bunk beds

[bueller]

Hey all.

Doing research for fitting our 4 kids into an Airstream. They are 7 and under down to 3 months.

The question: Can I use their current bunk beds in a back bedroom layout (where the original equipment of twins or queen beds are removed) fit? The configuration would be side by with small "aisles" on the walls or a center "aisle".

Dimensions are 78 3/8" long by 41 3/8" wide by 45 3/8" tall. Here it is.


I'm looking at 80s-90s vintage trailers if that helps with determining size requirements.

Thanks!

[uraljohn]

Large Airstreams made prior to 1995 are only 8' wide (7 1/2' inside) These are referred to as "Narrow Body". After 1995 they went to the legal limit of 8 1/2' (8' inside width). 6" makes a big difference in these trailers. For the best chance of fitting 4 kids and bunkbeds in you may want to look for a 1995 or newer 34' triple axle Classic Excella or Limited. These are the largest Airstreams made with the exception of the ones with slide outs made from early 2000's to late 2000's (not sure of the years but they only made approx. 600 or so). 6 people in an Airstream is a bunch particularly with an infant. The 34' triple axles were made until the mid 2000's, I think. Good luck with your search. Bigger is better in this case IMHO.

[skyguyscott]

It is likely that you will have to cut the corner that abuts the rear. Airstream trailers with twin beds in the rear have a custom mattress with a curved corner to fit.

Alternatively, so you know, AS did in fact make a "bunkhouse" model which is 30' in length (but actually 34' in exterior length measured from tongue to rear bumper) that was specifically designed for families.

https://www.airstream.com/travel-tra...ans/30fb-bunk/

Notably, it features a dedicated front master bedroom and a double bed with bunk bedroom in the rear. AND, you can still convert the couch and dinette into yet more additional bedding.

Square footage is one thing, but in actual daily use, how that space is arranged is so much more important. The stock floorpans of the 34 footers have much underutilized "wasted space" in the front living room.

The ideal solution might be to convert a 34 footer into a bunkhouse-like floor plan.

[bueller]

Thanks for the info. Yes I remember hearing about the mid 90s widebody. Hmm. I can modify those bunk beds but would need to get new foam to modify. Good points all. 34’ is a beast but many times more affordable to purchase. Hmmm 🤔 much to think about!!

[bueller]

Excursion v10 pull a 34”er? Beastly!

[Crackerman]

Most pre 90's beds are only 32ish inches wide. A bunk would be in the 27ish inch range.

[KLK]

I’ve cut 10” foam mattress pads using a serrated kitchen knife to fit my twin bed.

[AtomicNo13]

We've towed our 34' 300000+ miles with a v10 excursion. Wouldn't trade it for anything!
Btw, we have been fullrine with 4 kids for 8 years... Don't let the naysayers defeat you! It is comfortable and doable!

[my3sonsdad]

We have 3 teens. Rather than trying to add bunk beds to our 26’ Argosy, I opted for a 30’ Argosy with rear twins & center bath.

As a center bath, it came with a 3 door closet opposite the bath which we decided didn’t fit with our camping style. It’s just shy of 74” long (maybe 72”).

I’ve removed the closet, added a both a twin bed and 31” window as is typical above a twin. This space could easily accommodate a bunk more easily than the curves/hanging bunk of the rear twins.

We ordered a Tuft & Needle twin mattress that I will trim to fit around the shape of the curtain assembly. The frame of the twin bed and the window assembly was donated by my 26’.

I also tow with an Excursion. We ran out of passenger space and payload in our Jeep Grand Cherokee.