pookSter's Bed for the Element (with pics)

[Relayer]

Originally Posted by Snarf77

The E bed frame plans have been PDF'd and are ready for download. Use them as is or as a basis for designing your own.

http://www.savefile.com/files/47419

Enjoy!

Excellent. Thanks!

[lefty]

Really enjoyed reading this thread. Even before I bought my E I knew I wanted to make some kind of platform preferably out of my favorite building material PVC. (adult version of leggo's..LOL). Found this thread and evidently great minds think alike..LOL. I did kinda the same thing with a few variations. For starters I used 1" pipe to keep the total frame size and footprint as small as possible, Don't know if it's been talked about before on EOC but I also used special fittings from Flexpvc, http://www.flexpvc.com/cart/agora.cg...uct=PVC-3-ways

These fittings make for a cleaner design IMHO and are relatively cheap. This is where I left off because I had surgery last Friday and will resume the project as soon as I'm able. I plan to add a plywood deck to the top of the frame in separate panels which will be carpeted and hinged making separate "lids" down into each storage area. I also indented the design behind the passenger seat because I have a separate long panel on top of the passenger seat. I'll post pics of the rest of the project as soon as I'm able to complete it.

[Hondamade4dogs]

Couldn't you just go to Lowe's or Home Depot, or Lockes and buy your pvc pipes and connections. You can usually get a bag of five t's for $2.69 and 8 foot pipe for $2.99

[lefty]

Originally Posted by Hondamade4dogs

Couldn't you just go to Lowe's or Home Depot, or Lockes and buy your pvc pipes and connections. You can usually get a bag of five t's for $2.69 and 8 foot pipe for $2.99

For the PVC pipe and "standard" fittings I did go to Lowes but for the special fittings like the 3-way corner and 5-way, one needs to get them elsewhere like I did because hardware stores do not carry these fittings. These are special fittings not made for plumbing but for PVC (hobby) projects like this or making furniture. There not absolutely necessary but I like them because they give you a cleaner design.

[pookSter]

Al, I found the plans on page 7

[TracyDP]

This is a really fantastic idea, the only problem for me is that we will be traveling/camping with a child so we will have to have at least one back seat in the car. I love the platform idea but I don't think it will work for us. I'm bummed

[lefty]

Originally Posted by TracyDP

I don't think it will work for us. I'm bummed

How so? The PVC can be made to just about ANY configuration you want. In your case (one rear set in) it would be more of an L shape around the seat.

[rhythm_ace]

Many people design them so that they have sections that assemble when needed and disassemble for storage. If you fold up the rear seat when you've stopped for the night, maybe? Or, could you take out the seat and put it in the front while you're sleeping?

[pookSter]

Originally Posted by TracyDP

This is a really fantastic idea, the only problem for me is that we will be traveling/camping with a child so we will have to have at least one back seat in the car. I love the platform idea but I don't think it will work for us. I'm bummed

My plans come apart so it can be easily stowed along one side, while leaving a seat on the other. It would just involve a little more time everyday deflating the bed everyday.

[rhythm_ace]

Yeah, if you need only one rear seat, you could travel with the frame disassembled and stowed on the vacant side. If you design it right, you could later remove the rear seat, set the seatback so it's flat, and slide it under the assembled frame. Cuts into your storage space, but...