RV owners are always thinking about how to maximize space inside their travel trailers. It’s no surprise that a big chunk of the interior is occupied by traditional beds.
That is why RV manufacturers provide buyers with options on how they can optimize their living spaces by offering Murphy beds as a solution. With their flexibility and versatility, Murphy beds give RV owners the opportunity to make other use of the space occupied by traditional beds during the day. They can have a sofa during daytime and a bed for the night.
This is why there’s a demand for travel trailers with Murphy beds and we’re here to guide you in finding the best camper for you! Read on to know which travel trailers have Murphy beds. Find out the RV models and floorplans that offer Murphy beds as a standard or an option so that you can choose the travel trailer that suits your needs.
Reviews of the 7 Best Travel Trailers with Murphy Beds
Let’s begin right away with a list of the 7 best travel trailers with Murphy beds that you can find in the market.
- Forest River Salem FSX 280RT Toy Hauler Travel Trailer
- 2020 Grand Design Imagine XLS 24MPR
- 2020 Forest River Wildwood FSX Travel Trailer
- 2019 Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser 23BHS
- 2019 Coachmen Viking Ultra Lite 21BHS Travel Trailer
- 2018 Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2507S
- Jayco Octane Super Lite 312 Toy Hauler
And of course, here are our reviews about each travel trailer with a Murphy bed so that you’ll know what makes each of them such great options to consider.
Forest River Salem FSX 280RT Toy Hauler Travel Trailer
The Forest River Salem FSX 280RT Toy Hauler Travel Trailer allows you to bring your man toys and travel gears with you when you go camping and enjoy the comforts of home wherever you go. It is lightweight which also means you can tow it easily using a wide variety of vehicles. Best of all, it offers complete amenities in such a compact package.
The Forest River Salem FSX 280RT Toy Hauler Travel Trailer brings great functionality and flexibility to the table. One of the main reasons behind it is the 60×74 queen size Murphy bed which can be used as a sofa in the living area during daytime. There are also lots of storage space available because of this fold-down bed. Similarly, the U-dinette and sofas in the garage can be converted into extra sleeping spaces during the night. This shows us how thoughtfully Forest River has designed this toy hauler travel trailer to be able to include as many features as possible in a tiny package.
You will also enjoy the convenience of having a full kitchen, toilet and shower area, a fireplace, and a hot and cold exterior shower. The ramp towards the garage for your outdoor sports gears can be folded down so that you can have a party patio. How cool is that?
This year’s model even has new bright interior decor and a more professional look for the kitchen with an additional 5.5 sq ft of countertop space so that you can prepare your meals easily.
Key Specs:
- Hitch Weight: 760 lb.
- UVW: 5,608 lb.
- CCC: 2,152 lb.
- Exterior Length: 32′ 4″
- Exterior Height: 10′ 6″
- Exterior Width: 96″
- Fresh Water: 43.00 gal.
- Gray Water: 30.00 gal.
- Black Water:30.00 gal.
- Awning Size: 15′
2020 Grand Design Imagine XLS 24MPR
The Grand Design Imagine XLS 24MPR is part of Grand Design’s lightweight travel trailers that are fully packed when it comes to amenities. Its exterior is made of gel coated fiberglass and the frames of the roof and walls are constructed using laminated aluminum. These materials are lightweight but durable.
There is a Queen Murphy Bed with storage drawers which is great for space saving and storage solutions. This space can be used for dining area during the day.
There is an additional sleeping area in the garage. The new bunk system is so amazing. You can use it in different ways- from single bunk to 2 single bunk beds to a single bunk and a queen bunk, or if you just prefer a queen bed, it depends on you.
The Grand Design Imagine XLS 24MPR is really great because the rooms are multipurpose that’s why you can get more out of your travel trailer. It also comes with a complete kitchen and bathroom so you have everything you need while you’re on the road.
Key Specs:
- UVW: 16,212 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 1,843 lbs
- GVWR: 9,295 lbs
- Length: 29’11”
- Height: 11′ 1″
- Fresh Water Capacity: 43 Gal
- Grey Water Capacity: 82 Gal
- Waste Water Capacity: 37 Gal
- Awning Length: 18′
- Std. Bed Dimensions: Queen Bed
2020 Forest River Wildwood FSX Travel Trailer
The Forest River Wildwood FSX Travel Trailer is another compact yet lightweight camper that you would love to take on the road with you.
Space doesn’t seem to be much of a problem in this travel trailer. Don’t be deceived by its size because this camper is fully packed!
It has a complete kitchen, dinette, full bathroom, hot or cold exterior shower, and an outside cooking area with a small refrigerator. The sleeping area is a queen size Murphy bed which can be converted into a sofa during the day. There are also lots of storage space all over the camper.
You also get to enjoy best in class power awning with adjustable legs and LED light strip, upgraded appliances, bright interior decors, and large panoramic windows so you can enjoy the view of the outdoors.
Key Specs:
- Hitch Weight: 350 lb.
- UVW: 3,084 lb.
- CCC: 766 lb.
- Exterior Length: 21′ 2″
- Exterior Height: 10′ 2″
- Exterior Width: 90″
- Fresh Water: 43.00 gal.
- Gray Water: 30.00 gal.
- Black Water: 30.00 gal.
- Awning Size: 12′
2019 Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser 23BHS
The Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser 23BHS is a fun camper that’s inspired by the 1950’s vibe but uses modern technology to give you a camping experience like no other.
It is lightweight, compact, and aerodynamic which all contribute to its ease of towing. You can tow it using smaller vehicles. Enjoy the benefits of laminated wall construction and having a one-piece laminated roof.
Take pleasure in its full dry bath, complete kitchen amenities, and U-shaped dinette. There are different storage solutions all around the camper to keep your things organized.
The queen size Murphy bed converts into a sofa during the day. There are bunk beds at the rear portion to accommodate 2 more people.
If you are a fan of the cool vintage look, then this camper is for you.
Key Specs:
- Length: 26’1″
- Width: 7’6″
- Exterior Height: 10’6″
- Interior Height: 83″
- Dry Weight: 4,253 lb
- Hitch Weight: 480 lb
- Net Carrying Capacity: 1,827 lb
- Fresh Water: 27 gal
- Grey Tank: 33 gal
- Black Tank: 33 gal
- Furnace: 20,000 BTU
- Water Heater: 6 Gal
- LP Tank: 2 x 20
2019 Coachmen Viking Ultra Lite 21BHS Travel Trailer
The Coachmen Viking Ultra Lite 21BHS Travel Trailer is a budget friendly camper which will allow you to bring your whole family with you when you go camping. Make wonderful memories in this comfortable and quality travel trailer that offers great value for its price.
This is a lightweight, compact, and easily towable camper. However, this is a dealer stock only so let’s hope your trusted dealers still have them on stock.
This travel trailer features an aerodynamic front profile with tinted safety glass windows. There is an oversized awning with LED lights.
Inside the Coachmen Viking Ultra Lite 21BHS Travel Trailer you will see a queen size bed, dinette, full kitchen with a refrigerator, pantry, and microwave. The bathroom has a foot flush toilet, tub shower, a lavatory and medicine cabinet. There’s a skylight inside the bathroom and a power bath vent to help keep it dry at all times.
You have the option to convert the queen size bed into a Murphy bed so that you can have a space for your sofa during the day. There are also bunk beds at the rear portion of the travel trailer which is perfect for the kids. There are wardrobes and overhead cabinets for storing your travel stuff. You can also bring your bikes with you so that you can enjoy the outdoors even more.
Key Specs:
- Hitch Weight: 585 lb.
- GVWR: 6,585 lb.
- UVW: 4,709 lb.
- CCC: 1,876 lb.
- Exterior Length: 27′ 0″
- Exterior Height: 9′ 10″
- Exterior Width: 90″
- Fresh Water: 40.00 gal.
- Gray Water: 32.00 gal.
- Black Water: 32.00 gal.
- Awning Size: 18′
2018 Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2507S
The Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2507S is another proof that big things come in small packages. This compact camper can be towed using most SUVs.
You will be comfortable on the road because this travel trailer comes with complete amenities. There’s a full kitchen with pantry, complete bathroom, an entertainment center, U-dinette, and storage areas both inside and outside the travel trailer.
If you like to do your cooking outdoors, you can do so. It has an outside kitchen and fridge and a large awning to give you shade.
The Murphy bed has an under sofa storage system. You can be fold it during the day so that you have a sofa right across your entertainment center. You can enjoy watching movies while lounging on the sofa.
You also have the option to upgrade your travel trailer to enjoy the comfort and convenience of having a 15,000 BTU aircon, LED TV, vent fan and cover, roof solar panel, theater seating dinette, and free standing table and chairs. You can also add a bike rack so that you can enjoy the outdoors even more.
Key Specs:
- Hitch Weight: 625 lb.
- UVW: 5,471 lb.
- CCC: 1,314 lb.
- Exterior Length: 25′ 10″
- Exterior Height: 10′ 11″
- Exterior Width: 96″
- Fresh Water: 52.00 gal.
- Gray Water: 30.00 gal.
- Black Water: 30.00 gal.
- Awning Size: 19′
Jayco Octane Super Lite 312 Toy Hauler
The Jayco Octane Super Lite 312 Toy Hauler will allow you to bring your ATVs, kayaks, bikes, and fishing poles when you go camping. You know what that means – a great camping experience!
This toy hauler travel trailer maximizes the floorplan so that you can have multipurpose areas. The Murphy bed at the front area can be folded so that you have a sofa during the day. The sofas at the rear portion of the camper are also convertible to another queen size bed. The sofas can be folded against the wall during travel for a spacious cargo area.
It also features a complete kitchen, bathroom, and dinette. There are cabinets to keep your travel stuff organized. The bed and seats will make you feel comfortable so that you can fully relax after a tiring but pleasant day outdoors.
Key Specs:
- Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs) : 7,975
- Dry Hitch Weight (lbs): 1,135
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs): 11,000
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs): 3,025
- Exterior Length: 37′ 11″
- Exterior Width: 102″
- Interior Height (living area): 87 1/2″
- Fresh Water Capacity (gals): 96
These are the 7 best travel trailers with Murphy beds that you can find in the market. They will not only allow you to save on space but they will let you experience more comfort and convenience on the road because of the added amenities in the travel trailers made possible by the smart use of interior space.
What is a Murphy Bed?
A Murphy bed is a bed that can be folded against the wall when it is not in use and then folded out all the way to the floor when it is time to use it. It has a platform and mattress so that you can sleep more comfortably.
Murphy beds are used in homes, campers, and motorhomes because they are very handy. They give you a space to sleep during the night and come daytime, you can fold the bed and use that space for other things.
This is a smart solution for maximizing space inside travel trailers where space is always considered a precious resource.
How do you build a Murphy bed in a trailer?
There are travel trailers that already offer Murphy beds whether as part of their standard package or as an upgrade.
But if you have the DIY skills, you can build your own Murphy bed in your travel trailer. It is a good opportunity for you to customize the size of the bed and it’ll save you a lot of money.
Does a Murphy bed need to be attached to the wall?
Yes, Murphy beds need to be attached to the wall for safety purposes. The wall supports the pressure and weight of the bed. There’s also a locking mechanism to keep it in its place so that it won’t fall and hurt anyone or damage other stuff.
Advantages and Disadvantages of having a Murphy bed in a Travel Trailer
There are pros and cons of having a Murphy bed in your travel trailer especially if you are going to compare it with a traditional bed. It’s best that you know these things before deciding to get one for your camper so that you know if a Murphy bed will really suit your particular needs.
Pros:
Space Saver
This is the main advantage of having a Murphy bed. You get to use your interior space for different purposes during the day and night thereby allowing you to save on space. During nighttime, you just fold out your Murphy bed so that you can use it for sleeping. Come daytime, you can fold it against the wall and that space will be freed up so you can use it for a different purpose such as dining or lounging area.
This is a smart solution indeed especially for those with smaller travel trailers with limited floor space. You will be able to maximize the space that you have and still enjoy creature comforts along the road.
Convenience
Murphy beds are very convenient to use. You just remove the locking mechanism, fold them out against the floor, and they are ready to use. It already comes with a mattress for you to sleep on. Just put a fresh bed sheet, bring out your pillows, blankets, and comforters and you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep.
When you wake up the following day, you can leave the bed sheets on and fold the Murphy bed against the wall so that you can use it again during the night.
This is different from sofa beds and convertible dinettes because you don’t need to unmake your Murphy bed. You just fold the whole thing against the wall and make sure it is locked in place.
Flexibility and Versatility
A Murphy bed gives you the flexibility to use your space according to your needs. When it is folded against the wall, you can use that space for dining, lounging, or extra storage for your travel gears as you go on your way to your camping destination. When you fold them out during the night, you still have extra space for your wardrobe or nightstand.
Murphy beds allow you to enjoy versatility in your interior space whether you need that space for sleeping or as a living space, you can do so. You can also use the very same space for additional storage area as you travel. This gives you the opportunity to bring your kayaks, ATV, and bikes when you go camping.
Cons:
No sleeping space during the day
This is the main disadvantage of having a Murphy bed. You don’t have the luxury of having a bed waiting for you all the time. This becomes a major concern if you’re the type of person who needs to take naps during the day. You will have to rearrange everything so you can have your bed.
However, there are other solutions for you to get a relaxing afternoon nap even without folding out your Murphy bed. For example, you can rest in your lounge chair. There are reclining seats that will make it so inviting to just lean back and take it easy.
Level of Comfort
There are some people who find it uncomfortable to sleep in a Murphy bed. This is due to the fact that they do not have a solid frame like traditional beds or the mattresses aren’t thick enough for them.
There are solutions to fix this issue. You can use a mattress topper to make the bed more comfortable to sleep on. You can also lay your Murphy bed against a table, chair, or under bed storage for additional support on its frame.
However, if you put a mattress topper, you will need to have a proper storage space for it along with the pillows, blankets, and comforters that you’ll use. If you want a thicker mattress to go with your Murphy bed, you will need to adjust its locking mechanism so that you can still fasten it safely against the well.
These are the pros and cons of having a Murphy bed. Now that you know about these things, you can decide for yourself if this solution will work for you.
Wrap Up
Murphy beds are not for everyone. There are advantages and disadvantages to having one but if you feel that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, then it is worthwhile to have a Murphy bed in your camper.
Travel trailers with Murphy beds offer a great space saving solution and give you the flexibility and versality to use your interior space for whatever purpose that you need it for during the day. The convenience they offer to RV owners makes them a great option especially for those with limited interior space.
It’s a good thing then that there are available options for you in the RV market. There are many RV manufacturers who offer Murphy beds in their campers and you just need to choose the best one that suits your needs.
Murphy beds just go to show that you can do and enjoy so much more with your travel trailers and make your camping so much fun and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Murphy beds worth it?
For the convenience and flexibility that they offer, we can say that Murphy beds are worth it especially for those travel trailers with limited interior space. It is a great space saving solution as you can have a bed to sleep on during the night and still use that same space for something else during the day.
When your Murphy bed is folded against the wall, a big space is opened up in your living space. You can use it to put your removable dining table and chairs or a sofa so that more people can lounge and relax on it during the day. You have the freedom to use that space for whatever purpose you see fit and that’s what makes it worth it.
Can I get a king size Murphy bed in a travel trailer?
Yes, you can get a king size Murphy bed in your travel trailer.
Most campers with Murphy beds usually come in a queen size. This is so that you will have some more space for your wardrobe closet or nightstand.
But there are some RV manufacturers that give you the option to upgrade your Murphy bed into a king size. Usually this is offered in larger travel trailers such as the Keystone RV Cougar, Jayco White Hawk, and the Gulf Stream Kingsport to name a few.
Are Murphy beds in travel trailers comfortable?
Since Murphy beds are designed to be more flexible so that they can be folded when not in use, they tend to be less comfortable than the traditional beds we’re accustomed to.
Our traditional beds have some type of frame to give them solid support. On the other hand, Murphy beds don’t have that kind of solid frame that’s why they tend to bounce a little.
To help give Murphy beds a solid kind of support, you can put a removable couch or table underneath when you fold them out.
How can I get more privacy around my Murphy bed?
There aren’t usually any walls surrounding Murphy beds due to the fact that the area around them is used for extra living space when they are folded up against the wall.
If you want more privacy around your Murphy bed, you might want to invest in a foldable privacy screen that you can use at night and then fold back during the day. There are different privacy screens available in the market and you can choose one that complements the overall look of your camper.
Are there any special considerations when owning a travel trailer with a Murphy bed?
A Murphy bed is fairly simple to use. Just make sure that your camper is completely level on the ground before you unfold your Murphy bed from the wall. To achieve a level and stable travel trailer, it is best to use leveling blocks on the uneven areas on the ground.
Are there ways to improve the mattress on a Murphy bed?
Since Murphy beds are mainly used to save space in the interior of your rig and they are placed against the wall when they are not in use, their mattresses are usually thinner than what we’re accustomed to. This is to ensure that they will lock in place and won’t protrude against the wall that would cause obstruction during the day.
But if you know how to adjust the locking mechanism so that you can fit a thicker mattress, then feel free to do so. Or once the Murphy bed is laid down, you can add a topper on it so that you can sleep more comfortably. In the morning, before you fold up the bed, you have to remove the topper. However, you would have to find a storage space for your topper.
