Guide to a 4 Berth Campervan

The Ultimate Guide To 4 Berth Campervans And Why They Are The Best Option For Adventurers

4 berth - The Smaller, Better Campervan

Campervans are becoming more popular every year. They’re a popular choice for those who want to combine their love of travel with their love of the great outdoors. It gives you more control over your accommodation and transport options, meaning you’re not at the will of over-priced hotels. 

When it comes to VW Campervans, there are usually only 2 variations; the 2 berth and the 4 berth campervan. 

You can find up to an 8 berth motorhomes, these are usually huge rigs built on A class chassis. They often need a different license to drive. Generally speaking a VW Transporter Campervan will be 4 berth and a VW Caddy Campervan will be 2 berth. 

What does berth mean in a campervan?

The term berth comes from boats or ships, meaning the area where people can sleep. It has been adopted in the world of campervans and motorhomes meaning how many people can sleep in the vehicle. 4 berth usually means it sleeps 4 people across 2 beds. 

A 4 berth campervan will usually sleep 2 people in the pop-top roof and 2 people in the lower area of the van. The bed in the lower area of the van, converts from seats for when the vehicle is in motion, to a bed at night time. 

Why You Should Go With Four Berths & What It Offers You

One of the most popular van conversions for families is the four-berth. It’s an excellent choice for those who are looking for a vehicle that can accommodate up to four people and their luggage. The four-berth is also a great option if you want to carry more than one pet, or if you need to take your bikes with you on your journey.

The two-berth conversion is a good option for those who don’t need as much space, but still want the flexibility of being able to sleep comfortably in the back of their vehicle. The two-berth also offers more storage space, which may be better suited to those who are planning on carrying larger items or taking longer trips away from home.

Usually a 2 berth VW Transporter Campervan will not have a pop top roof. 

Something to watch out for when looking at self-build campervans, is the number of seatbelts. On rare occasions the van might be a 4 berth camper but only have 2 belts. This is usually when the bed “downstairs” doesn’t include legal seatbelts. 

Buying a 4 Berth Campervan

A 4 berth campervan is designed for a group of four people. They can be used for overnight trips or long-distance journeys. 

You should look for a van conversion that has been made specifically for four people. This will ensure that the vehicle is installed with legal seatbelts. 

Here’s our list of things you shouldn’t forget when you pack your camper for the first time. 

• Make sure you have enough food and water for your trip
• Pack clothes appropriate for the weather - don’t forget socks. Nothing worse than cold feet! 
• Bring insect repellent or candles if you're worried about mosquitoes or other bugs
• Don’t forget Smidge or some other midge repellent if you’re heading to Scotland

Types Of Campervan Bed

There are various types of campervan beds on the market. Some self-build converters will build a bed themselves that doesn’t function as seats for when the vehicle is driving. We’ve even heard of people using air mattresses in the back of the van! Hey, whatever floats your boat!  

We don’t recommend building your own bed frame out of wood or metal. These won’t hold up if the van is involved in a collision and can come forward and hit passengers - not worth the risk. 

Rock and Roll Bed

A rock and roll bed is a bed made out of metal frame work. You pull the bed towards you and it folds flat, creating a surface to sleep on. There are lots of these on the market. Something to watch out for is the safety of these beds. 

You need to make sure that any bed you put into your campervan has undergone rigorous testing. Often the rock and roll beds are made by small manufacturers and have not been crash tested. 

If you are going to use a rock and roll bed, make sure that the mattress is firm enough to keep your back from arching. Mdf or timber beds are sturdy, but they can warp and sag if not taken care of properly.

A rock and roll bed will set you back anywhere from £500 - £2,000. You definitely get what you pay for in this department. Make sure you check the safety specifications. 

RIB Bed 

One bed on the market that has gone through rigorous testing is the RIB bed. Fully M1 crash tested. The M1 crash test replicates a crash of 30mph into a solid object. It is vital that you only purchase a bed that has gone through that testing.

The most important thing about a RIB bed is that the bed is bolted into the chassis of the van itself. A rock and roll bed is often only bolted down to the van floor, this can be very dangerous in the event of a crash. 

A RIB bed is considered to be the most comfortable on the market. You end up sleeping on the opposite side of the mattress than the seats. Which gives you a much flatter, and more comfortable surface. 

There’s a reason why RIB’s are considered the best. But they don’t come cheap. A standard RIB bed with basic VW fabric will set you back around £3,500 - that’s without fitting. 

Other safety features to think about in your van include a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and fire blanket. There are also smoke alarms and seat belts for each seat. In my opinion the most important thing to think about is your carbon monoxide alarm. 

The Reasons Why You Should Invest in a 4 berth Campervan

In recent years Campervans have turned into a fairly good investment. You can often use the van for a year or so and sell it for more than you paid. 4 berth VW Campervans usually hold their value the best as they appeal to the largest market. 

Even if you only require 2 berths, I would think about the resale value. As well as how easy it will be to sell when the time comes. 

Don't forget, you can always add extra berths with an awning and an awning rail. 

Design trends for 4 berth campervans

The future of camping is looking bright. Campervans are becoming more popular. They offer the convenience of a car and the comfort of a home, all on the open road. We can expect to see more campervan models in the coming years with some new features such as:

• New innovations in pop-up roofs that provides more headroom and storage space
• Air conditioning will become cheaper and more affordable to install 
• Solar panel and leisure battery systems will come on leaps and bounds

Camping is no longer just for the summer season. Campers can now explore the world all year round, thanks to modern technology in diesel heating systems. Perhaps we will see solar heating soon. 

Wildworx 4 berth Campervans 

Wildworx offers a range of 4 berth campervans. You can see these vehicles on our campers for sale page. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Get in touch to discuss a bespoke project or read our guide to see more information on the Wildworx Campervan Conversions. 

I hope that you have found this article helpful and now know all the reasons why you should buy a 4 berth campervan. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our team at Wildworx, we would be happy to help!