Hi All: New to the forum and I certainly appreciate everyone’s insights as I have been reading through the different posts.

My wife and I plus two younger children are currently planning on starting an EB Sprinter build out shortly. One of the big decision points for us is how to sleep Mom & Dad plus the kids. Our current thought is go with a design that has a couch in the back with ottomans for Mom & Dad to have a big bed. We’d, then, put bunk beds against each side wall for the kids.

This would allow us to have all of the other features that we are interested in (full bathroom, full kitchen, larger frig, storage, ect).

However, I am concerned that the bunk beds won’t be big enough as the kids grow to be teenagers. Does anyone have experience with sleeping teenagers/adults in the bunk beds and if so, what were your impressions?

It also strikes me that IF the bunk beds could actually be lowered down from the roof instead folding up against the side walls then the design would be even better. The bunk beds when raised & combined with a safety bar could double as extra storage when traveling, would enable larger windows and provide “the feel” of being more spacious.

Am I crazy about thinking of such a design? Would it even be possible?

Thanks for the thoughts…

Hi Andrew,

Class-B designs are always full of compromises. In this case you would lose a lot of storage space with the bunk beds. If you haven't already, check out my web site (click on Vanessa below) to see how we added lots of storage space, needed just for the two of us. We are packing now for a 2-week trip and most of our storage space is full. In July we plan to take two grandchildren camping. They will either sleep on the floor or in a tent. You could add a storage container on your hitch but if you always have that then you might as well get an LB sprinter.

David

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Savanna 2020 Sprinter EB 3500XD 4x4 lithium

Go to DIY section and download the Sprinter floorplan grid pdf. To make your own plan. I came up with a plan for a rear bath/ shower and 4 bunks with a couch and kitchen up front. I started with the idea from the band gallery. PM me and I will scan and send you the plan.

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https://www.stanwatkins.net/untitled2.html

Hope you can get an idea.

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https://www.stanwatkins.net/untitled2.html

A little better.

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https://www.stanwatkins.net/untitled2.html

Andrew,

Maybe this is what you're looking for.

http://www.outsidevan.com/modular-flip-bunks.php
http://www.outsidevan.com/panel-bunk-system.php


Herb

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SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.

Andrew,

You can also PM AndrewST. He just made his own interior with modular elements and he maybe give you some tips.

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Travelling in VivaLaVida (custom 2010 6.0 Ford E-350 Extended with U-Joint 4WD conversion)

From what you have said, I think the simple solution is to get a pop-top/penthouse bed. That way whichever two of you you want, can be up and totally out of the way. Another possibility is that the area over the front seats is mostly ignored in vans but it can be used for sleeping with a little creativity.

VW used to offer a metal framed, canvas cot that clipped into mounts on the door frames, stretching across the width of the vehicle. It was a good idea and suited a smaller person or child. A Sprinter is considerably bigger and more solid than a '70's VW van and figuring out a way to mount the kids beds up front should be possible, freeing up the rest of the van for the kitchen and other bed.

The key is they want this plan to last after the kids have grown.A tent trailer could also be employed later if needed.

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https://www.stanwatkins.net/untitled2.html