Quote:
Originally Posted by audisnapr
My newest question is: did the older SMB's not have a method of PH bed storage when the top was in the up position? I've seen some pics of the newer vans and it looks like the PH bed is tethered to the top so that when the top is up the bed goes with it.
My PH bed is in 3 pieces, but I don't have any sort of bed storage method other than leaning them upright against one of the PH windows when the top is popped.
Is this something I can retro fit or were the older PH springs not rated for that much weight... the bed is quite heavy.
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I have a one-piece bed in my 2004 SMB. The base platform is a torsion box with fabric and foam on top. The torsion box itself is about 1-1/4" thick suggesting a light-weight wood perimeter frame with several narrow cross bars and two 1/4" skins of the same fiberboard paneling as on the ceiling. It is screwed together but I do not know if glue was also used. Two small boat cleats in the front and one in back are used to suspend the bed platform from small loops attached to the rear latch mount and front support housing. A hand-sized pull handle is attached to the front so you can pull it conveniently (hidden under sheet in pix). There is 3" or so between the bed and the ceiling when hanging, more than when closed.
Some other photos are here
viewtopic.php?f=40&t=7299
The platform is light enough that I can get it in and out of the van by my self, it's just big and awkward. While the penthouse would be easy to lift with the bed attached, SMB recommends the rear of the bed be lowered to the rails to avoid alignment issues when lowering.
This is something that I could make. I would use rigid foam inside the perimeter frame instead of middle crossbars, then glue and staple two luaun plywood skins to the frame.