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Been vaguely trying to find a van that is semi-converted, by which I mean no kitchen, 3 seats upfront and 3 in the back which would convert to a bed. Bit of storage ideal. One side window rather than throughout. That kind of thing. Just for use on overnight/weekend trips, not family holidays (we'd kill each other in a van).
Doubt these exist off the shelf (VW Beach would be ideal but hard to find and pricey) so what's good for a conversion job?
Any van + 3 seater rock and roll bed?
https://www.captainseat.com/products/rock-and-roll-bed-custom-3-seater
Toyota Alphard + a mattress topper...?
http://www.imperialcar.co.uk/alphard_mpv
These are really minimal conversions...
Mitsubishi delica does some of that. Two seats in the front, 5 or 6 in the back depending on middle seat option. All the seats fold flat to make a big bed. Rear seats also fold up nicely for van type space. It does have windows all around but tints and curtains are factory options.
Honestly, pretty much the options that are on the first link that PCA posted. SWB crew cab and a rock and roll bed would work, LWB with the same would give you a bit more space.
That option means you don't have to drag out a rear seat and put in a bed base every time you wanted to sleep over.
I did this with a LWB Trafic;
Took out the bulkhead.
Fitted a second row of removeable seats, in a 2+1 configuration.
Fitted windows for the 2nd row of seats.
Insulated, lined and carpetted.
Loads of space for equipment and a camp bed or blow-up mattress for sleeping. Note that the size of van you're looking at doesn't really allow for sleeping across the width of it (I know you are "compact", but even then...)
That did us for a few years before I went down the full conversion route.
The rear seats could be attached either way round - this was for max space, not for carrying passengers.
That's smart, Colin.
That's pretty much it with the Rock and Roll bed.
I just need to do it.
You could just get a Kombi and a kombi bed for the back? Anything from an exploria through to the newer convertible ply ones
I’ve had California beach’s for the last 10 years or so.
like you say, they’re pricey but are amazing. I haven’t found anything I’d replace it yet.
if you don’t want the full window setup, then if it was me I’d buy either a panel van or kombi and put the caravelle floor rails and 3 seat bench in the back. That way you have a seat that folds flat for sleeping that also slides forward and back for max versatility, is properly manufactured crash tested and is also really comfortable to sit on.