Northern California Couple

[meangreenlisterine]

Hi!!!!!!!

We're new to the van-conversion process and really just looking for any ideas/inspiration/tips on building a bed in the back.

We have a Dodge Ram Van 2500 with plenty of space...maybe too much?! It's like an entirely blank canvas and we're overloaded with paint colors and techniques to choose from. lolol. It's overwhelming and neither of us are real handy with woodworking but we're willing to learn!!

Any ideas?

Thanks![/align]

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[SoulRaven]

Congrats!

If you keep everything portable, you really don't have to worry about carpentry skills. A wood shelf over a couple plastic drawer sets can make a great kitchen. Bed either across the back or lengthwise, as desired, and maybe 2 euro style swivel rocker recliners along the wall behind the drivers seat with a table between them.

With a little creativity, you can just move your furniture in, no carpentry skills required, and if anything ever needs to be replaced, that will be simple and easy too.

Just an idea to add to your own. Good Luck!

 

[akrvbob]

Welcome! Off grid has good advice about thinking outside the box. I have a friend who found three end tables at Ikea and built them and they became the base of her bed. She got plywood at Home depot (they cut it for free) and she was done! She also found a nice old roll top desk at a thrift store and it looks nice and is wonderful in her van! The drawers add storage and she has the shelf on top.

On the bed, the higher the better for storage underneath but be careful not too high or you'll hit your head.

Building a bed for a couple that doesn't use the whole van is hard. Take a look at this post to see how I did it for myself and my girlfriends trip to Alaska. I recommend it.:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/couple-van-building-bed/

Bob

 

[riffraff]

Welcome meangreenlisterine! I have the same van (Dodge 2500), working on a conversion too and am also in Northern California. Coincidence?

 

[Patrick46]

2 words.......air mattress!!

there...now that I've solved this little delemma, what else can I help you with??


seriously, Welcome to the forum!! There's tons of great folks on here, with lots of experience and advice to share to make this a fun adventure for ya!


Hello from the Oregon Coast!

 

[meangreenlisterine]

I'm glad to feel welcomed from everyone here and excited to have a resource of people with knowledge I lack. I'm in the process of planning a slide out sofa/bed that I saw online I just need to fit it to my needs. It's a frustrating process but when I'm finished I know I'll be pleased with my work.

 

[peacetara]

That sounds complicated!! I wish you lots of success on your new journey!!!

I moved into my van with a bedroll and a suitcase. He's grown since then into a much better house, he even has a bed now!

Welcome!

 

[anm]

Welcome meangreenlisterine, here you'll find as many ideas on how to setup a van as there are vans...