Another Bunk? Sleeping for 3 in the Penthouse/5 Total

[SuperG]

So I'm total newbie and have a 96' Dodge EB just purchased. Solid config - sink, micowave, ton of cabinets, refridge, seating for 8.

I have 2 adults, 3 kids which is not abnormal...maybe?

Anyhow, I bought the thing and I'm looking at it thinking there is room for another single bunk up there in the Penthouse. So I built it and now I sleep 5. Anybody else done this? Mine is a total home job, but folds out of the way when not needed and sleeps a kid when I do need it. Should hold him till he's upwards of 15/16 if he'll still put up with it. The girls sleep in the double. I can post pics, but somebody else has done this, right? I can't be the first. Be curious to see other attempts as mine isn't perfect. Tried the search with no luck.

[boywonder]

[chetubi]

Yes. Pics please!

[SuperG]

OK, so here's the initial go at it. I need to paint a few things, add some padding (side bars) and then add some sort of safety rail (any ideas appreciated on the safety rail.







So that's the bunk and then basically folds up and stores on the penthouse hook when not in use. Stores on top of mattress and I throw the pad behind the driver's seat.

#threadnowworthful






Thoughts, suggestions. I guess the real help I need is something to create a safety rail so Kid #3 doesn't fall into the abyss at night.

Certainly could finish it a little better too. I have a laminate board on the bottom, but didn't do that on top as cushion would slide. Would like it to finish off a little nicer, though.

[mikracer]

So are 2 kids sleeping sideways on the top and then one on that bunk you made?

[SuperG]

Originally Posted by mikracer

So are 2 kids sleeping sideways on the top and then one on that bunk you made?

Well, not sideways. Lengthwise. The regular bunk is, what, the size of a double bed I think?...so plenty of room for kids. So I got two kids on that double bunk (9 and 12 years old) and a 7 year old in the bunk. Still room to move around and everybody can get up or down. Parents are in the folding dinette in the back.

Currently the kid in the single bunk has about room to grow to 10-11 years old and then his feet would start crossing over into the other bunk.

[SuperG]

Also worth noting that the new bunk sits about 2/5 above the cabinet row and then 3/5th over open-air...so I had some build in support I could use for it rather than have to worry about it totally hanging off the side rails.

My layout is pretty much this layout:

[boywonder]

I think this is brilliant......what are you using to support the ends of the single bunk? Angle iron?

[SuperG]

Originally Posted by boywonder

I think this is brilliant......what are you using to support the ends of the single bunk? Angle iron?

Angled slotted steel from Lowes (Steelworks 6-ft x 1.25-in Plated Steel Perforated Angle) 1 1/4" (2) 4' lengths cut to 40". Currently wrapped in tape to protect from tearing the PH fabric on the open ends, but considering other options. Would love to find some form of sleeve or even an endcap that would fit. As I mentioned, total home job but it solves a problem by getting everybody that can't vote in the penthouse.

I would consider myself marginally handy, but compared to the people on this forum I'm likely not handy at all. Not sure this application has ever come up, but I figured I'd start the discussion for any ideas or comments.

[stanw909]

Really clever but couldn't the kid sleep across the cab seats or are you reserving the lower area just for grownups?