2018 Promaster with Murphy Bed

[Chrisbx7]

I bought a new 2018 Promaster 2500 136" WB and I couldn't be more happy. The length and width are very similar to my old 96 Chevy G10 but there's no comparing the interior. 

I built a murphy style bed in my old van that I used for 4 years and it worked out great. I modified the old bed to fit the new van. I've camped in this several times already and it works out so much better. There are two tables that fold down from the bed wall whenever the bed is put away. 

I know a lot of people don't like the idea of putting your bed away everyday but this setup takes less than a minute or two and everything is folded up into the bed cavity.

I like my bedding to be as clean as possible and this layout keeps my bedding sealed up from the dust blowing in while the doors are open. It also keeps my dog off the bed after hikes!

Cook top, heater, refrigerator, sink and hot water heater are on the way! Pardon the mess.......I'm still in the process of building and I'm a long way from being complete.

 

[regis101]

Innovative. Nice work.

 

[B and C]

Nice. Sure frees up a lot of space.

 

[Chrisbx7]

Thanks regis101 and yes, Brian, it does free up a lot of space during the day.

 

[RoamerRV428]

very nice! I also like the bed out of the way when not in use. We spend a lot of time moving around the interior and without your bed in the way you got a lot of space to maneuver....nice job!

I like your walls, what is that up there? just curious.

 

[Chrisbx7]

very nice!  I also like the bed out of the way when not in use.  We spend a lot of time moving around the interior and without your bed in  the way you got a lot of space to maneuver....nice job!

I like your walls, what is that up there?  just curious.

Thanks! The walls are paneling that I bought at Home Depot. 

I've tried 3 different bed in this van. I found out that I'm to tall for a bed across the back like I see everyone with and a bed along the driver's side takes up to much room. 

One more picture from the back after I cleaned it up a little. I never thought I would have this much room in a van. As you can see, I still need to finish the paneling on the doors and cut another piece for the left side in this picture. I just noticed it's running the wrong way. Ha!

Please keep in mind that I'm nowhere near finished and plan on updating this thread as I move along.  

Have a great day!

 

[RoamerRV428]

I really like that paneling, gives it a nice home look nice work for sure and I know you will love your creation when done

 

[TonyBiggs]

Looking on your van I have to say you built a really cozy home. My respect to you!

 

[LadyJo]

Love the bed, really frees up space.

 

[Chrisbx7]

Update from the weekend...

Added a bin for shoe storage that I found at a thrift store. Had to modify it for my use by cutting the legs off and making it a bit shorter. The bottom is for shoes and the top that opens is other storage.

The cabinet I built is about 6'-0 long, 1'-8 deep and 2'-6" high. The bed lays on it at night. I made it this long to fit fit my snowboard and gear in there in the winter and my backpack, canopy, etc. for the summer. The doors fold down and out of the way. 

I know it's not for everyone but it's going to work well for me! More photo's as I move along with the build.

Cheers

 

[RoamerRV428]

you built the cabinet to fit the snowboard and your summer items and that is a big plus to make it ALL work for you! Hey that is the whole point of a van build, ya make it work for what you require. Great job on this build Chrisbx….looking fine!

enjoying your thread about your build

 

[Chrisbx7]

I am finishing the murphy bed design I came up with. I've installed 200 watts of solar panels, MPPT controller, 300 AH of batteries, diesel heater, water pump with on demand hot water heater, 9 tote storage spaces with long storage behind them, murphy bed with wardrobe built in top of bed area, 2 burner cook top, MaxAir Fan, 32 quart refrigerator, 2" of insulation, galvanized ceiling and both seats swivel. I still have finish work to do and a couple of other modifications after I spend some time in it.

I built my van this way to carry toys like SUP, kayak, road bike and snowboard. It allows me complete walk thru access and my bed is enclosed when not in use. I like this because it keeps all the dirt and dust out of my bed and wardrobe area. The bed takes seconds to fold down and up and the only thing I have to do is straighten out the sheets. 

I don't live in this yet but I do spend most every weekend and 4 weeks of holiday each year in this van roaming around Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. 

I live in Colorado and use this at all elevations. I camped last weekend at 9,900 feet and everything worked well. Most of my time in the summer is spent between 8,000 and 10,000 feet. I camp during the winter near the ski resorts and have never been cold.

Well, hope everyone is doing well and living with intent!

 

[highdesertranger]

nice.

are you going to box that wire harness in so you hide it but it's still accessible for service and mods?

highdesertranger

 

[Chrisbx7]

Thanks and yes my plan is to box the wiring in. I'm not completely finished with the electrical yet.