Teardrop with a kids bunk - designs?

[scottychop]

Hi all,

I am just getting into the design phase of my teardrop fascination and am curious about teardrops with a bunk for kids. I know I can use a side-along tent and have not discounted that just yet. I'd like to hear from folks that have slept three, how, what designs, and just how small it might feel. I am a visual guy, so photos would be lovely. My boy is only 5, but is growing daily. I'd hate to have a design that works this year but not in two.

Ideally we'd like a small teardrop, not into large trailers as we don't have the space to store one. Our one car garage is already a tight fit with our sedan.

I've seen only a few lateral bunks instead of cabinets, or a bunk on the tongue side of the door. How did they work for you?

[p40whk]

The CampInn Ultra 560 has a modified front end that has a bunk that also converst into a couch



Google Ultra 560 and you can see the rest of the setup. May be too big for you but it's an option.

[ryuandwings]

I have slideout bunk bed that is about 28" deep.
I originally thought that would be deep enough for 2 kids, but the way my kids move while they sleep, we can only have 1 up there.


It lis not the best photo, but bed holds in half and slide to store under the cabinet.

[Birdman]

thanks for asking this. I am working on this myself and these have given me ideas.

[booyah]

mine only has one bunk, 58"x20" and it fits up to my 11yo daughter

check the build thread in the sig line, last few pages show it fairly well.

Mines a very utilitarian tear, I opted for more space, less storage to allow us to be a bit more flexible.

[scottychop]

repeat

[scottychop]

Thanks for the pics everyone. The slide out bunk looks great, but maybe a bit too fancy for me. Your woodworking skills are awesome! I like the utilitarian pipe berth idea that could be taken down when in use. I'm curious where you all store your clothes and such. In your vehicle? Seems like back and forth might be less efficient. I guess I want storage and a berth...

[Socal Tom]

Personally, If I had to fit three in mine, I would consider not including a galley. You could pretty easily bring a "Chuck box" inside the TD, and set it up once you were at your site. That would allow for quite a bit more space for a cross bunk, without making things too tight.
Tom

[booyah]

Thanks for the pics everyone. The slide out bunk looks great, but maybe a bit too fancy for me. Your woodworking skills are awesome! I like the utilitarian pipe berth idea that could be taken down when in use. I'm curious where you all store your clothes and such. In your vehicle? Seems like back and forth might be less efficient. I guess I want storage and a berth...

I'm in the process of adding drawers under the kid bunk in mine. We did the "backpacks tossed in the corner" thing and it worked but wasn't ideal.

We also did the tent as a changing room option, and if I were staying anywhere for a while, that would be the best way to go. Then you just keep the clothes in there. I'm a 6' 200lb guy, so changing inside the camper is a bit of a joke played at my expense

Otherwise stuff that is kept in the camper during travel (ez up, screen house, changing tent, camp chairs, shoe bin, etc) are all outside the tear when in use. Even if we aren't using the items, we just stash them under the tear to get them out of the way and out of the weather.

[linuxmanxxx]

If you get out of the teardrop mindset your flexibility for space goes way up. The backside slope makes it way too tight for my liking and the build we did on 5 x 8 trailer with storage under had queen bed with a galley and could sit up in it anywhere. That kind of space could do twin bunks and if you go sandwich walls keep the weight very manageable.

[yrock87]

Like this thread, I am building a single bunk for my (as of now) single child. It is good to know that 22 inches is two narrow for two kiddos. I'll be sure to update this thread as I continue with my build and then use the trailer.

Also, for those of you with very small children (toddlers /babys) who still get out and camp. Do you find that the kiddo uses their own bed or winds up sharing with mom and dad?
With a 4 month old I'm wondering how much effort I should out into a bunk at this time, or if I will be wasting my time because she will end up with mom by 2am anyways...

[scottychop]

We've camped with our son since he was tiny also. He was with us for a year or so, and then next to us in his pack-n-play all crammed into a huge tent. That was fine for awhile. In the Vanagon we slept upstairs and he downstairs starting at age 2. With a bunk in a tear I imagine it will be pretty crowded inside.

I am not tied to the tear shape whatsoever. A few rounded corners is fine. Here is my latest idea:

[TheGreg]

Do you find that the kiddo uses their own bed or winds up sharing with mom and dad?

Based on my limited experience with my 6yr old, you will probably experience phases where he/she wants their own bed or share with you.

[scottychop]

And how long did they last inside the tear? At what age did the kids decide it was not enough space and you chucked them in a tent?

Right now I am thinking sliding shelf could be used for desk later on after he outgrows the bunk...

[booyah]

My daughter is 11, and still likes the bunk. Her sister is 7 and will inherit the bunk soon, but the kid has no desire to be by herself in a tent.

In a tent with Dad is a different store though, leave mom and the littles in the camper...