Side fold futon or rear to front tri fold bed??

[that420vanchick]

Howdy y'all. I've been busy planning out an upcoming build in my 94 G20 eclipse and need some advice. This clunky stock bed has got to go especially considering the actuator that takes the bed back to a sofa has been blown for over a year.

I've got 2 53"x74" mattresses:

one is a 6" futon mattress already meant to fold down the center

the other is an 8" foam mattress which will be easy to cut into sections in order to accommodate whatever design I go with.

My options:

A tri-fold rock and roll bed positioned up against the drivers side wall which leaves me 15" to play with between the side of the mattress and the driver's side wall. It would fold up front to rear with a bench seat facing forward and another facing back that would take up 60" of space when in couch position (pink/purple outline is the bed, purple is for space when the bed is in bench position)


A sliding slated futon slide out which I'd have to position up against the drivers side wall so I don't block my right rear window. The mattress would fold up like a classic futon and I'd lose access to the left rear window when it's in bench position but I'd have like 42" of space on the passenger side rear. The 15" of space while in bed position would start the same just switch sides. (pink/purple outline is the bed, purple is for space when the bed is in bench position)


I've been back and forth in these designs it's beginning to drive me crazy.

Any thoughts? Ice heard plenty of complaints and praises about both. Keep in mind, I travel with a 70 lb pit and a 100 lb pyrenees so what's really in my mind is whats gonna be more comfy for them when the bed isn't down?!

I'm beginning to feel like a van build video crack head but after a week of trying to find obsidian on YouTube I'm even more on the fence about which one to go with.

 

[tx2sturgis]

The fold-down or murphy beds look cool, but I HATE having to physically make and unmake a bed every day and every night. Moving stuff, folding it up, or moving stuff, dropping it back down, rearranging stuff...blah blah....I prefer a bed that is in place all the time, maybe I can sit on it or lay down, nothing to rearrange except maybe a pillow. At worst, I can use it for tossing a few plastic totes onto the mattress during the day to get stuff off the floor.

If this stationary bed cuts into interior room, so be it, because I can hangout outside under an awning or I can setup a screen room tent or a cabin tent for additional bug-free living space...maybe use it for cooking or lounging around, etc.

Everyone is different, and whatever you decide, you will probably adapt to it.

 

[Sarah’s Travels]

I chose a permanent stationary bed in the back of the van with storage underneath the bed. I agree with tx2sturgis, making and unmaking the bed every day would be extra work. I don’t travel with my dogs, but when they are in the van they love the bed lol. So that full bed works for my 2 100+pound shepherd’s.

 

[that420vanchick]

The fold-down or murphy beds look cool, but I HATE having to physically make and unmake a bed every day and every night. Moving stuff, folding it up, or moving stuff, dropping it back down, rearranging stuff...blah blah....I prefer a bed that is in place all the time, maybe I can sit on it or lay down, nothing to rearrange except maybe a pillow. At worst, I can use it for tossing a few plastic totes onto the mattress during the day to get stuff off the floor.

If this stationary bed cuts into interior room, so be it, because I can hangout outside under an awning or I can setup a screen room tent or a cabin tent for additional bug-free living space...maybe use it for cooking or lounging around, etc.

Everyone is different, and whatever you decide, you will probably adapt to it.

It's not a Murphy's, I've got a short top, it would never work... Just a classic futon design with sliding slats for the base. Now I'm thinking 2 bench seats on either side and slide out from one side and just drop cushion

 

[that420vanchick]

I chose a permanent stationary bed in the back of the van with storage underneath the bed. I agree with tx2sturgis, making and unmaking the bed every day would be extra work. I don’t travel with my dogs, but when they are in the van they love the bed lol. So that full bed works for my 2 100+pound shepherd’s.

There is nothing that irritates me more than the stationary bed that exists in here right now. It didn't bother me a bit until I spent that first month in the woods off the road. It's rough on your back not being able to sit up right

 

[Sarah’s Travels]

What kind of mattress did you have? That it was rough for your back?
And then yes having a place to sit is important. That’s why I left a spot open for a folding chair. I am also researching the swivel seat for the drivers and passenger seat. Reality set in on being able to live in the van in wet weather. If I can swivel the seats, or get a more comfortable folding or camp chair. It’s all about finding space that’s not dead space.

 

[jacqueg]

Count me as another one who would just HATE to make up and then unmake a bed every day. But there are others who are just fine with it.

Do you already have your van? If so, before you build anything, try out the make-it-everyday and the always-made scenarios using a cot on a couple of short trips.

In general, I am a strong proponent of not settling/building a more-or-less fixed arrangement until you have some actual experience under your belt. You can start out with a sleeping bag, a foam mattress, and a bunch of totes. You really can't know how it feels FOR YOU to live in a van until you're living in a van.

IMNSHO, you could be setting yourself up for an expensive mistake by leaping in to a full-blown build. In my own case, I have a platform bed across the back, and never considered any other arrangement - because I already knew that was what I preferred after camping in my van for a year.

 

[tx2sturgis]

It's not a Murphy's, I've got a short top, it would never work... Just a classic futon design with sliding slats for the base.

That's what I meant, either a Murphys (as an example of what you have probably seen on some van builds) and other fold down beds, whether it's a futon, a jacknife sofa-bed, murphy bed, etc. Sorry I should have stated that in a clearer way.

 

[that420vanchick]

Oh don't apologize, I'm a psychopath and I have been on YouTube at least 4 hours a day for the last week trying to get inspiration.

 

[Hyker]

Sorry I didn't read the ENTIRE thread, but other then what your main concerns are, there is also significant differences in storage space between the two options you are considering, as well as other advantages and draw backs. I'm in the process of redesigning my interior to make it a little more functional with having my son with us. I find myself in the same situation as you and not being able to make up my mind. I'm just trying to look at the positives and negitives of all my options and pick the one that makes the most sense. There will always be draw backs to any design, so I would just suggest you find the one that has the most advantages and go with that, you will lean to work around the draw backs. I hope this helps..

 

[Tony's Dream]

I agree with tx2sturgis and some of the others, I also hate making and taking down beds. When I was building mine out I too looked at the idea of folding up my bed to make more room. I found myself moving things out of my van and putting them in the front seats every day in order to make my bed, then moving all this stuff back each morning. I also looked at the idea of a "slide out" bed so I could enlarge the bed on those rare occations that my wife did travel with me. Same result, a lot of shifting things around to accomidate. If I am driving and get tired, I want to be able to pull over and jump into bed for a quick nap without having to move a lot of things.

I have a cargo van so moving around in it is not easy at my age. So my idea was to create the van with a place for everything and everything in it's place. I store things under my bed, but these are things I don't use on a daily bases, such as a tool box. My goal was to avoid moving anything to get to something else and I think I have achieved that. I know if you are living in it, versus just traveling it in, there are more things you need to have.

In talking with others, I have found that most people can't really visualize how much space is really there. Looking at your map, it looks like a good lay out......but once you get everything in....you my find you are walking down a small hallway and over time that gets to feeling cramp. Most of the van designs I have seen try to have a large area to move around in, like a 3x3 space. It's funny how that little space makes you feel.

Have you built it out yet? Here is a weird idea worth trying. Get your hands on some cardboard boxes, like fridge or washer boxes.....and build things to scale. Then put them in your van and you will see how things look.

 

[that420vanchick]

I agree with tx2sturgis and some of the others, I also hate making and taking down beds. When I was building mine out I too looked at the idea of folding up my bed to make more room. I found myself moving things out of my van and putting them in the front seats every day in order to make my bed, then moving all this stuff back each morning. I also looked at the idea of a "slide out" bed so I could enlarge the bed on those rare occations that my wife did travel with me. Same result, a lot of shifting things around to accomidate. If I am driving and get tired, I want to be able to pull over and jump into bed for a quick nap without having to move a lot of things.

I have a cargo van so moving around in it is not easy at my age. So my idea was to create the van with a place for everything and everything in it's place. I store things under my bed, but these are things I don't use on a daily bases, such as a tool box. My goal was to avoid moving anything to get to something else and I think I have achieved that. I know if you are living in it, versus just traveling it in, there are more things you need to have.

In talking with others, I have found that most people can't really visualize how much space is really there. Looking at your map, it looks like a good lay out......but once you get everything in....you my find you are walking down a small hallway and over time that gets to feeling cramp. Most of the van designs I have seen try to have a large area to move around in, like a 3x3 space. It's funny how that little space makes you feel.

Have you built it out yet? Here is a weird idea worth trying. Get your hands on some cardboard boxes, like fridge or washer boxes.....and build things to scale. Then put them in your van and you will see how things look.

That's a great idea! I've made both to scale with paper against the drawing so it would make sense to do the same full size.

 

[VanFan]

I whole-heartedly agree with Tony's Dream. Shuffling things around really takes it's toll. In the driveway, it may work fine, but after the 15th night--especially if it's hot--it starts to feel brutal. We absolutely love having a permanently made up bed, even though it takes up 90% of the van.

I also try very, very hard not to have to move anything to get to something else, unless it's rarely used. It helps me be a much nicer person. Our under bed storage is limited to items that are deployed at a campsite (chairs, CLAM, stove). Everything else is readily at hand. Like Tony, we are just short- and long-trip travelers, so you may need to make compromises we don't.

These things evolve. I recently came across various layout sketches, lists and "ideas" from around 13 years back. Each had its merits; none look like what we have now (but then, neither do we!).

 

[afblangley]

In general, I am a strong proponent of not settling/building a more-or-less fixed arrangement until you have some actual experience under your belt.

IMNSHO, you could be setting yourself up for an expensive mistake by leaping in to a full-blown build.

I can't say it any better, so I'll just add to the choir. Drawings and mock ups are not a substitute for the real thing. Get the vehicle and build it out, but don't spend any more than $500 and 40 hours labor. Then hit the road and let your personal experience dictate changes/refinements/additions.

Keep the systems as simple as possible, this limits the investment of time and money. Running water- USB faucet. Toilet- Luggable Loo. Countertop- sheet of plywood with legs. Storage- milk crates. Buy items that you know for certain you need and fit them in your initial build, realizing their location may change in a later iteration. For me, this included a power station, microwave and kitchenette.

My bed: I started with the traditional rear dinette layout, consisting of two camping cots separated by an aisle. That turned out to be too springy for comfortable sitting or sleeping. In the 2nd iteration, I addressed this by inserting a sheet of plywood between the cot and the camping mattress. This then revealed that the mattress itself was too thin. In the 3rd iteration, I ditched the cots, used the plywood as a platform and attached metal pipe as legs. I bought a real mattress for the side that is primarily a bed and furniture grade foam and backrest for the side that is primarily a couch. In the 4th and current iteration, I made it asymmetrical, the bed side is wider (more comfortable for sleeping) and taller (for more storage), while the couch side is proportioned for more comfortable sitting. I also made compartments for storage underneath. Initial cost $50 and 15 minutes installation. Eventual total cost $350 and total time 6 hours over 2 months.

PS: One aspect not mentioned thus far in this thread regarding Murphy beds is their incompatibility with windows. Whether driving or parked, I like being able to see around in every direction and wouldn't want the views outside blocked.

 

[that420vanchick]

Count me as another one who would just HATE to make up and then unmake a bed every day. But there are others who are just fine with it.

Do you already have your van? If so, before you build anything, try out the make-it-everyday and the always-made scenarios using a cot on a couple of short trips.

In general, I am a strong proponent of not settling/building a more-or-less fixed arrangement until you have some actual experience under your belt. You can start out with a sleeping bag, a foam mattress, and a bunch of totes. You really can't know how it feels FOR YOU to live in a van until you're living in a van.

IMNSHO, you could be setting yourself up for an expensive mistake by leaping in to a full-blown build. In my own case, I have a platform bed across the back, and never considered any other arrangement - because I already knew that was what I preferred after camping in my van for a year.

I have a platform bed now and it's so very restricting for my needs

 

[that420vanchick]

I can't say it any better, so I'll just add to the choir. Drawings and mock ups are not a substitute for the real thing. Get the vehicle and build it out, but don't spend any more than $500 and 40 hours labor. Then hit the road and let your personal experience dictate changes/refinements/additions.

Keep the systems as simple as possible, this limits the investment of time and money. Running water- USB faucet. Toilet- Luggable Loo. Countertop- sheet of plywood with legs. Storage- milk crates. Buy items that you know for certain you need and fit them in your initial build, realizing their location may change in a later iteration. For me, this included a power station, microwave and kitchenette.

My bed: I started with the traditional rear dinette layout, consisting of two camping cots separated by an aisle. That turned out to be too springy for comfortable sitting or sleeping. In the 2nd iteration, I addressed this by inserting a sheet of plywood between the cot and the camping mattress. This then revealed that the mattress itself was too thin. In the 3rd iteration, I ditched the cots, used the plywood as a platform and attached metal pipe as legs. I bought a real mattress for the side that is primarily a bed and furniture grade foam and backrest for the side that is primarily a couch. In the 4th and current iteration, I made it asymmetrical, the bed side is wider (more comfortable for sleeping) and taller (for more storage), while the couch side is proportioned for more comfortable sitting. I also made compartments for storage underneath. Initial cost $50 and 15 minutes installation. Eventual total cost $350 and total time 6 hours over 2 months.

PS: One aspect not mentioned thus far in this thread regarding Murphy beds is their incompatibility with windows. Whether driving or parked, I like being able to see around in every direction and wouldn't want the views outside blocked.

I've got enough wood and material to build out 5 vans, materials thankfully aren't the issue. I've been driving the van in question for 2 years so I've got a good idea of what is working and what isn't with the current set up. Murphy's isn't an option on my low top, not in the size I need anyway.

 

[Tony's Dream]

Most people do well with a plywood platform bed, but as a disabled vet with back issues.....it was far too rigid regardless of matress types. We visited an old military fort dating back about 100 years and saw they had rope beds. I decided to try that and it works great for me. Its firm and non rigid at the same time. It also makes the bed light weight and cuts down on overall weight in the van.

 

[dreamrunnerjt]

I am considering a burrito bed that I saw in a van build. Basically it folds in half and goes against the wall like a murphy bed. You don't have to unmake it to store it. and can have a bench below. Here is one. This one slides in rather than up against the wall but it is an idea for you. The bed is about 20 minutes in.

 

[that420vanchick]

Most people do well with a plywood platform bed, but as a disabled vet with back issues.....it was far too rigid regardless of matress types. We visited an old military fort dating back about 100 years and saw they had rope beds. I decided to try that and it works great for me. Its firm and non rigid at the same time. It also makes the bed light weight and cuts down on overall weight in the van.

I was actually considering a rope platformed bed so it would hang flat if I'm on a slight angle annnnnd cuz it looks piratey AF

 

[dreamrunnerjt]

I was actually considering a rope platformed bed so it would hang flat if I'm on a slight angle annnnnd cuz it looks piratey AF

Why not just go with a hammock? But I do like that idea.