converting van into a camper van - the bed frame
Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 26, 2011 at 19:14
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Josh Indo2
Hi All,
I have some ideas about converting a blind van into a camper van, but I'm not totally sure of how to design, build and install the bed frame (queen size) into the back.
The van cargo area dimensions are about 2715 x 1540 x 1345 (length x width x height).
I figure there are probably several ways to go about this. Maybe I could buy a conventional iron/metal queen bed frame (as used in a normal bedroom setting), and go from there? Perhaps I could have the bed legs removed and the frame resting on 8 brackets (4 brackets running on each side of the cargo van wall - fixed to the wall).
After having a quick look around, I noticed most of the bed frames sold now'days rely on several additional support legs (besides the 4 corner legs). I guess this is because the bed frame structure is not strong enough to hold the load on just 4 legs. So, this could pose a problem.
Has anyone gone with a design similar to this? If anyone has any experiences or advice about bed frame designs and how to fix them into the van, please share.
Josh
Reply By: Ozhumvee - Tuesday, Jul 26, 2011 at 21:45
Tuesday, Jul 26, 2011 at 21:45
You would be better off doing as others have done and build a steel frame at a suitable height for the mattress to sit on. The space underneath can be accessed from the rear
barn doors and used as a "boot" to hold all manner of stuff.
As you have found a standard bed frame is not really suitable.
Are you short enough to place the bed sideways ie: sleep across the vehicle?
If not then the bed is going to use up most of the interior space.
You might be better off starting with a taller van that you can actually stand up in comfortably if you don't wish to fit a poptop. Unless of course you are just after sleeping space and intend to live outside.
I've just converted an Oka bus body to a poptop camper/motorhome, has a 130l fridge, sink, cooktop, two bench seats, queen size bed, 1000mm x1600 x 450mm boot space, Thetford flushing loo, plenty of cupboard space, shower and table in a space 3600mm long, 1600 wide and 1500 high + another 400mm height with the roof up. To do this the bed, which is north/south slides out 1100mm at the rear in a custom made hard sided pod.
All done at
home in the shed.
AnswerID:
461025
Reply By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011 at 10:06
Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011 at 10:06
G'day Josh, If you look at the island beds in vans & indeed the old water bed frames,
you will see many of them are only a ply box on edge with a ply base under the mattress. Thus the bed is supported right around the edge. The other support is
by ply divisions fitted in the centre space & used for storage. The base can be hinged at
the front & lift for access. A queen bed will fill the available width you have. The
height is up to you, dont forget to add height of mattress. A small timber ledge will
prevent the mattress slipping off the frame. cheers......oldbaz.
AnswerID:
461052
Follow Up By: Josh Indo2 - Thursday, Jul 28, 2011 at 18:29
Thursday, Jul 28, 2011 at 18:29
I'm not familiar with the island beds. I understood the rest but, can you explain the island beds?
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Follow Up By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Friday, Jul 29, 2011 at 09:15
Friday, Jul 29, 2011 at 09:15
G'day Josh, an island bed is no more than a bed with access along each side, usually
mounted in the back of a caravan along the long axis. It can be hinged at the head end to allow storage beneath. In your case the width precludes the "island" thing but
perhaps the same principal can be used.Gas struts can assist with the lifting.
cheers....oldbaz.
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