Best Air Beds for Motorhomes and Campervans

Motorhomes and campervans present unique sleeping challenges. Space is limited, dimensions are fixed and weight matters more than in a tent. An air bed can be an excellent solution — providing comfortable, packable sleep surfaces that stow away during the day. Here are the best air bed options and strategies for motorhome and campervan owners heading into summer 2026.

Why Air Beds Work in Motorhomes

Packability

When deflated, an air bed takes up a fraction of the space it occupies when inflated. In a motorhome where daytime living space and nighttime sleeping space overlap, the ability to stow your bed in a cupboard or under a seat is invaluable.

Custom Sizing

Motorhome sleeping areas are rarely standard mattress sizes. An air bed in the nearest matching size, trimmed to fit if necessary (though not recommended), or a combination of smaller beds, can fill irregular spaces better than a fixed mattress.

Guest Sleeping

Even motorhomes with permanent beds occasionally need extra sleeping space for guests or children. A single air bed deployed on the dinette conversion or the cab-over area handles overflow without permanent installation.

Best Air Beds for Motorhomes

Compact Singles

A single air bed from Vango or Hi-Gear at 185 x 70 cm fits most dinette conversions and cab-over sleeping areas. At under 2 kg, it adds minimal weight to the vehicle — important for motorhomes with weight limits. Store it in the wardrobe or under a seat during travel.

Narrow Doubles

A narrow double (120 cm wide) from Kampa or Coleman fits the permanent bed frame in many smaller motorhomes, providing a more comfortable surface than an ageing fixed mattress. Some owners use a slim air bed as a mattress topper on their existing setup.

Raised Beds — With Caution

A raised air bed in a motorhome sounds luxurious but check the ceiling height first. Motorhome bedrooms, especially rear fixed beds, often have limited headroom. A 46 cm raised bed from Coleman or Outwell can leave you unable to sit up. Measure before buying.

Campervan Specific Considerations

Campervans — particularly converted vans — have even tighter dimensions. The sleeping platform in most campervans is a fixed width dictated by the vehicle. Standard camping air beds may not match these dimensions precisely.

Rock and Roll Bed Conversions

Many campervans use a rock and roll bed that converts from a seat to a flat sleeping platform. The platform surface is often uncomfortable without a mattress. A standard double air bed placed on top transforms the sleeping experience. Look for models around 180 x 115 cm or similar to match common conversion widths.

Pop-Top Sleeping

Campervans with pop-top roofs have an upper sleeping area typically 180 x 110 cm. A narrow single or a slim double air bed fits this space and provides far better comfort than the thin foam mattress many pop-tops come with. Keep the bed height below 15 cm to maintain headroom.

Inflation and Deflation in a Vehicle

Space to operate a foot pump is limited inside a motorhome. A rechargeable electric pump is the practical choice — press the button and the bed inflates while you set up the rest of the sleeping area. Many motorhomes have 12V sockets that power compatible pumps directly. Check our pump collection for 12V and rechargeable options.

Weight Limits

Every motorhome and campervan has a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). Every kilogram counts. Air beds are among the lightest sleeping solutions available — a double at 3–5 kg is far lighter than a quality foam mattress of the same size. If weight is tight, Hi-Gear and Kampa offer the lightest options.

Securing the Bed During Travel

An inflated air bed inside a moving vehicle is a safety hazard. Always deflate and stow the bed before driving. Use the carry bag to keep it contained and store it where it cannot shift during braking or cornering.

Alternatives for Vehicle Camping

Self-inflating mats are popular in campervans because they can be cut to custom sizes. A camp bed works in a motorhome awning to create an extra guest bedroom. And a quality sleeping bag is essential regardless of your mattress choice — motorhomes cool down quickly overnight.

Browse air beds sized for every vehicle at UK Camping and Leisure and make your motorhome or campervan trips in summer 2026 as comfortable as possible.