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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Scott & Heather on February 24, 2016, 04:12:13 PM

Title: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: Scott & Heather on February 24, 2016, 04:12:13 PM
We are needing some way out of the box ideas on how to install two bunk beds in the front the coach over the drivers area or that General vicinity. Trying to figure out configuration ideas.... Anyone have an out of the box idea for this? Obviously two lift elevator beds stacked would probably do the trick but looking for any fresh ideas.


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Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on February 24, 2016, 05:27:57 PM
Are these for kids?  If so, try this out of the box idea. It won't take up much space in your bus and you can store other things on here when they are not sleeping.   ;D
Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on February 24, 2016, 05:47:43 PM
On a more serious note, you could design a mechanism where the bunk would come down from over the driver and passenger seats.  You could build it out of 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 aluminum square tubing with a sheet of plywood and a mattress on top.

Then you could fold it down from the ceiling, keeping it level all the way with one of these three mechanisms.  A scissor jack, a ball screw or a spring loaded system where it lifts up out of the way similar to an attic staircase.  Of course you will have to design a method to lock it up in place while traveling so it does not fall down when you hit a bump.

It would probably be designed such that the bottom of the bottom bunk would just barely clear the steering wheel, so if it came down when you were driving it would not be a pretty picture.

You should look at some of the Toy Haulers to see how they do it and maybe you can even pick up a unit from them and just bolt it in place and save yourself a lot of work.

It may be similar to the photo below.
Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: MB LeMirage on February 24, 2016, 06:11:25 PM
We have been considering one or two of these for in the living room of the bus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IXom_Zv9_U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IXom_Zv9_U)
While it is not over the drivers area it might be safer and practical in either configuration.
Ryan.
Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: MB LeMirage on February 24, 2016, 06:20:43 PM
There are several variations of the same theme if you Google around. Lots of good ideas out there.
Ryan.
Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: Oonrahnjay on February 24, 2016, 06:28:13 PM
Quote from: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on February 24, 2016, 05:27:57 PM
Are these for kids?  If so, try this out of the box idea. It won't take up much space in your bus and you can store other things on here when they are not sleeping.   ;D 

    Do they have locks for those drawers????
Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: Scott & Heather on February 24, 2016, 06:49:08 PM
Lol. I love the bookcase bunks! Doing it :) lol. Gary I honestly think I might install lift beds like the photo you posted. Bontragers always has the hardware for those cheap. Ryan, though I love the ingenuity behind that concept, these would be for our kids and we Fulltime so I can't imagine the impracticality of them having to unmake their beds and store them into couch configuration every day. This needs to be permanent setup. Pushing a button to lift the beds beyond head height every morning is just about the max we will want to do.


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Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: MB LeMirage on February 24, 2016, 07:02:16 PM
Fair enough.
Ryan.
Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: RJ on February 24, 2016, 07:25:54 PM
Quote from: Scott Bennett on February 24, 2016, 06:49:08 PM
Ryan, though I love the ingenuity behind that concept, these would be for our kids and we Fulltime so I can't imagine the impracticality of them having to unmake their beds and store them into couch configuration every day.

So much for my suggestion to copy the '73-'78 GMC Motorhome's convertible sofa idea. . .  :(

FWIW & HTH. . .

;)
Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: VegasFlyer on February 24, 2016, 07:42:02 PM
How about something like this?

http://happijac.com/bed-lifts.html

We have them in our Toy Hauler.


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Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: Scott & Heather on February 24, 2016, 07:57:51 PM
Vegas, I'm thinking that may be my best option...for front bunks.


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Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: VegasFlyer on February 24, 2016, 08:24:16 PM
They work great for quick beds, however, in the front it might be a pain if you have them down and then need to use your door.


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Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: Scott & Heather on February 25, 2016, 06:00:13 AM
True....ok side door time


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Title: Re: Need creative bunk bed ideas
Post by: daddyoften on February 25, 2016, 06:38:48 AM
Hence the reason we are doing a side door! 8) we have a buffalo with the front hump raised so we already have a taller roof line up there but I'm designing a large drop down bunk for our 3 little girls. Thank you all for the ideas as well
Eric

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