Hey everyone! It's been a while since I've come by here to chat, but I was wondering if anyone has or knows someone who has built a bunk room in their back bedroom. We have five kiddos and as much as we like our own little bedroom in the back, we would much prefer to put them back there and have the living area up front to ourselves after they're in bed at night. Can it even be done with the engine access back there? I saw in a search that someone had built bunks in the bathroom closets, but we are too private of bathroom people to attempt that...lol!
Just trying to clarify your question - as a GV owner, I can't imagine where you would fit bunk beds around the existing queen bed. So, are you saying you want to remove the queen mattress, and install two or more smaller beds? The engine cover/mattress platform is a "fixed" shape - no way to move it or significantly reduce it in size. If you built a bunk bed frame on top of the engine cover, you would impair your easy access to the engine compartment.
I guess you (and your partner) envision sleeping up front on the pull-out sofa? Sounds like cruel and unusual punishment to me...
Maybe hammocks hung from side to side. Easy to take down. These are made to order, made to fit. One color for each. A ring on each end and a hook in the wall...
Grey Ultralight Camping Hammock by CampgroundSupplyCo on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/listing/398300845/grey-ultralight-camping-hammock?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-home_and_living-outdoor_and_garden-hammocks_and_swings&utm_custom1=89bda684-183d-4b50-ac78-b6fda0829c4f&gclid=CJ-xr4rskdACFYMCaQodhqoPOQ)
Thought about taking a large family on a trip,here's an idea,shop for a used pop-up and just take it with.You would'nt need one
with a washroom,just ac and bunks.Some are light enough to move by hand.Hammocks would be cool but one drawback would
be getting from the farthest one to the bathroom at night.Just some thoughts.
I'd say trade in and buy a Band Tour Bus with the bunks already there.
How about 5th wheel toy trailer, put bunk beds in the toy area.
1982 equal 10 international to her about (http://houston.craigslist.org/rvs/5863010705.html)
If they bought that coach, the Walkers would have room for one more "band member" - make it a even half dozen! 8)
We love our cozy home too much to trade it in for a tour bus. Besides, tour busses break down all the time, it seems. We love our Foretravel. We already counted ourselves very blessed to have found one that has the double pullout sofas up front allowing us to fit our whole family, because it seems that is not a common layout.
Hammocks are an idea and wouldn't be permanent, which is an idea I like.
Church and Jeannie...thanks for answering my question. I didn't think that the bed frame was going to be able to be altered. Just wanted to make sure I was seeing things right and we definitely wouldn't want to obstruct the access to the engine.
We have several friends who also travel with their families full time in fifth wheels and they are constantly in and out of the shop with leaks and broken axles and blown tires and all kinda of stuff like that. A toy hauler would be nice for the space, but I don't want my home to fall apart. Once again, LOVE our Foretravel. All of our toy hauler friends who come in our rig always say how sturdy it feels. Well yeah, it wasn't stapled together in a day out of poor materials.
The only reason I thought maybe we could convert the back to a bunk room is because I remember, when we were still looking for our coach, I ran across a BB Wanderlodge that was a pusher and the back had been converted into a bunk room, but they must just have totally different engine setup back there.
It's ok. Maybe we will toy around with the idea of hammocks at some point, but we aren't desperate enough to leave our home. Our kids would cry buckets and probably hold it against us for the rest of their lives. We left our rig in KY to drive up to MI this weekend for a funeral and our 4 year old about had a tantrum last night when he realized that we were spending the night at Uncle Johnny's house. "No! I want to go back to the RV!" Four year old little brains just don't have any concept of distance. I tried to explain that if we left right away we wouldn't even get to the RV until the sun was up. Lol....he wasn't having it. Needless to say, they love their home. 😂
Which reminds me, I need to update my signature and maybe put a little Walker family update post out for all our fellow foretravelers here.
Still so thankful for all the help you all gave us when our alternator went out several months ago. Everything is still running perfectly! Such a helpful, caring community here and the support staff at Foretravel has been great to us as well. 😀
This would not be all that tough but would require an all or nothing commitment.
I would start by removing all cabinets in the bedroom, carpet, wall covering...everything.
With the now blank canvas take a look at the engine house. On our U320 it would be possible to lower the platform about 10 inches. Pay attention to the thermal insulation and the electrical bay at the front.
Now build a system of bunks that fold down from the wall. One set that matches the height of the engine hatch and one set halfway up. It would likely be possible to have six bunks back there in a U shape depending on how tall your kids are...
With everything folded up you stack the mattresses on the platform and have a somewhat normal bedroom.
The hardest part about this would be providing for a bit of privacy. If that was a key requirement a more rigid system that included panels/curtains would work but not fold out of the way.
Call David Flanagan at Foretravel and ask him how he would do it. Maybe also get a sketch and a quote
Yes! This is the kind of ideas I was looking for. Just wanted to hear if we could get creative back there somehow. It would be interesting to see if we could do something convertible like this that still allowed access to the engine.
We are actually planning on scheduling an oil change in Nacadoches in about 3 weeks. Maybe we will have someone look at it then.
Folding bunks as described, or maybe "slide in" platforms that are of stress skin design (self supporting across each span without uprights or other supports). These could slip into cleats installed on bulkheads at head and foot of each. A few other things to consider:
Needing to access engine from bedroom is pretty rare occurence. As long as whatever you put in is removable without too much effort you're golden.
Maintain Egress through one or two windows. Have evacuation drills where kids actually exit. I'd strongly consider adding the litle hand and foothold "steps" on the outside.
Keep the engine cover padded, it'll be a kid private communal area. You'll probably find em all asleep in a dogpile there anyway. What a CREW!
-Trent and Siobhan Walker + 5 boys
Every post of yours leaves me in awe of the amazing journey your family is on - together in a FT. In a few more years a tent next to the coach will be a whole new adventure and free up some room. But you are together and this lasts forever.
Our preference is National, State, County, City and COE parks when we can. They may be busy and full but we are always pleased to see the range of people and campers in them. Especially families with all of the bikes and toys and stuff. And older couples in a simple tent perhaps and young people, early 20's perhaps doing what they did as kids with their family or trying it out on their own.
We are so blessed to have the space and the amazing places to visit, to go there with our families and to be together, to share the adventure and create the values, memories and joy of travel. Have a safe and a wonderful journey together.
5 boys! Just wait until the boys grow up and want to go along with their wives!! I can just picture a nice long caravan of Foretravel coaches!! :)) :)) :)) ^.^d
For those who may have missed it, on the Walkerfam7 profile page, there is a link to their "professional" web site. Very well done - tells about their wondrous journey, plus provides a sample of their unique musical style. Well worth a visit! ^.^d
Trent & Siobhán (http://www.trentandsiobhan.com/#about)
Years ago Dodge built a motor home called a Travco. They sold the line to Mr. Fore and he manufactured Travco's along with the FT brand. They had a couch in the front that the back folded out and had straps that hooked on the ceiling which made an upper bunk and a lower bunk. This worked, we had one. Someone may still make that concept. You could have one on each side to have 4 bunks and something in the middle for #5? Ask the FT people about this, it might be an option?
Anyone remember the old Travco's? The kids used to call it the "ARK" and loved it.
Carter Langford
Nac-
Sounds like the safari magic bed.
I think the "magic bed" dropped down from the ceiling...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW7ncqFj_CQ
Could do like what is done on the space station? Or Velcro on the PJs and stick the kids on the walls?
Sleeping bags in large PVC tubes and stacked in the bedroom? >:D >:D :)) :)) :))
The Japanese refined that concept years ago - they are called Capsule Hotels.
An idea. With coach pointed north, three on the queen oriented east-west, 2 above suspend north-south directly above the queen. Thinner pad on the queen and/or shorten doghouse for extra vertical. Leaves aisles and windows accessible.
The floorplans and spec pages on the Beamalarm site show a 1995 U300 with twin beds... I have not found a picture of one yet but if twin beds we available there is a strong likelihood that the height of the doghouse can be managed.
An adaptation of these would be straightforward...
Disc-O-Bed Cam-O-Bunk Cots with Organizers - Extra Large - REI.com (http://www.rei.com/product/896329/disc-o-bed-cam-o-bunk-cots-with-organizers-extra-large?CAWELAID=120217890001949644&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15725087320&CATCI=pla-126976963480&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|404_9837|8963290001|none|f09c1e63-ef6a-437b-99e8-3608b866b0dc|pla-126976963480&lsft=cm_mmc:PLA_Google_LIA|404_9837|8963290001|none|f09c1e63-ef6a-437b-99e8-3608b866b0dc|pla-126976963480&gclid=CLeuvaHMlNACFUiBfgodVtAHCA)
The bunks I put in the closet of our coach work great but there is a point in the future that the kids will grow out of them.
When that happens we will use a tent for the two plus night stays and something like this for the single night stays.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IXom_Zv9_U
I see the specs show a "SB" model with twin beds, but I've never run across a photo of that setup. Would really like to see how it worked!
Oh thanks, Chuck and Jeannie!!! That was so sweet of you to do! We also did finally put out our first album called "We Can" in July and I never updated you guys on that. So sorry. Like I said, I need to do an update post. Our music is available for digital download and streaming on iTunes and Spotify and hard copy CD at cdbaby.com. Just search for Trent and Siobhan. Also...this is huge for us...we have started a daily YouTube vlog of our travels. We have really been enjoying making the videos and people really seem to like them. You can see them too at Trent & Siobhán - YouTube (http://www.YouTube.com/c/trentsiobhan)
Please everyone come follow us!
Roger and Susan...Thank you so much! Our life is exciting a so FULL. The people we meet in the parks are the absolute treasure of our journey, young, old and in between. It's amazing what a family can discover about life when they get rid of the distractions and excess. :)
Transport trucks have an upper bunk bed that hinges down from the wall. It could be a good source of hardware and mattresses.
Siobhan,
I know Hammocks have been mentioned, and I think it is a good idea. Since your boys seem to be small, based on the profile pic, think about keeping the queen size bed and let three smallest sleep there, adding hammocks for the older two.
The Yucatan style hammocks are pretty comfortable and safe to sleep in. Stretch two from center of back wall to each inside corner should work for two boys and easy to change back if needed. Bracing at the frame may be needed.
In a few years your older two can move to tent if you camp in secure areas.
Just my thoughts.
ps how is your name pronounced?
Yes, I agree with John's idea of a magic bed, or Happijac bed, Happijac Bed Lift & Optional Double Bunk : Mirage Trailer Parts (http://www.mirageinc.com/happijac-power-bed-lift-w-optional-double-bunk). With all the upper cabinets removed, that would be perfect for three kids. We had something similar when I was a kid, and it slept three of us. But hopefully you can find king sized versions.
Then the queen bed platform could stay as is, and just add an additional sturdy top platform that extends closer to the walls. I'd leave enough space just to be able to walk around, but wide enough for two extra long 80", twin beds, and possibly a raised narrow "nightstand" built into the middle, with a couple of drawers and usb outlets. And you could even possibly build narrow nightstands where the originals are now. This whole platform could still be easily raised up to access the engine, especially with the upper magic bed in the fully stowed position up to the ceiling. And there would still be some space around the beds so it's not too hard to make the beds and change sheets. If you made the platform the exact width of two twin beds, 76", this could easily be turned into a king size bed later, which is also 76" wide and 80" long.
Your original upper cabinets in that room could even be re-installed below the lowest sleeping height of the magic bed (so the engine compartment can still be lifted fully.) They would be really easy to knock heads on while trying to walk around the even narrower space around the twin beds, but at least you'd still have that storage space. But, it would be really easy for the kids to access, so maybe their stuff could be moved and stored in there.
Or, another idea would be to have two happijac platform beds that are raised all the way up each morning. Remove the current queen mattress. Then, you could make fold down counters along each side of the bedroom, and create seats/benches on the engine compartment hump, so you've also got a work and play area, or even dining area, during the day. This would also still allow the engine compartment cover to open fully, if necessary.
Sounds like a fun project!
In case you haven't come across this awesome write up, here are some great ideas on bunks and rearranging the rear bedroom, Heading to FOT for Shadow Beast's major renovation and service visit. (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=23857.0).
Couple things to keep in mind if bunks/beds are close to the ceiling.
1. The ceiling material. Easily cleaned?
2. Heat rises. If your heating system does not circulate the air in the coach there will be some quite warm bodies up there. Aqua Hot is great, but doesn't move the air from the ceiling back to the floor.
Steve...good idea! My name is pronounced Shiv-awn. It's Gaelic Irish, so it makes no sense at all...lol.
Jennifer, thanks for the links! I am definitely going to check those out!
One active long time forum member converted the rear from queen center bed to two side single beds. No reason you cannot do the same. The side bed platforms can be hinged to the outside, and the center can still be hinged to the rear, all for normal & necessary engine and electrical panel access.
You can stack side beds above each other, without removing cabinets. Make a measured layout on paper, make cardboard or wood templates and experiment. Side bunks can be supported with strong vertical wood that has weight bearing on the existing floor. Don't count on side walls to support mods.
Only you have the vision to know what you need, and anything can be accomplished at reasonable costs.
I am blown away by the two pages of creative ideas generated by the caring folks here. It just demonstrates why this forum is so special. Traveling with *five* little boys Is purely admirable.
Years ago we traveled two summers with three kids and a dog while pulling a 22' Airstream with our brown Ford station wagon. No seatbelts then -- they bargained over riding in the "way-back and drew imaginary lines across the ceiling to divide up their space. At night two slept on the folded-down dinette while the youngest climbed up into a custom hanging bunk much like the ones suggested here. It was (usually) great fun, an adventure we all remember fondly -- especially after we added the a/c.
Deb
I agree with you, Deb. The community here is amazing and we count ourselves so blessed to be a part of it. We have benefitted from the kindness and helpfulness of Foretravelers on so many occasions.
We are having a blast on our journey. It's not for everyone, but it is for us and it's something we will remember for years to come the way you remember your adventures :)
I think we have decided to go the hammock in the back room idea for a little while, at least until we can financially make some changes back there. It will be a fairly inexpensive and easy fix for the time being.
Once again, thank you all for all your suggestions and help. We will be referring back to this thread when we are ready to tackle the mods :)
-Siobhan Walker