Platform bed build questions -E350

[Angler99]

Hello. I have searched and searched these forums and the internet, but having trouble getting some answers for my platform bed build. I have purchased a 2004 E-350 extended with all the windows and want to build a platform bed from side to side in the back, as my wife and I are both under 5'9".

I've decided to use plusnuts to hold pieces of 2x4 angle iron to the sides of the van for support. I've taken all the factory panels off and am down to the bare metal. However, I am unsure whether I can put plusnets anywhere on the metal, or if there are "ribs" or some sort of supports I should drill into. After looking at the van for hours, I don't really see anything that seems like it would be a support.

So my question is can I put plusnuts anywhere on the interior? I want this to be very secure in the event of a wreck and don't want the bed to come flying forward and decapitating me or my wife.

Thanks so much!

[carringb]

The E-series vans are double wall. You can put the plus nut anywhere that's not exterior skin. You can see the exterior skin through the openings in the interior structural panel.

[Otter]

^^^^^
What he said. I’ll put emphasis on “anywhere that’s not exterior skin”. There are various holes through the inner skin where you can see through to the outer skin. It’s kind of weird the way they did that; ribs would make it so much easier. But put all the plus nuts you want through that interior skin. More is better to my mind. I’m doing the same in my E350.

[Houstonredrider]

FYI. I am 5’ 7” and side by side doesn’t work too well for me. My wife is 5’ 1” and does great.
Self taping screws may even work. If you are using rivnut you’ll be fine as long as you use a few.

[LeadDoggy]

The platform bed that I built from 1" sq tube, bolted to seat bracket holes on the floor. No panels were removed. I'm 5-10 and sleep across with no problem!