Q for a structural wizard re a bed support replacement

[hwitten]

I have storage under the double bed (plywood based), which is accessible from outside. The manufacturer placed 2 1x1 wooden supports in the center, I.e. just 2 little posts.
Of course they make actual storage a bit inconvenient as the are in the way when trying to slide a box in, etc.

I want to replace the center posts with a beam of 1x1in square or 1 in round hollow aluminum tubing and support it at each end.
The question(s):
1) would that be sufficiently strong or do I need to go bigger?
2) Square or round for maximum support?

Heinz

[2bits]

I am rebuilding my bed area too and will be interested in the replies!

[doug hodder]

So what is the span width you are trying to support? I put some drawers under the edge of the bed that are accessed from the interior...then a bulkhead full width, the drawers fit full width between the wheel wells. For the rest of the bed support I used 6 1x2's with a gusset to make the span. My storage area is only 30" wide however. I can remove the water tank through the cargo hatch and have full width at least in the area behind the water tank. The rest of it holds a lot of stuff. This may not apply to your situation however. Doug

[hwitten]

I think I have it figured out.

The bed platform rests on 3/4in x 1 1/2's on each side, screwed to the wall. Span between them is 50 inches. I got some 1 1/2 sq aluminum tubing, .125 thick, round corners.
I'll install some wooden legs on each end and hopefully that'll do the trick and open up the storage area for easier access.

[2bits]

Good call on the wheel wells Doug! That applies to my campers, so that will work for me since there is very little space from the end of the wheel well to the rear of the camper. Glad you have it figured out as well Heinz!

[hwitten]

Turned out I left the rear support in. Decided it might just serve to keep stuff from sliding around. The forward one was making it hard to slide containers in from the cabin side access.

As delivered.

D7K_2357_640.jpeg (68.06 KiB) Viewed 283 times

Used 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 square aluminum supported on each end.

IMG_0427_640.jpeg (81.61 KiB) Viewed 283 times

IMG_0423_640.jpeg (94.33 KiB) Viewed 283 times

Have to close the wiring in some. On the todo list

[Vedette]

I like your new support. Very clean!
I would replace the other one too!
Sandi and I just arrived home with her new 2010 Santa Fe.
Our new TV for long trips.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[hwitten]

I would replace the other one too!

I mis-judged my initial plan to replace the rear one. It's actually in the path of outside access and if I move it further back to clear the doors all it's going to hold up is my pillow

I may try and figure out a way to tie the cross piece right into the edge 3/4 x 1 1/2 that holds the bed platform. That far forward it really only supports head and shoulders so I might get away with it.

Sure glad I bought though. At the rate I'm personalizing I would probably never get to camp in a build
Still have Grey Water holding tank and permanent Digital TV Antenna on the before first trip list.

Heinz

[Vedette]

Funny?
I just suggested that to Newbie!
Good Luck with that personalizing!!!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[48Rob]

Mine is designed so the first three rails have a support leg between the drawers, the next two are full span (4'-6") the next has a leg, and the rear support is attached to the wall.

If you are very light, you might get by, but no way would I try to use mine without center support.

Rob

[hwitten]

Rob,

Your bed area is crossways? I.e. side to side instead of fore and aft?

Heinz

[48Rob]

Your bed area is crossways? I.e. side to side instead of fore and aft?

Yes Heinz,

This allows use of the wheelhouses for part of the bed support, reducing the span.

Rob