Fold up bed, use wood or steel or?

[lrrowe]

I do not have the welding abilities to make one like this. It does look very simple, clean and functionable. So I will probably do something like Dirtclod did in his build viewtopic.php?f=42&t=53941&start=15.

He used 1/2 in plywood with 1/2 in support rails and is happy with it.

[aggie79]

I do not have the welding abilities to make one like this. It does look very simple, clean and functionable. So I will probably do something like Dirtclod did in his build viewtopic.php?f=42&t=53941&start=15.

He used 1/2 in plywood with 1/2 in support rails and is happy with it.

That's a very nice design. I know I read the thread when it was posted but somehow it didn't register. Thank you for reposting it.

[lrrowe]

I suffer from that problem every day. And it does not better with age.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hey Bob,
I have been bouncing around and just checking in .... How's those bunks going ... did I miss them or have you made them yet and if so, were they wood or steel ??

[lrrowe]

Hey John, welcome back. I have not much since you and I last posted on this. Long story tried to made short is my back keep me down to doing just about nothing? I am on the rebound and starting to pick up energey and speed. I have not build my bunks yet, but when I do, they will be wood. I have the design in mind and I will look for another posters link which I will copy and I will post it here.



Found it.
Dirtclod's project.

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=53941&start=15

[jwhite]

I built mine out of 4x8 plywood with drop down legs made of shelving pine these photos show it down unfinished and folded up, I also have a drop down shelf,

[chiefb711]

Good question I have been having the same dilemma

Use aluminum...it's five times as expensive and just as strong. The weight makes up for it all though. I got mine at a salvage yard for less than new steel! You got to know where to shop, and how to weld of course.

Chief

[lrrowe]

I built mine out of 4x8 plywood with drop down legs made of shelving pine these photos show it down unfinished and folded up, I also have a drop down shelf,

When I am traveling I like my 6' width. But while I am building the inside, I like the 7' wide units so I could consider this approach. It looks nice.

[lrrowe]

Good question I have been having the same dilemma

Use aluminum...it's five times as expensive and just as strong. The weight makes up for it all though. I got mine at a salvage yard for less than new steel! You got to know where to shop, and how to weld of course.

Chief

I have limited material resources where I live and I do not know how to weld which I regret.

My bed platform will be 1/2" plywood reinforced with1/2" wood strips around the edges as Dirtclod did. While I did not run a weight comparison, I will bet this approach is not much heavier then either an aluminum or steel one. I suggest this because even with the metal frames, you still have to have some sort of platform for the mattress. That is added weight.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hey John, welcome back. I have not much since you and I last posted on this. Long story tried to made short is my back keep me down to doing just about nothing? I am on the rebound and starting to pick up energey and speed. I have not build my bunks yet, but when I do, they will be wood. I have the design in mind and I will look for another posters link which I will copy and I will post it here.

Found it.
Dirtclod's project.

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=53941&start=15

Hi Bob,
Sorry to hear about your back, but am glad you are on the rebound
I haven't done much on my CT either, but because of my thin blood (It is still thick from So. Arizona) and I really just don't feel like working on the trailer in the driveway at 30 degree temps ... I'm also still trying to arrange the garage so I can find things

I used it to move some furniture for my wife and camped in a couple times, but since November, it has been collecting snow in the driveway

I, like you, have roughed in some ideas and will probably go with wood for the frame and bottom; however, I think I am going to go with homemade steel hinges. As my trailer is only about 68" wide inside (6' minus walls), I want to make the beds fold down closer to the walls and pull out a few inches from the walls when folded up, this will allow for the mattress and bedding ... The whole idea is to allow a bit more room between the bunks when both bunks are down

I have a piece of garage door "L" brace about 5' long that should work for the bed-side hinge bracket ... the wall bracket will need to be a wall bracket that extends up from the floor and extends out a few inches to the pivot point ... anyway, something like that (I think I'll build a wood mock-up before I start cutting steel)

Take care of that back, we need to get you on the road and camping this next spring

[lrrowe]

I think I can visualize your hinge plan.
I was going to have my hinges about 8 inches away from the wall because I probably will use a 6 to 8 inch thich mattress. Guess I should get the mattress before I finalize on the distance.

This cold trend has me house bound most ot the time. I guess I need to man up and get out there. Afterall, I grew up in the Adirondachs and schooled in Michigan. But as you say, we have thin blood now.

Have you embraced the Big Ten yet?

[NO David!]

Whatever you decide, I like the versatility of vertical e-track; because it's so... "versatile".

[PigTrail]

I used both wood and metal. Pics and description of the Murphy Bed here...

viewtopic.php?f=42&t=60222

Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!!

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi NO David!
I like the looks of the bunks in your camper

Where did you get them or did you make the bunks in your trailer? They look like spring support for the mattress, is this correct?
Can you give me any info on these ... size, cost, etc.

Thanks much...

[sdiver68]

I'm surprised I don't see more premade bed frames with slats. They are so cheap, maybe even cheaper than materials and no welding required.