How to Build a Huge Bed for Your Van | Van Build Series Part 8 | Van Life
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
- 00:00 Introduction
00:56 Designing a bed for your van
01:46 Mounting 2x6's to the van wall
02:04 Laying cross beams
02:31 Building the rear bed extension
03:30 Adding Slats to the Bed Frame
04:26 Adding the Foam Mattress
04:33 How to cut your foam mattress to fit your van
06:10 Outro
Easy-to-follow guide for installing a large/comfortable bed in a Ram Promaster Van. The bed I've built in my van is nearly a king size. Sleep is important and a van bed can serve many functions beyond just sleeping, so I dedicated a large amount of space to just that.
I built my Promaster bed predominantly out of 2x4's, and 2x6's, with the help of some wood and metal screws, joist hangers, simpson tie plates, 90 degree brackets, and wooden slats.
I connected the 2x6's to the wall of my van with self-drilling metal screws. rivnuts would likely be more secure, but I plan to do regular inspections of my van screws anyway, to make sure everything is holding fast.
After the 2x6's, I reinforced those with some 2x4's running straight to the floor, connecting with 90 degree brackets.
Then, I added joist hangers to the 2x6's, and connected my 2x4's to those.
Once those were installed, I built a little extension piece to the back of my bed out of more 2x4's. Technically, I connected them to the last 2x4 of my bed frame, so they aren't directly connected to the walls or 2x6's at all. Despite this, I think they're the strongest part of the bed due to the ground support.
I ordered an 8 inch foam mattress off of amazon, and it's actually quite comfortable. I probably could have gotten away with a 6 inch mattress, but I have the room for it anyway, so it doesn't matter too much.
My actual bed dimensions ended up being 70x76. A queen bed for reference is 60x80 and a king is 76x80. That's why its kind of smack dab in between a queen and king mattress.
Hopefully you all enjoyed this and get a good nights sleep in your van.
Tools:
Cordless Milwaukee drill amzn.to/3Rv3GJU
Makita circular saw amzn.to/3tAGUs0
Sander amzn.to/3TJPWNY
Drill bits for pre-drilling holes amzn.to/48pKdkw
Materials:
Wood Screws amzn.to/3OCwbVB
Self-drilling screws amzn.to/3u51tNO
Simpson tie plate amzn.to/48opaid
Right angle bracket amzn.to/48WWhKV
Joist Hanger amzn.to/4bxoABd
Bedding:
Mattress amzn.to/4bxcxEi
Duvet amzn.to/3umSGH3
Duvet Cover amzn.to/3SOKpFb
These are amazon affiliate links and I will receive a small commission for any purchases made through these links.
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Even though I have no plans to build a camper van, this video is so hilarious that I had to watch all the way through!
That’s really sweet of you Faye! Thank you ❤️
Swanky bed, I like the cut outs at the feet & headboard really maximize that leg room
Thank you! I like my leg room 🦵
It may be over built but at least you know it's not going to sag or fall apart. Sweet dreams Puddin'!
True words! She’s sturdy as a rock!
Somebody shared this with me because they knew I used a bed! But really, even though I don’t have a van, I still love these videos! They’re hilarious!
And you love that bed!
Thank you, I’m happy to have ya here ❤️
I was getting ready to put a big piece of plywood on mine. Thanx
Happy to help! It’s definitely worth the extra time!
If you already have your plywood, you could always just cut out strips to use as your slats (assuming you have some reinforcing cross beams)
I'm just doing measurements and planning right now. So, you solved a lot of my problems. I really didn't want a piece of wood in the middle holding up the middle. I'm so glad I watched this. Any more tips?@@Daltons_Advantures
Hey! Glad I'm witnessing one of those huge YT channels in their very early steps. All the best from overseas
That’s super kind of you! Thank you very much 🙏
Where are you watching from?
@@Daltons_Advantures from Milano, Italy ❤ I have a trip-hop/dark-wave duo and we've recently released a video shot last month in LA and some locations around California ua-cam.com/video/38WIPvpAXr0/v-deo.htmlsi=Ol8EakALrHD7cTS_. Wish we could visit over there someday
Sorry, I don't want to spam, really had a good time watching this one and others of yours
@@Daltons_Advantures from Milano, Italy! I'm in a trip-hop/dark-wave duo named PINHDAR and have just released a single with video titled "Humans" that was shot in LA and around California. I wish we could visit someday! Not sure I can paste the link to the video here but, if you have the time, I'll be happy if you watch it. Anyway, again congratulations on your build. You have great skills
@@maxtarenzi4943that’s awesome! Italy
Is definitely near the top of my travel list!
I looked for the video on your channel, is it under a different account?
@@Daltons_Advantures yes the channel is the band's name: PINHDAR and the song is "Humans"
Great job! Excellent episode. That bed is definitely bigger than other Van beds we have seen. A toast with some Malbec to your next episode. Your uncle!
Haha you threw me with that Malbec comment at first! I was wondering who you were…
Thank you for the kind words tio 🙌
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Why do so many people not do anything with the rear doors? Not criticizing, just asking.
No offense taken! I didn’t see that much possibility in the doors, but I’ve probably overlooked something. What would you suggest doing with them?
@@Daltons_Advantures I'm not sure. Some people cover them with more wood tongue and groove and that looks really good. I was wondering if anyone ever covered them in automotive fabric (or maybe it is some kind of carpet) but maybe that would look tacky. Painting them might be interesting.... but then they might just look the same but a different color. I would probably add a shelf so the person by the door has a place to put a phone or book or drink at night. I guess people just don't really know what to do with them.
@@divekatdreaming Painting them some different colors could be a cool look! Right now I'm predominantly focused on function, with aesthetics coming secondarily. I felt the extra time to cultivate a cooler look on my doors wasn't worth it at this point, but might be in the future!
I like the shelf idea for placing a water bottle or phone maybe at night. I'll definitely look into what that could look like! Thank you for the suggestion. They are kind of a tricky part of the van to really work with
@@Daltons_Advantures I just saw a Jarrod Tocci tour of a $750,000 van build and the doors are just like yours. You are in good company. ua-cam.com/video/ee1m8ne8Vho/v-deo.html
Hahaha well if the van that costs more than most homes did it, I won’t feel too bad!