
Bunk beds are a great way to save space in a camper and can be built in a variety of ways to suit your unique needs and preferences. This introduction will cover different methods of building bunk beds for a camper, including DIY options and pre-made solutions, as well as the benefits and challenges of each approach. We will also discuss important considerations such as weight limitations, stability, and customisation. By the end of this introduction, you should have a clear understanding of the process and be able to decide on the best approach for your camper bunk beds.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Campervan bunk bed ideas | Campervan hammock bed, Front cab mattress, Portable campervan bunk beds, Folding Murphy campervan bunk bed, Premade Murphy campervan bunk bed, Floating campervan bunk bed, Wall-mounted floating bunk bed, Ceiling-mounted floating bunk bed, Elevator bed for van, DIY campervan bunk bed |
Benefits | Save valuable space in a compact living area, accommodate sleeping arrangements for multiple people, cost-effective, removable to create more living space, customisable to specific measurements |
Drawbacks | Weight limitations, unsuitable for taller people, permanent setup that takes up space, instability, height restrictions |
Suggested materials | Pine, oak |
Additional features | Hidden storage compartments, privacy curtains, reading lights, customisable mattresses |
What You'll Learn
Campervan hammock beds
There are a few things to consider when thinking about installing hammock beds in your campervan. Firstly, there are weight limitations to this style of bed, and if installed side-to-side, they won't be suitable for taller people. You will also need to plan ahead and ensure that you have installed mounting points to hold a significant amount of weight.
One option for a campervan hammock bed is the Cabbunk Camper Van Hammock Bunk Bed System. This system is designed to fit all swivel cab seats and takes just 25 seconds to set up. It is fully adjustable and removable, with no permanent installation required. The system comes in two variations: a single hammock and a double hammock. The double hammock system can be purchased from Nomadic Supply Company and is suitable for children up to 174cm in height. The single hammock option is also available for pre-order.
Another option is the Campervan Hammock, a 30x60" mesh hammock that can be attached to your van walls in a number of ways. This hammock packs down small when not in use and can hold up to 150 lbs of weight. It can be purchased from OverlandGearGuy.com for around $250.
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Bunk bed design and style
Bunk beds for campers come in a variety of designs and styles, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. When choosing or building a bunk bed for your camper, it's important to consider factors such as weight limitations, comfort, space utilisation, and ease of installation.
One popular option is the campervan hammock bunk bed. This style is cost-effective and provides additional sleeping space. They are also removable, allowing for more living space during the days. However, they have weight limitations and may not be suitable for taller individuals if installed side-to-side.
Another option is the front cab mattress, such as the Luno Life AIR Van Front Cab Mattress. This mattress is installed over the front driver seats and offers a lightweight and easy-to-store solution. Similar to the hammock option, this setup may not be ideal for taller individuals due to its side-to-side installation.
If you're looking for a portable and versatile option, the Disc-O-Bed can be configured as a bunk bed, two cots, or even a couch. It folds away easily and takes up minimal storage space. This option is excellent for those who want a multi-functional bed.
For those seeking a space-saving solution, the folding Murphy campervan bunk bed is a great choice. You can opt for store-bought Murphy bunk beds or go for a more affordable option like the Liftco rail kit and provide your own mattresses. A full DIY approach is also possible, allowing for customisation to your specific measurements.
Another space-efficient option is the floating campervan bunk bed. These beds are wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted and help maximise floor space. While they are popular, they may be slightly less stable than built-in beds, so weight maximums should be considered.
If you're looking for a more permanent solution, built-in DIY camper bunk beds offer complete customisation to your van's dimensions and layout. This option may take longer but can save you money and ensure a perfect fit.
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Bunk bed support and stability
Bunk beds are a great way to save space in a campervan, but it's important to ensure that they are stable and secure. Here are some tips to achieve that:
- Use high-quality materials: Opt for solid wood or hardwood for the bed frame, such as oak or pine. These materials will provide more durability and stability than pressed wood or chipboard, which can deteriorate over time.
- Reinforce joints and connections: All joints should be securely fastened with appropriate hardware, such as screws, bolts, and brackets. Consider using wood glue in addition to hardware for added strength. Check and tighten all connections periodically to maintain stability.
- Add diagonal braces: Diagonal braces, also known as X-braces, can be installed on the walls or corners of the bunk beds to enhance rigidity and reduce racking loads (forces that can cause distortion or failure).
- Utilize bunkie boards: Bunkie boards are mattress bases that provide additional support for bunk bed mattresses. They help keep the bed level low, especially for the top bunk, ensuring safety for sleepers.
- Secure with locktite: Apply a product like locktite blue to bolts that go into nuts. This will help prevent loosening over time.
- Follow safety guidelines: Ensure that the bunk beds comply with safety standards and guidelines, such as those set by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). This includes guardrail requirements and entrapment prevention, and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding age restrictions for upper bunks.
- Minimize movement: While some movement in bunk beds is normal, excessive wobbliness can be minimized by proper assembly and periodic tightening of hardware.
- Consider weight limits: Adult bunk beds have higher weight limits than those designed for children. Be mindful of these limits and ensure the beds are used accordingly.
- Use privacy curtains: Curtains can provide privacy and help prevent horseplay, reducing potential strain on the bunk beds.
- Wall mounting: If possible, mount the bunk beds to a wall to increase stability and reduce movement.
- Regular maintenance: Periodically inspect the bunk beds for any loose connections or wear and tear. Address any issues promptly to maintain the stability of the beds.
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Space-saving bunk beds
Bunk beds are a great way to save space in a camper van, especially if you plan to travel with lots of people. They provide comfortable sleeping arrangements for multiple people and free up valuable space for other things, like a shower or a toilet.
When designing bunk beds for a camper van, it's important to consider the number of people who will be sleeping in the bunks, the available space in the van, and the weight and height restrictions. Here are some ideas for space-saving bunk beds that you can build yourself:
Campervan Hammock Bunk Bed
A hammock bunk bed is a cost-effective and removable option that adds extra sleeping space to your van. However, they have weight limitations and may not be suitable for taller people if installed side-to-side. You can purchase a 30x60" mesh hammock that can be attached to your van walls in multiple ways, but planning ahead and installing mounting points during the build is essential for holding a significant amount of weight.
Folding Murphy Campervan Bunk Bed
A Murphy bed is an excellent space-saving idea for camper vans. You can easily fold the bed up each morning without even needing to make it! You can purchase store-bought Murphy bunk beds, such as the Urban Stack Murphy Bunk Bed, or opt for a more affordable option like the Liftco rail kit and provide your own mattresses. Alternatively, you can go the DIY route and customise the measurements to fit your van perfectly.
Floating Campervan Bunk Beds
Floating bunk beds are another popular option for camper van conversions. They are much easier to install but may be slightly less stable than other bunk bed ideas. These beds are perfect for kids or lightweight adults, but it's important to be cautious of weight restrictions. You can choose between wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted floating bunk beds, depending on your van's layout and available space.
Built-In DIY Camper Bunk Beds
If you want to fully customise your bunk beds to your van's dimensions and layout, you can opt for a built-in DIY option. This choice may take longer, but it will save you money and ensure a perfect fit for your space. You can add features like privacy curtains, reading lights, and storage compartments to make the most of your space.
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Custom-built bunk beds
Bunk beds are a great way to save space in a camper van, especially if you're travelling with a lot of people. Building your own bunk beds is a more cost-effective option and allows you to customise the design to your van's dimensions and layout.
Planning
Before you start building, you need to plan the design of your bunk beds. Measure the space you have available and decide on the size and placement of the beds. Consider any obstacles, such as windows, that may impact the design. Creating diagrams and drawings can help you visualise the final product and identify any potential issues.
Materials
When selecting materials, consider the weight of the bunk beds to ensure they don't add too much bulk to your camper van. For the frame, you can use lightweight wood, such as pine, to keep the weight down while still providing adequate support. For added strength, you can incorporate oak supports, especially for the top bunk, to ensure maximum stability.
Storage
To maximise space, consider incorporating storage compartments into your design. You can add hidden compartments under the mattress platform or utilise the space around wheel wells and utility compartments. This provides a great solution for storing linens, clothes, and other essentials, keeping your camper van organised and clutter-free.
Support and Safety
Ensuring the structural integrity of the bunk beds is crucial. Strategically placed support bars can significantly increase the strength of the beds. Additionally, consider the placement of a support bar along the length of the bunk attached to the wall. For the top bunk, you can also install a safety rail to provide added security and prevent accidental falls.
Customisation
Building custom bunk beds for your camper van is a rewarding project that provides a comfortable and space-efficient sleeping solution. With careful planning, attention to safety, and creativity, you can design a unique and functional space for your travels.
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Frequently asked questions
Bunk beds in a camper save space and accommodate larger groups of travellers.
Some camper bunk bed ideas include the Campervan Hammock Bed, the Front Cab Mattress, the Disc-O-Bed, the Folding Murphy Campervan Bunk Bed, and the DIY Campervan Bunk Bed.
One challenge is ensuring that the bunk beds are sturdy and have adequate support, especially when dealing with windows or other obstacles.
To increase the strength of a bunk bed frame, consider using oak supports and adding strategically placed support bars.
To maximize space in a camper with bunk beds, consider adding hidden storage compartments under the mattress platform or utilizing the space under the bunk for shoe storage.