Last updated on August 24th, 2023 at 11:51 am
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Finding a comfortable night’s sleep in a Class B RV, or camper isn’t always easy! We can’t have all the luxuries we’ve come to expect from a Class A rig, or the versatility of a campervan like a full bathroom, ample living space, and the ability to roll out of bed and hit the road…
Oh wait, yes we can!
Always at the forefront of innovation and creative space solutions, Class B motorhomes have come far in recent years. There’s no need to be limited to the confines of folding out couch cushions to sleep or packing up sheets and blankets every morning! An effortless way of avoiding both of these situations is a Murphy bed.
We’re going to take a look at 5 Class B RVs (along with a few B+ options) that promise to give RVers the best of both worlds.
Let’s get started!
What Is A Murphy Bed?
A Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed, hinges at one end to fold up into a vertical space, often inside a cabinet or closet. They originally became popular in the early 1900s for space-saving purposes in small, high-occupancy homes or apartments. However, Murphy beds have also become popular in RVs for the same reasons-; they are compact, comfortable, and easy to use.
A Murphy bed is a great way to get a good night’s sleep on a comfortable mattress and avoid the added work of setting up and packing down a bed each day. Many RVs traditionally use fold-out beds incorporated into the seating or table components of the living space. Though this is efficient for floor space, these beds are often uncomfortable and require a fair amount of work every morning and night to get them set up and taken down.
Non-permanent beds although may initially seem space-saving, can actually be more hassle than what it’s worth as you’ll need to find a substantial space to store bedding! This can be tough in an RV, especially in smaller rigs that don’t have ample storage options. Some manufacturers will say an RV has a Murphy bed when actually what it has is a folding couch or table.
This means you’ll have seams and creases in the mattress to work around. Many RVers use additional padding, such as a memory foam topper, for additional comfort. But this results in even more that you’ll have to pack away!
5 Best Class B RVs With A Murphy Bed
Finding the perfect RV can be tricky, but it is possible to find the rig of your dreams! We’ve put together a list of the best Class B RVs with a Murphy bed, and hopefully one of them will take your fancy. Class B RVs are versatile rigs, but there aren’t many Murphy bed options out there, however, we’ve done the hard work and found the best ones on the market.
So, let’s get to it!
Best Overall: Airstream Atlas Murphy Suite
Along with making our list of the best Class B RVs with a dry bath, the Airstream Atlas takes our overall spot thanks to its Murphy suite. The Atlas has a smart, homely design with a spacious lounge area with a reclining leather sofa, a power slide-out, swivel seats, and more. I love how modern Airstream have made the Atlas, and the hidden LED Smart TV in the entertainment cabinet adds another level of tech!
Not only does the slide-out increase the internal space, but it’s also home to an innovative Murphy bed. When night comes crawling in, the lounge area transforms into a comfortable sleeping area with a queen mattress. Since the frame has springboards, I know a sleep in the Atlas promises to be a comfortable and even one!
The slide-out and couch-lowering features are both powered by the push of a button making things as easy as I could want! The Murphy bed, however, does need to be manually pulled by the two hinges on each side which can be a bit tough and awkward to get used to. I find this disappointing for Airstream, as they usually don’t typically compromise on accessibility.
However, campers on the road as a couple will have no trouble with engaging and folding the bed away, I’m sure! The full dry bath is featured at the back of the living space and the kitchen creates a nice break between the bath and lounge area, making the Atlas a very comfortable experience. Built on a Mercedes Benz Class B+ Chassis with solar panels, 2 lithium batteries, and an Onan diesel generator, the Atlas is a reliable and powerful motorhome. And its luxury features make it the best overall for this list.
Best Budget-Friendly: Renegade RV Vienna
RVing may be cheaper than renting, but new rigs can cost a considerable amount! The Renegade RV Vienna is a far more budget-friendly rig than the Airstream Atlas and also has 6 delightful floorplans to choose from. Only two of the floorplans have Murphy beds, but at least there are a couple of options available!
Both the 25RMC and 25RML have a Murphy bed next to the dinette, opposite the well-equipped kitchen. As the bedroom is situated in the middle of the Vienna, the entire camper feels open yet transformative thanks to the addition of the Murphy bed. I like the option of upgrading to theater seating instead of a dinette as I need to have a comfortable reading spot in a rig!
Renegade RV have even managed to keep the bathroom roomy as the rear of the camper, and have included a large shower, sink, toilet, and even a wardrobe for clothes, towels, and more. With a length of 25′ 6″, this Class B is a pretty modest size and is great for newbies too, thanks to its convenient features and humble size.
The only downside for me is that no part of the Murphy bed is automated, so I have to manually jack-knife the couch and pull the bed down with some elbow grease! This isn’t the be-all and end-all, but it also isn’t the most convenient aspect of this Renegade rig. The mechanics are smooth and require little strength so it’s not too much of a burden out on the open road!
To make up for the bit of inconvenience in releasing the Murphy bed, there’s a touch command center by the mattress. This allows me or my partner to turn the lights off or adjust the AC without moving a muscle! This is an ideal feature for full-time living, as getting up and down from bed to turn lights off can feel quite tedious! Overall, this budget-friendly rig has two Murphy bed options and is a great camper for all types of RVers from beginners to experts.
Best For Boondocking: Winnebago Revel
Winnebago gets major points for their creative definition of a Murphy bed. Where most Murphy beds fold vertically against a side wall, Winnebago has instead installed a power lift bed in the Winnebago Revel so it’s against the ceiling when not in use. It only lowers halfway, allowing for ample storage underneath and an elevated sleeping platform, which is a fantastic way to utilize space!
The Revel calls this underneath storage area the gear garage, with heavy-duty vinyl flooring that’s easy to clean but will also hold up well against any bike, snowboard, or mud-drenched hiking gear. Being a Colorado native, I love the idea of skiing from my front door with the Revel and not worrying about where to put my wet skis and boots afterward.
Winnebago is known for being ideal for off-grid living and the Revel 44E is no exception. It’s the only layout available with the Revel, but it’s hard to utilize the 19′ 7″ length in any other way! Built with a Mercedes Benz turbo diesel engine, this 4×4-ready camper is durable and ready to tackle any adventure. The Revel also features two 125-hour batteries, a hydronic heating system, and easy access to all the systems in the gear garage for easier maintenance.
Winnebago doesn’t compromise comfort, but it does take a different approach to aesthetics. Whereas the Atlas and the Vienna try to mimic home-like features, the Revel highlights the industrial feel of the RV, prioritizing durability over looks. Still, it’s one of the smallest RVs you can find with a shower (along with a toilet of course) and thanks to its durable build it’s also a great option for traveling with pets.
This isn’t to say the Winnebago Revel isn’t an attractive RV, and honestly, this brand have been in the game for so long, I trust whatever rigs they bring out to be solid and functional from the base up! If you’re looking for an RV with off-grid capability for several days while hiking and biking through the mountains, the Revel might be your answer!
Best For Full-Timers: Thor Motor Coach Compass 23TW
Class B+ RVs tend to have a bit more on offer than standard Class Bs, and the Thor Motor Coach Compass is a B+ packed full of features. There are 3 floorplans with the Compass, however, the 23TE is the only layout featuring a Murphy bed. It’s situated near the front of the rig and converts into a sofa and removable pedestal table when not in use.
The bed is queen-sized to provide plenty of space for couples, and since the TV is opposite, I like that I can watch my favorite shows from the comfort of the bed! The Compass 23TE is a great choice for full-time living as it boasts a full dry bath, a Murphy bed, and a spacious dining area in a Class B+ motorhome. The Compass is designed to be light and airy, with full-width windows, 80 inches of interior headroom, mirrors along the rear wall, and light-colored decor.
A downside to this Thor Motor Coach camper has to be the mattress. Unlike the Atlas or the Vienna, it’s folded, which could lead to quicker wear and tear, especially since the set-up is completely manual. However, not having to rely on electricity can be a good thing, especially when camping off-grid where power is everything!
I do, however, love the kitchen with a sizeable fridge and ample countertop space. The comfortable seating areas help make the space feel like home. Thor’s thoughtful addition of a privacy curtain in the bedroom along with a full wardrobe, proves to me they create RVs ideal for full-timing.
A Sneaky Contender: Coachmen RV Galleria
The Coachman Galleria technically doesn’t have a Murphy bed, but similar to the Winnebago Revel, it has an elevated bed creating storage underneath. This is such an interesting design, I simply couldn’t keep this rig off our list! The bed design of the Galleria is unique, with the fixed bed taking up 6 feet in the rear of the RV, with power incline seats as part of the design.
The bed in the Galleria is similar to an adjustable base bed, allowing sleeping or lounging on a recline. I like that this layout has next to no set-up or tear down as I can keep the bed made all day, and not have to worry about finding space for blankets, throws, pillows, and a duvet! However, there are seams in the cushioning, however, I would say it’s best not to mess around too much with the material.
Attaching permanent padding or similar could interfere with the reclining components, but if you can find a solution that doesn’t affect the performance of the chairs, go ahead! The underneath bed storage, accessible from the rear doors is ample and hidden, which is another nice feature in this Class B RV.
There’s even an access door from the interior to get to the storage, so I don’t have to trek out during a thunderstorm to grab something from the garage! I can simply use the access door, and stay dry and warm inside the Galleria. Although this Coachmen rig is impressive inside and out, it’s also a powerful rig underneath the hood!
The Galleria has a Mercedes Benz V6 engine and a 4×4 option for heading out into the depths of the wilderness for camping in solitude. These rigs aren’t the cheapest on the market, and there isn’t a specific Murphy bed option. However, the Coachmen Galleria still features an innovative sleeping setup that’s a dream for those wanting a bed that’s out the way, easy to use, and comfortable too!
Is A Murphy Bed In A Class B RV Worth It?
Part of what I love about Class B motorhomes is their constant evolution! New and exciting features come out every year and as the demand for campervans continues, the sky is the limit for innovative living solutions! The downside is that options are still somewhat restricted for some features; a Murphy bed included.
Even as new options come out, it limits the used-RV market, so this is something worth thinking about when searching for a home on wheels. Murphy beds in a Class B have the ability to transform the space completely. Too often, rigs can feel cramped and stuffy with little room to walk around and enjoy the space to the full.
However, Murphy beds utilize the space in a far more efficient way than standard campervan beds and allow for ample space to always be available, and the bed to only be used as and when needed. If space is key in your hunt for an RV, I would highly recommend checking out some rigs with Murphy bed options. I can’t think of a better match than a comfortable bed to sleep in, and ample storage to keep all my belongings organized!
What Are The Advantages Of A Murphy Bed?
Murphy beds definitely have their place in the RV world, but why exactly is that? Well, there are many benefits a Murphy bed can bring to a Class B or any RV, so let’s explore some of these advantages.
Murphy Beds Have A Standard Mattress
Just because I live full-time on the road, it doesn’t mean I’m willing to sacrifice comfort, and one of the things I need in an RV is a comfy bed to sleep in! Some RV layouts feature convertible beds with cushions that fold and move around to create a bed, but often these are uncomfortable. Murphy beds typically have a standard mattress so there’s no missing out on any dreams while away on vacation!
No Additional Storage For Bedding Needed
Unlike Class A RVs which have a crazy amount of space and storage, my rig is a little limited. A Murphy bed is a fantastic option for smaller RVs as no additional storage is needed for bedding! I can make my bed up neatly, and leave it all in place until nighttime when I’m ready to use it again. No space in my camper is wasted on a duvet, pillows, and blankets.
Less Time Consuming
Life on the road, and even on vacation can be busy! There’s a lot to think about and plenty to do, and with a convertible bed, the set-up and tear-down can take a considerable amount of time! On the other hand, a Murphy bed is typically easy to get into place and put away once morning has come.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Murphy Bed?
There’s always another side to a story, and although Murphy beds carry plenty of perks, they also have some downsides too. I find it useful to write down everything I both want and need from an RV to help me make final decisions! If you’re debating a Class B RV with a Murphy bed, it’s essential to look at the pros and cons to avoid any regrets!
Murphy Bed Options Are Limited
Although Class B RVs with a Murphy bed are the dream, they can be a bit difficult to find! We managed to find several options for our list, but it took a significant while to track all of them down. This can make things more difficult when it comes to making a final purchase decision, as you may not be able to find the exact rig you’re looking for.
Murphy Beds Can Be Heavy
Often, Murphy beds have an integrated system for movement, and this can be heavy! If you’re worried about the overall weight of your rig or think you’d rather use the weight elsewhere, a Murphy bed may not be the wisest option.
Manual Set-Up Can Be Tricky
As I discussed earlier with some of the Class B rigs I mentioned, manual set-up of Murphy beds can be tricky, especially for those dealing with a heavy bed alone on the road! Once they are folded down and in place, there’s nothing more to be done with Murphy beds than enjoy their comfort and get ready to use some elbow grease to pack everything away later!
Non-Standard Feature
As we all know, the starting price of new RVs is rarely the end total as optional extras get added along the way! These extras help enhance the RVing experience, but they can also increase overall spending substantially. In some RVs, a Murphy bed might not be a standard feature, so this is something to look out for at the local dealership!
Final Thoughts
I love my camper van, but when I dream of my next one, it absolutely includes a Murphy bed! The home-like feel of an actual bed just can’t be beaten. However, I also know many people who don’t want to deal with the extra weight and clunky lowering of the frame. It really comes down to what your personal desires are for your motorhome.
If you’re not sleeping in your van too often, a Murphy bed may seem more burdensome than luxurious. But for full-timers, a Murphy bed may be a game-changing feature! Either way, don’t lose hope in finding the RV of your dreams. It’s out there waiting, you just have to do some digging and get ready for the adventures to begin!