Bed frame: Wood or aluminum

[hampstead38]

We plan to convert our Overlander into a rear bed configuration. This means fabricating a bed frame. The easy choice is wood, but I'm concerned about weight in the rear of the coach. I don't want a bed "bounce" to put undue pressure on the frame while traveling. Has anyone fabricated a bed frame out of something other than wood? If so, how did it go?

[RichHog]

The Gaucho bed frame in the front of my 72 Tradewind has an Aluminum frame. I guess Airstream used it for everything due to its strength and weight.

[hampstead38]

I'm thinking the 80/20 stuff may work.

[LI Pets]

I made an aluminum frame from 1x1 tube and L

then used 1/4 cherry ply on the sides, 1/2 fir or birch on top.

I guess the whole queen size bed w/o the mattress is less than 50lbs

I made some access doors for storage

[vhord]

Originally Posted by hampstead38

I don't want a bed "bounce" to put undue pressure on the frame .............

Wow! Are you bragging or what?

[doorgunner]

I've used the 80-20 product before, It's great stuff. We were making machine tool guards frames out of it then installing polycarb to keep operators from loosing body parts!! They have a great assortment of fasteners for the product also.
I really think it would be overkill strength wise. The bed frame in my excella from the factory is 1/4" ply with aluminum framework. Get a look see at someone elses if you need an idea.

[hampstead38]

Originally Posted by vhord

Wow! Are you bragging or what?

Well, I was concerned about bouncing when towing rather than bouncing when parked. If I manage to crush the aluminum jack stands under the rear of the coach, then I'm either bragging or need to cut down on dessert.

The 80/20 stuff looks interesting and my welding skills are so lousy that I would doubtlessly destroy a good deal of aluminum in the fabrication. I've also thought about the 80/20 for interior cabinet framing. I just need to get my hands on some samples and see how it would work.

[doorgunner]

You could try calling 80-20 and finding who stocks their stuff in your area. Seems as the distributor where we used to get our stuff had a road salesman that was always carrying some samples.
You could just use some alu angle to fasten all the framework together with wood screws.
If I recall Lipets had a thread on his project, maybe get some idea's.

[jennylea3382]

Can I see a pic please? What are the measurements?

[the544man]

you might get an idea from what I did perhaps. I call it my no brainer bed design. using the kreg drill I put in some slotted 2/4s (to let wiring run through) around the edges, built a cubby for interior access and functional support and topped with plywood. really not all that heavy and I still get good exterior access. the hardest part was getting the plywood cut perfect enough to slide down the sloping walls for install. cheers. ted