U Lounge vs RIB Bed vs Rock & Roll Bed: Choosing the Best Layout for Your VW Transporter Camper
- Nov 7, 2025
- 4 min read
One of the biggest decisions when converting or buying a VW Transporter campervan is what type of seating and bed setup to choose. Your choice will shape how you use your space, how comfortable your nights are, and even how the van looks and feels day to day.
The three most common setups are the RIB bed, Rock & Roll bed, and the U-Lounge layout - and while all have their place, and as long as you don't need seatbelts in the back, the U Lounge is the clear winner.
Let’s break it down.
The RIB Bed
The RIB bed is a premium folding seat-bed system, often chosen for its safety certification at the point of manufacture. The seat (not the frame) slides forward and folds flat to create a bed, with integrated headrests and seatbelts.
Note that not all RIB beds are automatically TÜV-approved and crash-tested; however, the beds themselves are manufactured to be crash-tested, and it is up to the installer to ensure they are fitted with the correct, crash-tested fitting kit, which is often required to be a TÜV-approved installation. RIB beds are generally regarded as the safest option for carrying seatbelted passengers in the back of a camper.
Pros:
Some find it easier to setup than a Rock and Roll bed
Sleek, factory-fitted look.
Ideal for families who need extra seatbelts.
Cons:
Expensive to install.
Fixed layout - once it’s in, you can’t change the configuration.
The seating is upright and firm, not ideal for lounging.
Bed size is limited; not the most spacious sleeping area.
Minimal storage.
RIB beds are great if you’re focused on travel with passengers, but less so if you value flexibility and a homely feel inside the van.
Image Credit: Southlands Motor Company
The Rock & Roll Bed
The Rock & Roll bed is the classic campervan setup - a rear bench that folds out into a bed. In this setup the frame of the bed slides forward.
It’s been the go-to layout for decades, especially in traditional VW campers.
Pros:
More affordable than the Rib Bed.
Can carry seatbelted passengers if the installation is certified.
Works well for shorter trips or solo travellers.
Cons:
Comfort varies depending on the foam and frame quality.
May need strength to slide them into a bed setup.
Minimal storage underneath.
Limited daytime seating
Fixed direction of seating; not as social for multiple people.
Rock & Roll beds make sense in smaller conversions and for those who want seatbelts, but many vanlifers find them restrictive for longer adventures or family trips.
Folding the seat into a bed can take a bit of strength depending on the type of Rock and Roll bed that you have.
Image Credit: Motorhome Dealer Group
Always ensure any Rib Bed or Rock and Roll Bed has been signed off and certified.
The U-Lounge Setup (Our Favourite)
At Trekvana, we specialise in the U-Lounge layout, and it’s easy to see why it’s become our signature design.
Instead of a single bench, the U-Lounge creates a spacious seating area that wraps around the back of the van. It converts into a large, comfortable bed, and the clever design makes it ideal for relaxing, dining, or sleeping.
Why We Love It:
Spacious & Social: Perfect for couples or small families. You can sit around a table, relax, and enjoy a proper living space.
Comfort You Can Feel: We only use professionally upholstered cushions with medium-firm foam and an integrated memory-foam topper make sleeping genuinely restful. (Firm foam available on request)
Hidden Storage: The U-shape design hides generous storage underneath, keeping your camper tidy and organised.
Secret Porta Potti: Our design includes a clever cupboard that hides your toilet away when not in use.
Flexible Layout: One person can relax while another cooks - the design makes full use of the space without sacrificing kitchen area.
Swivel Table: The U-Lounge works perfectly with our new swivel tables, so whether you are reading a book, sipping a glass of wine or watching a movie this layout will work for you.
The U-Lounge isn’t just practical; it transforms the camper’s atmosphere. It’s cosy, inviting, and built for people who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
The Verdict (well it's our verdict)
While RIB and Rock & Roll beds have their uses, especially for those transporting passengers in the back, the U-Lounge layout offers a level of comfort, space, and versatility that truly suits modern vanlife. Whether you’re sea swimming on the west coast, touring the Wild Atlantic Way, or camping under the stars, the U-Lounge turns your VW Transporter into a relaxing retreat - day or night.
If you’re looking for a camper that feels like a home, not a compromise, this is the layout for you.
Explore our latest VW Transporter conversions and see why the U-Lounge has become our signature design.
