Enjoy viewing your work I have a piece of advice Ive been a time served cabinetmaker for 46 years and just need to pass my knowledge on, as I've seen not only your self but many other people make the same mistake joining timber Thin piece of timber should always be attached to the thicker piece this way the job will be much stronger. So if you where joining a piece of 20mm thick ply to a 30mm piece of frame work it should be screwed from the plywood into the thicker material. Allso these days DIY tools are cheap conpaired to tools when I was young. Invest in a biscuit jointer there truly amazing tools and make very strong joints fast accurate and are very simple to use. Using 45 degree's mitred joints give a larger area to joint using a double biscuit one on top of the other with a space in between will make any joint super strong for furniture. Also when you own a biscuit jointer many items you could show how to make giving your self a huge scope for making interesting videos for the average DIY skilled persons saving a fortune from employing a cabinet maker. I was taught the old way and that way was to make every job twice as strong as it needs to be.
Thanks for the info, Karl! Every bit of knowledge passed down is precious. Cabinet making is the ultimate woodworking skill. I hope to be good at it myself. Not only do you save money, but many cabinet makers will not work on vans.
@@avocado3748 Netty, whenever you read technical instructions in any profession that are hard to understand, follow this process: Take one sentence at a time. Isolate the word that you are not 100% clear about. Google it, and view IMAGES, then ALL. You will get a sense of the word, what it looks like, what it means, and correct terminology so you can research it further. This will help you out whether you are researching wood working, jewelry making, sewing, cooking, or any other craft. You do not need formal training in anything, though it helps with the terminology, and basis of understanding and fills gaps in knowledge. Here is how to interpret what Karl was saying: 1. Joinery is the art of making pieces of wood joined to each other. Any time you have one thinner piece and one thicker piece, you screw them together from the thin side into the thick side. Why? Because the wider screw head is on the thinner more fragile side pinning it down securely. The tip of the screw is embedded in the thick, dense wood, not the brittle plywood, and so will not come off easily when weight is applied. Makes sense, doesn't it? 2. Biscuit Jointer - Tool to make slots in wood (not plywood but solid wood), so that a biscuit can be slipped into it. A biscuit is a small flat oval shaped piece of wood that will serve to join two wood boards together. So if you had narrow planks that you had to glue together to use as a wider countertop, instead of just gluing them together at the joins, you would cut a slot with a biscuit joiner all along the edge of each board, fill the slot with wood glue, slip in a biscuit into one side, then press and clamp the other plank against it till dried and 'cured' fully. Now the planks will not separate easily when you apply weight to the top because it is structurally stronger. 3. Mitered Joint - if you have 2 pieces of narrow wood to join together like a picture frame, then you have the choice of putting one on top of the other and screwing and gluing it down. This is a butt joint and not as stable. What works better, is if you cut each end off to form a 45 degree angle (halfway off), then stick them together as a mitered joint, it will hold weight better due to even distribution of weight. These are tried and true techniques in carpentry, so you don't have to figure them out. A mitered joint does not have to be 45 degrees, but any angle as long as they come together to achieve the end result. Look at any picture frame - it is either a butt joint or miter joint. Mitered joints also look very finished and nice, butt joints look more rustic if you want that effect. Please look up these words and get a sense of wood working. Start playing with wood and making things. Buy only the tools you need for your specific project, and research every tool before you buy. Many variations exist, quality is good in some brands not all, and some are smaller if you are a woman and have small Asian wrists. Wrist fatigue is not good, and can be dangerous with power tools. So research, and buy, and use, and build. I love to see women build things. Its not just a man's job. Just like I like to see men learn to cook, sew, and have a range of skills. Good luck!
Well....I made the canopy bed today!!! I made a couple slight modifications. I used store bought brackets that I had seen for another canopy bed video. I didn't have canvas, so I sewed a sheet into 3 layers. Had my daughter try getting in and out of the bed. No problems. It held her up. I am very pleased. It took $26 and 2 hours! My daughter helped. Thank you!
For those who are not able to sew. We used these beds in scout cabins as a young adult. They were made the same except instead of dowel they used 2x4 . The fabric was stapled to the board and then over wound on the rails to that fabric went over the staples you could rotate boards so bed was cot stiff or unwind it one so that fabric sagged. The sag would be good for kids so they don’t roll out. We had kids up to 250# with never a failure.
That's called a "pipe berth." They've been used on ships for a loooong time. I've often wondered when they would show up in the tiny home world :) Nice execution!
HughTube I was just thinking last night that you could add a lower/closer set of brackets and have a sort of canvas couch. I haven't seen that, maybe it wouldn't be comfortable, because I'm sure someone else had thought of that, probably you! :) cheers!
@@Trefuckor963 I've never heard of it being used for a double berth, but I've never researched it. It would just come down to the engineering specs on the fabric, seam, pipe, and brackets. You could make one big enough for an elephant! I'm sure you'd get some "squeeze" like in a hammock sleeping double, so make sure you're with somebody who'd enjoy that!
How clever! Hugh if you want to add a decorative element, paint the underside of the bed, rather than rolling it up to the rear resting blocks, add a couple hooks above that wall so the painting or print you add to looks like wall art.
Genius! You started the gears spinning in my head... If this could be done running the "length", instead of the "width", us tall guys could use it (I'm 6' 3"). That would then be the absolute BEST bed design ever! Thanks!
Yeah I am 6'2" so I was playing with some ideas to rotate it 90 degrees. It does throw up a lot of issues but if you place some hanging points in the roof before cladding or panelling you could hang one side from the wall and one side from these 'hooks' in the roof!?
I love it! Personally I find cots extremely comfortable, you just need to take precautions to stay warm in the winter. Maybe a hammock underquilt would work well with this?
I love it. I had a swiss army cot that i removed the legs on and used only the canvas and did this to in my shuttle bus while i was both living and working out of it. I've been thinking of doing this again and after lots of searching and searching for inspiration, this is the one I think i'll end up going back to. The extra bonus is these are very comfortable as is, Keeping weight down by not having to have a mattress. I even considered a hammock.
My parents had a converted lwb landrover for camping when I was a kid (1980) and I remember having 2 of these style beds in it for the top 2 people , I had the idea to use some old safari camp beds in a similar fashion to this if I get the time/money to make my own campervan , this is the first time I’ve seen this concept on TH-cam , nicely done :)
There's a very similar child cot in my 1969 VW Camper Van. It's a Westfalia conversion. They have been making cots like that for a very long time. Lots of great ideas in some of the older campers if you do a bit of looking.
This is exactly what I was looking for! We have a home made mini camper, with bud for hubby and me, but not for our daughter. She's 120 lbs. I am hoping to have this done before summer! Thank you!
Brilliant idea, sheer genius! Wonder why the campers of today don't have these options that vintage campers had. Truly innovative for small camper builds. Thank you for giving your partner credit for her work. That was really nice and showed respect for her. Much appreciated by all women!
ive been living in a stealth camper trailer for 20 months and my bed was exactly like this. 900mm wide but caused a bit of shoulder squeeze.i think 1200 would solve all that. the brackets were built into the design when i welded the side frames. the fabric was upholstery canvas with the excess left on as a curtain to hide the underbed storage.
@@HughTube im not traveling.im living in it. just building a 4.7x2.1x2.5 stealth trailer.finished cladding and door and only got lights,decking,and brakes to complete
Smart ! I'm looking for "hammock like" solutions for rv and that's a great one ! For a couple I would add 1 carabiner in the middle of each side so it would make 2 hammocks in one, so guys wouldn't roll into each other, but being able to release the carabiners if they want to roll together... ^^
Im really really really getting inspired watching your post buddy. Everything you need to know is provided by your videos. Keep up the good work old chap.
Hi Hugh. Love your vids and your creative diligence. May I suggest for simplicity 's sake that you fix a template 5mm steel plate, screwed to your nifty little bed pole catches. This will give your all the strength integrity that you require for weight as the tension would be acting directly downwards upon the plate edge rather than face on. This obviously reinforces the same principle of profile as your robust Teak wood lugs. Regards bro.
This is a great idea. You could place additional hangers above. For different distances from the roof. You could also use it for storage of bigger items like foldable tables and chairs.
Ya know to save more room... you could make your main bed below in a similar fashion and then both would just roll up and tuck away. You just want to make sure both are made of really heavy duty cloth and very strong stitching because I think the cloth is going to be the weak link in your design... but it looks solid enough as long as it stands up to the test of time.
Excellent idea! I also imagined a mattress (Murphy Style) that hinges or folds down over your base. Using a designer sheet could allow the mattress to look like art on the wall and then a bed at night. :) cool idea!
Why don't you put two more hangers higher up on the back wall - have a picture put the under side of the bed - so when the bed is stowed away on the back wall you see the picture instead of it just rolled up :)
Hey Frank, the fabric was from here: www.profabrics.co.uk/collections/canvas-marine/products/heavy-duty-polycotton-canvas?variant=6809872771 I will do a follow up!
These were standard issue in the vintage campers - mine is a 1969 Travco Dodge A108 and I still have the original pipes and mounts. Just need to recanvas it
I'd come up with the same thing as a concept in my head and was sure I had not thought of it first so searched for examples, yours is the first I found, nice execution, great stuff. Is it mean that my knee jerk reaction to videos like yours is "He has tools and space to use them, grrrr"?! Again, well done, looks good and using those nice timber blocks instead of throwing them out is excellent. Again, workshop jealousy haha!
Cheers! I don't think you need a lot of tools to make this bed if you're on a budget. You would probably only need a hacksaw, sewing kit, coping saw and a drill (or screwdriver). Good luck with the build!
Add a strap, like a ratchet strap or moving strap across the middle? Attach t pole run under the fabric and maybe put a screw with washer to hold onto wall
This is a GREAT IDEA.....as far as saving space or creating space for other uses, like more storage or more open areas. One question, I am a side sleeper that weighs in at 92 kgs and a side sleeper. Is this fabric comfortable enough and is there a specific 'give' that the material must be set to tension, according to the weight? Thanks!
ok the tricky thing here is guessing what people will like as everyone likes there bed differently. This bed lying on your side will be quite firm but you could sleep on an inflatable camping mattress to distribute weight and take up little space
Seen this in videos but hadn't realised you'd made it. Just spent ages trying to find one for sale online! Think you need to sell theses as I'd love you to build me one.
This is a brilliant idea. I thought about a huge hammock to sleep in, that you can tuck away during the daytime. This is probably better. Lovely. How is it to sleep in like an everyday bed?
The other way to use it is to let the material hang just with one fold, place your bed pillows inside and it will make a nice backrest to your bed/sitting area.
Actually you have a business idea going. Use it as a bed or fold in half or more and use it as a shelf for clothing - books for example if u have no visitors. Just make another blocks towards the roof to hang it higher Extra, removable storage space. Look for a nice name and sell them to Caravaning and boats people. Can also used as a cats bed, clothing line, and so on :)
Hey... Great idea. How about... for extra strength but yet practical for more use of empty space... how thin cabinet that is the same thickness as the blocks that runs from the bottom of the blocks to the top of the bed and to the floor on the other side.... or perhaps just like legs under the table. And for the in between space, a simple net to store your blankets and pillows in. It could reduce usage on other cabinet space as well as having all blankets and sheet closer to the bed area... and... if not used... it would make a softer headrest, too and bottom of the bed.... and... it would give your wife something to construct... Just an idea...
This is exactly what I've been looking for! Trying to figure out bunks for a 5 and 7 year old. Really stupid question though. I'm building a teardrop off a utility trailer. And have VERY limited experience. The walls will be 3/4 plywood. What type of support would these brackets need? Kids are currently around 50 and 70 pounds, but I'd like it to work for a few years.
So 3/4 ply is thick ply which is good if you cut the bracket from the same material and screwed to that wall it would be plenty strong enough. But the brackets would be a tad shallow so you could double up the ply just so the rods don’t slip out
Check out "Toy Haulers" they have a bed with mattress for above the cargo area way in back by the ramp door that raises and lowers via elec. with vertical tracks (4) in the wall. As always, Free Ideas, Use Em or Lose Em.
hi. im.looking for the video on sofias channel but i cannot find it. can you post it here please. Also when you fixed the 4 wooden supports into the walls. what were you screwing them into?
Hi Lexy, Sophia didn't make a video on this sorry. the supports screwed through my cladding into the battens that were screwed to the steel frame of the van
Thanks for your content. I just purchased a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. I am hoping to get my hands on some design files (ideally I can open in TinkerCAD format .stl, .obj or .svg, or any drawings/diagrams/measurements of bed/cabinet/kitchen alternate setups etc) that I can take inspiration from modify to my personal liking to get the best result possible. I thought I might ask if you would be so kind as to forward any design files that you have that may help me, also if you are aware currently of any useful/necessary items for vanlife selling at a really good price/value I would very much appreciate any help/advice you can provide. Thanks and safe travels!
I am not sure as I didn't test to destruction but you could build the parts and then a frame (outside of the van) that holds the bed a few inches off the ground and test getting in and out to see if any parts break/snap/rip.
Really well done! I thought this might be a good option for a lightweight upper cabinet base too. Combine with a couple of stretchy cords to create some front rails.
I love this Hugh... just one concern though. What were the blocks screwed into? If it is just cladding and the board behind, would there not be a risk they could end up pulling away from the wall and bringing your wall/cladding with it!? 😐
I have not because it is acheiving what I need it to but you could reinforce yourself but lining up struts behind the cladding and screwing or gluing them to the steel. These could then act as the extra strength you need.
Enjoy viewing your work I have a piece of advice Ive been a time served cabinetmaker for 46 years and just need to pass my knowledge on, as I've seen not only your self but many other people make the same mistake joining timber Thin piece of timber should always be attached to the thicker piece this way the job will be much stronger. So if you where joining a piece of 20mm thick ply to a 30mm piece of frame work it should be screwed from the plywood into the thicker material. Allso these days DIY tools are cheap conpaired to tools when I was young. Invest in a biscuit jointer there truly amazing tools and make very strong joints fast accurate and are very simple to use. Using 45 degree's mitred joints give a larger area to joint using a double biscuit one on top of the other with a space in between will make any joint super strong for furniture. Also when you own a biscuit jointer many items you could show how to make giving your self a huge scope for making interesting videos for the average DIY skilled persons saving a fortune from employing a cabinet maker. I was taught the old way and that way was to make every job twice as strong as it needs to be.
Thanks so much Karl, love this passing of knowledge! Absolute legend!
Carl you need to make a video so us novice folks can understand what you’re saying 😊
Thanks for the info, Karl! Every bit of knowledge passed down is precious. Cabinet making is the ultimate woodworking skill. I hope to be good at it myself. Not only do you save money, but many cabinet makers will not work on vans.
@@avocado3748 Netty, whenever you read technical instructions in any profession that are hard to understand, follow this process: Take one sentence at a time. Isolate the word that you are not 100% clear about. Google it, and view IMAGES, then ALL. You will get a sense of the word, what it looks like, what it means, and correct terminology so you can research it further. This will help you out whether you are researching wood working, jewelry making, sewing, cooking, or any other craft. You do not need formal training in anything, though it helps with the terminology, and basis of understanding and fills gaps in knowledge. Here is how to interpret what Karl was saying:
1. Joinery is the art of making pieces of wood joined to each other. Any time you have one thinner piece and one thicker piece, you screw them together from the thin side into the thick side. Why? Because the wider screw head is on the thinner more fragile side pinning it down securely. The tip of the screw is embedded in the thick, dense wood, not the brittle plywood, and so will not come off easily when weight is applied. Makes sense, doesn't it?
2. Biscuit Jointer - Tool to make slots in wood (not plywood but solid wood), so that a biscuit can be slipped into it. A biscuit is a small flat oval shaped piece of wood that will serve to join two wood boards together. So if you had narrow planks that you had to glue together to use as a wider countertop, instead of just gluing them together at the joins, you would cut a slot with a biscuit joiner all along the edge of each board, fill the slot with wood glue, slip in a biscuit into one side, then press and clamp the other plank against it till dried and 'cured' fully. Now the planks will not separate easily when you apply weight to the top because it is structurally stronger.
3. Mitered Joint - if you have 2 pieces of narrow wood to join together like a picture frame, then you have the choice of putting one on top of the other and screwing and gluing it down. This is a butt joint and not as stable. What works better, is if you cut each end off to form a 45 degree angle (halfway off), then stick them together as a mitered joint, it will hold weight better due to even distribution of weight. These are tried and true techniques in carpentry, so you don't have to figure them out. A mitered joint does not have to be 45 degrees, but any angle as long as they come together to achieve the end result. Look at any picture frame - it is either a butt joint or miter joint. Mitered joints also look very finished and nice, butt joints look more rustic if you want that effect.
Please look up these words and get a sense of wood working. Start playing with wood and making things. Buy only the tools you need for your specific project, and research every tool before you buy. Many variations exist, quality is good in some brands not all, and some are smaller if you are a woman and have small Asian wrists. Wrist fatigue is not good, and can be dangerous with power tools. So research, and buy, and use, and build. I love to see women build things. Its not just a man's job. Just like I like to see men learn to cook, sew, and have a range of skills. Good luck!
Well....I made the canopy bed today!!! I made a couple slight modifications. I used store bought brackets that I had seen for another canopy bed video. I didn't have canvas, so I sewed a sheet into 3 layers. Had my daughter try getting in and out of the bed. No problems. It held her up. I am very pleased. It took $26 and 2 hours! My daughter helped. Thank you!
so sorry for such a late reply! That is such great news! glad it is working for you.
Hi! Where did you get the store bought brackets please? I'm looking to do the same!
For those who are not able to sew. We used these beds in scout cabins as a young adult. They were made the same except instead of dowel they used 2x4 . The fabric was stapled to the board and then over wound on the rails to that fabric went over the staples you could rotate boards so bed was cot stiff or unwind it one so that fabric sagged. The sag would be good for kids so they don’t roll out. We had kids up to 250# with never a failure.
Richard that is a great tip! didn't even think to mount to some 2x4
That's called a "pipe berth." They've been used on ships for a loooong time. I've often wondered when they would show up in the tiny home world :) Nice execution!
Funnily enough I spent some time on a boat after building this and saw this type of bed! Thanks for the comments
HughTube I was just thinking last night that you could add a lower/closer set of brackets and have a sort of canvas couch. I haven't seen that, maybe it wouldn't be comfortable, because I'm sure someone else had thought of that, probably you! :) cheers!
Hi Jacob, another subscriber mentioned about this the other day. It is a great idea!
Hey jacob do you know if a berth can hold 2 people?? Id say around 500 pounds total
@@Trefuckor963 I've never heard of it being used for a double berth, but I've never researched it. It would just come down to the engineering specs on the fabric, seam, pipe, and brackets. You could make one big enough for an elephant! I'm sure you'd get some "squeeze" like in a hammock sleeping double, so make sure you're with somebody who'd enjoy that!
How clever! Hugh if you want to add a decorative element, paint the underside of the bed, rather than rolling it up to the rear resting blocks, add a couple hooks above that wall so the painting or print you add to looks like wall art.
Could also be used as a sun screen or curtain for open rear doors. Great idea about painting!
or use white fabric and use as a projector screen !!
Or if waterproof they could hook between the rear doors as shower curtains.
Genius!
You started the gears spinning in my head... If this could be done running the "length", instead of the "width", us tall guys could use it (I'm 6' 3"). That would then be the absolute BEST bed design ever!
Thanks!
Yeah I am 6'2" so I was playing with some ideas to rotate it 90 degrees. It does throw up a lot of issues but if you place some hanging points in the roof before cladding or panelling you could hang one side from the wall and one side from these 'hooks' in the roof!?
Hiya. I'm 6'4 and thinking exactly the same
I love it! Personally I find cots extremely comfortable, you just need to take precautions to stay warm in the winter. Maybe a hammock underquilt would work well with this?
That’s how the old campers did kids bunks back in the fifties and sixties. Very light weight and compact
This is is exactly what I needed to find to make in a small place and still have room. Thank you for sharing
I love it. I had a swiss army cot that i removed the legs on and used only the canvas and did this to in my shuttle bus while i was both living and working out of it. I've been thinking of doing this again and after lots of searching and searching for inspiration, this is the one I think i'll end up going back to. The extra bonus is these are very comfortable as is, Keeping weight down by not having to have a mattress. I even considered a hammock.
Wow I am a 5 year vandweller and thought I thought of everything but that is a great space saver.
5 years! Thats is an amazing stretch!
Thank you for sharing this! I needed a comfortable guest bed but did not want to take up much space, and this is perfect!
Glad to help!
Easily the most brilliant idea I've seen yet - bravo, dude.
Thanks Tina!
My parents had a converted lwb landrover for camping when I was a kid (1980) and I remember having 2 of these style beds in it for the top 2 people , I had the idea to use some old safari camp beds in a similar fashion to this if I get the time/money to make my own campervan , this is the first time I’ve seen this concept on TH-cam , nicely done :)
got to love a good old landrover
There's a very similar child cot in my 1969 VW Camper Van. It's a Westfalia conversion. They have been making cots like that for a very long time. Lots of great ideas in some of the older campers if you do a bit of looking.
Searched so many options to find the easiest and most reasonable bunk bed for a small camper and this video toped everything else.
Thanks for sharing
great to hear!
This is exactly what I was looking for! We have a home made mini camper, with bud for hubby and me, but not for our daughter. She's 120 lbs. I am hoping to have this done before summer! Thank you!
This is exactly the solution I was looking for. Turning a tiny horse trailer into a camper and this is perfect.
Brilliant idea, sheer genius! Wonder why the campers of today don't have these options that vintage campers had. Truly innovative for small camper builds.
Thank you for giving your partner credit for her work. That was really nice and showed respect for her. Much appreciated by all women!
You have saved me soooo much space using this idea!! Thank you!!
ive been living in a stealth camper trailer for 20 months and my bed was exactly like this.
900mm wide but caused a bit of shoulder squeeze.i think 1200 would solve all that.
the brackets were built into the design when i welded the side frames.
the fabric was upholstery canvas with the excess left on as a curtain to hide the underbed storage.
amazing! How was the 20 months? Where did you travel around?
@@HughTube im not traveling.im living in it.
just building a 4.7x2.1x2.5 stealth trailer.finished cladding and door and only got lights,decking,and brakes to complete
great idea but i will use five poles with a mattress on top and in day time it can be flipped to the rear wall.
This will be great for taking my grandkids on the road with me from time to time!
Smart ! I'm looking for "hammock like" solutions for rv and that's a great one !
For a couple I would add 1 carabiner in the middle of each side so it would make 2 hammocks in one, so guys wouldn't roll into each other, but being able to release the carabiners if they want to roll together... ^^
I've converted a van and am currently redoing a narrowboat so I've done stuff. But that's a seriously clever bit of design.
Thanks Mark
Im really really really getting inspired watching your post buddy. Everything you need to know is provided by your videos. Keep up the good work old chap.
Cheers Gary!
DUDE, you just blew my mind! THAT'S BRILLIANT!
Cheers Albert!
When it's folded you could use it for storage. Fishing rods, poles winter/summer clothes.
Yes you could keep pencils in it , pasta , sheets of paper , knitting needles etc lol 😱
Hi Hugh. Love your vids and your creative diligence. May I suggest for simplicity 's sake that you fix a template 5mm steel plate, screwed to your nifty little bed pole catches. This will give your all the strength integrity that you require for weight as the tension would be acting directly downwards upon the plate edge rather than face on. This obviously reinforces the same principle of profile as your robust Teak wood lugs. Regards bro.
What a great idea. Now I'm rethinking my whole setup (which is still in the imaginary stage) in my pickup camper.
Excellent idea! I'm going to use this for the dog bed in my bus conversion.
Great idea!
That's a good simple design, it would be a bit short for some people, however would make really need extra storage too.
Ahh my wife won't have to sleep on the laundry floor anymore, and she is very grateful thanks
Haha
I think I'm going to steal this idea for my campervan 😈😈
Do it!!! haha
This is a great idea. You could place additional hangers above. For different distances from the roof. You could also use it for storage of bigger items like foldable tables and chairs.
oooo! interesting, that could be a cool mod! thanks!
Nice really simple hammock styled bed... keep pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Great idea!
One suggestion:
If you'd add a third mount on each side closer to the back mount, you could use it for storage while it's folded.
My ex father in law had these in the poptop of his camper. I slept in one. It wasn't as wide as that one but quite comfortable.
Good to know, I may add a super thin mattress topper as well but we will see
That would be good to insulate from underneath fresh air that can be a bummer. :)
STELLAR! Exactly what I was looking for! Easy to make, too (I can woodwork and sew! Well done.
Ya know to save more room... you could make your main bed below in a similar fashion and then both would just roll up and tuck away. You just want to make sure both are made of really heavy duty cloth and very strong stitching because I think the cloth is going to be the weak link in your design... but it looks solid enough as long as it stands up to the test of time.
Good idea, I must admit that with current tests on the bed the fabric and stitching is doing fine but time will tell.
Excellent idea! I also imagined a mattress (Murphy Style) that hinges or folds down over your base. Using a designer sheet could allow the mattress to look like art on the wall and then a bed at night. :) cool idea!
nice idea Eddie!
That's absolutely brilliant, you have every right to be proud.
Why don't you put two more hangers higher up on the back wall - have a picture put the under side of the bed - so when the bed is stowed away on the back wall you see the picture instead of it just rolled up :)
Rick this is a great idea!
The walls taper in so not wide enough for the pole higher up though
Good point matt, it could be rolled up a little and slotted into the brackets at the highest point.
Rick .... good idea
Brilliant design can you show a close up of the Poles and canvas that you used to build the bed and where you purchased it ? Thank you
Hey Frank, the fabric was from here:
www.profabrics.co.uk/collections/canvas-marine/products/heavy-duty-polycotton-canvas?variant=6809872771
I will do a follow up!
Fantastic idea! Might just make one for my RV it's just about the size of a van.
These were standard issue in the vintage campers - mine is a 1969 Travco Dodge A108 and I still have the original pipes and mounts. Just need to recanvas it
This is. Absolutely. BRILLIANT!
Brilliant ! Best tip I have seen so far among van channels. I'm so doing this, would buy you a beer if I could!
thank you very much! I will take you up on that beer if we ever meet!
I'd come up with the same thing as a concept in my head and was sure I had not thought of it first so searched for examples, yours is the first I found, nice execution, great stuff. Is it mean that my knee jerk reaction to videos like yours is "He has tools and space to use them, grrrr"?!
Again, well done, looks good and using those nice timber blocks instead of throwing them out is excellent. Again, workshop jealousy haha!
Cheers! I don't think you need a lot of tools to make this bed if you're on a budget. You would probably only need a hacksaw, sewing kit, coping saw and a drill (or screwdriver).
Good luck with the build!
I love this idea! Very smart and also very convenient! This idea would be great in a "Tiny House" or small cabin as well for daily use!
You need to make more beds and sell them! Awesome!
Cheers Yamie!
Add a strap, like a ratchet strap or moving strap across the middle? Attach t pole run under the fabric and maybe put a screw with washer to hold onto wall
Great idea for a spare! So simple that no one ever even thought about it hahaha no pun intended liked/subbed
Thanks! Welcome to the group!
Great kids bed, good design . I'm also looking for a fold away confortable bed.
Cheers!
I seen this before in a 1965 vintage camper Great for stowing stuff
great idea... you could put another square block under the blocks already in place ..or a two by 4... under them... extra strength
Thanks Pluto
Great idea, havent seen this brilliant yet simple idea before. Thank you for sharing!
no problem
This is a GREAT IDEA.....as far as saving space or creating space for other uses, like more storage or more open areas.
One question, I am a side sleeper that weighs in at 92 kgs and a side sleeper. Is this fabric comfortable enough and is there a specific 'give' that the material must be set to tension, according to the weight?
Thanks!
ok the tricky thing here is guessing what people will like as everyone likes there bed differently. This bed lying on your side will be quite firm but you could sleep on an inflatable camping mattress to distribute weight and take up little space
It’s basically a hammock, love it
Seen this in videos but hadn't realised you'd made it. Just spent ages trying to find one for sale online! Think you need to sell theses as I'd love you to build me one.
Thanks, I think the trickiest part is the canvas part as I don't know how to sew.
My parents had the same solution factoryfitted to our caravan growing up
This is a brilliant idea. I thought about a huge hammock to sleep in, that you can tuck away during the daytime. This is probably better. Lovely. How is it to sleep in like an everyday bed?
Not sure about everyday as I already have my main bed in the van.
Nice job! That's called a "pipe berth" and they're common on boats.
Thanks for letting me know, need to get some terminology under my belt!
I've slept on bunks like these frequently. Suuuuuuper comfy!!
Why do I love the slow motion stuff so much with that music? Lol. Good job.
Cheers!
The other way to use it is to let the material hang just with one fold, place your bed pillows inside and it will make a nice backrest to your bed/sitting area.
Very true!
Superb! Di you have a video of fabric-pole build?
Really sorry but I don't as I had my partner sew it together.
Your channel is so dope Hugh! Thank you for all your contributions to this community :)
Thanks buddy! Just enjoying the journey!!
Actually you have a business idea going. Use it as a bed or fold in half or more and use it as a shelf for clothing - books for example if u have no visitors. Just make another blocks towards the roof to hang it higher Extra, removable storage space. Look for a nice name and sell them to Caravaning and boats people. Can also used as a cats bed, clothing line, and so on :)
Call me Alan Sugar haha
Absolutely brilliant and lovely. Bravo to you both!
Thanks!
Love this idea. I couldn't find Sophia's channel. Can you please link it?
Found it 😊
Just found this video absolutely brilliant idea shall be using this idea in my conversion many thanks
Hey...
Great idea.
How about... for extra strength but yet practical for more use of empty space... how thin cabinet that is the same thickness as the blocks that runs from the bottom of the blocks to the top of the bed and to the floor on the other side.... or perhaps just like legs under the table. And for the in between space, a simple net to store your blankets and pillows in. It could reduce usage on other cabinet space as well as having all blankets and sheet closer to the bed area... and... if not used... it would make a softer headrest, too and bottom of the bed.... and... it would give your wife something to construct...
Just an idea...
Good idea!
Love the design. What are the poles made of?. Wood?. Metal?. Titanium?. Lol
Hi Nancy the details are in the description!
I did it myself thanks to Woodglut.
So brilliant. Thank you!
I'll add it to my small trailer design.
Great to hear thanks John
This is exactly what I've been looking for! Trying to figure out bunks for a 5 and 7 year old. Really stupid question though. I'm building a teardrop off a utility trailer. And have VERY limited experience. The walls will be 3/4 plywood. What type of support would these brackets need? Kids are currently around 50 and 70 pounds, but I'd like it to work for a few years.
So 3/4 ply is thick ply which is good if you cut the bracket from the same material and screwed to that wall it would be plenty strong enough. But the brackets would be a tad shallow so you could double up the ply just so the rods don’t slip out
Check out "Toy Haulers" they have a bed with mattress for above the cargo area way in back by the ramp door that raises and lowers via elec. with vertical tracks (4) in the wall. As always, Free Ideas, Use Em or Lose Em.
Cheers, those look like some serious trailers!!
Thats great Hugh
I have a fixed one for my kids
But takes up a lot of room
Enjoying the progress
Cheers Pete!
hi.
im.looking for the video on sofias channel but i cannot find it.
can you post it here please.
Also when you fixed the 4 wooden supports into the walls. what were you screwing them into?
Hi Lexy, Sophia didn't make a video on this sorry. the supports screwed through my cladding into the battens that were screwed to the steel frame of the van
Thanks for your content. I just purchased a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. I am hoping to get my hands on some design files (ideally I can open in TinkerCAD format .stl, .obj or .svg, or any drawings/diagrams/measurements of bed/cabinet/kitchen alternate setups etc) that I can take inspiration from modify to my personal liking to get the best result possible. I thought I might ask if you would be so kind as to forward any design files that you have that may help me, also if you are aware currently of any useful/necessary items for vanlife selling at a really good price/value I would very much appreciate any help/advice you can provide. Thanks and safe travels!
great idea but how much weight can it hold. im 260 lbs and i wouldn't even try getting on it.
I am not sure as I didn't test to destruction but you could build the parts and then a frame (outside of the van) that holds the bed a few inches off the ground and test getting in and out to see if any parts break/snap/rip.
Hi mate love the idea did Sophia make a video of sewing the canvas and if so do you have a link to the video ?
Woooow i really love it awesome idea its like a huge comfy hammack !!!!
It is comfier than what I thought!
Really well done! I thought this might be a good option for a lightweight upper cabinet base too. Combine with a couple of stretchy cords to create some front rails.
Nice, yeah great idea!
Eat Sleep Van good Idea too
Interesting idea..would like to have seen the bed made..material and poles used
All the details are in the description
Now figure out a way to make it double as a sun shade outside also
What is the weight it can support? Great idea but it looks like will only support under 150lbs if any. Great job either Way!
I am pretty sure my friend who slept in it weighed around the 100kg area.
What a great idea. I would keep the lighter people in the top bed. (Extra security)
Nice idea, but I see it getting in the way of storage solutions that could utilise that space
I can understand that, but this does work for my layout
I love this Hugh... just one concern though. What were the blocks screwed into? If it is just cladding and the board behind, would there not be a risk they could end up pulling away from the wall and bringing your wall/cladding with it!? 😐
Love this idea. Id like to try it in my Renault Trafic for myself.
Do you have a name for this type of bed or any more examples that could help?
Also how far apart are your supports?
I can't remember the width I think it was about 100cm - 110cm. but this type of bed is a camp bed
Wow! Awesome! Hugh, have you reenforced the bed yet? I weigh 173kg and am hoping to make something that could hold me.
I have not because it is acheiving what I need it to but you could reinforce yourself but lining up struts behind the cladding and screwing or gluing them to the steel. These could then act as the extra strength you need.
Hi Hugh, this is a great idea - I'm going to make one of these for our 6 year old. I wondered where you bought the aluminium rods from?
You can find them on ebay!
I like the idea! But when it's very cold inside how do you insulate between you and the cot?
some things that have worked through testing, the best is to open up a sleeping bag and sleep on that.
Phantastic. What a great idea!!!
I figured with one porch spring and hooking it to my rain gutter hang a hammock in my g20 Chevy cargo van
Great idea! You could have also used a hammock with the same design and used if for additional storage hanging from that end. Keep it up!
I am definitely going to add a hammock but was aiming it more for between the van and a tree.
So brilliant! What a fab idea!
Really given me some things to think about.