Bed Platform Question

mike802 · September 21, 2011, 03:04:44 PM

I have been kicking around some ideas on how to build the master bed platform. I was going to build the platform and then overhang a plywood base for the mattress about 3 inches on all 3 sides. Then I got to thinking it might be better to build the platform the same size as my mattress and recess the plywood into the platform. If any of this makes sense, any ideas on how others have done this?

Oonrahnjay · September 21, 2011, 03:26:32 PM

It has always seemed to me that a little overhang under the edges would give you a little more "toe space" under and around the bed. You'd still be able to walk around the bed and use the space but fit maybe a bigger bed in between your walls. But I haven't gotten to the stage of testing that theory.

robertglines1 · September 21, 2011, 03:40:02 PM

need to put type of bus in your profile or message at bottom of post. taking for granted your dealing with 92 1/2 inches inside wall to wall. if you put the bed length ways it's going to be difficult to make up and get around so you need as much toe space as possible. On my Mci *8 I let the top plywood base for the mattress hang over 8 inches on each side of base box including foot end. This lets you our your mate be able to turn sideways between the bed and the wall. Best do a trial run. Also puts support under mattress where your body lies when you are sleeping. If you don't want to do a lift up deal. Plastic boxes slide in and out easily from the foot end. Happy bussing. Bob

TomC · September 21, 2011, 03:46:12 PM

Since I have a 102" wide bus, my interior is 97". We use a regular 80"x60" queen mattress with 6" sides to hold the mattress in. I built a platform bed that is 10" up and 4" inset. The platform is hinged at the head to have underneath storage. I will be installing a 12vdc electric actuator to raise the bed up when access to the under storage is needed. Good Luck, TomC

mike802 · September 21, 2011, 04:06:54 PM

Sorry I did not give all the info. I am building an MC9 and am planning on having the bed centered in the back, so we can walk around all 3 sides with a lift up top for storage underneath. The headboard will be on the back wall of the bus.

Thanks
Mike

Scott & Heather · September 21, 2011, 07:52:02 PM

We built a king bed in the back of our MCI 9

Plywood platform with nice finish wood sides. It overhangs quite a bit which does give toe room.

mike802 · September 22, 2011, 06:54:38 AM

Thanks guys, I never thought about the toe room issue. I was going to build with an overhang because that is the way my travel trailer bed platform is constructed, but figured I would get some additional advice from those who have gone before me.

desi arnaz · September 22, 2011, 09:14:38 AM

what part of Vermont are you from?

mike802 · September 22, 2011, 02:08:49 PM

Quotewhat part of Vermont are you from?

We are in the Rutland area.

Scott & Heather · September 22, 2011, 04:48:55 PM

Here's a pic of our platform. It doesn't yet have gas shocks, but we'll get to that...it's a king

Bill B /bus · September 22, 2011, 05:19:42 PM

As others have written - toe space of at least 4 inches. Don't hinge at the head end. Put the hinge 12" or more towards the foot end. The mattress shifts towards the foot when the bed is raised and it will bridge above the hinge instead of being jammed into the head board area.

We didn't put any sideboards on the platform. Our bed sits sideways and any movement has been slight.

Bill

Scott & Heather · September 23, 2011, 03:57:12 AM

Quote from: Bill B /bus on September 22, 2011, 05:19:42 PM
As others have written - toe space of at least 4 inches. Don't hinge at the head end. Put the hinge 12" or more towards the foot end. The mattress shifts towards the foot when the bed is raised and it will bridge above the hinge instead of being jammed into the head board area.

We didn't put any sideboards on the platform. Our bed sits sideways and any movement has been slight.

Bill

ditto this. we put our hinges at the top edge...and there are issues. nothing too bad since we'll have a memory foam, but still, i wish i had my hinges toward the foot of the bed 12 inches or so.

Joe Camper · September 23, 2011, 04:07:29 AM

I used the old wore out bay door lift cylinders I took off the bay doors to help raise the platform with a mattress on it.

The hinge is 1 foot from the headboard and 4 cylinders 2 on each side. The bed raises with very little effort with 1 hand.

Scott & Heather · September 23, 2011, 04:27:29 AM

Quote from: Joe Camper on September 23, 2011, 04:07:29 AM
I used the old wore out bay door lift cylinders I took off the bay doors to help raise the platform with a mattress on it.

The hinge is 1 foot from the headboard and 4 cylinders 2 on each side. The bed raises with very little effort with 1 hand.

I wish we had those on MCI's. The whole cable spring thing is a mess. One of ours let go and our baggage door is heavy. How many pound do you think those lift? It would help to know what we need to buy to lift the bed.

pipopak · September 23, 2011, 08:28:25 AM

I think I will make a custom queen size (regular queen mattress + addition at head end) and try to adapt a Murphy's system. Overhang if needed only. Anybody tried this already?.