Van Life - Cheap & Easy Camper Van Bed Frame
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
- Watch this video to see how we built a simple, lightweight campervan bed frame for $44 (Canadian) in ~1 hour.
We chose to build a straightforward platform, even though we knew it would take up more space in the van interior, because we wanted lots of storage underneath, and because we wanted it to be comfortable (no bars or sectioned cushions).
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: @exploringalternatives
Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat Dubé of Exploring Alternatives.
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I was overthinking my bed frame so much and this just made it so much simpler, thank you.
Yes so wash i !
I came back to update, I did it! Mine is a lil taller (16inch) for more underneath storage, I used small LBracets to secure 2x4's better to bed & larger ones to bolt bed to floor & a couple on rear wall super sturdy& comfy makes 0 noise/creaks when driving, I owe thanks to your Video! Thanks again♡
As a female who knows zippo about carpentry but wanting to build a camper van bed myself I have really been doubting that I can, and was about to give up. But between programming a keyless car remote ALONE today when I thought I couldn't and watching your build I have a renewed confidence. My bed will not be exactly like yours, I need a lift top but after watching your video I think I can do it. Thanks!
Exactly what I was looking for. Been watching you for years. Very glad to see that you have done so well. You're a nice couple.
Thanks Mat and Danielle! We followed your lead with this simple platform bed to replace the fold-down seat/bed that was in our van. We aren't very tall, so we cut the plywood to 66 inches, made the legs 13 inches in height (for storage) and used 4x4s for the 9 legs. We used Liquid Nails as the glue. It is sturdy and after adding a futon mattress, it is quite comfy. Our dog Jax loves the new bed as much as we do!
Thank you. I watched a few other vids/ but I sort of felt like I had to have an engineering degree and a lot of cash! You guys are the best! Harperino.
Not an original idea but this is one of the best ways to do a minivan. I think you should have made it higher with 13" legs so you can slide larger storage boxes.
firstly its very original lol wat u going on about n secondly they made it for there hight to feel comfortable, its not always about storge my friend but more so for comfort as its a bed n seating area
I missed it, when did he said it was an original idea?
Some people just have to come along with negatives. This saved my brain doing over time very kind of them to post it no matter its "origin" made mine at 17 inches purely due to my already accumulated storage boxes which are extra strong and could help if bed did drop atall.
I Wanta Take The Old Folding Sofa Bed Out Of My 1988 Chevy G20 Van And Replace It With Something Like You Made . I Was Inspired My The Tiny Home Show Here In Florida Today Vans School Buses Connverted To Tiny Homes
We just took out a horrible, heavy futon with 2 drawers that was under 1 of the bunkbeds in our RV. Its a nice space for storage now but I still needed a bed there and I didn't want to put another futon that wouldn't give me storage space underneath. So I looked up how to build a bed frame in a van and yours showed up first
Sigh of relief! I knew it wasn't going to be that hard to make thanks to you and everyone that commented adding more ideas to make it sturdier. Thank you & thanks everyone! ❤
Good work! Nice and simple. But I would recommend you (if you don't mind :-) to drill many medium sized holes in the plywood. For ventilation. Because we lose more than a pound (sweat/water) while we're asleep, (well, something like that. :-) it's good to have some ventilation between the plywood and the mattress. To prevent too much humidity which can start developing mold/fungus underneath the mattress. Then you don't have to air out the mattress so often.
When I built my bed frame I used planks instead, and fastened each plank around 1 cm apart from each other. To get the ventilation coming up from underneath.. But drilling lots of holes will do the same thing.
+Vanture That's an excellent idea. I discovered after about three months of travelling in our Roadtrek some dampness and musty smell.
+Vanture That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing with us. I'll drill some holes while still making sure it doesn't weaken the plywood too much :)
really smart and important for your health. a+ good tip.
Exploring Alternatives
Drill 1/4" holes 2" apart for ventilation. Also, you should add metal L-shaped brackets to the plywood and 2x4 legs for security. And you seriously need to screw in some long 2x4s to support the bottom of the legs, long ways. After heavy use, the legs might wobble back and forth losing their strength. If that makes any sense.
I use a mattress protector and haven't found it to be an issue on my plywood frame. Maybe it stops the moisture from entering the mattress to begin with?
Thank you for actually sharing the material used. I was wondering what thickness the plywood should be. This will definitely help me on fixing my build. My last platform did not hold up well.
My wife and I did the same thing and at times lived in it for over a month at a time. We used a memory foam mattress as it is lighter than regular mattress and is softer.Air mattress was always deflating or over filling depending on altitude adjustments and then not working anymore. I do not recommend a permanent mounted frame. I had mine set up so if I needed to I could open the top of the bed to make access easier for cleaning or lost out of reach items. our next one might be a suburban type for the sake of better clearance and 4 wheel drive for ruff accesses terrain. Fun stuff thanks for sharing.
this is the only video Ive found on here with this simple design, thank you for this!!! I have level 1 carpentry skills but can do this! Im gonna do this with the L brackets you advised thanks again!!
Wow! Finally one of the most simple and fastest ways of making a bed frame
Thanks to your video, I was able to build my bed! I made my bed a few inches higher but so simple to make and it is comfortable.
We have a similar setup in our minivan although we only use it for towing our lightweight trailer. The plywood serves as a platform which provides two levels of loading which makes organizing the van a lot easier. We also have dog and cats which ride on the top. Below we use a number plastic bins which are about 10 inches wide by 48 inches long which serve as drawers. Ratchet tiedowns. are fed through holes in the plywood and the ends hook into the pins which were used to secure the seats.
Thanks for the video. Built a removable bed frame for my van using your plan, and it's perfect for summer camping. I used square legs with four screws to make it a bit more stable, and use turnbuckles to anchor to the tether points in the van, so it doesn't move around. Very happy with it.
Thanks. Just built this and it is perfect for my van.
Clever idea! Simple, fast and effective. We enjoy your videos. And again, extra points for neatness. 😉
This what I have been looking for. Thank you tons for this simple, easy and economical bed. It’s what I had in my head but I couldn’t get anyone else to see what I was seeing in my head. Lol I’m hoping to do it next week. 😁😁😁😁👍✌️
Once again very simple.....Watched several videos the last few days and by far your video is the one I plan to use. I have a minivan and your bed frame would work perfect for me.
Happy you found this video helpful. That simple design has worked great for us but I would definitely suggest adding a few little extra support pieces just to make the frame a little stronger. Have fun building :) :)
Exactyl...glue on two triangular wedges 180 degrees apart on each leg middle leg and one wedge on the outside legs...and it'll get incredibly stronger
Worked perfectlu
Nicely done again! Your videos are so easy to follow and very informative. Great idea for maximizing space. Love those hanging organizers on the inside of the doors, too!
Glad to see some videos like this, keep up the good work!
Far be it from me to dissuade anyone from a DIY project and I have built a few bedframes myself along the way. However, here is what I discovered along the highway. You can purchase bi fold or tri fold metal beds pretty cheap, my favorite is the one I now have, Zinus 14 Inch MyEuro SmartBase / Wooden Slat / Mattress Foundation / Platform Bed Frame / Box Spring Replacement, Full size..(Amazon $69 , no tax and free shipping if your a Prime member), the dimensions are 54" wide x 75" long and 14" high... Yes, 14 inches of storage underneath... plus it is designed for memory foam or gel foam so it has wood slats instead of springs... I have this one in my 1/2 ton Dodge Ram van.. the last one I had was a tri fold with springs and it worked real well in my GMC 3/4 ton van.. just a thought.
yeah but where is the fun in buying it instead of building it? I feel like if you build your own, you will feel more gratification.
Hey thanks for the information and for your take on how you like the store bought bed frame. I've watched a lot of van build videos and this sounds perfect for what I would like to have in my van. Thanks again.
Another one here thanking you for the suggestion. Appreciate it!
In a full size van that's fantastic. I'm building out a minivan right now and 14 inches of storage is just not feasible if I want to retain headspace. I'm looking at 8-10 inches
Great idea Vanture! Ventilation is so important.
L shaped brackets would be good in those corners.
A good ol Futon bed is the best.
I went out of my way to make a light bed set up for my hiace and once finished it dawned on me that a futon is way more useful. Would never change it.
Excellent design and build. Also great that you got so much of the actual work done at the home improvement store.
Looks like it turned out better than expected.
Good Vibrations!
Nice job guys, cheap, strong and light - well done
And just like that, your van is forever a permanent bed!
i like it. the simplest things and ways are usually the best.
Very simple design and simple, but descriptive video. Thanks!
When i built mine. I made mine so it would be a bench seat as well. I had a futon mattress built to the size of the back of the van.
You had a futon mattress built/ made?
May I ask where and who did that for you?
You could add a 2x3 x ? A rout by the wheel well, fenders on the inside this will stop it from sliding and stop storage from the back sliding forward, just an idea.
Thank you! Where have you been all of my van life! 😍
Simple cutting of wood products, like you used, are always for free in german hardware stores. I would support the construction with reinforced metal angles.
As always, very informative and helpful. Thanks!
Some times simple is best, you just proved that fact, good job.
Excellent presentation. Really simple and easy to understand. Thank you!
it was wasnt it, truly the best video n most simple n effective bed ever.
This is exactly what I need, thank you!
Very nice. Great storage underneath. Perhaps adding a two inch memory foam topper would give you a little more comfort.
Cool...quick & easy !
ENJOY....THE SIMPLE LIFE
+Wolf Travels2 Thank you!
Nice and simple. What I’m looking for. Thanks
simple, yet it works, good job guys !
Video delivers on super easy bed frame. Thank you!
OMG I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR THIS VIDEO! No one I follow has done one yet.
+Jonathan Perez No problem, happy it was helpful. Don't forget to add in some small support triangles if you end up doing it...I would make sure to glue and screw those in too =)
I intend to start my van life journey in February in the mean time I'm gathering information and trying to formulate a plan
All so a van dweller, found good strong cardboard, with strong construction inside, that helps with condensation when it gathers under your matters.....
great stuff ! I like to see those Vent's as well and make it so you can fould it together -- on a "Shit day " - Have fun !!!
Wow, such simple n easy project, thk u
Yes,
Thanks Sir.
I bought a van this week
Great video! Thanks for posting 😊
Very nice, simple is good!
+WannaBFree Thank you :)
Thats great. Easier than what I was thinking
Wow thanks so much. Thats cool that the store can cut it too
I am going to try this looks great!
great video!:) you have made your own bed!! Don't forget to ventilate your matras..
Thanks! I did it for my son's van
Cool, very simple.
Great idea. Short video. Can work budgets. Subbed!
Awesome, great job!
Great idea! Thanks
Thanks for the video - can you make a video showing how much room did you lose in the front of the van - now that the bed is bigger.
Great tip thank you for the help
I give u credit bro. Looks good and im sure its comfy. Thumbs up bro.
Nice and easy idea!! thanks
Love a large daybed. No need to make the entire bed every night.
very nice ! seems solid to me! you could put a coke box up front behind seat too if room to brace and take along cold drinks!
Perfect!
very nice and practical construction.
As already mentioned by several others, simple L-brackets can effectively increase the probability that the construction remains as it is.
Moisture will surely be a challenge, not only the moisture you two produce during night but also simple air humidity (depending on where you are and how the weather is). The plywood works as barrier for humidity, and if it is cool moisture will even condense at the surface of the plywood - ideal environment for mold and whatever ...
The moisture problem can be reduced by regularly turning and lifting the matress, additional holes in the plywood (but you need really many holes of huge diameter - 2" minimum), and by using an extra layer between matress and plywood. Maybe any cheap blanket could be used for that purpose, it should be synthetic material, any fluffy fabric in order to store some air and humidity - and this thing also has to be regularly dried at free air.
There is also an ancient but meanwhile very exotic alternative to your mattress setup which would also help to deal with the moisture problem. I do not simply recommend it since it costs usually quite some bucks and one should really try first whether one can bear it or not ... but I want to share my personal experience: I used many years only a sheepskin (complete with the fleece) without any mattress (instead of plywood I had an old door leaf as base, and a simple blanket between this leaf and the sheepskin). I had to do that due to some health problems and it took me some while to get used to it, but after some initial challenges I was finally many years totally happy with that solution.
Translated to your setup: a blanket on top of the plywood and a sheepskin (for each) on top of the blanket, done. The sheepskins can be easily aired out, so you won't have moisture problems. About the comfort: directly placed on plywood without any mattress it is hard, forget about it if you need soft. Else: in olden days, sheepskins were even used in hospitals and old age homes in order to reduce the probability of pressure ulcers (these skins were called medical sheepskins and sold by medical stores, but I guess they were simply - any - sheepskins). The fleece provides an air buffer and keeps nice warm during cold season, but it is still comfortable during hot season. Some people use a sheepskin also on their car seat. Or they pack their babies in such skins ... very old school ;-)
thanks for this!!!!
looks good guys. nice video
Awesome!
You got the video name perfect. Cheers
Amazing.
Awesome thank you 🦋
Pretty cool
Awesome video 👍👍
Your voice is so calming lol
Wow for not having tools you did pretty well. The glue won't do anything with a connection like that, but BRAVO.
nice job guys!
+Greg E Thanks Greg :)
so helpful tyy
Simple is good!
Awesome stuff
You definitely need to add gussets (the triangle pieces you mentioned) to the tops of the legs. Once the van goes down the road the bed is going to move around and the legs will loosen up even with the wood glue. I would also add 2x4s between the legs going length wise with the van (front to rear).
perfect!
Very nicely done, I like it, I will make like yours. 👍👍.
Ah, to have a young back again! I need / want more flex in my mattress frame. :-)
+John Norris Yeah, the futon mattress isn't perfect but it was free. Maybe some day we'll have to upgrade to something a little better.. :)
+Exploring Alternatives - I appreciate the simple and sturdy design. I guess I was reacting to the idea of walking around with a stiff back the next day. It is a definite upgrade for the size and storage improvements.
very cool!
I like this idea and I plan to do something similar. I'm curious, how do you get accustom to life in the van if it is mostly bedspace?
After watching this video I went and measured our van and realized it would be cutting off a lot of space towards the front. I think we are content with the current bed/bench because I am the tallest at only 5'9" :) I still like the idea though!
how are you going to attach the bead frame to the van? Im worried about drilling into the floor and drilling through something important. Im thinking about bolting it down with some brackets shaped as an L
hello, how are you doing today? Today, I complete you sample bed frame today in my minivan. It took a longer to build. I add a storage box. Overall, I am very happy with the bed frame. also, I plan to take can extended drive in a few months. How do I get accustom to taken long drive and sleeping in a small quarter. Thank you Matt.
hi awesome vids you make i was just wondering if youre still using the frame and how it is holding up it looks like a nice idea i might do myself one time.
nice video
Hi. Have you tried thermos cooking? Could you do a video on it? Thanks.
Great video! Just wondering if this is your new vehicle? Also what do you do about insulation if it's cold? Or hot? Or what if it rains or a lot of condensation? Thanks!
use some 1/8 paneling bottem in storage area, use it like a drawer slide in an out.
great job :)
thanks , I will do something similar, cheap, simple and fast !
Thank you!!