Furniture & Conversion
What is a Luton / Overcab Bed?
The permanent bed built into the space above the driving cab.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
Found on coachbuilt motorhomes, the overcab (or 'Luton') area holds a fixed double bed above the cab, accessed by a ladder — giving you a bed that never needs converting, at the cost of some headroom for tall vans.
How it works
A reinforced platform, usually part of the van's built structure, spans the space above the cab roof, with a mattress and guard rail to prevent rolling out.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Ladder loose or not locking securely in place
- ⚠Guard rail damaged or missing a section — treat as unsafe until replaced, especially with children using the bed
- ⚠Sagging platform — usually a sign of water damage to the structure underneath and worth investigating properly
Rough UK cost
Ladder/guard rail repairs £30 – £120; structural work is a specialist job, often £300+.
Ballpark only — depends on your van, converter and local labour rates.
Heads up: CamperAutonomy is for general guidance only. Anything gas-related must be signed off by a Gas Safe engineer with LPG endorsement.
More in Furniture & Conversion
Drop-Down (Luton) Bed Mechanism
Lowers a ready-made double bed from the ceiling at bedtime, and out of the way by day.
Rock & Roll Bed / Seat
Folds flat to become a rear seating bench by day, and flips to a bed at night.
Dinette / Seating-to-Bed Conversion
Turns your table and bench seats into an extra sleeping area.