Converting single beds into double in Caravan
Submitted: Monday, Nov 15, 2010 at 11:09
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Dede1
Hello there,
I was hoping that someone might have some photo's etc of a conversion that is quite common.
We currently have 2 single beds that run north south in our old van. We want to temporarily convert into a double. The idea is to just slide the matresses across the isle between the two beds. They would then be 90 degrees, the bed would now be east west.
We don't want anything permanent as the isle is handy during the day and the beds can still be used as two couches.
We don't want to carry two extra mdf boards the full length of the beds as this all adds weight. I was thinking of something like two smaller boards that sit across the isle (similar to a V berth in a boat). But how to mount them? for east removal etc.
Has anyone done something similar and have photos?
Suggestions would be much appreciated.
Dede
Reply By: disco driver - Monday, Nov 15, 2010 at 13:19
Monday, Nov 15, 2010 at 13:19
My old Viscount has single beds and I've worked out a system to convert to a double when necessary. My modification not only gives me a double bed but also a table to go between the beds too.
You will need 2 lengths of 25mmx25mm timber the width of your two mattresses side by side (a little bit longer doesn't matter).
These are screwed along the aisle to the frames of the existing single beds and 19mm below the flat surface of the existing beds.
You will also need a 19mm bed board cut to infill the aisle space, I used 19mm melamine to make
mine so that the table had a nice finish when erected.
In my case I fitted a pair of folding legs to this to make a table as
well.
Hope this helps,
Disco.
AnswerID:
436045
Follow Up By: Dede1 - Monday, Nov 15, 2010 at 13:24
Monday, Nov 15, 2010 at 13:24
Disco
Thank you so much for your suggestion. My husband likes the idea of having an extra table. That way we can put the original table out in the annex giving us more room inside the van.
Do you have any photos or can you take a couple of photos to show me.
Thanking you so very much for your reply.
Dede1
FollowupID:
707248
Reply By: disco driver - Monday, Nov 15, 2010 at 21:12
Monday, Nov 15, 2010 at 21:12
Dede,
At the moment my caravan is somewhere in Qld behind my No 1 sons L/Rover Discovery.
Not due back
home till sometime next year, so no photos, sorry.
It's a relatively straight forward job to do,(took me about an hour), you just need to be accurate with measuring and cutting.
Apart from fixing the 25mm x 25mm timbers to the single bed frames, nothing else was altered in the van.
Everything including the table legs (the ones used on standard type folding tables) comes from that Australia wide hardware chain with dark green and red buildings.
The total cost was under $100.
Tools required are an electric drill, a screwdriver and a circular saw to cut the bedboard/table to size, and some sandpaper to smooth the saw cuts and edges.
Give it a go.
Disco.
AnswerID:
436103
Follow Up By: disco driver - Monday, Nov 15, 2010 at 21:14
Monday, Nov 15, 2010 at 21:14
Sorry, Dede,
This was supposed to be a follow up to yours, not a new reply.
Disco.
FollowupID:
707297
Follow Up By: Dede1 - Tuesday, Nov 16, 2010 at 08:29
Tuesday, Nov 16, 2010 at 08:29
Disco
Thankyou for all your help. My hubby will be busy over the next few weekends so I am going to try to rope my Carpenter brother into the project.
Parents are wonderful, whats
mine is yours etc.
I've offered our van to my 82 year old father as he wants to tour once again, Mum's not too interested though (no
toilet or shower). Dad would rough it no problems. I say he's 82 but he looks and acts like a 60 year old. Great genes there!!!
Dede
FollowupID:
707321