Building your own hide-a-bed

[Trex]

Here is a photo of the “Steelflex type” hid-da-bed framework that I purchased for $50. bucks. My question is….has anyone out there in Airstream land built there own sofa sleeper for the front living area? I looked thru the threads last nite and couldn't find any. If so, can you send me your thread or photos, etc. My goal is to have an Island Queen someday in my Airstream.... Trex “Airstream Nomad”

[FC7039]

Originally Posted by Rex Crabtree

Here is a photo of the “Steelflex type” hid-da-bed framework that I purchased for $50. bucks. My question is….has anyone out there in Airstream land built there own sofa sleeper for the front living area? I looked thru the threads last nite and couldn't find any. If so, can you send me your thread or photos, etc. My goal is to have an Island Queen someday in my Airstream.... Trex “Airstream Nomad”
Attachment 119254

Where did you buy the frame and how heavy is it?

Thanks, Gene

[Trex]

The frame is light....maybe 10 or 15 lbs... I got it from a small upholstery shop in North Redding. The owner wanted 50 bucks for it. Trex "Airstream Nomad"

[Trex]

Someone out there must have made a sleeper sofa for their Airstream.... help me if you have this knownledge. Trex

[Aage]

Did it come with a mattress?

[Trex]

Originally Posted by Aage

Did it come with a mattress?

No, just the frame.... I found the same frame on the internet for $350. We are looking at getting the Spring-Air mattress for $240. And I plan to built a sofa around the framework. Trex

[Trex]

3rd call for help on buliding a sleeper sofa... has anyone done this task? Has anyone seen a thread on this site or another site? I can't be the first to try this idea.... Trex

[SilverHoot]

Rex,

I think maybe an upholsterer is who could help.

[vswingfield]

Hi Rex,

The hard part of a hide-a-bed is the folding mechanism, which you already have.

What are you asking for?

[Trex]

Originally Posted by SilverHoot

Rex,

I think maybe an upholsterer is who could help.

I was looking for photos of other home made sofa's... I found one today... here'e the pic. And yes Mr. Hood I talked with an upholsterer yesterday, and she had some good ideas. I would still like to see if anyone on airstream forum has built there own sofa. I like this one because its long enought to lay on and watch TV, and pull the top off and make a queen island bed. Trex "The Dude abides"

[Aage]

Looks comfy. Don't cheap out on the foam though, that will make it or break it (and your back too).

[vswingfield]

All the Hide-a-beds that I have seen fold into the space beneath the seat cushions and go to the floor. That means that there will be no room beneath the seats for storage, or the batteries and converter like there is with an RV sofa.

Try placing your framework in front of the batteries to get an idea of how much space will be left with the hide-a-bed in place.

Aage is definitely right about using the best foam you can find, too.

[lucymcdog]

You also need to consider the thickness of the mattress that you put on it. The mattress has to probably fold three times on itself and if it is too thick, it won't fold up properly.

I saw a "fold up" mattress the other day on the internet - but can't remember where it was. It was made for hide-a-beds and I think was made of that memory foam stuff.

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by lucymcdog

You also need to consider the thickness of the mattress that you put on it. The mattress has to probably fold three times on itself and if it is too thick, it won't fold up properly.

I saw a "fold up" mattress the other day on the internet - but can't remember where it was. It was made for hide-a-beds and I think was made of that memory foam stuff.

Good point. The foam Aage and I were referring to would be for the seat cushions that sit on top of the folded and stored mattress and the seat back. You will need a hide-a-bed mattress for the bed part.

[Trex]

I have two old twin beds that are approx 8" of foam, I may use some of that for the top side of the sofa. I think the Bunny wants to buy the "Air spring" mattress....$240 bucks, for the hid-da-bed. Has anyone used the Air-spring mattress?

The front area is wide open...batts. in the back, water tank in the frame. The only thing I am losing is storage space below the old goucho.

But you guys are right... the new sofa needs to be comfortable. So if I need to buy good "high-Q foam" that is what I will do.

I have some basic ideas... concerning building said sofa. But I was hoping someone out there had photos or plans drawn-up. I just want to try to get as much information before I start building.

Trex "The Dude abides"

[Hell Cat]

we got a klick klack..we will see how that works

[nairnchyz]

Just a heads up.

We have a '74 31' International
The PO had done away with the origanal fold out davenport in front and replaced it with a real puffy fold out affair. When this unit was folded up it did not leave enough room for you to lift the side table up and position it.

I'm guessing you have the same fold away side table in your coach - so just make certain you have the space to set it up when you have your proposed couch in place.

I replaced the puffy couch with an old Toronto couch that my mother had had. It allows the table to work properly. Had it reaupholstered - don't have pictures presently but could try to do that if you wanted.