building bunk beds

munimula · 10-09-2003, 03:01 PM

hi,

i have a '78 / center bath / excella 500 - 31 ft with rear twins. i need to add bunks above the twins. has anyone done this successfully? are plans and/or pictures available anywhere?

the main problem seems to be access to opening street and curb side windows. i can't visuaize a good way to tackle this.

thanks n advance.

dave

http://www.dwmorrison.com/airstream.htm

smily · 10-10-2003, 05:45 AM

There is much written on the Bunk Bed retrofit. Simply use search feature at the top of this page.

Of course you will have to suspend the beds or use uprights that are attached to a "rib" of the trailer.

I believe AS actually produced AS's with the bunk beds already installed.

Good luck
Smily

munimula · 10-10-2003, 08:09 AM

ken,

thanks for the input. i did do a search prior to my post that yielded little information. however, the info you provided is a good starting point for me. the thought of suspending a bunk was not originally in my solutions to consider.

i've been thinking about beefing up the bulkhead between aft cabin and the center head (curbside) and closet (streetside). then tieing in the forward part of the bunk to that bulkhead. then using freestanding legs to support the bunk in the rear.

this approach still leaves me wrestling with access to the window mechanicals.

the appproach you suggest would potentially make the bunks more temporary in nature allowing for removal as a way of gaining access to the windows -- brilliant!

as a new airstream owner, i'm finding this forum invaluable. ken, i hope you pick up many karma points for your help here. you have in my book.

thanks to Louis as well for sending over the excellent pictures.

i need to get this project done in time for our trip to wilderness campground at disney world for easter '04. it's gonna be a fun winter.

--dave

smily · 10-10-2003, 10:07 AM

Here is one mans approach to bunking up with nature, Check this link

http://www.airstreamphotos.com/photo...t=1&ppuser=303

FlynG · 10-10-2003, 06:33 PM

I can't open the link to the bunk bed. this is something that I would be very interested in too.

Thanks, in advance

smily · 10-11-2003, 08:59 AM

I believe that the photo server was down yesterday but it is working now.

The link works perfectly

fabofabo · 10-12-2003, 12:50 AM

Great idea on the setup, will use quality Home Depot material to build my bunks for the Pacer. Nature is hard to get in sunny but smoggy L.A.!

MECHANIC · 10-12-2003, 08:50 PM

After readind your post I checked my 1977 service manual and found a bunk bed assembly.There is a numbered illustration,part numbers,and installation instrutions.I can try to scan that page and sent to you if it will help.

fabofabo · 10-12-2003, 10:22 PM

Great! if you, mechanic can send it to my email or post it somewhere where others in this forum can view it, it would be great. My email is fabofabo@hotmail.com Thanks, F

munimula · 10-12-2003, 10:34 PM

mechanic,

please include me on the distribution list for the bunk info you plan to post.

thanks,
dave
daveatmicsupplydotcom

MECHANIC · 10-13-2003, 09:08 PM

I sent an email to you with illustration of beds. I hope you have acrobat reader. If you don't,let me know.I tried to post,but file was too big.

mechanic

MECHANIC · 10-13-2003, 09:20 PM

The beds have square ends,not sure if they are for a rear or center bath.These parts may still be available from dealer.

FlynG · 10-14-2003, 05:12 AM

I would love to have the pdf of the bunk beds.
thanks,

munimula · 10-14-2003, 05:59 AM

i posted the pdf at my site. see http://dwmorrison.com/bunkplans.pdf

thanks again mechanic!

--dave

http://www.dwmorrison.com/airstream.htm