Building 2 sets of Triple Bunks - 76 Excella 500 Center Bath

[Dspchef]

With having 6 kids, we chose to build submarine style berth/bunks. This is one set down. 1 more to go. The window is still operational as it should be.

[10Smiles]

Very nice, and each has a reading light.

[Mollysdad]

Check out some rock and roll tour busses. The band's come with 12 bunks, and each has a reading light, TV, fan, and privacy (as much as possible) curtain.

[Dspchef]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Check out some rock and roll tour busses. The band's come with 12 bunks, and each has a reading light, TV, fan, and privacy (as much as possible) curtain.

Thanks for the suggestion, but it’s a little too late. I’ve already made the first set and now starting the second set. I do have privacy curtains getting made. The 12volt reading lights all have a USB port for electronics and USD desk fans.

[coloradoup]

Nice work! Sounds like some good times are ahead.

[Dspchef]

Started the roadside bunks today. Got the head board made, wired for lights and now location for the thermostat (furnace) and will be making enclosed box on the side of the lower bunk for power junction box, power cord and small access door will be for the water hoses. It all makes sense in my head....

[4RXLA]

Originally Posted by Dspchef

Started the roadside bunks today. Got the head board made, wired for lights and now location for the thermostat (furnace) and will be making enclosed box on the side of the lower bunk for power junction box, power cord and small access door will be for the water hoses. It all makes sense in my head....

Looks like you at one time had the retractable water and electricity hose reels which was standard on Excella 500s. It’s a shame you no longer have them as they are tremendously convenient and makes connecting and disconnecting at the campsite a breeze. Do you still have them or were they already gone when you bought the trailer?

[Dspchef]

Originally Posted by 4RXLA

Looks like you at one time had the retractable water and electricity hose reels which was standard on Excella 500s. It’s a shame you no longer have them as they are tremendously convenient and makes connecting and disconnecting at the campsite a breeze. Do you still have them or were they already gone when you bought the trailer?

No, they were toast when I got the trailer. The springs were broken in both, the contacts broken/melted in the power reel and the sign of not winterizing was present in the hose reel. I really tried to restore them, but those springs would cost the same as new reel. Since we were putting in triple bunks, off the to dump they went.

[4RXLA]

Originally Posted by Dspchef

No, they were toast when I got the trailer. The springs were broken in both, the contacts broken/melted in the power reel and the sign of not winterizing was present in the hose reel. I really tried to restore them, but those springs would cost the same as new reel. Since we were putting in triple bunks, off the to dump they went.

That’s too bad but understandable given your situation.

[Dspchef]

Originally Posted by 4RXLA

That’s too bad but understandable given your situation.

I don’t have situations. I have challenges that spark creativity!

[Streamracer]

Good job, keep posting the updates.

[PizzaChop]

Very nice!

I added a pair of double bunks in our 73 sovereign back in the day with a 5th supported cross ways on top of the to top bunks. I also removed the hallway closet across from center bath and added another set of double bunks. (We topped out at nine children)

Kept the 10 gallon water heater (street side) so was somewhat limited with floor space.

I used plywood framing with aluminum angle to support the luan mattress base.

Never rigged night lights (I'm sure they would've loved that.)

Now that we have only the youngest two camping with us, I repurposed all the bunk material into two matching twins for the bedroom. (Believe it or not, they grow up and you will be amazed at how much room there is inside a Sovereign!)

Many fond memories...and you will have also! Enjoy them while you can!
(Those were the days)

[Dspchef]

I got the outer access door compartment functional since taking out the original bed base out. It will be for water hoses. I also have the junction box covered, but still have access to it if I need to replace the power cord. If it comes to that, I will probably end up installing the newer twist lock outlet with detachable power cord. I finally got the other side up and am now looking at storage lockers with some of the scrap and left over wood. This has been quite interesting to come up with.

[PizzaChop]

Looks good...

How deep is the storage locker behind outer compartment door?

(My door is just forward of the water heater on street side and opens to plumbing and a side view of black tank...absolutely useless! it would be nice to make it more useful/functional).

Did you just continue the ductwork below/beside the bottom bunk to relocate register? What did you you use?

The twist lock umbilical cord is a good idea. I did that last year and much easier to coil up and stow umbilical cord elsewhere. I located the receptacle on the rear right below the electrical panel (above rear bumper compartment) which has worked great, but many locate on rear streetside quarter.

Also worth considering relocating fresh water inlet with modern recessed fitting in same area while you have access to the area if you haven't already.

[Dspchef]

It's been fun so far. Not sure what I am going to do once I get everything sanded down, painted and privacy curtains installed. The storage compartment is 14X14X5. It can hold a coiled water hose. I debated either to make it usable for what little space I could afford or to just not use it all. A little space is better that no space. I do have plenty of storage underneath the bottom bunk to hold any flat packed tool sets, spare pex pipe, crimp rings, crimper, 50' extension cord, spare floor tiles, rivet set, duct and electrical tape....and of course my main power cord when it's not in use.