designe discussion topic. the cross wise bed in a teardrop

[angib]

I think that sleeping crossways seems like a good idea until the detail is looked at.

Say you want only a standard double length of 75", then add 1" of mattress clearance (to get your fingers down the side without amputation) and 2" of sidewall thickness each side and the overall body width needs to be at least 80" - but I wonder how many people think instinctively they can sleep crossways in a 72" wide body?

The 80" length of a queen or king size needs a 85" wide body, which is getting pretty substantial.

[azgreg]

My wife wanted to do something like this using a "pull out" feature. I nixed that idea pretty quick.

[kayakdlk]

I considered a cross wise bed but then really like a head board/shelf for reading light, books, storage, etc. That makes it too wide, and I do not like a shelf that sticks out over the mattress where I can hit my head. Also for two people one will always be crawling over the other in a cross wise bed. If it is just for one then no crawling and you can use a side shelf next to the bed. I have been working on a design of larger teardrop for longer stays with a front table/couch sitting area but have yet to solve these two issues to my satisfaction.

Good luck with your build Slow

Dan

[booyah]

I looked at that idea, and think it would work specifically in something 7ft wide or wider. I was looking at doing a home brew RV in a 7x14 cargo trailer conversion, but am stilling having trouble fitting what I want in it all in one.

[Woodbutcher]

I have thought about a sideways bed in a 6 wide teardrop. The trailer would need to be about 11 feet long or so and 5" or so tall. Plus the shape would need to be more like a standy with a taller back end. The bed would be side ways against a bulkhead in the rear over the fenders. Then to solve the short bed length I would put a drop down door like a secretary desk has. The door would be about 18" tall. Then sew a canvass cover shaped like a popup has on the end. This would hold your feet. If you have cannibalized a popup for the trailer, frame you could save the canvass and rework it to include a zipper window if you wanted. The mattress would have to be made in 2 pieces and the short end fold in with the canvass when the trailer is in tow. The galley could not be very deep with this type of bed. But it could have a galley door to access some shelving and storage. Then since the bed was built over the fenders that leaves room underneath the bed to make a large pull out for a stove and work counter to come out the rear . Really it extends the galley out the back of the trailer 2 feet. The cooler would have to ride in the TV or the front of the trailer and could be placed on an extension table off the back when needed. I have sketched this and I believe I can make it work. It could offer the best of both worlds. Still small but with a drop floor many could stand up in it and get dressed without doing the "squirm" on a flat bed. But you can still cook outside and enjoy the great outdoors. The inside up front could be a small table and benches for seating.

[HarryL]

The Standie that I finished this summer has two single beds crosswise with a storage wall built between the sleeping area and the galley. Each bed is 35" wide and 76" long, custom ordered. Between the beds is a sunken foot well area 32" wide giving us room to stand up (75") and move around. It's got a porta potti storage area and closet on the wall opposite the door . My wife's bed requirements basically determined the overall teardrop design. This makes for a much larger camper. It's 12' long and 83" wide at the fenders and 2600 lbs fully loaded. Tongue weight is around 270 lbs. It's definitely not something that you can move around easily. More like a traditional camper than a light maneuverable teardrop.

But,it's nice to be able to get up at night without disturbing your partner. Also, being able to get dressed and move around in the camper is great. Since the galley is 76" wide, we have lot's of counter space and room for our cooler and propane stove.

It still pulls very easily with my Ford Escape with the tow package rated at 3500 lbs.

[Brushy_Bill]

Will be using this twin size in the front
of my standie. With the ends folded down,
it is 73 inches long. The inside width
will be 76". (Foamie)


The large cushion in the rear is removable when sleeping, as are the ones on the ends.
This frame, with the legs removed, spaced up about an inch above the front storage
area will provide a nice place to sit or sleep.

Most of my trips are solo, I have a friend who will be on two or three trips a year with me.
There is plenty of room for a cot or air mattress when she goes.
I will be using this trailer nearly every weekend from early spring to late fall.
So, mainly setting it up for one person, but should be comfortable for two.
Profile started as the Grumman 2 in the resource section here on the forum.

14 foot long x 80 inch outside width. Tallest interior will be right at 6'2"


Will start this build in april 2016.