Why Does the Coachmen Beyond 22RB Redefine Space-Saving Furniture in Tiny Living?
The Coachmen Beyond 22RB is a marvel of compact design, proving that even within a 22-foot Class B motorhome, homeowners can access rooftop tent options that dramatically expand usable square footage. This article explores how the 22RB integrates space-saving furniture concepts—like convertible seating and roof-mounted sleeping platforms—to maximize living area without sacrificing comfort. For those embracing tiny living, understanding the 22RB’s rooftop tent capability is key to leveraging vertical space efficiently.
How Does the Rooftop Tent Fit Into the 22RB’s Interior Layout?
The Beyond 22RB features a unique rear bath layout that leaves the main cabin open for multi-functional furniture. The rooftop tent, typically a Thule or Fiamma model, mounts flush to the roof rails and deploys quickly, adding a second sleeping area that frees the interior for daytime activities. Inside, the dinette converts into a 48-inch twin bed, while the cab-over bunk folds down—but the rooftop tent allows occupants to sleep two adults outside, keeping the interior room for a workspace or dining area. This separation of functions is a core space-saving principle: the tent avoids the need for a dedicated interior bed, letting the driver’s area double as a lounge.
The tent itself, when stowed, adds only 6 inches to the vehicle’s height, making it suitable for parking in standard garages. Its rainfly and insulated walls further enhance comfort, turning the roof into a usable room. This integration is why many tiny living enthusiasts pair the 22RB with best compact dishwasher options for the interior kitchen, as the rooftop tent handles overnight sleeping needs.
What Are the Key Space-Saving Furniture Features in the 22RB’s Interior?
The 22RB’s interior relies on purposeful furniture that folds, slides, or stores away. Below is a table comparing core space-saving elements found in the 22RB versus typical Class B RVs, emphasizing how each component contributes to tiny living efficiency.
| Furniture Element | Coachmen Beyond 22RB | Typical Class B RV | Space-Saving Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dinette | 52-inch booth that converts to twin bed | Often fixed booth with minimal conversion | Day-to-night transformation; eliminates need for separate bedroom |
| Bed (cab-over) | Fold-down 54-inch bunk with storage latches | Fixed overhead bunk | Saves headroom when folded; doubles as shelf for gear |
| Kitchen counter | Sliding extension on stainless steel rail | Fixed 24-inch counter | Expands prep area by 12 inches; retracts when not in use |
| Bathroom | Cassette toilet + fold-up sink van rory | Separate shower toilet combo | Shower pan doubles as floor; sink folds to knee space |
| Storage | Under-dinette drawers + overhead cabinets | Standard hanging closets | Uses dead space under seats; maximizes vertical cabinets |
These elements work together to create a 70-square-foot interior that feels spacious. For instance, the fold-up sink in the rear bathroom, which saves 8 inches of counter length, is a deliberate space optimization that pairs well with best composting toilets for tiny bathrooms, as both reduce plumbing footprint.
How Does the Roof Top Tent Interact With Inside Furniture Choices?
The rooftop tent is not an accessory but a strategic furniture component. When deployed, owners can leave the interior dinette in its booth configuration for meals or work, rather than converting it to a bed nightly. This frees up the 22RB’s main living area for day-time use, a critical factor in tiny living where every foot counts. The tent’s 6-foot-4-inch interior height accommodulates tall sleepers, while the interior cab-over bunk is better suited for children or shorter adults. This design lets owners prioritize furniture like a fold-down desk or a compact sofa, rather than a permanent bed.
Many owners customize the interior to include a modular shelving unit near the entrance, replacing the small overhead cabinet, and rely on the tent for sleeping. This flexibility is why portable solar panels guide is a popular companion article, as owners seek to power laptops and lights in the expanded roof space.
What Are the Best Space-Saving Furniture Upgrades for the 22RB?
Owners can enhance the 22RB’s efficiency with targeted upgrades. The vehicle’s 22-foot length imposes constraints, but three furniture swaps stand out:
- Swivel passenger seat: Replacing the standard seat with a swivel base allows for a 180-degree rotation, creating an additional seating area that faces the dinette. This adds 2 square feet of living floor without permanent installation.
- Fold-down murphy bed system: For those who rarely use the rooftop tent, a custom murphy bed can replace the cab-over bunk, freeing headroom and offering a queen-sized mattress on a vertical axis. This costs around £2,800 (GBP) but saves 5 cubic feet of storage.
- Slide-out pantry: A thin, 8-inch deep pull-out pantry next to the electrical panel doubles storage capacity for dry goods. Priced at £150, it uses waste space along the driver-side wall.
These upgrades complement the 22RB’s existing space-saving DNA. For winter travel, owners often install winter propane hookup guide configurations to keep the interior functional without relying on the roof tent.
How Does the 22RB Compare to Other Tiny Living Rooftop Tent Options?
Compared to the Winnebago Solis or Thor Sequence, the 22RB’s rooftop tent system is more integrated. The Solis uses a pop-top roof that limits storage, while the Sequence’s wall-mounted tent block slide-out kitchens. The 22RB’s roof rails accept up to 200 pounds of tent weight, and the factory-installed Thule system includes an auto-retract cable. This makes the 22RB a leader in space-saving furniture design, as the tent doesn’t compromise interior cabinets or floor plan.
A key differentiator is the 22RB’s ability to park in 7-foot standard garage doors (when tent stowed). This is a rare space-saving feature that many tiny living converts prioritize. Owners report that the tent’s two-minute setup time (using a memory foam ladder) matches the speed of interior bed conversion, meaning no time penalty for using the roof space.
What Owners Say About the 22RB’s Space-Saving Performance
Real-world owners praise the 22RB for its “hotel-like feel” when using the rooftop tent, which lets them keep the interior layout functional for daytime cooking and socializing. One owner from Colorado shared on a forum: “We host four guests inside for dinner, then two sleep up top. The tent keeps condensation out, and the dinette stays ready for breakfast without rotating stowables.” Another common sentiment is the appreciation for the fold-down bunk as a gear loft when not needed for sleep, noting that it holds two backpacks and a duffel bag.
However, some owners note that the rooftop tent reduces vehicle aerodynamics, costing about 1 mpg on highways. Others suggest removing the tent in winter to avoid weight on roof vents. For those interested in further optimizing the 22RB for cold climates, the compact window insulation guide provides methods to maintain warmth inside without relying on the tent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the Coachmen Beyond 22RB rooftop tent be used year-round?
Yes, but the tent is best suited for temperatures above 40°F (4°C). Winter use requires a base layer and the interior propane heater to maintain comfort, as the tent lacks insulation. Refer to the winter propane hookup guide for safe cold-weather setups.
2. Does the rooftop tent affect the 22RB’s warranty or roof integrity?
Factory-installed rooftop tents are fully covered under Coachmen’s 3-year structural warranty. Aftermarket installations may void roof seal coverage. Always use the designated roof rails to distribute weight.
3. How much does a replacement rooftop tent cost for the 22RB?
A Thule Tepui Autana tent (compatible with the 22RB) costs approximately £2,200 (GBP) including mounting kit. Installation adds £400 to £600. Owner DIY installation is possible but requires a second person for alignment.
4. Can the 22RB’s interior dinette still convert to a bed when using the rooftop tent?
Absolutely. The interior and tent systems are independent. You can have two adults in the tent and one child in the dinette bed simultaneously, sleeping up to three occupants total.
5. Is the rooftop tent easy to remove for storage?
Yes, the Thule system uses a quick-release latch system, allowing removal in about 15 minutes with two people. The tent weighs 110 pounds. Storing it in a garage frees roof space for kayaks or cargo boxes.
6. What is the weight capacity of the 22RB’s roof rack with the tent?
The factory roof rack has a dynamic load capacity of 220 pounds. The tent itself weighs up to 140 pounds, leaving 80 pounds for additional gear like a solar panel or bike rack. Avoid exceeding this limit to prevent roof damage.
