My mind is not a bed to be made and remade.
James Agate
Super Simple Van Bed Recipe
Cook time: a week-end
Cost: $500 including camping gear
Level: Beginner
Satisfaction: *****
This is a simple box which sits in the back cab of the van. Two wood lids serve as the base of the bed when opened, but fold over the box to remain compact when driving. Storage is under one half of the bed, while the passenger seats fold down to support the other half of the bed.
INGREDIENTS
-1/8 in thick wood base boards
– 1-5/8 in bugle head screws
-multi-purpose foam
-magnetic clasp
-12 gauge jack chain
-5/8in radius door hinges
-2×2 in strap hinges
– PÄRKLA storage cases, 22x19x7 “
-plastic locking bin for food storage
-bed sheets
-bunjee cord
-stick
– any cheap rug, (I got Vedbak from Ikea on sale for 19€)
– fairy lights (battery power)
-curtain hooks
-curtain rods
-curtain fabric from Ikea
-silver insulation wrap (bulk amount, 3m)
TOOLS
-hand saw
-measuring stick
-pencil
-drill
– sand paper
-safety pins
RECIPE
1. Look at campervan bed options online on sites like Pinterest. Get overwhelmed, then ask a local superdad™️ for help.
2. Measure dimensions of van and note them down.
3. Be lucky enough to receive salvaged wood. Measure biggest cuts first & mark areas in pencil.
4. Use a handsaw to cut pieces. Check the fit in the van each time, making sure to sand uneven edges.
5. Use a hand drill to drill holes in corners of boards, then screw boards together to make box frame in the back cab of the van.
6. Screw on first lid using hinges, making sure it fold inwards over the box.
7. Screw on second lid using hinges on outter lip of box, so it lays flat over passenger seats and can fold over first lid.
8. To make a small folding tabletop: using a last small wood board, attach it to front of the bed box using hinges (to open and close), metal chain (to stabilize) and magnet clasp (to keep it closed when not in use).
9. Clean donated foam and cut into two large pieces for the bed. Wrap in donated bedsheets you were lucky enough to receive, and safety pin bottoms.
10. Measure out length and width for curtains to shield the area around the bed. Cut and apply fabric adheisve to make sleeves for the curtain rods to slide through.
11. Install small hooks at the four corners of the bed along the felt inside the van. Hang curtains.
12. Take silver insulating material, and press into windows along the inner ridge. Using scissors, cut along the markings left by this process. Fold and store in box.
13. Finishing touches! Add lights, pillows and blakets. fold everything into the box when not in use.
14. GO EXPLORE
