The Best DIY Van Bed! From One Sheet Of Plywood - Weekender Camper Van Part 2
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- Опубликовано: 24 дек 2024
- In this video I show off my design for a pullout couch/bed platform in my Sprinter Van. This design is unique in that it doesn't use any sort of hinges. Using this design and some simple tools (circular saw and jigsaw) you can cut out this interlocking design out of a single sheet of 3/4" plywood.
This is a great way to add a bed to your diy van project or any sort of tiny house build.
Check out part 1 of my Weekender Camper Van Build out series:
• Sprinter Van Build Out...
To download the drawing of this platform check the link below:
www.makeeveryth...
For tools and products I use in this video see below, as an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases:
3 Fold Mattress:
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Makita Track Saw:
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M12 Jig Saw
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Check out the Lincoln Electric Power Mig 140MP, great for the home shop, Mig, TIG, and Stick in 1 machine!
→ bit.ly/pm140_mp...
Thank you to Pferd abrasives for supporting my shop and my channel. For links to some of the grinding discs I use most see below:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
→ Flap disc:
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→ Inside corner disc (AMAZING):
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→ Wire Wheel:
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Thanks for watching! Be careful, know the limits of your skills and your tools! Don't try this stuff at home!
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We teach classes in woodworking and welding here at the shop, if your interested see the current schedule here.
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For PDFs of some of our project check out our profile on Instructables:
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Below are some links to tools I use in the shop on a daily basis.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
→ Bosch Miter Saw ( My Favorite miter saw)
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→ Sawstop Table Saw:
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→ Wen Tabletop Metalcutting Bandsaw
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→ Articulated Vise:
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→ Bosch Portable Bandsaw ( 18V)
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→ Porter Cable Restorer:
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→ Lincoln 120V Welder ( good for a home shop)
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→ The Camera I use:
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→ The Tripod I use:
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I can't do any of this, but I don't have to be able to paint to appreciate art. You are an artist sir. Continue being creative and sharing with us your talents.
I appreciate that!
Very true super cool
LOVE this project! I have a few questions:
1) are you using carbon steel?
2) what’s the thickness of the material?
3) did you paint the side rails also?
4) how do you keep the metal-on-metal in the side rail from binding?
5) if I used 1x2 tubes (vertical) do you think it’d be strong enough to eliminate the legs? I don’t need to make the bed removable (this is only an RV!)
I really appreciate your expertise and creativity!
But did you TEST it? It may hold up to two people sleeping, but what about more rigorous activities?
Thanks for making a video about vans crude and creepy Kate. Maybe get your mind out of the gutter?
I too are also interested in it's structurel integrity
@@Clan501-Scotland takes one to know one
Lol as long as the other person doesn't weigh more than 300 pounds it should hold.
This is the only one thing that matters. These are the real questions
This is the same type of build that my husband and I are planning: a part-time use for weekends , and maybe a month long trip in the summer. Thanks!
Would be fun to build two on each side, pull to the midline for the bed, so when to push them to port and starboard side to couch mode you can enjoy your rear door view.
Aren't the fingers and gaps too wide? I'm thinking that a laying on a mattress of 100mm thick wouldn't you feel the mattress sinking into the gaps?
you don't notice the gaps at all the with the mattress im using. Its been great
2020 Transit AWD, mid. I'm planning this for my bed. I'm planning my bed as a diagonal. I'm envisioning being able to open the rear door , and step up into a triagular "mud room." The bed will have triangular spaces at each end to tuck the phone at night. My "fingers" will be at whatever angle it works out to for a full size mattress. The "living room/kitchen on the other side would also have a triagular section in the floorplan, in front of the bed. Underneath, drawer slides will allow the compost toilet to slide into the "Mudroom" side, or forward int0 the "living room. Solo travel can be a narrower bed, and widen for bigger beds.
I made an overly complex bed in my first build. This is perfect and lightweight! I'll try aluminum, but the same design in a smaller van!
Wow.. brilliant idea. I have seen this design in about couple of hundred videos so far
Thanks for the video. This is the best camper van bed base I have ever seen. Brilliant job.
Sir, you are a genius. Will probably adopt this design in my new build. Thanks for sharing your skill and knowledge. ATB, Des
Ha, Thant would take up my entire van! Great design, glad you have enough space to extend that bed out. Happy travels!
Great version. I will mod it for square drop camper. Right now the floor/bed/couch is the tri-fold which creates a issues for 6in memory foam. Thanks
My oh my this will be a project! But I know it will all be worth it once I get a the road for the first time!!!
Great Job. a couple ideas:
1- Could use Aluminum 2x2 angle for the sides, turn upside to protect the walls. Lighter.
2- Cut (2) parallel kerfs, 1/8" apart with your circular saw the 1st time, would open up the fingers a bit more, less friction.
Nicely done.
I like the aluminum idea, it doesn't rust also
Great video! Thanks very much.
easy to learn from. clear instructions, great clear video. THANK YOU!
I've had this idea in head forever!! I'm totally doing this, thanks for the vid!!!
Great use of space and materials. One of the quickest set-up / break-down designs out there.
Great video and great idea - I'm still at the research phase for a van conversion and I am thinking that a modified version of your idea with three sections instead of two might well let me have a bed/couch that I could install across the van instead of lengthwise.
You are one of my very favourite makers on RUclips, and this was a joy to watch. Hello from Australia!
The *only* nitpick I will make - and it's nothing to do with your content, which is fantastic - is that your audio levels for speech are very low. I'd love to be able to hear what you're telling us about your design process!
Use headphones and turn up the volume. Problem solved.
Very nice...I am at that stage with a sprinter, not sure if I should follow your design or take a 3/4 plywood and put a heavy piano hinge joining two 27 inch pieces .this way you can turn it into a couch during the day ..
I like this man. I used a ikea frame to do the same, but your solution gives more space
I really like your builds I've just bought a Renault master minibus with wheelchair access (I'm a wheelchair user) I need to work out how and where to put the bed.
Thanks for the video. I recommend you to use rivet nuts instead of the self tapping screws. When you go off-road, the self-tapping screws can come loose, the thread is very steep and the tightening force is low. The advantage of steel to me is more of a lower build space to strength ratio. For the support rails you could also use aluminum.
Many greetings
Lol......
Great idea best I've seen for a bed
Great Idea and thanks for sharing. Cheers from Toronto, Canada
This is really useful information. Thank you dude. From Korea.
Incredibly well done. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing more.
looks great. I'm building a tiny trailer to be towed by my jeep. I'll let you know when it's done.
Wow love that bed design
This is simply and effective! I’m definitely going to use this in my nomad van. Thanks a bunch!
Oh to have the tools & & & yup that's what I need....
Awesome! Thank you for sharing ...
Awesome design, think I will steal your idea. Thanks for sharing
Guess its not stealing when you share a downloadable link
Was thinking maybe there may be some way to support this more under the center of bed while it is set up as a couch....If someone built a cabinet under it to where it was snug... That wouldnt hender it from pulling out right? Considering using this Method for my Bed in my camper van build..... Im planning on living in it for a several years as I travel. Thank you for such a amazing Couch/bed build. Love the Size of this bed and the trifold Mattress Idea!
Thanks for your time! Great design
The modular detaching easily ideas are great 👍 one converter is using those 8020 aluminum locking rails to anchor things in and become removable. Excellent videos subscribed!
Hi Drew, I'd be interested to see that! Could you point me to who is doing that?
very good your videos. I'm building a camper and the information is very important.
Super cleaver idea. Nice one!
Simple sturdy lightweight and effective nice 👍
Hopefully your pull out game isn't as weak as that bed... J/K LOL! I really love that idea. How much weight do you think that would hold? I was thinking if you did a mirror image of the design and did another layer so that the gap was basically always filled but alternating top and bottom. I like that you can take it out and still use the van.
Great. I thought of doing a side bench pullout with storage using the slats across from a cabinet/kitchen in a Van. The metal gives strength and less weight verses wood; breakdown in great. The second idea was to buy a AWD Ford Transit ( Looked at Benz - 170 WB ) and build the Garage with the bed on top. I'm Big and Tall so I need to go length either by myself or with another. Your idea with all wood would also work for you to have a couch for day use, and you would have storage underneath. Some cabinets above with a basic kitchen and storage would work. Simple and Modular. Don't need many windows - Ventilation with Top Vent. I would like to keep it on the Stealth Side. I like the suggestion about " .. know the limits .. don't try .. at home ". I live in a Town House and would have to convert my Living Room into a Shop. Thanks, I'm handy, but far from your level. Good Stuff.
Great design and video - many thanks. Do the vertical supports ever get in the way? Do you think the vertical supports could be omitted if the horizontal steel supports were bigger: perhaps 1x2 instead of 1x1?
Make the end you pull out slightly wider to make it pull apart nicely. Maybe 1 inch or so wilder at that end. Things should slide together nicely.
Nice job. Only thing I might change is using aluminum for the beams to save a bit of weight
Really nice idea! It's shocking by its simplicity! But what's about the ply wood basis, is it flexible while you lay on it?
I love this! Great design. Question. What size steel tubing could have been used to avoid needing legs? Would that not be weight/cost effective? What's the rationale?
This is EXACTLY what I was looking for! Now to find someone to help me make it happen.
Did you mention how long the bed is fully pulled out?
Great Idea and simple application! Bravo
Awesome vid man, going to copy you on a tundra truck bed build I’m designing. But facing the opposite way
You should cut these for people to order them from you and you ship.
You can help people and make money in the process.
Many people can't do it themselves or don't want to. 😻
They sell futon couches you can buy..and just throw it in and out..i made a full size bed across my promaster with angle iron on side and plywood and support beam in middle..very simple..and removable
Thanks so much for giving us the template for the design!
Hi love this idea, exactly what we are looking for! Tried to print out your plan and have lost it! could you please let me know where to find it thanks!
This actually takes all bed designs and mixes them into one! Apart from a lift bed aha 🤣
You got me subbed.
Nice detailed and clear instructions, and thanks for giving suggestions for workarounds for those of us who don’t have such a well equipped workshop : )
This was a very informative video! We’re in the middle of converting our promaster and we’re looking for rock and roll bed options. I came across your video and like this concept so much more! Thanks for taking the time to make a tutorial
This is a brilliant idea. You are Genius ty for sharing.😊
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!
Thats a nice idea. Want to try to make it a treefold wood or metal piece, which will slide up with the mattress so i have a solid backrest.
I'd like to try this design in my school bus. :)
Is it possible to do it horizontally if theres enough space in the van, like a larger van? And also, is it possible to make it higher if theres enough height in the van?
Amazing job. Really nice idea for a small
Space.
So glad more people are doing this. It’s what I have been planning for my van. But not many to see at the beginning.
Any chance you’ll be doing vanbuilds for clients in the future?
I’ve considered it, my only concern is the liability of “unfitting” a van in case the driver gets in an accident. But I’d look in to it because I enjoy building out mY own van!
Have you thought about making it so you can fold it in from the other way and have the couch looking out the expansive back door? A couple bolts swapped from the back to the front should make it convertible.
He’d just need to turn the mattress around, really.
So did this work out in the long run? What is the weight capacity?
Yeah I still use it every time we go out on a trip. Working great and with the center leg it supports two people easily
Very nice. Thank you for sharing.
Brilliant designs...
Very nice! I like that you can take the whole thing out so easily. It is great how you can attach the side runners directly to the van walls.
Did you have any trouble with the screws being stressed if you lift the front section up? Not sure if I am explaining that right. If you don't know what I mean then I guess you did not have the same problem :-)
THAT is freakin' genius. I'll be using aircraft aluminum tubing repurposed from old hang gliders in some areas. Thanks so much.
"super comfortable mattress and the mattress topper just made it that much better." Can you share, what mattress topper? do you have a link? thanks. I'll be using this concept on my Transit, probably substituting 8020 for the steel bar.
Hey I have a question. I'm trying to build a built in base for a futon ish mattress in my RV. I would need it to be width wise pull out. 62"x 40". It would only be 18" off the floor. Could I use your concept. And what changes would I have to make. I'm doing this myself and could really use some input. This seems like it would be perfect.
Hello, good idea! What size-thickness (cm) of wood for bed did you use? Thank you!
3/4”
Great design, Chris. I like how you left your upper closets open too. What is that that holds your stuff back?
Thanks! I’ve got long bungee cords across those fronts to keep stuff back it works pretty well for soft stuff but every now and then I hear something take a dive
Thought so. Have a nice evening! (I'm in The Netherlands)
super informative video! When you cut the slats, it sounded like you tapered the cuts. when angle did you need to go with for that?
Thank you for your creative build. I can't get the plans on the download. Could you please help me. God Bless and Stay Safe. Happy Travelers. Trish
Hey thank you! check this link: www.makeeverythingshop.com/news/2020/11/19/diy-van-bed-plans
Clever dude!
Great vid and very thorough. Thanks for the help!
Very Clever!
Use a candle to make the fingers slide more smoothly… 👍
I love your channel. Currently converting my '98 Astro as a dual purpose Camper/Work Van. I'm adopting your bed platform design to work with a Full Size mattress for this van. It's pretty well worked out with some simple modifications, but I wanted to ask : Do you think 1/2" Ply could work instead of 3/4"?
What I have planned is not quite as wide (52 inches for the bed), and to make this work in my van I'm using 1 inch tube like yours (14g), but I have two of the 'static' spanning pieces bolted straight into the frame of the vehicle, and then they're framed together with two 4ft piece that will will connect them, since I can't do the Angle-iron on the walls to slide against like yours. I have a piece of 1/2" already, which is why I ask, if you feel like it could work I might just try it.
Thanks for watching! If the 1/2" plywood is really high quality it may work, but I noticed a good amount of movement with this 3/4 so I would be leery to use 1/2" as it may not be able to support over that span... worth a try I guess!
@@MakeEverything Thanks for the reply. I'll see how it feels. I'm bound to make a mistake the first time I cut this thing so maybe it's best to work with what I have to start. Thanks!
Just asking do you think a larger aluminum T-angle could allow for not using the vertical bars? I plan to build this. Thanks for the plan.
Any chance to use wood instead of steel? Could do without the added weight...
Could you use 1.5" crossbars so there would be no need for the middle legs? Or double up the 1"?
Would it help to make the slats thinner so there would not be the big gaps in between?
Neat setup! Thanks
Could you make this for a small camper van and would you ship it?
The mattress: Is it bending in couch mode, or is it 2 separate pieces?
Are you worried about swelling of the wood and it locking togeather?
That’s a great comment. Would marine varnish help reduced moisture absorbed? I had a piece of plywood in my van and it soaks up ANY moisture. So any piece of wood in the van has marine grade varnish on it
What are those handle sticking out on either side of the rear door way? Did you add those I’ve never seen those before
Nice build. Great attention to convenience and detail. One question: Can't this system be made without the need for center supports? I've seen other van builds that have the bed platform -- expandable or not -- bridged across the width of the van as you have done, but without any center supports. Thanks in advance for your opinion...
My question exactly
Would you think this would work for 2 single sized sofa beds 70"L x 30"W if cut in 4 30" L x 15"W with each 2 sections with maybe 2" W sliding slabs liken to how your made yours, and made separately but attached by hinges so it may fold from the sofa seats to the beds in a full sized van (a 2000 GMC Savana 1500 custom conversion van) if installed going from the driver's side to the passenger side, using wood instead of the metal?
Hey! Can you share the link to the mattress?
Just added it to the description of the video, here's a link too: amzn.to/3rnC8Yg
Hii. Great video. Thank you. My question is where or not this idea could be modified for a minivan where I don't want to attach anything to the walls. Would this work with legs only to support the bed and tolerate the movement from sofa to bed? Thanks in advance for your response.
Excellent !!!
Congratulations! fantastic video, very clear description of the process and the bed design is awesome! I been designing a vagabond-styled camper for my pickup truck and looking for ideas about how to build the over-the-cab (full-size mattress) bed and your design fits exactly what I want to do (thanks!) I have a question thought, are the legs in the middle of the support absolutely necessary? Congrats again!
Great video. Thanks!
Niiiice Job! Great idea!
What holds the back of the back rest up?
Don't you need something at each end of the mattress to keep the mattress from sliding off the bed when sleeping / sitting on the mattress?