Penthouse Bed access? - Page 2

Ford_6L_E350 · 07-20-2009, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevepar

So how many PH owners sleep 2 adults up top?

My wife and normally sleep up there. We've probably slept in the van 2-300 nights, and 6-10 nights we slept downstairs for one reason or another - Grizzly bears being the only reason that comes to mind.

We have a custom floorplan with a dinette/bed in the back. We take one of the backrests off and lay it across the bottom cushions and even my short legged (5'2") wife can make it up.

Mike

schilhom · 07-22-2009, 06:19 AM

We also sleep two adults in the Penthouse bed with no problem. At first we thought it might be tight, but now it doesn't at all--it's very comfortable. My husband weighs 220, I'm 120. Two large adults might be more of a problem.

We also climb up without difficulty. We are in our 60's. We once thought that when we got old we would want to sleep downstairs, but I don't think we ever will--we really find it much easier to climb up than to pull out the downstairs bed--and much more pleasant.

**BroncoHauler** · 07-22-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernien

Thanks For ALL the comments about the bed.
We would like to see the setup at SMB but we live in NM and Austin Tx is the closest at 850 miles.
I emailed them and they want us to make an appointment 3 weeks in advance and give them a $500 deposit. So that makes us committed before we have a chance to see if we like it. Sure we
could drive there and checkit out, but were hoping to schedule and appointment within a day or 2
if we like it.
Does anyone know of any in our area we could look at? Santa Fe or Albuquerque??
Thanks
Ernie Newman

They want an appointment and a deposit to go look at an SMB? That doesn't sound right.

Herb

Ford_6L_E350 · 07-22-2009, 03:01 PM

I have to agree with Herb. And I wouldn't give a deposit to look at a van.

This was SMB Austin?

If yes, they must not have understood your request. They should have something for you to look at, without a deposit.

If no, forget them and call SMB Austin to schedule a visit.

Mike

mjeffrey · 07-22-2009, 03:04 PM

The deposit is for the PH top install - Ernie wants to see a top before plonking down the cash for the install (and can't drive to Austin just to see one, then go back 3 weeks later if he likes it).

LenS · 07-23-2009, 10:33 PM

We have a 6 drawer cabinet that is located at the end of the bed. We pull one drwr out about 6 inches and use it for a step into the penthouse bed. It works fine and takes up no extra space. The cabinet is made out of cabinet and drawers are made out of cabinet grade plywood and is quite strong.

jage · 07-23-2009, 10:36 PM

Just to clarify this is a cabinet and drawer that you built yourself, right?

Skywagon · 07-24-2009, 11:14 AM

FunHog · 07-27-2009, 03:18 PM

Ernie,

I'm just east of ABQ and could show you our SMB. PM me and we can set up a time and a place to meet. Give me a bit of a heads up so that I can clean up the van a bit.

John

LenS · 07-27-2009, 07:43 PM

Yes, the drawer cabinet is custom made. The carcass is made out of cabinet grade 3/4" birch plywood and the drawers are made out of 1/2" Baltic birch plywood. It is made very strong. Bottom 1/3 holds many pounds of food...can goods and dry goods.

The below pictures show how a cabinet in the right place (by design or luck) can be used as a penthouse bed step. Saves carrying around a ladder or stool.

I wouldn't think the particle board made cabinets that come with most RV's would be strong enough to do this. On the other hand anyone customizing the interior of their own van could easily design it in.