Gaucho improvements

[ConnieKat]

Hi everyone,
I have a 2005 Chevy Express extended. That said, it has a Gaucho setup bed that I really hate. Because the mattress is firmly attached to the board underneath...I can no longer lift the bloody thing to
get to batteries or water tank and other misc. I’ve been told that it’s impossible to attach lifters to help
Since walls are “ too thin” to support this set up.
I’d really like to get something lighter as a base ( more like a camp cot with no legs?), plus the foldable
Memory foam mattress.
If any one has seen or knows of something like this,
or has other ideas....please, please let me know?
Thanks to all...
ConnieKat

[gahamby]

Gotta agree with you on the PIA factor on that Gaucho. I had to lift mine up nice and high recently to replace the battery isolater. I hooked a 6' ratchet strap to the roof tie down eye and the front leg and hoisted her up. I put the back cushion up on top of the drivers side locker and bungeed it to the roof cross brace.
Gas cylinder lifts might work. Tough to find room for the travel.
A fold out pipe frame bunk is a possibility. You might have to scrap one of those lawn lounge chairs. About the only thing off the shelf would be the mattress.

[ConnieKat]

Gahamby,
I suspect I may need to have one “ custom made” to
fit that space, unless I can figure out a way to at least enlarge the top portion. Am currently thinking of
adding edged ledges to to top that will extend outside the bottom part so I can at least have a twin
mattress in there. There are some “ folding” memory foam mattresses available! The current arrangement
is about 75” by 25” on the mattress! Far too narrow for much comfort. Really glad to hear that I’m not the only one!! But I surely can’t manage what you actually did to lift the bloody thing. I will need to hire help just to get it out of my van, lol.
Thanks so very much for your response,
It’s much appreciated,
ConnieKat

[moorefc]

Does the bed have a (square tube hinged) leg underneath that when lifted holds it up? That is part of a texas build, and starting the lift, then putting ones shoulder under the bed gets it all the way up to lever the leg out. There is significant pressure created by the backrest, and removing that prior to lifting makes it much easier......

[ConnieKat]

Nope! Nothing at all to hold it up. I surely wish there was!

[moorefc]

You can replicate what SMB does. 1" square tubing with a U shaped bracket mounted to the front of the seat inside. The tube (cut to length) pivots up from the inside and rests on the bottom middle/front of the seat bottom. Tube has a chair leg type plastic plug where it rests on the seat underside....One could even fabricate a round dowel to do the same....

[ConnieKat]

Hi there,
Thanks for the info. This would be a last resort for me. My back is broken in 5 places from years ago, and recently added 2 more that decided to break for no apparent reason! I can’t afford the risk. I’m already
a medically discharged and disabled vet! Can’t deal
with much ( if any) more damage. That’s why I’m trying to find a lighter weight alternative.
ConnieKat

[vandiesel]

How wide is the gaucho? I have a motorized one I always figured on cutting down to narrow for this purpose.

[ConnieKat]

Vandiesel,
It’s approximately 25” wide by 75” long, not counting the back, which is a separate piece on mine. I have all
the pieces, but leave them out of the van for a bit more room.
ConnieKat

[Gh0ztkid21]

Would you mind posting picturese of your seat and situation?. I have been lookin to purchase a gaucho bed for my van just stinks living in nj and nearest place is smb north