Bed design

[hampstead38]

I've been thinking about the bed design. I don't really like wrestling with a bed every day (as was the design of some of the campers in my youth). The original floor plan of the Overlander had a bed amidships where the frame slid out to form a larger sleeping area.

What I have thought about is to have the lower portion of the bed "fold down" during the day allowing a bit more walking room and to "fold up" at night to allow us to stretch out. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here's the basic thought.

[65Safari65]

Would the mattress fold down at the edge as well, with a "hinged break"? I'm interested to see what you're doing, as I want to get more flexible use out of our Safari post-renovation.

Did you use Google Sketch-up for the drawing? It looks very good- way better than trying to explain you idea in writing.

Brad

[hampstead38]

Yes, I used SketchUp... great little free program.

There are two options insofar as the mattress. It could be "hinged" to fold down or it could simply be removed to serve as a very long pillow/backrest up against the headboard.

When the bed is folded down, it would serve as a super couch for watching TV, reading, etc. When the foot of the bed is in the "locked and upright" position, it would a traditional bed.

I am leaning towards a bifurcated (divided) mattress for two reasons. I like the idea of a big backrest and moving it would allow the hinged bed to fold all the way up to allow access to the underbed storage area.

[muddy_hollow]

Originally Posted by hampstead38

I've been thinking about the bed design. I don't really like wrestling with a bed every day (as was the design of some of the campers in my youth). The original floor plan of the Overlander had a bed amidships where the frame slid out to form a larger sleeping area.

What I have thought about is to have the lower portion of the bed "fold down" during the day allowing a bit more walking room and to "fold up" at night to allow us to stretch out. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here's the basic thought.

I had something similar in my '65 Globetrotter for ourfront bunk. It was the size of a full and then extended at night. I designed some slide out drawers, looked like mini-coffins and then had a piece of foam, which was covered with the same uphostery as the rest fit into place. Worked well, somewhat of challenge to find a place for the foam piece.

On our 56 we have used a Futon from Denmark which is called a skater. It folds down and has a very modern look and feel to it. Super comfy to sleep on as well.

PM me if you want pictures.