Adding a bed . . .

[cortezaero]

I've got a 1970 10' NCO and I've always liked the original factory option of cots that are suspended by galvanized pipe above the dinette bed for extra beds.

However, being one who likes to use what I've already got laying around the house, and knowing that inevitably, whoever sleeps on those cots would end up complaining about their comfort, I came up with a different solution.

I used bed frame rails that I extended to meet the extra width of the camper and set them on top of the lower section walls. The normal length of a bed frame rail is about 70". I needed about 79". To achieve this, I cut a third bed frame rail in half and mounted it to a 70" bed rail with three bolts. I feel like this provides plenty of overlap for the structural strength needed.

I installed T-nuts in the top ledge of the lower wall to bolt the bed rails down so they wouldn't wander around at night. The dinette back cushions dictated the width of the bed and I used 1x4's to span across the bed rails and support the cushions.

During the day, I'll store the bed rails North-South on the ledge just below the side windows, one on each side of the camper. The 1x4 boards will go in a cabinet along the floor.

I'm sure others have done similar things, but I hadn't seen anything online anywhere, so I thought I'd share for anyone interested.
Happy Camping!

 

[buckland]

Great workmanship. I like the simplicity with the eye to strength. Thanks for the detailed photos, that is what spurs others to jump off the dock and make real their similar ideas for mods.

 

[cortezaero]

Great workmanship. I like the simplicity with the eye to strength. Thanks for the detailed photos, that is what spurs others to jump off the dock and make real their similar ideas for mods.

Thank you! I've learned so much from so many others that have shared. I like to do the same.

 

[Bos_Trok]

Looks much more comfortable than the cot for sure! Very nice.

Your 10' camper must have cushions that are almost 7' long, so I guess two people can still sleep North South on a single cushion each below. Couldn't do that in a 8' camper. If you split up the cushions in an 8' like that you would still only have one bed, and a couple short ones for kids maybe.

 

[h2opup]

Very clever! Thanks for sharing the idea and photos.

 

[cortezaero]

Looks much more comfortable than the cot for sure! Very nice.

Your 10' camper must have cushions that are almost 7' long, so I guess two people can still sleep North South on a single cushion each below. Couldn't do that in a 8' camper. If you split up the cushions in an 8' like that you would still only have one bed, and a couple short ones for kids maybe.

You're correct, the way I did this wouldn't work in a North-South fashion with a 8' camper. My dinette seat & back cushions are about 72 inches. At 5'11" tall, it's a little cramped for me, but I value the ease of transition from daytime to nighttime use enough to deal with it.

 

[Kansafornia]

Solid idea and workmanship!

We've started using the cots over the foldout as it allows us to keep the rest of the Alaskan seating area intact. The wife can sleep-in when I get up to make coffee and then want to sit at the front of the table. However, cot 'cushioning' is 'suboptimal'.

How are the cushions you're using? Would you suggest them? Portability and storage? Inquiring minds...

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Solid idea and workmanship!

(snip) However, cot 'cushioning' is 'suboptimal'.

How are the cushions you're using? Would you suggest them? Portability and storage? Inquiring minds...

A suggestion to solve that inquiring mind question. Take a look at the Exped inflatable mattresses. They are by far the most comfortable camp mattress I have used.

 

[h2opup]

Depending on the size you are seeking, you might check out the Monstamat inflatable mattress. They come in different sizes (single, double, king) and are very comfy.

Monstamat Single 3D Self Inflating Mattress

Our most comfortable sleeping mat to date! The Monstamat Single is a self-inflating camping mattress with a luxurious stretch fabric that improves comfort and minimizes noise. A heavy-duty 75D TPU base provides durability and cross-cored foam allows the mat to self-inflate quickly. The 360°...

zempirecamping.com

 

[Kansafornia]

A suggestion to solve that inquiring mind question. Take a look at the Exped inflatable mattresses. They are by far the most comfortable camp mattress I have used.

I've had an eye on those - but haven't pulled the trigger; mainly given that I didn't personally know anyone who used/swears by them. Which version are you using?

 

[Kansafornia]

Depending on the size you are seeking, you might check out the Monstamat inflatable mattress. They come in different sizes (single, double, king) and are very comfy.

Monstamat Single 3D Self Inflating Mattress

Our most comfortable sleeping mat to date! The Monstamat Single is a self-inflating camping mattress with a luxurious stretch fabric that improves comfort and minimizes noise. A heavy-duty 75D TPU base provides durability and cross-cored foam allows the mat to self-inflate quickly. The 360°...

zempirecamping.com

Looked at these as well - at REI. My only concern was the size when deflated. Given the limited space in my 8' CO, two 28" rolls take up some space. Having said this... i have a fishing buddy who has one and absolutely thinks its the best pad he's ever had.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I've had an eye on those - but haven't pulled the trigger; mainly given that I didn't personally know anyone who used/swears by them. Which version are you using?

I have an older DeepSleep 7.5 LXW (long extra wide). It’s better than any pad I’ve ever used. IIRC, Super Pacific provides an Exped with their toppers.

 

[h2opup]

Looked at these as well - at REI. My only concern was the size when deflated. Given the limited space in my 8' CO, two 28" rolls take up some space. Having said this... i have a fishing buddy who has one and absolutely thinks its the best pad he's ever had.

I just measured my single rolled up one and it is indeed 28" long with a circumference of 32". That's not small, but they are extremely comfortable. I especially like that the covering is not slick and the pad is also not crinkly/noisy. By adjusting the amount of inflation you can dial it in to whatever works best for you - although I guess that is true of any inflatable.