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I have a 2011 Transit SWB, this has had a partial conversion, lining/lighting/heater/windows/rooflight
The bed in this was planned on the basis that usage is just overnight stops with lots of stuff crammed in, so the bed is 3 removable panels that sit at mid height on triple extenders, starts at the rear and is 220cm long. With that sort of use I don’t want to change anything.
But, I have found I’ve used this van solo more than anything, quite often for work when on remote sites and wanting to save my employer costs (charidee worker). And that bed set up takes a lot of room, and I’d also like to change the van layout to something a bit more “day van”ish.
I also need to allow for a once a month removal of everything in the van for a local upcycling market thing which relies on this van acting as the goods vehicle.
So, I’m thinking of some form of simple bench that doubles up as a bed. I’d initially thought about this sort of thing https://camitdesign.com/campervan-beds/
But actually, I think that’s over complicating what I’m after. Would a basic bench made in two finished pieces from plywood, using a design that’s not far off being a coffee table and “bolted” to tie downs with some sort of wheel arch bodgery throw up any problems work? I’d also want it high enough to have a porta potti stashed underneath so I may have to hack a hatch out as well.
The legs would be two pieces of 18mm plywood.
Would turnbuckle bolts be strong enough to hold in place?
Is it worth using dowel joints, or will screws and corner braces be enough?
Any simple effective ideas I’m missing?
Just for clarity, this isn’t a home away from home set up. This is one step up from a tent and really not much more than that. (Eye wateringly expensive Webasto heater aside, which is amazeballs).
Just another suggestion for you.
https://stitchesandsteel.com/products/drop-down-carbon-bunk?variant=42318077198575
Drop down bunk. Ok this one costs a lot but you could make something similar to lower from the roof. But still have all the floor space when you need it (without having to remove anything).
No reason what you’re suggesting will not work and I think turnbuckle bolts will be fine.
That drop down bunk would make the existing bed set unusable.
Looks smart, but I dont have the roof height to sacrifice (medium roof).
You could make a slot together ply bed that would work great. Might need to strap it down to stop it moving, but it would also fold flat for transport
I made one for my van, can be set up single or king size double. Uses the kombi seats but any design is possible. Look at infinity customs for inspiration
I built a shelf that went across the back of my van out of 18mm ply. It was high enough to have a storage box underneath that I'd made. The front was hinged so that I could slide the box forward and the box would support the front as the rest of the bed.
Whole lot was easy removed when van duties called. Also had the shelf and front insulated with that bubble wrap shiny stuff then carpeted.
That drop down bunk would make the existing bed set unusable.
Looks smart, but I dont have the roof height to sacrifice (medium roof).
Room for a hammock? Two screws in the ceiling is all that would permanent, hammock would roll up and stash somewhere most of the time
.
[Edit] Have I just solved my own third-bed problem? Hmm. Going to check suitable spots for roof anchors tomorrow
I’m imagining a bench on the drivers side so I can sit with the sliding door open whilst enjoying a nice cup of tea and a scenic view.
It needs to seat two adults and one dog, I think the dog rules out a hammock. He’s too gangly.
Have you thought about a z-bed?
Or mount something to the side of the van that folds up out of the way, Murphy-bed style, eliminating the need for it to be removable? At the overly-complicated end of the scale, I quite fancy fitting one of these is similar circumstances: Fancy folding bench
But in practice I'd probably go for something more akin to Boxwithawindow's suggestion.
I reckon a Z Bed would need isolating from the vehicle floor, quite a bit of mud transfer happens in the van.
Theres also nowhere to stash gear
A z bed is raised off the ground and folds up when not in use, have a look at the link.
I've used them in 3 Van's and converted 2 friends to their use.
Oh hang on, I googled Z bed and found something that looked like a set of stitched together segments that fold into a chair, and out to a bed.
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But I think you’re talking about these?
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