I am looking for ideas.
The bedroom in our MC7 is fully functional as is but I would like to turn it into a dual use room: bedroom at night and setting room/office by day.
We presently have a queen size bed and nothing else. The back wall over the shelf has been covered with a mirror by the PO which renders the space behind it useless.
I am thinking about tearing out the mirror wall and using that space for a book shelf, TV, and maybe some storage. I would like to have the bed hinged at the side so it would fold up during the day. Possibly the under side of the bed would have a fold down desk to be used in the daytime.
Ideas? Opinions? Comments? Anyone else done something similar? Pictures?
Thanks!
TOM
If you don't mind separate beds, why not try 2 day beds or a futon? That way you could have seating and sleeping. They you could do the shelving for books also. Maybe turn it into a bedroom/tv room/library.
I would go with a Murphy type bed and do as you say with a desk that folds down from the bottom side of bed. Build book cases with base cabinets that have pullouts for printers and other perifials. I am just a few miles away from you right now at Bruce knee's place and would be glad to meet with you to help with some planning or to do the work for you.
You can call me at 239-292-1750 Ron
Our bedroom is multi-use but the only furniture needed is the bed. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Two ideas come to mind. One is the previously stated Murphy bed. The other is what I used in my truck and what Safari motorhomes (and other toy haulers use in the back)- an elevator bed. Down for night time use, raises to the ceiling for day time use. Could build a fold up desk under the bed, or sofas, etc. With both the Murphy and elevator bed, you can still use the mattress of choice, compared to a sleeper sofa with its' thin mattress. Good Luck, TomC
Why not try a bunk bed. I am going to look into it in my conversion when I gut it. Wife on the bottom and me on top bed. This would free up more space for something else, a desk, computer stand etc. Been married 35 years so we don't always need to be next to each other. When I snore she can just boot me from the bottom bunk. ;D ;D
I made a home-made queen murphy. It's not lightweight, with a *thick* home-style matress, but have three 120 lb. air-springs and I can almost raise and lower with my fingertips.
Construction:
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbusbuilding.com%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2006%2F12%2Fbeddown.jpg&hash=1ebb7628bb21ef0e78ebb95ed86c52a1f70a6f8a) (https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbusbuilding.com%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2006%2F12%2Fbedup.jpg&hash=dcc75d6399e00c10112859f2ac95fdc96bd001ef)
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Someone else bought a store-bought mechanism, but the problem with those is that they hinge too close to the wall for centering the thing when down, so that both parties have a walkway. I didn't want one side against the wall.
I had to do some head-scratchin to get it centered when lowered while at the same time not be too high up to the ceiling to allow full verticalness.
I also made it tall enough when lowered to just clear a cedar-chest which is used for linen storage and a sitting bench. Future plans include attaching a headboard to the cedarchest which would be a seat back during the say but becomes a headboard at night when the bed is lowered.
And future plans also include exactly the fold-down desktop you described! Good thinkin'!
Oldman,
Safari treck's layout was done with the bed coming down in the LR incorperated. They were little coaches. 28 feet, but they lived like a 38 footer, I feel. They had a really spacious bathroom suite with huge closets in the rear and it was also a dresing room. The bed was part of the ceiling of the LR. Down side was that the bed rested on the tops of the couch and table and was 4 feet high off the floor. You had to get in bed from the bottom so clambering to bed was the proceedure. Incredible how much space and luxury it added to that "little" coach. It also put your entertainment center in both the bed room and living room. That design adds 10 feet of living space to your coach so you can splurge on other stuff. I would do it in a minute.... but wifey???? Always a rub, aye what?
2 cents,
John
Thank you Bobofthenorth, that was better than most of the jokes I post.
Rocklers has 2 sets of plans for Murphy beds. One has a fold down desk on it. No's 31942 and 90829. One set can be mounted to the wall at the end or the side of the bed.
the plans are reasonably priced at $10 and $13 but the hardware for the beds is a little pricey at $260. That's $200 more than I have in my bed.
Ed
Hey everyone, great pictures! My lady friend suggested to me that if each space in the planned coach conversion could do double or triple duty, it would make the bus much more useable. She is always right. I guess the key is how much effort is spent converting from use to use-from duty to duty.
Your rear dinette area really begs to also be used as a sleeping area. What else could it be used for? Office? Day seating? Game rooom? Card table? TV room? Ham radio shack? Computer room? Underseat storage? Hobby storage? Alcohol storage? Secret smuggler contraband bays? :) :) :)
Thanks for the ideas! At least I know other folks have done this with success.
I should have added a little more info.
1. We're not ready for separate beds yet! ;D
2. Roof has not been lifted so the elevator bed would not work unless I want to crawl around the room. :( (although that was the first idea I had)
3. Bob...TO MUCH INFORMATION!!! ;D ;D ;D
4. Ron thanks for the offer but I am really about 3 hours from you and am just in the thinking stage right now.. :) I have to think, plan, and get the wifes approval!
I also want to modify the back area of my bus to make it more versatile. I am going to make mine a U shaped lounge that will convert into a bed. I captured these photos from a bus that was for sale on eBay. I thought it was neat that it could be converted from a queen bed, to two single beds, or to a lounge (note the mount for a table in the floor).
Actually when thinking more about it, my bedroom is multipurpose. My queen bed is raised so my entire water system is underneath- 130 gal water tank, hot and cold manifold system, 2-10 gal water heaters, 2 water pumps, solenoid and plumbing for the radiator misters. Course if you have your water system underneath the floor, then you will have all the space to play with-I couldn't-since I have a transit with minimal under floor storage. Good Luck, TomC
My bedroom used to be multi use but as of lately I've only been sleeping in it :-[
We have been trying to come up with ideas for ways to make better use of the bedroom space too. Our first bus has a queen bed that is hard to make and get into and out of. We are planning twin beds for the 4107. We are accustom to a king sized bed. Two twins equal a king. Being 35' we need the best use of all the space.
Some of the ideas we have been kicking around are:
1. Have one bed fold up against the wall to reveal desk space under it. Problem, needs to be a bit too high, would block window.
2. Build a fold down desk from the foot of one of the beds that would cover foot of the mattress. Problem, thickness of the mattress.
3. A sliding panel that would pull out from under the head of one bed across the isle and rest on the other bed frame to form a desk. Problem, narrow isle. A couple of these and you can slide the twin beds together for king sized action. ::)
4. Build the bathroom sink at the foot of one bed and a fold down desktop to cover it for day use. Problem, I like it, wife, not so much. Alternate, no bathroom sink at all since the kitchen sink is so close, again, wife not so much.
5. Put one bed along the side low with the other across the back on top of the engine doghouse with the foot over lapping the side bed leaving the other side open for desk/counter space. Problem, we are getting to old for gymnastics just to get into and out of bed. Hard to make use of the space behind crosswise bed. Hard to make the rear bed.
What are we going to do? I am collecting cardboard to fab up a couple mattress sized boxes to play with and see how they fit.
Don 4107
I've probably built a half dozen foam mattresses over the years. Before you buy any overpriced, heavyweight mattresses give this some thought.
I use two pieces. One is 2-3" thick of medium firm, the base is 4-6" of very firm. I put these two together inside a padded mattress cover with the softer one on top so it will have enough give to conform to body shapes. I would have preferred soft for the top but it wasn't available. The very firm is the base with very little give. Of course the platform for the mattress must be solid, I use 3/4" plywood.
This works just as well as the overpriced "memory" foams and at a fraction of the cost.
I just did one like this for the bus. The top was still a bit too firm for me so I added another one inch softer bed topper. That is still a bit firm so I plan to add still another. That is the nice thing about this method, you can do anything you want.
I buy all of my foam from JC Penny mail order. The quality is first rate and the price is reasonable. The toppers I buy at WM.
That's exactly how Malibu builds up their foam for the upholstery in their high end ski boats.
We built the mattress in the old bus using a foam base and memory foam on top. The 4107 will have an air bladder mattress on my side (very lite, easy to move, fold) and the wife likes foam. Another reason for the twin bed, each to their own.
Don 4107
Don,
My couch in the front of the bus, can be a twin sized bed or folded up along the wall. I initially bought it from an RV surplus place. I'm now only using the cushions having completely redsigned and rebuilt it so that the back is now angled comfortably. Basically the cushioning is a twin sized foam mattress cut along the long dimension to make seat and back cushions when it's used as a couch. It actually is a pretty comfortable bed. I guess my bedroom is 'dual use' because when we use the bath tub, the closet, normally over it gets rolled back into the bedroom. Living with 35 feet has it's challenges.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120
We have a Select Comfort mattress at home now. It is, or course, air filled. We have considered using the same kind in the bus in our "multi use" bedroom. The up side would be it can be deflated quickly which would allow a lot more flexibility in a fold up/bend over/whatever type bed. Downside is they are very hot. Wonderful in the winter, but requires extra A/C in the summer. We haven't given up on this idea yet.
Thanks again for all the ideas! I still say this board is full of geniuses. ;D ;D
How bout large throw pillows or husband pillows aginst the wall in the day time to make it a lounge and the fold/swing in desk, kinda like a the hospital tables and a couple laptops/etc.
Gus, or any of you that used the foam for mattresses....
Did you cover the foam with anything or do you just stack them and put the sheets on? How do you keep them together? Do you glue them together, or what?
craig
I watched them do it at the Malibu factory Craig. All they do is use contact cement to stick the layers together.
This is intriguing.
At JC Penney website, I can get two pieces of foam 3" each, one firm, one extra firm, in queen size, and then cut them in half and make two bunk bed mattresses for about $75 each.
Queen for the master for about $150. Seems decent, but I haven't priced the mattress factory price, yet.
Someone else posted another link in another thread about another place to order foam. Need to look into that one, too.
Craig,
I used 3 layers in my mattress s. 3" of ILD 55 (very firm) on the bottom, 3" of ILD 36 (medium) in the middle and 1" of ILD 15 (soft) latex on the top. The layers aren't glued together but are sort of held together in a zippered mattress cover. I got the mattress cover from the foam supplier. I'm very pleased with them, they are very comfortable.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120
Thanks Jerry.
I was looking at the site you posted the other day (I think it was you that posted it). Looks like your mattress w/ cover would be about $350 for a queen size. Is that about right?
craig
You might want to check out the foam ratings in person. Firm foam is VERY firm. Foam is also used to make seat bottoms where most of your weight is concentrated in a rather small area compared to lying down. This is why if you have a dinette or such that makes down to a bed in the typical S&S or boat it is a VERY hard mattress to sleep on if does not bottom out when you are sitting on it. But then maybe you strain the scales a lot less than I do! ;D
Another issue with foam is the thicker or more layers, the firmer it feels. Try to locate a local upholstery shop and give it try before you order. We ended up with medium to light on the bottom. As I said if you put another layer on top it has the effect of making it feel firmer. Go check out the memory foam mattresses and try to get a 'feel' for the firmness of the layers. We have one at home and the bottom layer is much softer than the one we put together for the old bus. Much better to sleep on too.
A medium foam base with a 3" memory foam layer on top works pretty well for us. You don't need to attach the layers. In fact I would avoid it because the top layer will wear out and soil first. Memory foam even faster.
If you use memory foam one of the secrets to getting the best performance out of it or other foam is to use loose fitting and/or sheets that will stretch. Other wise you get the drum head effect. That is in order to sink in to the foam you have to depress the whole area around you because of the tight sheet. Makes the foam feel much firmer than it is. Mattress covers can cause this also.
Good luck
Don 4107
I'm straining my memory here but I had a foam mattress when I was a kid ( yes! I was actually young a very long time ago!!!) and it seems to me it was hot also. Of course, this was before A/C and I think the earth was still cooling..... Is the newer foam "less" hot?
Craig,
Yes it was me that posted a link to 'FoambyMail. The $350 sounds about right, as I recall I paid about $300 for my two twin size mattress. But that was a couple of years ago and oil prices have jumped substantially.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120
Quote from: ChuckMC9 on October 29, 2007, 10:11:55 AM
I made a home-made queen murphy. It's not lightweight, with a *thick* home-style matress, but have three 120 lb. air-springs and I can almost raise and lower with my fingertips.
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ChuckMC9:
I'm interested to see that you have a shoji panel at the rear of your bedroom - I became aware of them as a way of to make a room look bigger after seeing them used very effectively in a large power boat, and was thinking of putting some in my bus too - way more subtle and stylish than the usual mirrors etc. I'd be interested to know how yours is constructed and whether it is back-lit etc (or is it just covering a window?).
Jeremy
Quote from: Jeremy on November 02, 2007, 11:05:29 AM
I'm interested to see that you have a shoji panel at the rear of your bedroom
...
I'd be interested to know how yours is constructed and whether it is back-lit etc (or is it just covering a window?).
Hiya, Jeremy -
I must confess it's a store-bought shoji, purchased a few years ago when they "were all the rage." I do plan to get someone to fabricate a real one as I take a second (or third) pass through the coach and begin upgrading to more permanent solutions. It is positioned in front of the shower, which has a translucent surround, and the nice light you see comes from a skylight directly over the shower. I have an unusual rear-bath floorplan, and so far using it in the real world, the layout has worked splendidly for me. It would *not*, however, be appropriate for almost everyone else. What's that expression? Transports six, feeds four and sleeps TWO.... ONLY! ;)
Now just imagine a nubile young thing taking a shower in this photo about now. Remember those old movies that showed the backlit shadow of a comeley young lass on a screen? Yeah!
If you want to see a most professional job of shoji's, take a look at Christopher's magnificent Neoplan:
http://www.frybrid.com/bus.htm
Quote from: ChuckMC9 on November 02, 2007, 05:09:21 PM
Now just imagine a nubile young thing taking a shower in this photo about now. Remember those old movies that showed the backlit shadow of a comeley young lass on a screen? Yeah!
HAvin trouble with the imagination, we need pictures! :D
Quote from: NewbeeMC9 on November 03, 2007, 05:06:04 AM
HAvin trouble with the imagination, we need pictures! :D
Coming soon to a BBS near you! LOL
Quote from: ChuckMC9 on November 03, 2007, 06:26:49 AM
Quote from: NewbeeMC9 on November 03, 2007, 05:06:04 AM
HAvin trouble with the imagination, we need pictures! :D
Coming soon to a BBS near you! LOL
You ain't postin' my pictures!!!
Cat,
That is the BEST comeback I have heard lately!
HILARIOUS!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
And who was it that recently mentioned hijacking threads? LOL
Richard
Quote from: bubbaqgal on November 03, 2007, 07:12:23 AM
Quote from: Dallas on November 03, 2007, 07:06:30 AM
Quote from: bubbaqgal on November 03, 2007, 06:47:21 AM
Quote from: ChuckMC9 on November 03, 2007, 06:26:49 AM
Quote from: NewbeeMC9 on November 03, 2007, 05:06:04 AM
HAvin trouble with the imagination, we need pictures! :D
Coming soon to a BBS near you! LOL
You ain't postin' my pictures!!!
Wanna Bet? ;D
Wanna live?
After looking back!