Upgrading the Bed System in a Thor Rize 18M
If you’ve spent time in a Thor Rize 18M, you probably already know one thing:
The factory bed system leaves a lot to be desired.
We’ve worked on several of these vans, and the bed setup is one of the most common pain points clients bring to us. It’s often not intuitive, not comfortable, and doesn’t make the best use of the space.
So in this recent upfit, we focused on redesigning the bed system to better match how the client actually uses her van.
The Goal: Keep It Simple and Functional
When approaching this redesign, we had a few priorities:
Maintain the existing bed height
Keep the system simple and easy to use
Improve overall comfort and usability
Instead of overcomplicating things with heavy hardware or complex mechanisms, we focused on a clean, manual system that would be reliable and easy to operate.
The Solution: Split-Panel Slide-Out Bed
We designed a split-panel bed system with fold-out wings and sliding panels.
Here’s how it works:
1. Flip-Out Wings
On both sides, the wings fold out into position. These aren’t locked into place, they’re supported by pressure and weight when in use, keeping the system simple and lightweight.
2. Slide-Out Panels
Each side includes a panel that slides outward to expand the bed platform. These panels aren’t on tracks, which allows for easier movement and fewer failure points over time.
Stops are built into the back so the panels extend to the correct position every time.
3. Full Bed Platform
Once both sides are deployed, the bed sits somewhere between a twin and a full in width, a big improvement in usable sleeping space.
Mattress Design Matters
Because of the structure of the platform, we recommended a custom mattress setup:
A 4-inch base mattress for the main sleeping surface
A 5-inch backrest cushion to make up the height difference
This creates a flat, even sleeping surface across the entire platform.
Easy to Set Up, Easy to Put Away
One of the biggest improvements with this system is how simple it is to use.
To set up:
Flip out the wings
Slide out the panels
To stow:
Push panels back in
Fold wings back into place
That’s it.
No complicated steps, no heavy lifting, just a straightforward system that works every time.
Why This Upgrade Makes a Big Difference
In a small space like a van, every feature needs to work well.
The bed is one of the most important parts of the entire build and when it’s not functional, it impacts your whole experience.
With this upgrade, the client now has:
A more comfortable sleeping setup
A system that’s quick and easy to use
A layout that better fits how she travels
Final Thoughts
Not every van needs a full overhaul to improve functionality.
Sometimes, focusing on one key area, like the bed system, can completely change how the space feels and functions.
If you’re dealing with a setup that’s frustrating or not working the way you expected, there’s usually a better solution.
And often, it’s simpler than you think.
Need some help? Contact us!