I desperately need bed ideas!

[dudewithvan]

Man, I am having such a hard time figuring out a bed design that allows me to still use my van to hold cargo during the day. I'd like to have a design that allows me to keep the space in the middle open for cargo, and create something that is a storage box over the wheel wells during the day.

Any sharing of your design or links to similar ideas would be greatly appreciated. I really like the idea of a sofa bed in the back, but it would have to be something that can be placed sideways instead of facing the front.

BYW, I'm not the most skilled carpenter, but I can cut a strait line!

Thanks!

[dudewithvan]

I really like this idea and was wondering if anyone knows what this design is called? I'd like to try to get some blueprints.

http://deepredmotorhome.com/bed.php (thanks to 86Scotty for this link BTW)

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by dudewithvan

I really like this idea and was wondering if anyone knows what this design is called? I'd like to try to get some blueprints.

http://deepredmotorhome.com/bed.php (thanks to 86Scotty for this link BTW)

You're welcome. I thought that one was great too. There is another you should check out, but I can't tell you where to find it. there is a homebuild around somewhere that was recently for sale. The original owner was a great carpenter and built a cool interior, then he sold it to someone who converted it to 4wd and then it was for sale again recently. I'll work on finding it. Basically, though, it was 2 benches over the wheel wells on either side that folded over in to a flat (big) bed for sleeping, and they doubled as storage of course. I think it was just what you might be looking for.

[dudewithvan]

That is EXACTLY what I'm looking for! Thanks

[SCBrian]

I saw a sprinter parked yesterday with the doors open. Of course I stopped and chatted a few minutes. The guy was an expediter and he was waiting on a back haul. He had a massage bed in the back hinged longways so it would fold flat against the wall when not in use. During the day he had room for pallets, etc. (I think he said he could haul 3 pallets) folded out of the way when he didn't need it. He had a topper on the bed that he left on in the stowed position. Other then mounting it to the wall no other work in need. Pretty slick.

[dudewithvan]

That's a thought. Though, this needs to be big enough for 2. I'm thinking, if I have a board hinged up on either side, I could bring them down to span the entire width of the back area. Hmmmmm

[86Scotty]

I think this is it! It has a really neat folding bed if its the same one. It's a home built interior though it looks better than most SMB conversions. Ask if he can demo the bed OR find the POs screen name and find the original thread from a few years ago. It's probably still around.

viewtopic.php?t=10994

[copescobra]

a company in Westlake, cannot remember the name, but I believe they make a bed that attaches to the side wall then folds down to be a dinette and then a double bed if folded down from there. It is double purpose.

When stowed it only is about 12-16 wide from the van wall. I think the cost is like $500 or so.

They also just have a bed version that is simply a couch that then folds out to a bed and also attached to wall of the van. I keeps all the space in middle open.

Hope that helps.

[carringb]

Have you looked at Maxacceleration's built thread? Two half beds which fold almost flush with the wall and form a large single bed across the van:
http://sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=6098

[E350]

My buddy who has a cargo van was contemplating welding a frame which is hinged on one wall of the van and folds down on sets of two legs (one set in the middle of the bed and one on the opposite wall (but I think you could have it fall into a brace on the opposite wall and dispense with that set of legs). He would then store the foam or blow up mattress and bedding separately and use the cargo van as a cargo van most of the time. Just a thought.