Fold-up Bunk Ideas

[Karebru]

I could use a few...
As it's getting closer, I'm still not sure what I'm going to do there.
There will be a single bunk along each side at the rear of my trailer.
One will be fixed, over the water tank. The other needs to fold up so I can get a couple bicycles or a scooter in there.
A cot would be an easy fix, but we're old and need real beds with real mattresses.

Please post ideas about hardware.
Hinges, legs, how to attach it securely to the side wall, what holds it in the fold-up position, etc...

Thanks

[onehoser]

this is what i did, it's about 1" narrower than a queen sized bed

[dirtsailor2003]

I installed vertical e-track and built a system on that. Both sides fold up, have a center insert to make one big bed. Can remove the whole thing by pulling 3 pins on each side. I use the 2x4 pockets. They also have a table support bracket which I didn't find until I was already built out.







If I was to do it over I'd use these brackets:

https://www.etrailer.com/E-Track/CargoS ... 81744.html



Link to my build: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=70317

[aggie79]

I have really enjoyed your build and your woodworking skills. For several years I have been planning a CT conversion and will be using horizontal murphy beds if/when I get the chance to build. I think that a horizontal murphy bed would work for you, especially given your talents.

Although there are various murphy bed hardware kits, I am considering using cheaper DIY approach. I am planning a "narrower than twin bed" horizontal murphy bed that is probably around 32" in width. I think that with this narrower width and horizontal design, I won't have to worry about using springs or struts to help raise the bed because the weight will be comparatively low.

For "hinges", I saw a Youtube murphy bed video boat that used boat seat swivels as the pivot mechanisms. This seems like an ideal approach: https://www.amazon.com/attwood-17720-Boat-Seat-Swivel/dp/B001O0D6SI.



As far as latches, I think the KISS approach would be to use barrel bolts: https://www.amazon.com/Deltana-3BBU10B-Solid-3-Inch-Barrel/dp/B004KDC39Y/ref=sr_1_4?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1545144235&sr=1-4&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A4878486011



For legs, you could use folding shelf brackets, and attach the appropriate size "bed post" where the shelf would go: https://www.amazon.com/Sumnacon-Sturdy-Folding-Shelf-Brackets/dp/B07BT44C1D/ref=asc_df_B07BT44C1D/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241957922100&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7902621142610529464&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027308&hvtargid=pla-506079357597&psc=1



I look forward to your bed "solution".

Take care,
Tom

[aggie79]

I just found the Youtube link for the DIY murphy bed using boat seat swivels:

https://youtu.be/Y6T1xPC-Iek

[Karebru]

All interesting. Thanks, and keep em coming.

Thanks for the link, aggie79.
One thing leads to another on YouTube. There's a lot to look at on the subject.
I like the seat swivel idea. Might be a good starting point.

[kirkupnorth]

We went the basic route, and it's working great so far. We attached gate hinges to the wall and the rail of the bed. We attached a drop down leg with a piano hinge. When it's in the folded up position, we used a hasp closure we got at the local farm and fleet store.







We're pleased with how it works, and the beds are surprisingly comfortable.

[NO David!]

Whatever you decide, vertical e-track for the win!
Ours are in here, military surplus cots, quite comfortable.
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=49766

[clamlamp]

Not a fold out bunk but this is what I did for my daughter. Just a roll up canvas that can be taken on and off.

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[StrongFeather]

Not a fold out bunk but this is what I did for my daughter. Just a roll up canvas that can be taken on and off.

I love this idea and I’m leaning heavily towards doing it for two of the bunks in my trailer when the time comes. Do you have any tips on the type of material/canvas to use, and do you think it would support say 150 pounds? I saw someone else used aluminum poles rather than a dowel.

Steve


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[clamlamp]

Not a fold out bunk but this is what I did for my daughter. Just a roll up canvas that can be taken on and off.

I love this idea and I’m leaning heavily towards doing it for two of the bunks in my trailer when the time comes. Do you have any tips on the type of material/canvas to use, and do you think it would support say 150 pounds? I saw someone else used aluminum poles rather than a dowel.

Steve


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I used 1" diameter closet pole but aluminum probably be better for adults.

I used normal canvas from home Depot but for adults you might want the heavy duty version.

Also, you can't tell from the photo but the fabric is doubled up for added strength.

I tested it out with an 85 lb female student of mine and it held so it'll last me 10 years since my daughter is still 18 months.



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[John61CT]

Phifertex Plus is the bomb for this

Great source, excellent CS for DIYers
https://www.sailrite.com/Fabrics/Marine ... e/Products

[hankaye]

clamlamp, Howdy;

oooops, should have directed this to StrongFeather, sorry 'bout dat.

For Good well excellent Canvas and Duck cloth try the folks at Big Duck Canvas.
They have a tremendous variety of weights of the cloths https://www.bigduckcanvas.com/
They are a wholesaler so probably a bit less then HD or Sailrite.
Also you can call them and they'll give you a solid recommendation for the weight cloth
and other questions you may have about getting it all put together.

hank

[StrongFeather]

Awesome! Thanks everyone.


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[fishboat]

Mounts to bar-stock plate to e-track on wall.



e-track hinge mount



with additional bike mounts