The Bed

Like all loves in life there are some parts of motorhoming that I love more than others. The thing that I love the least is 'making the bed'. I mean this in the sense of not just changing the sheets but in the sense that in many internal configurations there is a need to build the bed from boards and cushions before it can then be 'made' with sheets and quilt before, finally, one can slip into it. 

The bed made from boards and cushions is not a real bed, it has to perform as seating during the day so the cushions are not like a real mattress. So, there is compromise on both fronts. 

There are various ways around this problem. A fixed bed, which would have made the camper too big or, the pull down bed which stows away in the ceiling during the day and is pulled down at night.

I decided on a modified 'pull down' approach. The original plan was to make a bed frame and base which I could raise and lower into the ceiling using a suitable lifting system. Whilst searching for bed slats on the IKEA website I found a (cheap) ready made bed frame. The combined weight of these and the mattress came in at about 35 kgs. 



I then needed a lifting mechanism. To cut a long story of sleepless nights and internet searching short I discovered a Thule roof box storage lift. This is intended to fit to the ceiling of a garage to enable a roofbox to be lifted off the roofrack and stored in the ceiling above the car. Weight limit 100kgs. I did not want to have all of the lifting mechanism on show in the ceiling above the bed but felt that I could modify things and have the mechanics under the base of the bed. This would also make the winding mechanism more accessible (and possibly allow operation with a cordless drill?)

Combined cost of this, bed, slats, mattress, lift was about 280 pounds. Good value and this would be a 'real' bed. 

The bed frame was a tight fit in length but, in theory, would fit. However, the internal fittings on the wndows (cassette for blind and flyscreen) invade the space so I had to shorten the frame. I also had to reduce the height of the headboard and cut off the legs. 

The THULE Multilift envisages the winding mechanism being attached to the ceiling.

I inverted the idea and attached the winder to the underside of the bed. 

Guides were fabricated to carry the lifting cord around the ends of the bed.

Bed in (sleeping) position

Having fitted pulleys and cord (see next post for details) I had my first go at winding.

Further work on window installation 

I have installed a trim above the window to protect the top seal from water flowing down the walls and for a bit of decorative effect. These are of plywood cut in sections on the CNC machine. 

Rear window

Internal shot showing cassette blind and flyscreen part

First Window Trial

The edges of the vinyl roof were trimmed back and a cover of angled checkerplate installed at the edges for protection.




The first window opening cut back to the internal frame with the trim router. 

...and the window slotted into place.

Roof Cover

I had a piece of vinyl sheeting from an earlier project and used this to cover the roof.



Frames had been installed on the underside to suit the roof lights and these were first opened up with the trim router.

Then the vinyl was secured using strips of contact adhesive at 300mm centres.