and fasteners that stay tight.
If you want a bed platform that feels planted, sleeps right, and packs your garage cleanly, a professional upfit saves time and delivers repeatable results. OZK Customs designs and builds platforms that match your mattress size, target height, and gear list, then anchors them to proven hard points. The team can integrate drawers, bike trays, service hatches, and airflow into a single system that stays solid on washboard and silent on the freeway.
Explore our world of builds and options:
We build in Fayetteville Arkansas and hand off each rig at our on site lounge so you can learn the system, test the sleep height, and confirm garage access before you roll. Tell us your sleep needs and the gear you carry. We will turn those measurements into a bed platform that feels like it was always part of the van.
Tell us your mattress size, ideal deck height, and the must carry gear that lives under your bed. We will design a van bed platform that sleeps comfortably, anchors safely, and keeps your cargo organized for every mile. Fill out the form and let OZK Customs build the foundation for great nights and easy mornings.
Ready for a van bed platform that sleeps like home and hauls like a pro. Tell us how you travel and we will engineer a platform that fits your gear, your height, and your routes. Tap the form and let OZK design a smarter sleep and storage system.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com