Queen to Twin Conversion - 25' FB SE

[eheffa]

Originally Posted by wxbuoy

Evan,

Fantastic job! I am doing the same thing so this is definitely an inspiration! Two questions: Where did you get the curved piece of wood for the base of the bed or did you lay it up and epoxy yourself. Second; Where did you get the custom fit mattresses that math the airstream curve.

Thanks!

Hi,

Thanks.

The curved bed bases were salvaged from the Queen bed base I had. They worked well in their new position I think.

I used a cardboard box to cutout a pattern to contour to the curved walls. I took this to a local Foam shop to make up custom 8 inch thick foam mattresses with their covers. (They do custom marine & RV mattresses among other foam articles.) I opted for 35 inch wide mattresses which are a little wider than the AS factory specs but closer to true Twin mattress width...

-evan

[Airtandem]

Evan, where did you get the roll up doors, and what size are they?
This is my end of season job, so getting the list together now.
mike

[eheffa]

Originally Posted by Airtandem

Evan, where did you get the roll up doors, and what size are they?
This is my end of season job, so getting the list together now.
mike

They are a tambour door kit in red Oak 24 inch from here:

Tambour Door Kit - Lee Valley Tools

You might find them cheaper Stateside.

-evan

[parker10302]

Evan,
Thank you so much for the great photos and all the detailed information. This is a huge help and gives us an idea of what we're in for!

Nicole

[eheffa]

Originally Posted by parker10302

Evan,
Thank you so much for the great photos and all the detailed information. This is a huge help and gives us an idea of what we're in for!

Nicole

Thank you Nicole. I'm glad to think that others might find it helpful to post stuff like this... I combed this forum for ideas before I took the plunge myself.

Good luck with your project.

-evan

[Suzmsw]

What a professional looking job! Can I ask where you found the curved wooden end pieces for the beds? Thanks!
Suzanne

[carl2591]

I think he mentioned something about a queen bed set they had.. look higher up the list..
it is cool for sure. wish i had the time and place, (and AS) to take on such a project.

Originally Posted by Suzmsw

What a professional looking job! Can I ask where you found the curved wooden end pieces for the beds? Thanks!
Suzanne

[eheffa]

Originally Posted by Suzmsw

What a professional looking job! Can I ask where you found the curved wooden end pieces for the beds? Thanks!
Suzanne

Thank You Suzanne.

The curved pieces & most of the visible (finished ) surfaces were simply salvaged from the original Queen bedroom components that came with the Airstream...just kind of re-configured to their new purposes. The port side bunk had some new red Oak pieces along with the tambour doors finished in acrylic clearcoat but most of the new plywood etc. is stuff you can't see.

-evan

[eheffa]

Originally Posted by carl2591

I think he mentioned something about a queen bed set they had.. look higher up the list..
it is cool for sure. wish i had the time and place, (and AS) to take on such a project.

Thanks Carl.

Getting obsessed with a project has a way of creating more time than what you thought you had ...

Good luck finding your A/S.

-evan

[switz]

All these restorations and modifications take lots more time than forecast.

Remember, that as far as we know, the only man to get things done by Friday was Robinson Crusoe.

[rodsterinfl]

Nice job, I like the rotating heat duct and the tambour doors under the bed.

[graysailor]

Very nice indeed.

[switz]

Great talent!

[Rollster]

Originally Posted by eheffa

The curved pieces & most of the visible (finished ) surfaces were simply salvaged from the original Queen bedroom components that came with the Airstream...just kind of re-configured to their new purposes. The port side bunk had some new red Oak pieces along with the tambour doors finished in acrylic clearcoat but most of the new plywood etc. is stuff you can't see.

-evan

Hi Evan,

We've been studying your original post about converting to twin beds and are in the planning stages of doing the same. Can you tell me what the blue material along the walls beneath the bunks is and what it's for? Also, to what did you attach the wood on the top of the bunks along the wall? I can't see framing on that side. Thanks so much! I'm getting very excited about doing this project! We are hoping to be able to reuse the queen pedestal and framing without buying additional wood; although I do love your tambour doors.

Carol

[mstephens]

Well done conversion. I am wondering though if the head end of the beds could be done differently. I like to sit in bed and read, which means propping up against a head board of some sort. The curved walls don't make that too easy, although you can pile pillows I suppose. What I was wondering is if there is enough length to allow a squaring off at the head in some way, to make it more like a headboard? (Sitting here without a ruler, or I would go measure!)

I wish we had given more consideration to twin v. queen.

[Rollster]

We were just out measuring. The longest length is 80 inches, so you'd have to deduct for the curved wall. I can check when I get back to the camper. I was just thinking, like you, of using throw pillows when lounging against the wall.

[mstephens]

80" sounds like there is some room then. Thanks! I think I could make do with a 68" bed length measuring the flat portion from head to toe.

OTOH, I would have to consider resale value if I made the beds too short!

[switz]

These images show the Airstream mattress details in case this helps.

[Hittenstiehl]

This is a great job, very detailed and excellent photo's, thanks for the inspiration.

[eheffa]

Originally Posted by Rollster

Hi Evan,

We've been studying your original post about converting to twin beds and are in the planning stages of doing the same. Can you tell me what the blue material along the walls beneath the bunks is and what it's for? Also, to what did you attach the wood on the top of the bunks along the wall? I can't see framing on that side. Thanks so much! I'm getting very excited about doing this project! We are hoping to be able to reuse the queen pedestal and framing without buying additional wood; although I do love your tambour doors.

Carol

Hi Carol,

Sorry for the slow reply. we are en route back from our last planned camping trip of the year.

Thank you for your kind comments & interest.

The blue material along the walls is high density foam sleeping pad material for backpacking. Since the heating ducts run through that space & a little extra insulation & padding for cargo under the beds would be welcome, I thought I would add that. I was thinking of adding some of this above the bed platform in a removable way ( with snaps?) to reduce the cold wall contact but now that we've been sleeping in the mountains in sub zero nights, (Celsius not Fahrenheit BTW) I'm not sure that I will. It's pretty ok as it is...

If I understand your other question correctly... The plywood decking of the bunks is attached to the walls with 1" aluminum right angle (L shaped) linear stock. I just emulated what the factory did by cutting out triangular wedges along the horizontal ( supporting) edge to allow the material to curve and conform to the curved walls & plywood. The aluminum is simply screwed to the inner skin with sheet metal screws.

Here's a pic from above.



& a pic from below



I hope those lousy iPhone images give you the information you need to make sense of that.

I was able to reuse a lot of the queen bed materials. The curved bases & laminated material in particular were very welcome; but I think you should expect to have to buy some plywood & a few pieces of oak or similar stock to finish the job.

Good luck with your project.

My good wife & I very much appreciate the more useful space this new configuration gives us.

- evan