Addressing the Twins

[Alluminati]

When we first began looking for a trailer, the first non-negotiable feature we would require was a walkaround queen bed. There were plenty other “must-haves” that came and went as we looked, but the mandate requiring the correct bed was inscribed in stone.

Following months of research, we decided that a 1989 Avion 34XB (center bath, rear queen) was the perfect model for us. Next we learned how rarely you find them for sale. So we were on our way to look at a cheaper whitebox we could make do with until the correctest trailer came available. Then out of thin air, an ‘89 Avion 34VB showed up (rear bath, center twins), in the right condition at the right price in the right place. What to do??? It’s not the exact model we wanted, but how can we walk away when everything else about it is so right? Maybe it won’t be that bad. We’ll just live with it. We can snuggle on the couch sometimes.

We first thought about pulling out the twins, and putting in a full size laid crosswise, with room at the foot to walk around to the bathroom. In fact, knowing the floorplan ahead of time, we were already thinking about it when we first saw the interior, and mentioned it out loud in front of the owners. The look of shock and horror on the faces of the owners at the thought that we planned a major remodel was followed with tales of how much they LOVED having twin beds. It was clear we should fake some love for the plaid curtains and worn floor mats so they wouldn’t throw us out of the trailer before we had a chance to buy. But after two weekends as full fledged owners, I know it won’t work for us.

To make the sideways full bed work, the head of the bed will have to rest against the street side wall, with the walkaround on the curb side. That means removing all the cabinets over the curb side bed, plus the shirt closet on the street side will need the bottom raised. The bed bases will be pulled out, narrowed, and reinstalled back to back. Some of the finish work required on the bases is above my skill level. We’d also lose the valance on that window, the outlet in the closet, we’d reset the stereo speakers, furnace thermostat, and one light fixture, and replumb a furnace vent.

It wasn’t a scary thought just for the PO, we hated to do that much major retooling too. We were losing too much.

After more brainstorming, the idea came that we could leave the twins as they are, but put one of them in a tray on sliders. Pull the beds together when you want to sleep together, and simply slide them apart when you need to get up.

So, going way out on a ball bearing track here (out on a limb), I’m going to move ahead with this mod, and take you all with me. No guarantee this will not be a total flop. But at least you’ll get the fun of watching me fall on my face if that’s the case.

[PaulnGina]

Hmmmmmm..... Now that's an idea!

Looking forward to your reports.


PaulnGina
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke

Blessed and highly favored

[Melody Ranch]

I have a new walk around Queen which I bought for my 1953 Liner. I've since changed my plans and want to use a twin set up. If your mattresses are great condition Maybe we could swap?

[Alluminati]

Pickup bed cargo slides look like a great place to start, but they are the wrong dimensions.

[Alluminati]

The trailer is 8’ wide, with 32” wide twins, leaving 32” of space between the beds that needs to be closed.

I just ordered this: https://www.firgelliauto.com/product...-drawer-slides

These have 400 lb carrying capacity. I was hoping to mount them flat, but that reduces their capacity to 50 lbs. I can’t mount them on the walls at the ends of the bed. The mattresses are already a tight fit. So I’m going to mount them on rails under the center of the bed.

I’ll screw 2x4 rails onto the current struts that support the board the mattress lies on, with matching rails screwed to the new plywood mattress support.

The other bed will have to be raised 4” so they match. And there will need to be a receiving lip for the leading edge of the moving mattress to relieve weight from the slides. There also needs to be something to lock the bed in place when open or closed

[Texfx4]

We were at the Avion Rally in Elkhart last weekend. This was the solution that one of the couples came up with.
You can look up "In our rear view mirror" on Facebook and ask more questions.

[Alluminati]

Clever!

I'll have to check out "In Our Rear..."!

[Alluminati]

[Alluminati]

Good bones.

Mattress and hardboard are gone. Removed the headboard as it will need to be raised to allow room for the raised mattress. Ready for the slide.

[Alluminati]

Built a simple platform for the stationary other twin so the beds will be equal height.

[Alluminati]

Mounted the drawer slides on 2x4s

Mounted the 2x4s onto the supporting struts.

[Alluminati]

Screwed plywood to new 2x4 struts

attached stud to leading edge for stability.

Now the deck slides!

[Alluminati]

sweet dreams!

[Hittenstiehl]

Very nice