Quote:
Originally Posted by Ga Pockets
Mark, Do you have any photos of the kingsize bed installation?
Thanks,
Bill
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Bill:
I do not have any photos. This was a rear twin to King Size conversion using a conventional king mattress. The king bed mattress is aligned crosswise to the coach. The mattress dimensions use all the forward to aft length of the bedroom but the side to side dimension leaves adequate clearance of about 3"-4" at each end. Basically I built two side boxes under the bed out of plywood and 2x4's to restore the old twin bed side compartment storage areas accessible from the outside. These were strong enough to hold the metal mattress frame with wooden slats that I bought from IKEA.
The metal bed frame was hinged (on a long side) at the back of the coach so as to swing forward when the bed was lifted from the hallway end to gain access to the underbed storage area. I had to "buy" more space when the mattress was rotated up with lifting so this forward swing helped.
These were not typical hinges but four 8" metal bars, 2 on each side of the right and left, forward to aft, bed frame members, loosely bolted at the top at the bed frame and then at the bottom where it attached to the box structure. The weight of the frame and bed was actually supported by the box structure design with enough of a cutout for the hinges to operate at the back.
The lifting was aided by gas pistons. My first design was "underpowered" and I am adding much stronger pistons mounted to the floor and tilted backward to attach to the bed frame. As the mattress is lifted the pistons rise more toward the vertical as they expand. (In the meantime I am using a simple block and tackle and rope lift at the hallway to aid in the lifting.) The bed and frame weigh about 200 pounds. My new Suspa pistons are 150 psi each and about 35" long when uncompressed. I will attach them at the halfway point on each frame side. My plan is to use one on each side.....but have 2 spares just in case they are also needed.
Here is a website where you can order gas pistons online with a credit card:
www.mcmaster.com.
One modification you must make is to reroute the forced air gas heating duct depending on how one finishes the front area under the bed at the hallway entrance to the bedroom.
A result of this bed configuration is a large area for storage under the bed in addition to the original side storage areas with exterior access.