Bed Basics

[shimmer]

Hi there,

Just joined the forums and looking for a pointer in the right direction. After years of wanting to convert a van we are finally taking the plunge and buying one to convert. We are in the planning stages and have done quite a bit of research so far but to someone new it is quite a minefield! What I am really looking for is tips on converting a van for tall people!!! My husband is 6foot 4 and I am 5foot 9. Our main priority for the van is to have a big enough bed! All the plans I look at for layouts have a transverse bed - so you are lying across the width of the van. We are looking at buying a LWB transit. So what I am after is info about where to position the bed and what kind of bed to install. Hope these aren't too basic questions! Just looking for ideas. we haven't bought the van yet. The main function of the van once converted is to take it to festivals and 2/3 night camping trips here in Scotland. I've checked out what the DVLA requirements are as well. So really....any top tips for designing a campervan for tall people!

Thank you very much in advance!!
Shimmer

[whitemice]

Side bench seat rock'n'roll type is way to go, possibly L seat arrangement.
search.php?keywords=rock%27n%27roll+bed

Pro type
http://www.convertyourvan.co.uk/rockandrollbeds.html

You can easily make up a slide out section using interlocking wood slat type design, ie. each alternate slat is designed to slide out of the fixed base and slats with a rigid frame that pulls out in one motion.

[johnsvan]

So your bed needs to be longways in the van.

Two basic ways to achieve this I think:
1, a long bench that is positioned lenghtways and extends widthways
2, a wide seat or platform that is positioned widthways and extends lengthways

If you have a high top van you could build a platform at the back of the van (with a garage under) that extends forward and above the other seating and sink unit.
This platform could have a permanent 3 foot deep and say 5 foot wide section and then 2 two foot sections that pull or hinge forward to make something like a 7' * 5' bed!
Bedding could simply be stored on top.

I have no experience of this kind of bed but food for thought maybe.

Google Sketch Up is free and a great 3D tool for planing layouts etc.

P.S. you may also consider sleeping on the diagonal.

[Northwest2go]

The bed layout I have in my LWB MK6 is this......An "L" shaped seating area at the front of the van. The long seat running down the side on the drivers side with the L going with it's back to the front seats.
I have mad a 2 part slatted slider that interlocks with the long seat and pulls out to make the double bed. It is 6' long.
Next to the end of the bed on the drivers side is the wardrobe and then porta loo compartment for those little night time, caught short moments
On the other side is the Kitchen unit with sink & hob etc. I have a cabinet by the side door (You can never have too much storage)which I have hinged on the side to lift up a table.
I have privacy bonded windows, a roof vent, 240v hook up going to an RCD consumer dis unit.
Some put their beds width ways, but as you are tall like me, that is not practical.

[shimmer]

wow!! This is brilliant, thanks very much. some stuff I hadn't considered yet. L shaped slatted bed could well be the way forward. Northwest2go..you don't happen to have any pictures of your van interior do you? ?? I have been trying to think of a way to have a porta loo compartment. Not really interested in full toilet etc but already have a camping toilet which has proved life saver at times! So at the very least would like to store it in van. Finally, sorry for all the basic questions, any particular reccommendations for where to get the cushions for seating area/bed?

Many thanks again

[Northwest2go]

I am going to take pics very soon to send to DVLA to change the log book..I can then post them also on here, However, before that.....Get both your hands and interlock the fingers, so the right fingers go inbetween the left fingers. The fingers are wooden slats. Slowly pull the RH fingers from between the left until just the fingertips touch and suddenly you have an area twice the size.(Your double bed from a single seat). The wardrobe and toilet comp. will probably only work in a LWB van.

[misty]

Hey Shimmer,
heres mine i'm 6'4 so sleep down the van,
made with ikea slats, slides out to make a 6'4 x 4' bed with memory foam topper and a king size quilt its heaven,


porta potti behind the door under the grill, number ones only, yeah right,



need any more help or pics just ask, where you based you can have a looksy
misty

[misty]

better size photos i hope,

[shimmer]

Thanks so much for this. Is it possible to have seatbelts in the seating area somehow?? Ideally I want a 6'4" long bed but also be able to sit passengers when travelling?? Is this possible?
My head hurts just trying to plan this! Thanks for the sketch up tip as well

[jonochap]

Problems with seating is that ideally it has to be forward or rear facing and properly anchored. When i thought about this i ended up putting a double passenger seat in, the only other option i could think of was a rock and roll bed the goes long ways but i have a rear opening door not a side one, hope the extra thought helps...

[johnsvan]

The rock and roll bed in the link above for Convert Your Van has seat belts. Maybe they can make a extra long one for you or you could have a simple board or something to make it longer.

I think sideways facing seats with belts is problematic if not illegal now days. Also you may have problems with insurance but I have no experience of this.

I have seen pictures of vans where they have fitted fold up seats with belts out of the boot of people carriers. They usually fold forward to to make boot space in these cars and the way I have seen them used is fitted behind the front seats in a van and then fold forward and fit snug up against the back of the front seats. it gets complicated though.

How many people do you want to carry?

[shimmer]

Ideally, would like to be able to seat 5??

[johnsvan]

So, a double passenger seat and a double/two in the back.

Some more thoughts:

A double fold up seat and a bench length-ways for the bed.

Lay flat seat(s). I have seen a commercial conversion for small van where the two front seats swivel to face backwards and forward facing seats in the back fold flat and make a bed by also using the flat part of the front seats.

Some kind of pull out platform or dropped table top in combination with the flat part of fixed seats.

The rock n roll bed/seat+belt combo.

Fixed seats with a pull out bed on a high up platform in the back.

[Northwest2go]

Tell you what...If you want to seat 5, go and buy an ex RAC/AA car transporter with front & rear seats and then buy an old caravan, winch it on the back, take the wheels off and there you have it...............

[shimmer]

maybe have to accept can' t transport 5. Thanks for all the advice. much appreciated.