Cots and Bunks Question

[S. Heisley]

Good job on the test, John. Thanks for posting the pictures!

[urban5]

I would go to a box store and have some 1 in gas pipe cut to fit. That would defiantly hold the weight. It is heavier, but wouldn't flex at all.

I thought about that one, too, but deleted my same suggestion because of the damage that metal pipe can do to a body, etc, if it falls.

.....Hmmm well a 6' piece of 1 1/4" gas pipe will hold over 400lbs, a 1" isn't far behind it. I would be more concerned about the bracing failing than the pipe.

[dh]

I would go to a box store and have some 1 in gas pipe cut to fit. That would defiantly hold the weight. It is heavier, but wouldn't flex at all.

I thought about that one, too, but deleted my same suggestion because of the damage that metal pipe can do to a body, etc, if it falls.

.....Hmmm well a 6' piece of 1 1/4" gas pipe will hold over 400lbs, a 1" isn't far behind it. I would be more concerned about the bracing failing than the pipe.

My exact thoughts are in RED

Also, what if you knock your head on it when you sit up? What happens when SHE hits her face on it while tossing and turning in the night? A pad may be wrapped around it before the fabric gets sewn on, but consider safety first.

[bdosborn]

My favorite cot thread:





Linky

Bruce

[LDK]

My favorite cot thread:





Linky

Bruce

I like that set up!!
That is really neat.

[urban5]

I would go to a box store and have some 1 in gas pipe cut to fit. That would defiantly hold the weight. It is heavier, but wouldn't flex at all.

I thought about that one, too, but deleted my same suggestion because of the damage that metal pipe can do to a body, etc, if it falls.

.....Hmmm well a 6' piece of 1 1/4" gas pipe will hold over 400lbs, a 1" isn't far behind it. I would be more concerned about the bracing failing than the pipe.

My exact thoughts are in RED

Also, what if you knock your head on it when you sit up? What happens when SHE hits her face on it while tossing and turning in the night? A pad may be wrapped around it before the fabric gets sewn on, but consider safety first.

And what if you fall off the bed in your house in the middle of the night?, or you kid falls off the swing at the play ground? , or you trip down the stairs in the middle of the night?

Build it so it doesn't fall. Pad it if you must, but a hunk of wood that doesn't flex, isn't going to feel better that a steel pipe if you knock it head on it, or your kid knocks their face on it in the middle of the night.

He asked for an opinion on something that would not fail, so I gave him one. To each his own.

[S. Heisley]

If someone is aware of a danger, it is their responsibility to address it. That's the most anyone here can do and that's why I wrote what I did...not that the pipe wouldn't work but because people need to think about as many angles of what they are doing as possible. Bringing up such issues may bring up something that another reader hasn't thought of; thus, helping him/her. If a person is aware of a pitfall, he/she can take preventative measures.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
Let it go at that. Our "job" is done here.

[john]

They generally go to bed in separate bunks but they reshuffle the deck while we sleep and often end up sharing by the time we wake.

The walls are 6' apart with wooden 1 1/4"? dowels. Their weight gets spread over a large area of the dowels due to the canvas so your tests with the weights in the middle represent an extreme which is good to know for safety.

[StandUpGuy]

Well I think this is exactly what the original poster was looking for. If you have the same set up then clearly the canvas provides for eveness of support on the rods.

[J.Heyboer]

Your right StandUpGuy!

John's set-up is exactly what I was thinking. Looks like it works fine. Although I will most likely beef up the dowels a little per advice from you and DH.

Thanks Again Everyone.

John

[CarlLaFong]

. He asked for an opinion on something that would not fail, so I gave him one. To each his own.

As did I. I realize, as a noob, my opinions are suspect until I have paid my dues. No problem there, I belong to a number of groups and am aware of the pecking orders. I gave a solution that is cheap, easy, will not sag, will not break, will not fall, will not fail, does not require heavy pipe, straps, additional support gizmos or a degree in engineering and was, evidently, ignored. I call it, "Ignoring the obvious in search of the obscure". I have learned, over the years building motorcycles, hot rods, furniture etc, that the KISS principle works every time, at least for me.

[StandUpGuy]

. He asked for an opinion on something that would not fail, so I gave him one. To each his own.

As did I. I realize, as a noob, my opinions are suspect until I have paid my dues. No problem there, I belong to a number of groups and am aware of the pecking orders. I gave a solution that is cheap, easy, will not sag, will not break, will not fall, will not fail, does not require heavy pipe, straps, additional support gizmos or a degree in engineering and was, evidently, ignored. I call it, "Ignoring the obvious in search of the obscure". I have learned, over the years building motorcycles, hot rods, furniture etc, that the KISS principle works every time, at least for me.

I think you need to explain your idea better. Drawings or a photo are always good.

[CarlLaFong]

[/quote]I think you need to explain your idea better. Drawings or a photo are always good.[/quote]

Here is my original post
"Here's a simple fix. Drill a vertical hole at the bottom of the cradles and insert a pin. Leave about an inch protruding. A steel pin would be fine. Drill corresponding holes in the ends of the poles that register with the pins. Drop the poles into the pins and voila, no sag."
It seems clear and concise to me. The cradles, that he has already built and are in place in his trailer, can be drilled vertically (up and down) at the lowermost part of the half circle. Insert a pin in the hole. Leave about an inch sticking out of the hole. Drill holes in the ends of the poles so that they will drop into the, aforementioned, pins. The poles are now locked securely in place. They cannot pull away from the cradles and fall out. Sag will be minimal.
I cannot post a picture of an idea and my scanner is kaput so no drawing either

[S. Heisley]

That makes sense to me and sounds like a good idea for someone to use to ensure their bunk bed poles stay in place.

[StandUpGuy]

Well I fail to see how the pins would stop the poles from bowing. I would think the bowing would still happen and simply bend the pins and or tear the hole the pins are dropped into on the cradle.