Our guide to drop-down and pop top beds in campervans and motorhomes

If you’re travelling in a campervan or motorhome with a drop down or pop top bed, you know the importance of comfort on the road. While these innovative bed setups are fantastic space-savers, they do come with a few unique challenges when it comes to comfort, height, and weight restrictions. Because these beds often can’t support a traditional pocket sprung mattress, upgrading them takes a bit of creativity. Here’s our guide to drop down and pop top beds and how to optimise them for the best sleep possible.

Drop Down Beds in Motorhomes and Campervans

Drop down beds are a brilliant way to use space effectively in a motorhome or larger campervan. The key advantage? They’re ready to go as soon as you lower them, saving you the hassle of making up the bed every night. Once you’re ready to go to bed, just pull the bed down, and you’re set for a restful sleep. However, there are a few aspects to consider with drop down beds, from their pulley systems to accessibility and weight management.

Mechanical vs. Electrical Pulley Systems

One important feature to understand in drop down beds is the pulley system. Drop down beds come with two options: mechanical and electrical systems.

Mechanical Pulley System

The mechanical system relies on manual operation, which can be seen as a bit more effort at the end of a long day. But the simplicity of a mechanical pulley comes with benefits—primarily reliability. With fewer moving parts, the risk of something going wrong is minimal, and there’s no motor to worry about, which is especially useful when you’re out on the road.

Electrical Pulley System

An electrical system, by contrast, operates with a button for ease and convenience. This feature can be particularly useful if you’re trying to keep things effortless, but it does mean that there are more potential points of failure. Overloading the bed or exceeding height limits can strain the motor, and if the motor fails while the bed is down, you may not be able to raise it and could end up unable to drive your motorhome or campervan. Many electrical systems also have a “click” feature to ensure the bed is locked into place when stowed; exceeding height restrictions could damage the fuse, rendering the bed inoperable. Always double-check the weight and height limits to keep the electrical system in top shape.

Accessibility and Comfort

Another consideration with drop down beds is accessibility. Since drop down beds are often mounted higher to maximise floor space, getting in and out may require a ladder or step, which might not be ideal for everyone. Make sure to check the height and ensure you have a sturdy means of access if needed.

Pop Top Beds in Campervans and Motorhomes

Pop top beds are an ideal solution for maximising space without increasing vehicle height, making them a favourite in compact campervans. Popping the roof up creates a second sleeping area, typically above the main cabin. However, pop tops present some challenges, particularly with insulation and temperature control, as well as the ability to lock securely when stowed.

Key Considerations with Pop Top Beds

Locking Mechanism

Similar to drop down beds, pop tops often have a “click” or locking feature when stowed, which keeps the bed secured during driving. It’s essential to know your pop top’s height limitations to avoid issues with the locking mechanism, as improper storage could cause damage over time.

Temperature and Insulation

Pop top beds typically have fabric walls, which are less insulating than the rest of the vehicle. As a result, pop tops can get cooler at night, especially in colder climates. Layering up your bed with cosy blankets or a feather and down duvet can help keep the chill out.

Comfort Upgrades for Pop Tops

Since pop tops usually don’t have room for a thick mattress, consider a campervan memory foam topper to enhance comfort. A lightweight, foldable memory foam topper for your motorhome or campervan offers added support without taking up much space, making it easy to roll up or stow during the day.

Choosing the Right Comfort Upgrade: Memory Foam Toppers

A 2-inch memory foam topper for pop top beds and drop-down beds is a fantastic choice. Memory foam contours to your body, offering support and pressure relief, and it’s thin enough to fit within the space constraints of these bed setups. A thinner topper also keeps weight manageable, making it compatible with both mechanical and electrical pulley systems.

Here’s why memory foam is a smart choice:

Space Efficiency: At 2 inches, it’s compact enough not to interfere with bed height limits. Memory Foam also bounces back into place, so if it is compacted down while the pop top or drop-down bed is being stored, it will maintain its comfort.

Comfort and Support: Memory foam conforms to your shape, offering excellent support without the bulk of a traditional mattress.



With a memory foam topper, you’re adding a layer of comfort without the extra bulk or weight, making it perfect for both types of motorhome and campervan beds.



Whether you’re outfitting a drop down or pop top bed in your campervan or motorhome, it’s all about balancing convenience, comfort, and durability. Knowing the differences between pulley systems, choosing the right campervan topper, and taking a few extra steps to manage insulation can make all the difference on your travels.