Slim, Smart, and Seriously Handy: Let’s Talk A2S and A3S

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Slim, Smart, and Seriously Handy: Let’s Talk A2S and A3S

We’ve been shouting about our new Slimline Side Cabinets for a while now — they’re live in the shop, ready to order, and already making their way into some very cool van builds.
But until now, we haven’t really taken the time to nerd out properly and explain why we’re so stoked to add these two skinny beauties — the A2S and A3S — to our classic lineup.
So here it is: the full scoop. Why we made them, who they’re for, how they fit into your build, and what kind of bed + storage combo makes the most sense depending on your van, your vibe… and whether or not you're the type who insists on bringing a quiver of surfboards on your romantic couple’s getaway.
Let’s go.

First, a Little Backstory...

Originally, we designed our side cabinets — the A2 for short vans and the A3 for long ones — to pair with our B120 bed. This setup gives you loads of storage, space for a sink and water tanks, and a super solid pull-out bed that folds into a comfy bench by day.

And to be clear: the B120 is not a tiny bed.

It’s 180 cm long by 120 cm wide – the same size as a VW California bed. Big enough for any solo traveller to sleep like a starfish, and cozy (but doable) for couples.

But then we started getting questions.

“Can you make the bed a bit wider?”
“I don’t need a side cabinet - I want to store my mountain bike there.”

So we built the B130 – same length, 10 cm wider – and added The Seeker kit to the range.

The Problem? You Couldn't Have Both.

Creating a 10 cm wider bed was awesome… but it only worked if you ditched the side cabinet.
Couldn’t we just… offer it all?
Some of our customers wanted a proper side cabinet with a big pop-up table.
But they also wanted a roomy bed.
And let’s be honest — we wanted the same thing.

Enter: The Slim Side Cabinets (aka, The Best of Both Worlds)

So we did what any van furniture nerds would do — we hit the drawing board and started slicing off depth.
We took our trusty A2 and A3 cabinets, trimmed them down by 10 cm front-to-back, and made the A2S and A3S.
Just slim enough to let the B130 bed fully extend, without giving up the joys of actual storage and a functional table.
And honestly? It worked better than we expected.

You can now build a medium-sized van like a Trafic or T6 with:
• A 130 cm wide double bed (plenty roomy for two)
• A side cabinet with multiple doors
• A large (or XL) pop-up table for cooking, working, whatever
• Enough walk space to move around like a normal human

It’s kind of the vanlife version of having your cake and eating it.

So What’s the Difference?

Let’s break it down.

We’ve basically got two main layout philosophies now:

🧱 The Classic Setup

A2 or A3 + B120 bed

This is the OG configuration.
Big side cabinet, loads of storage, space for a water kit or even a full sink setup — paired with the solid and comfy B120 bed.

• Cabinet depth: 40 cm
• Bed width: 120 cm
• Great for: solo travellers, practical couples, full utility builds
• Storage capacity: massive (up to 450L in the A3!)
• Bonus: space for water tanks, sink placement front or back

✂️ The Slim Setup

A2S or A3S + B130 bed

This is the newer, smart layout for those who still want a cabinet — but really want the extra-wide sleeping space too.

• Cabinet depth: 30 cm
• Bed width: 130 cm
• Great for: couples, weekenders, anyone skipping the full water kit
• Storage capacity: slightly reduced (but still generous)
• Bonus: You gain extra storage under the bed — the end door is now wide enough to stash your shortboards or other bulky gear

PS

You can technically combine a B120 bed with a slim cabinet if you're chasing maximum central walk space and don’t care about losing a bit of under-bed width. You can also combine a B130 bed with a regular cabinet for maximum under-bed storage and a narrower walkway - but you’ll only be able to extend the bed to 120cm. Both options might appeal – and that’s the beauty of our modular furniture system.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a tall solo traveller who likes to starfish or a couple who’s done with midnight elbow wars, there’s now a setup that fits your van and your sleeping style.

And, if you’re a couple who want a full utility setup and you’re cool with spooning — the original A2/A3 + B120 combo still rules.

Either way, you’re not giving anything up – just choosing what matters most for your build.

Tag: modular van furniture, small van conversion, camper van layout, slim side cabinet, A2S, A3S, B120 bed, B130 bed, vanlife gear, camper bed setup

Side Table Unit A2 - Universal

€569.00 (tax incl.)

This is a great solution for camper builders seeking extra storage and functionality without sacrificing precious space. Featuring a handy pop-up table, this unit adds versatility to your van layout, creating a convenient dining or workspace.

Smartly designed for L1 vans, the unit boasts three doors, with two accessible even when your bed is deployed. This easy access ensures you can reach your gear effortlessly, whether inside or outside your van.

See our Buyer's Guide

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Large Sliding Bed B130 - Van Conversion | Simple Vans

Sliding Bed - B130

€749.00 (tax incl.)

Save €20 on your mattress by ordering it today!

The Sliding Bed B130 is almost a Queen-sized double sofa bed that’s as versatile as it is strong and lightweight. Crafted from ultra-strong yet lightweight Poplar plywood, its two sections (60cm + 120cm) offer three versatile configurations – a bench seat, L-shaped sofa, and a stable, robust double bed that supports up to 200kg.

Accessed by three large doors, the bed under-storage area is large enough to stash up to 4x 180x55cm surfboards! So Kiteboards, skis, snowboards, fishing rods and all your other larges pieces of sports equipment can be stashed out of the way, but easily accessible. Compatible with 99% of vans and quick and simple to build.

See our Buyer's Guide

The Seeker Complete Kit - Van Conversion | Simple Vans

The Seeker - UNIVERSEL

€1,149.00 (tax incl.)

Save money and reduce your carbon footprint by ordering your mattress today!

Live the Adventure, Big or Small: Optimised for space and versatility, The Seeker comes with an XL slider bed and kitchen unit, leaving enough room for adventure seekers who don’t want to leave any of their toys behind. Surfboards can be stored under the bed while bikes & motorbikes have the full length of the van to themselves. Or maybe, you just love sleeping and want the biggest bed in our range!

The UNIVERSAL model has straight sides so you can adapt this to fit any model van, or for those of you who have finished your walls in cladding.

POPULAR VAN MODELS: Ford Custom, Jumpy/Expert 2, Trafic 2, Mercedes Vito

See our Buyer's Guide