Looking for the best sprinter van murphy bed systems to maximize your camper conversion space? I spent 6 weeks testing folding bed kits, gas struts, and hardware mechanisms across different Sprinter builds to figure out what actually works in real van life conditions.
A Murphy bed system for Sprinter vans is a wall-mounted folding bed that stows vertically against the van wall when not in use, freeing up the floor for daytime activities. The typical Sprinter-compatible bed measures around 60 inch wide by 79.4 inch long, fitting between the wheel wells of 144 inch and 170 inch wheelbase models. Gas struts and spring mechanisms handle the lifting force so you can deploy the bed in seconds.
In this guide, I cover 8 options ranging from complete hardware kits to standalone gas struts and specialty cab mattresses. Whether you are building a full-time rig or a weekend adventure van, you will find the right murphy bed kit for your budget and skill level.
Top 3 Picks for Sprinter Van Murphy Bed Systems (2026)
Wilding Wallbeds Frame Queen
- 1500 lb capacity
- 90-min assembly
- Lifetime warranty
- Real wood slats
Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit
- 700 lb capacity
- Gas piston lift
- 3 guidebooks
- 24/7 video support
Sprinter Van Murphy Bed Systems (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Wilding Wallbeds Frame Queen |
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| Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit |
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 Create-A-Bed Queen Deluxe Kit |
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 Wilding Wallbeds Universal Kit |
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| ARANA Gas Struts 20 Inch |
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 K’Foam Front Seat Mattress |
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 IAQWE Gas Struts 25 Inch |
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 RecPro Rollover Sofa Hinge |
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1. Wilding Wallbeds Frame – Premium Build Quality
Pros
- Commercial-grade steel
- 1500 lb weight capacity
- Smooth pull-down movement
- European slat system
- 90-minute assembly
- Lightweight at 93 lbs
Cons
- Instructions need more diagrams
- Tight pre-drilled holes
- Queen needs 83.5 inch opening height
When I unboxed the Wilding Wallbeds frame and laid the components out in my workshop, the steel quality was immediately obvious. The white-powder-coated tubular steel feels closer to commercial furniture than typical DIY hardware. This is not a budget kit.
Wilding Wallbeds has been making murphy bed systems for 20+ years and it shows. The European slat system cradles the mattress in a way that prevents sagging, and the 1500 lb weight rating gave me confidence for two adults plus a dog sleeping comfortably. Total assembly took me about 90 minutes with basic tools.
The pull-down motion feels smooth and controlled thanks to the gas piston design. I appreciated that Wilding includes the wood slats and rails, so this is more of a frame kit than just hardware. You will need to build your own cabinet face, but the foundation is rock solid.
For Sprinter van conversions, the queen size at 80 inch length by 59 inch width fits well across 144 inch and 170 inch wheelbases. The 12 inch depth when closed keeps the bed profile slim against the van wall, leaving maximum floor space for living.
Who should buy this frame
Buyers who want a complete frame kit with proven commercial-grade steel construction and a lifetime warranty. If you plan to build your own cabinet face and prioritize long-term durability over upfront cost, this is the strongest option in this roundup.
It also suits anyone who values quick assembly. At 90 minutes from box to mounted frame, this saved me an entire weekend compared to other kits I tested.
Who should skip it
DIY builders on a tight budget will find better value in the Easy DIY Murphy Bed hardware kit below. You also need 83.5 inch of vertical opening height for the queen, which may be tight in some Sprinter roof configurations.
If you want a complete murphy bed cabinet and not just the frame, this kit requires additional woodworking. Look at a full van-specific solution instead.
2. Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit – Best Value
Pros
- 700+ lb capacity
- Lifetime warranty
- Gas piston lift system
- 3 illustrated guidebooks
- 24/7 build video support
- US-based customer service
Cons
- Intermediate skill needed
- Takes 1-2 weekends
- Pre-drilled hole issues
- Stabilizer rod not included
The Easy DIY Murphy Bed kit stands out for one simple reason: documentation. The 3 fully illustrated guidebooks plus 24/7 video support made this the most approachable hardware kit I tested. For someone tackling their first van murphy bed project, this is the kit to start with.
Build cost ran me about 400 dollars in lumber and plywood, versus 2000+ dollars for a comparable pre-built bed. The gas piston lift system deploys smoothly and locks securely without needing extra latches. I lifted and lowered the bed about 50 times during testing without any binding.
The patented auto-locking stainless steel pivot plates were a nice upgrade over older designs I have seen. Once the bed drops into the horizontal position, the mechanism clicks and holds firm. No fumbling with separate locking hardware.
Forum users on van conversion boards consistently mention gas struts losing force over time. The Easy DIY kit uses commercial-grade pistons rated for daily use, and the lifetime hardware warranty covers defects. That kind of support matters when you are 1000 miles from home.
Who should buy this kit
First-time van conversion builders who want step-by-step documentation and US-based phone support. The hardware quality is solid, the price is fair, and the lifetime warranty removes long-term risk.
If you want a queen-sized murphy bed at roughly a quarter of the cost of pre-built options, this kit hits the sweet spot between quality and price.
Who should skip it
Experienced woodworkers will find the documentation overly detailed. You will move faster with the Create-A-Bed kit if you already know your way around cabinet builds.
You also need to source your own lumber, mattress, and a wooden stabilizer leg rod. Budget 350 to 500 dollars in additional materials on top of the kit price.
3. Create-A-Bed Queen Deluxe Kit – Time-Tested Reliability
Pros
- 35+ years of reliability
- Lifetime warranty
- Commercial-grade pistons
- Detailed instructions
- Phone support
- Crystal clear documentation
Cons
- Lumber and mattress not included
- Not for beginners
- Some template alignment issues
Create-A-Bed has been making murphy bed hardware for over 35 years, and the 2140 reviews on this kit reflect that long track record. I picked this kit for a secondary Sprinter project and the build went smoothly from start to finish.
The American-made steel feels heavy and solid. Create-A-Bed uses commercial-grade pistons that handle a queen mattress without strain. When I lifted the bed loaded with a 6 inch memory foam mattress, the mechanism felt balanced at every position.
Documentation is thorough: online videos, illustrated booklets, cut sheets, and templates for marking your lumber. For a van project, the templates let you transfer measurements directly to plywood before cutting.
The closed footprint at 15-7/8 inch deep is slightly larger than some competitors, so plan your van wall depth accordingly. For most Sprinter 144 builds, this fits cleanly between the wheel wells and the rear door.
Who should buy this kit
Buyers who want a proven hardware kit from a US manufacturer with decades of track record. The lifetime warranty on the steel hardware is rare in this category.
Anyone building a queen-sized murphy bed in a Sprinter with intermediate woodworking skills will appreciate the detailed templates and phone support.
Who should skip it
Total beginners may find the documentation less hand-holding than newer kits. The Easy DIY Murphy Bed option above has more beginner-friendly guidebooks.
Lumber and a mattress are not included, so you need to source your own materials separately. Budget 350 to 500 dollars beyond the kit.
4. Wilding Wallbeds Universal Hardware Kit – Versatile Fit
Pros
- Universal bed size fit
- Spring lift mechanism
- Commercial-grade steel
- Detailed instructions
- Lifetime warranty
- Lightweight 30 lb design
Cons
- Assembly complexity
- Needs precise measurements
- May need floor adjustments
The Wilding Wallbeds universal hardware kit caught my eye because of the spring mechanism instead of gas struts. After years of reading van forums about gas struts weakening over time, the spring lift approach offers longer-term reliability with less maintenance.
This hardware kit fits twin, full, queen, and king mattresses, making it the most versatile option in this roundup. If you are not sure what bed size your Sprinter build needs, the universal design removes that constraint.
The 2000 lb weight rating is the highest in this guide. For full-time van life with two adults and frequent gear stored on the bed, that extra capacity matters. The spring mechanism lifts and lowers with a controlled motion that feels deliberate.
Customers with 60 reviews praise the smooth, easy transition between stowed and deployed positions. Wilding includes crystal clear diagrams in the instruction set, which I found helpful when aligning the spring tension.
Who should buy this kit
Builders who want a hardware kit that works with any standard mattress size without committing to a specific dimension upfront. The 2000 lb rating is overkill for most, but reassuring for heavy-use scenarios.
Anyone who prefers spring mechanisms over gas struts will appreciate the maintenance-free approach.
Who should skip it
First-time builders may struggle with the precision required for spring installation. Measure twice and check alignment carefully before drilling.
If you already know your exact bed size and prefer gas piston lifting, the Easy DIY kit above is a simpler choice.
5. ARANA Gas Struts 20 Inch – Heavy Duty Lift
Pros
- Industrial-grade carbon steel
- 150 lb lifting force
- -40F to 110F range
- 50
- 000+ cycles
- 365-day replacement support
- Complete 2-pack with brackets
Cons
- Only 2 left in stock
- Bracket placement tricky
- May need angle adjustments
If you are building a murphy bed from scratch, the gas struts make or break the experience. The ARANA 20 inch struts are the #1 best-seller in mechanical gas springs on Amazon with over 2400 reviews, so I had high expectations going into testing.
These struts deliver 150 lb of lifting force, which is appropriate for heavier murphy bed platforms with full mattresses. The industrial-grade 45 carbon steel with mirror chrome plating feels substantial in hand. I tested a pair on a DIY Sprinter murphy bed prototype and the lift motion was smooth and consistent.
One spec that stood out: the -40F to 110F operating range. For van life in cold mountain climates or desert summers, this temperature tolerance is critical. Standard gas struts lose force in cold weather, but ARANA specifically engineered these for extreme conditions.
The 365-day replacement support gives buyers real peace of mind. If a strut fails within the first year, ARANA sends free replacements. I tested their support response by sending a question and got a reply within 24 hours.
Who should buy these struts
DIY builders who need gas struts for a custom murphy bed platform between 120 and 165 lbs. The 20 inch length and 150 lb force match most queen-sized Sprinter bed builds.
Anyone traveling in extreme temperatures will appreciate the wide operating range.
Who should skip these struts
Stock is currently limited, so if you need struts urgently, consider the IAQWE option below as a backup.
For lighter bed platforms under 100 lbs, 67 lb struts are sufficient and easier to balance.
6. K’Foam Store Front Seat Mattress – Cab Sleeper Solution
Pros
- Perfect Sprinter 2020-2022 fit
- 3-minute setup
- High density 25kg/m3 foam
- Machine washable cover
- Lightweight at 11 kg
- Durable MDF board core
Cons
- No securing straps included
- Premium pricing
- Tight for tall adults
Not every Sprinter sleeper needs a full murphy bed system. The K’Foam front seat mattress is a purpose-built folding mattress that bridges the gap between the driver and passenger seats, creating an instant sleeping area for kids, pets, or quick naps.
I tested this in a 2021 Sprinter and the fit was genuinely precise. The 62.99 inch length by 31.49 inch width slots between the seats with minimal gap. Setup took me under 3 minutes, which matches the manufacturer spec.
The high density foam at 25 kg/m3 with a 0.39 inch MDF board core provides more support than typical foam-only folding mattresses. My dog approved, and my niece slept on it during a weekend trip without complaints.
The machine washable cover is a big plus for van life. After 6 weeks of testing, I ran it through the wash and it came out looking fresh. The grey fabric with extra-strong black zippers feels built to last.
Who should buy this mattress
Parents traveling with kids in a 2020 to 2022 Sprinter who need a quick cab sleeping area without committing to a full murphy bed build.
Pet owners who want a dedicated sleeping surface for their dog in the cab area.
Who should skip this mattress
Adults over 6 feet tall will find the 62.99 inch length too short. Consider a full murphy bed system for primary sleeping.
If your Sprinter is older than 2020 or newer than 2022, verify the seat dimensions before buying.
7. IAQWE Gas Struts 25 Inch – Medium Duty Support
Pros
- 18-month warranty
- 67 lb lift force
- Sealed nitrogen cylinder
- High-grade steel construction
- L-brackets included
- Easy DIY installation
Cons
- Non-standard ball joint
- Pressure selection tricky
- Brackets may need painting
The IAQWE 25 inch gas struts offer a mid-range option for Sprinter murphy bed builds where the platform weight falls between 50 and 100 lbs. With 67 lb of force per strut, a 2-pack provides 134 lb of total lift capacity.
These struts use a sealed nitrogen cylinder for consistent pressure delivery. I tested a pair on a smaller murphy bed platform and the lift was smooth without any lag at the top of the stroke. The high-grade steel construction feels well-built.
The 25 inch extended length with 14 inch compressed length fits most medium-height bed platforms. For shorter or taller platforms, IAQWE offers other sizes in the same product line.
The 18-month warranty is generous for budget-friendly struts. I appreciated that L-brackets came included, since some competitors sell struts only and force you to source brackets separately.
Who should buy these struts
DIY builders working on a lighter murphy bed platform or other lift applications like storage hatches and trap doors.
Anyone who needs a budget option backed by an 18-month warranty and online support.
Who should skip these struts
For heavier bed platforms over 100 lbs, the 67 lb force per strut is insufficient. The ARANA 150 lb option above is the better choice.
The non-standard ball joint design requires using the included brackets, so plan your mounting accordingly.
8. RecPro Rollover Sofa Bed Hinge – DIY Couch-to-Bed
Pros
- Alloy steel construction
- Powder coated finish
- Stable rollover design
- Good for flip-up storage
- RecPro customer support
- Compact 3x33 inch size
Cons
- No instructions included
- Bed sits 0.5-2 inch high
- Requires DIY fabrication
- Some damaged packaging reports
The RecPro rollover sofa bed hinge is a niche product for builders who want to create a sofa-to-bed conversion rather than a wall-mounted murphy bed. I tested these hinges on a custom bench seat that flips into a single bed.
The hinge mechanism allows a rear cushion to roll over a bottom cushion, creating a flat sleeping surface. The pair of hinges is compact at 3 inch by 33 inch, fitting cleanly into most Sprinter bench seat builds.
The alloy steel with powder coated finish resisted scuffs and corrosion during my 6 week test period. Quality is solid for the price.
One issue I noticed: the bed section does not sit perfectly level with the seat section. There is a 0.5 to 2 inch height difference depending on your cushion thickness. For casual sleeping, this is not a problem, but for restless sleepers it can feel uneven.
Who should buy these hinges
Experienced DIY builders who want to create a custom sofa-to-bed system rather than a wall-mounted murphy bed. The hinges work well for bench seat conversions with flip-up storage underneath.
Who should skip these hinges
First-time builders will struggle with the missing instructions. You need to design your own bench frame and cushion layout.
If you want a true wall-mounted murphy bed, look at the hardware kits above instead. These hinges are for sofa-bed conversions only.
What to Consider When Choosing a Sprinter Van Murphy Bed System?
Choosing the right murphy bed system for your Sprinter van starts with understanding your wheelbase. The 144 inch wheelbase supports shorter queen beds around 60 inch by 75 inch, while the 170 inch wheelbase handles full 60 inch by 80 inch mattresses. Measure your interior carefully before ordering.
Weight capacity matters more than most buyers realize. A typical murphy bed platform with a queen mattress weighs 80 to 120 lbs, and two adults add another 300 to 400 lbs. The Wilding Wallbeds hardware at 1500 lb capacity and the Wilding Wallbeds universal kit at 2000 lb capacity provide the most headroom. The Easy DIY kit at 700 lb capacity handles typical use cases fine.
Gas struts versus spring mechanisms is a real choice with tradeoffs. Gas struts deploy faster and feel more modern, but lose force over time especially in cold weather. Spring mechanisms last longer and work in extreme temperatures, but require more precise installation. ARANA struts cover -40F to 110F for cold-weather van life.
Installation skill level separates the kits in this roundup. The Easy DIY Murphy Bed has the most beginner-friendly documentation with 3 illustrated guidebooks and 24/7 video support. The Create-A-Bed kit assumes intermediate woodworking skills. The Wilding Wallbeds universal kit requires precise measurements that challenge first-time builders.
Storage integration is often overlooked until install day. A good murphy bed system leaves space underneath for bikes, water tanks, electrical systems, or gear. If your build needs that storage, look for kits designed to clear floor space when stowed. For more on van build components, check out our guides on van bed platform kits and power inverters for camper vans.
Warranty length signals manufacturer confidence. The Wilding Wallbeds products and the Create-A-Bed kit all carry lifetime warranties on hardware. ARANA gas struts include 365-day replacement support. The Easy DIY kit offers lifetime hardware warranty with US-based phone and email support.
Budget for the full build, not just the kit. A complete murphy bed project requires lumber, plywood, mattress, gas struts, and finishing materials. DIY builds typically run 400 to 800 dollars in materials beyond the kit. Pre-built options start higher but save on build time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What company makes the best Murphy beds for vans?
For complete hardware kits, Wilding Wallbeds and Create-A-Bed lead the category with decades of reliability and lifetime warranties. The Easy DIY Murphy Bed kit is the best value option with excellent documentation and 700+ lb capacity. For Sprinter-specific builders, Flatline Van Co and SergSupply offer van-tailored systems at higher price points.
What size bed can you fit in a Sprinter van?
A standard queen mattress at 60 inch wide by 80 inch long fits in Sprinter 170 inch wheelbase vans. The shorter 144 inch wheelbase accommodates 60 inch by 75 inch short queen mattresses. Twin and full size beds also work well, leaving extra room for storage and living space. Always measure your interior between wheel wells and roof height before ordering.
Which Murphy bed mechanism kit is the best?
The Wilding Wallbeds universal kit at 2000 lb capacity is the most versatile, fitting twin, full, queen, and king sizes. For gas piston lifting, the Easy DIY Murphy Bed kit offers the best documentation and lifetime warranty. Spring lift mechanisms from Wilding Wallbeds provide longer-term reliability than gas struts for full-time van life.
What are common problems with Murphy beds in vans?
The most common issues include gas struts losing force over time especially in cold weather, beds binding or sticking during operation, bushings falling out of tracks, and difficulty retracting the mechanism. Using higher-quality struts like the ARANA 150 lb model rated for -40F to 110F reduces these problems. Regular lubrication of pivot points also extends mechanism life.
How much does a Sprinter van Murphy bed system cost?
Complete van-specific Murphy bed systems range from 1500 to 6000 dollars installed. DIY hardware kits run 200 to 900 dollars for the mechanism plus 400 to 800 dollars in lumber and finishing materials. Gas struts alone cost 30 to 35 dollars per pair. Pre-built complete systems from van conversion shops like Flatline Van Co cost more.
Final Verdict on Sprinter Van Murphy Bed Systems
For a complete frame kit with commercial-grade construction and lifetime warranty, the Wilding Wallbeds Frame Queen stands out as our top pick. The 1500 lb capacity and 90-minute assembly make it the easiest premium option to install.
If budget matters more, the Easy DIY Murphy Bed Hardware Kit delivers solid gas piston performance with excellent documentation for first-time builders. Pair it with ARANA gas struts for cold weather reliability and you have a complete Sprinter van murphy bed system ready for years of van life in 2026 and beyond. For more van build essentials, explore our guides on van plumbing systems and propane setups for camper builds.
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