Pardon if i did this wrong, i have never posted an image before.
Ok first, this is Pamela. She is not part of the kit, and is way too valuable to even consider letting go. This is the bed frame with air mattress. Fits EXACTLY left to right, EXACTLY front to back, has extra frame support where you enter/leave the vehicle at night, and requires NO additional support structure other than the frame to hold up the mattress (no crates/bins/whatever).
Mattress fits exactly front to back left to right with seats forward. It is a FULL sized air mattress and is very comfortable to sleep on (plus it matches says Pamela).
Huge amounts of storage underneath frame. We bring 9x13 gazebo, fold out chairs, stove, 5 days clothes each. Boots, packs, food, towels, water etc. It ALL fits underneath.
This is the frame in the driving position. When you park and sleep, you fold the seats forward and add a frame extension allowing the full 76inch length of the Full sized bed to be supported. The ends are lightly capped while driving so as not to rub the back of your seats (though they only have 1/8 inch contact with seat when pushed fully back and reclined nicely).
Note that gear can be accessed even with the mattress on the frame from two large openings. Also (as you can see in the side view) when you open your rear doors, there is absolute free access to the storage for very large items (no support beams in the way). This is convenient for those items you need very quick access to, even when driving.
I'm also quite interested in plans for this!
Also, I'll post pics soon of a 1/2 width storage platform I already made. The plan is to sleep on the passenger side seats with an air mattress on top...and store all the necessities on and under this platform...
You'll notice that the frame juts out very far on the driver's side. This come out all the way to the door but does not touch it. It is our side of entrance and where you get on the bed needs extra support b/c of the weight applied with your knee. It is only on the driver's side, but can be put on both sides with no fitment problems. Note the forward extension is not pictured in any of these for sleepy time. I can put up more pics of any views that people might want. This is a very sturdy bed when glued. I'm over 200 and we'll call Pamela 100 8) and no problems at all.
The whole thing breaks down into three flat pieces (the vertical rectangles) and the runners between them (makes a nice little bundle with a bungee). I can even post a pic of my home storage rack where they are all vertical on the wall on hooks w/the runners below. Takes surprisingly little space.
I used pvc as it is much cheaper and a hair stronger than ABS.
If i had 3 people interested, the kit would be 175 plus shipping(there is about 60 feet of PVC and lots of not cheap Ts, Xs, and Ls). I could also do a kit with this perfect fit mattress(new not mine!) and this really cool 12v small air pump for a bit more. This frame is solid, well built, and fits EXACTLY. Took us many days and $ to perfect.
Hmmm...havent tried. Never cared to. When i go camping, i just take the seats out and leave them in the house. Its too dark to look, but i would guess the seats might fit widthwise, at least one in the front area underneath, at the cost of a lot of storage space. I will check tommorrow.
Well...I'm going to attempt to prep and paint the PVC like you would a car bumper and seal it with clearcoat for durability. From what i've read, its very difficult but possible. If I were successful, I would consider painting the kits before i shipped them. How cool would that be? Color-matched camping bedframes, that can be stored in the closet of even the smallest apartment for less than cosmetic accessories like sidesteps!
[quote:cd51edab88=" "]There is a new plastic piant out that does not need primer or sanding. When I see the commercial agian I will post the name.
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Are you talking about the stuff to paint the white plastic lawn chairs and stuff? I think I know exactly what you are talking about but can't remember the name. Something like "kryon" something or other.
Krylon does make a plastic paint, but in order to prevent flaking and or the removal of the paint from extraordinary friction, preperation is necessary. At least this is what i know thus far. A clearcoat on top of the prepped paint is supposed to really help the adhesion and friction resistance. A satin finish might not show as many scratches also.
We have started the plans for building the frame and will work on them this week. Should be really cool when done, so cool in fact that we're registering them with the Copyright office to protect us from the sadly dishonest who won't drop 5 bucks for the plans.
I have a requst for a pic of it broken down and stored, any others?
I tested it with a little over 500 pounds of weight from my gym. It is sturdy enough for that much weight i know for certain. Right after you build it, before the pieces are glued, it isn't as tough b/c the joints want to spread a bit. After you glue the main sections, it is very strong. it is 1.5 inch pvc, and none of the runs are long enough to allow much flex.
Like some others here, I'd be very interested to see the frame broken down for storage. A view of the front extension would also be very useful.
I'm particularly interested in knowing/seeing how far the front seats must be brought forward to accommodate the extension (i.e. all the way forward in the track and/or leaning all the way forward?)
I don't know about this particular platform, but I know that with mine, the seats have be all the way forward on their tracks, with the seat backs vertical or more forward, in order to accomodate a 6' long platform.
My platform, in travel mode, is 4' long, with a footwell at the front that is a bit narrower than the stock rearseat footwell. This is a good space for a small cooler, and other items that driver and passenger would want while driving. In camp I add a 2' long extension to make the total length 6'.
When sleeping with the tailgate open and covered, I prefer to put the extension on the tailgate. It is easier to enter and exit through the side doors with the forward footwell open. This footwell also provides a place to sit and change clothes. However the full width air mattress might not fit well if it has to project part way out on to the tailgate (the tailgate opening being too narrow).
This pipe platform and air mattress combination looks a bit high to me. Sitting up might be difficult.
Note that without boards on top of the pipe frame, this platform depends on the stiffness of the air mattress to bridge the spaces between pipes. As long as your weight is spread out that should be ok.
I wonder what size boxes can be accomodated under (or rather within) this frame? Long skinny boxes, as well as various duffles and bags may fit better than storage boxes like the 8 gallon Rubbermaid storage totes.
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