Fold up bed, use wood or steel or?

[lrrowe]

This looks it would be very light.

[sdiver68]

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

I was advised by multiple experts against using vertical etrack for that much weight. And the roof frame isn't designed for that much weight either. Good luck with it, not saying it won't turn out great it would make me nervous.

[lrrowe]

I have placed 2 x 4's across my inside top, screwed to the trailer's cross members. I have no doubt that whatever I wanted to use within the scope of bedding would be supported by the cross member. And if I had any doubt, I could always add angle iron or just a 2" by 1/4 inch steel bar. In fact on the cross member that most likely will be support some weight, I just may add the steel support anyway.

[NO David!]

@ AZ_Desert_Rat:

The cots are a European military surplus from Colemans.
https://colemans.com/shop/bedding/cot-euro-military/

I had planned to use just the frame as the tubing around the perimeter was heavy gauge, welded, and continuous. I had decided to get cordura nylon and have it sewn around the frame to make a "pipe berth" design like what is found in ships.

When the cots came in, I just used them as-is. The sleeping surface is actually treated burlap, sewn around heavy gauge wire frame hung from the top of the perimeter tubing. I simply cut the legs out of the cots for the top bunks and attached them to the e-track at two points on the wall and hung the outer at two points from the longitudinal roof beams I installed. No springs, just the military heavy burlap setup. The kids just lay the sleeping bag on top of the cot and they're set.

btw, if you purchase more than one, consider shipping LTL freight as it might lower the shipping cost per unit.

David

[Gonefishin]

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.

Me too! I understand some want the fold-up or Murphy option for space. Not me, I don't go camping to make beds once or twice a day. I want mine always ready to go, so I can pull over and crawl in. Or go inside and lay down and take a nap, or rest my back, or just lay down and read. When I wake up, I pull the sheets and blanket up, and call it good. I have back issues like some of the others on here (herniated discs/sciatica), and the last thing I want to do is have to move mattress pads, fold lumber/metal up and down, and mess with blankets or sleeping bags. But that's just me. I bought this in a full size, and its been great. Easy in, easy out.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi NO David!,
Thanks for the quick response ... Those look like they will do the job and the price is great!! I'll check on getting them ordered and thanks for the tip on shipping

[NO David!]

Forgot this question came up before... scroll down in this post for more of my details:

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=49766

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi David,
Thank you again for the additional information. I believe my 6x10 foot trailer set-up will be a bit easier than yours ... 1st, I only need and want 2 bunks, one on each side and 2nd, they will be hinged to floor-supported side wall home-built hinges to allow the bunk to fold up to the wall. The design is a side-fold Murphy style bed at a normal bed height and will fold up to be out of the way for whatever the day or trip brings and still leave extra room for the mattress, but come down tight to the wall to allow as much walk space between the bunks as possible.


I am a 6', 260 lb. old fat guy, how well do you think the burlap will support this weight and is there much sag.

Thanks again ....

[lrrowe]

Hi John,
I was quite interested in these cots also. But with my 6' width did not allow for two of them and the other clearances I wanted. I too want a walk space, as small as it might be and I want to be able to fold them up with a mattress (up to 8" thick) in them.
Otherwise I think these cots are a great find. And for me, I could pick them up as the outlet is just a small detour for me when I travel through PA.

[CoventryKid]

Sdiver68:

Whose the manufacturer of the bed frame you pictured? I've been looking for something exactly like that. Thanks

[sdiver68]

Sdiver68:
Whose the manufacturer of the bed frame you pictured? I've been looking for something exactly like that. Thanks

I'm not sure the manufacturer I think there are several or at least several brands that slap their logo on the same thing. Here's a link from Wal-Mart who tends to have a very good everyday price, sometimes I see it online for less depending on sales and discounts:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Wooden-Slat-B ... k/11080079

Just Google "Slat Bed Frames". I have this type of platform in my home bed only supported at the corners and by 1 footed post in the middle, works great.

[sdiver68]

THIS...is why I want to learn how to weld. Nice job!

These pictures should help out. I used an e-track mount for a 2x4 wood and cut it down with a band saw, Then welded some 2x2 steel tube to what was left of the e-track mount.

[lrrowe]

Yes, they are nice. I cannot weld either. Would be nice to be able to buy a set. Guess I am stuck with my wood set.

[sdiver68]

Yes, they are nice. I cannot weld either. Would be nice to be able to buy a set. Guess I am stuck with my wood set.

I have a machinist working on a prototype etrack for production that would allow people to do something like this with no welding required. Stay tuned!

[lrrowe]