Drop-down bed motorhome: Electric bed for campers & motorhomes with LINAK drives

Why an electric drop-down bed in a motorhome is the best space solution

A drop-down bed in a motorhome creates additional living space at the touch of a button. During the day, the electric bed elegantly disappears under the ceiling, and in the evening it conveniently lowers to sleeping height. This allows you to transform your camper van from living to sleeping area in seconds - without conversion, without upholstery juggling, without compromises.

What is a drop-down bed in a campervan - and how does it work?

A drop-down bed is an electrically height-adjustable bed that is guided on sturdy lifting columns. In motorhomes and camper vans, it is positioned above the seating group or in the rear and can be lowered as required using an app, hand control or remote control. The LINAK® actuators move the bed smoothly, quietly and with absolute precision - right down to the ceiling of the motorhome.

The biggest advantages of an electric drop-down bed in a motorhome

• Maximum space utilisation: Sleeping area above, living area below - two levels in the same floor plan.

• Ready for bed in seconds: No need to rearrange seating groups, no pillow tetris.

• Comfort at the touch of a button: Controlled via app, handset or remote control.

• Quiet & smooth: LINAK drive technology moves evenly, smoothly and with little vibration.

• Stable guidance: Lifting columns with high rigidity against vibrations and torsion.

• Safe on the move: End positions, optional safety locks and collision protection possible.

• DIY & OEM-compatible: Proven components are used by motorhome manufacturers and DIY projects alike.

• Retrofittable: Existing campers can also be converted to an electric bed.

• Increased value: Professionally integrated drop-down beds increase comfort and resale value.

Space-saving installation dimensions: how to gain real living space

A motorhome drop-down bed utilises the unused height of your extension. You mount the lifting columns on side walls, cupboards or a subframe. The bed moves flush under the ceiling and therefore remains out of sight and out of the way.
Planning tip:

• Bed thickness (mattress + frame) + ceiling clearance + decorative panel=installation height.

• Very small installation dimensions can be realised with flat frame profiles and a clever choice of mattress.

• Select lifting column lengths to suit the ceiling height and desired sleeping and parking position.

Simple operation: app, hand control or remote control

An electric bed in a motorhome should work intuitively - even in the dark.

• Hand control: Always to hand, robust, ideal for daily operation.

• Radio remote control: Conveniently from the seat or bed - without cables.

• App control: Modern user interface, status display, optional PIN protection.
  Many LINAK systems support several control elements in parallel, including comfort functions such as memory positions (e.g. "sleeping height" & "parking height").

LINAK actuators: The ideal technology for lifting beds in campers

LINAK® is the standard for durable, quiet and powerful linear actuators and lifting columns. Reasons why OEMs and fitters rely on it:

• High stability & rigidity of the lifting columns → less wobbling, better feel.

• Synchronised operation of several columns → parallel, low-skew lifting/lowering.

• Integrated electronics with end position and overload protection.

• Proven reliability in automotive, furniture and medical environments.

• Availability & service: Components can be purchased directly from us by manufacturers and DIY customers.

Power supply in motorhomes: convert 12/24 V to 230 V

Many electric lifting column systems use a 230 V mains supply. In the camper, this is provided via a voltage converter / inverter:

• 12 V or 24 V vehicle electrical system → 230 V AC using a pure sine wave inverter (recommended for drives).

• Dimensioning according to rated power + starting currents of the drives.

• Optional shore power operation: With external 230 V connection, the system runs directly from the mains.
  Note: We advise on suitable inverter power and fuse protection (FI/LS) for safe operation.

Safety & standards: What is important

A drop-down bed in a camper moves mass. Safety has priority:

• Mechanical end positions and software-based limit values.

• Collision protection / overcurrent limitation (e.g. stop in the event of resistance).

• Emergency stop possible at the manual switch.

• Safety in travelling position (mechanical locking or holding forces).

• Cable management to prevent crushing and chafing.
  We provide support with the design for your vehicle and give recommendations on standards/testing, which may be useful depending on the project.

DIY or OEM? How to realise your project

• DIY projects:

  • Check existing furniture structure, reinforce attachment points.

  • Screwlifting columns to load-bearing side panels/aluminium frames.

  • Bed plate made of lightweight material with surrounding frame.

  • Electrics: integrate inverter, fuse, operating elements.

• OEM/manufacture:

  • Series-capable integration with pre-assembled system packages.

  • Technical documentation, parts lists and assembly aids for the line.

  • After-sales: Structured availability of spare parts and support.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Will a drop-down bed fit into my layout?

A drop-down bed can be integrated into most panel vans, semi-integrated vehicles and alcoves. The decisive factors are the ceiling height, bed dimensions and installation frame. We will check this with you.

How loud is the system?

Very quiet. LINAK drives are designed for living and sleeping environments. Rubber buffers and clean installation further reduce noise.

What happens if the power fails?

Emergency lowering using a battery box is possible as an option. In addition, rest positions can be planned so that the bed is mechanically secured by self-locking.

How high is the load capacity?

Very high depending on the column type (500kg+). We select the load capacity to suit the mattress, frame and additional load (bedding, people) with a reserve.

Can I also lower the bed halfway?

Yes, via memory positions or sensitive control. Ideal for "lounge positions" or if someone else is sitting underneath.

Installation checklist for your electric drop-down bed

1. Determine bed dimensions (mattress + frame).

2. Determinelifting column length & lifting range (ceiling ↔ sleeping height).

3. Planattachment points (side panels, frame, brackets).

4. Electrics: dimension inverter/voltage transformer, define fuse protection.

5. Selectoperating concept (app, manual switch, remote control, memory).

6. Configuresafety features (end positions, emergency stop, interlock).

7. Test run & fine adjustment (synchronisation, noise, apertures).

Why buy from us?

• Experience: Numerous OEM projects and DIY integrations with LINAK technology.

• Complete systems: Lifting columns, controls, operating elements, cable sets from a single source.

• Consultancy: Support with design, statics and electrics.

• Availability: Fast delivery and spare parts service.

• Quality: Components that work reliably for years.

Key technical data (example configuration)

• Lifting columns: LINAK system (2-4 columns synchronised)

• Lift: typ. 300-965 mm (depending on project)

• Load capacity: depending on column type, usual setups >500 kg+ total load possible

• Power supply: 230 V AC (via inverter 12/24 V → 230 V or shore power)

• Control: Manual switch, radio remote control, app, memory positions

• Safety: End positions, overcurrent, optional interlocks

Your next step: advice & quotation

Whether "motorhome drop-down bed" or "electric campervan bed " - we plan your system to fit perfectly: from the initial idea to the finished integration.

• OEM & series manufacturers: We supply scalable packages with documentation.

• DIY & Manufacture: We provide robust, tried-and-tested components and support.

Enquire now:

• ✉️ Email: sales@lineardirect.eu

• 🌐 Find out more: www.lineardirect.eu (Drives & lifting columns for camper lifting beds)

• 📞 Phone: +496241305600 (Consultancy & project coordination)