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Topic: Building a bunk room? (Read 2155 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Building a bunk room?

Reply #25 –
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

Please everyone come follow us!
-Trent and Siobhan Walker + 5 boys
Proud owners of a 1995 U300 SE that we bought from Jor.  We are so blessed and loving life on the road!

Re: Building a bunk room?

Reply #26 –
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. :)
-Trent and Siobhan Walker + 5 boys
Proud owners of a 1995 U300 SE that we bought from Jor.  We are so blessed and loving life on the road!

Re: Building a bunk room?

Reply #27 –
Transport trucks have an upper bunk bed that hinges down from the wall. It could be a good source of hardware and mattresses.
Toby a 94 u280
Cummins 8.3
6 speed Allison
Exhaust brake


Adopted by Derek and Annabelle

Re: Building a bunk room?

Reply #28 –
 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?
1998 U320 40'
2005 GMC Yukon
MC# 17609

Re: Building a bunk room?

Reply #29 –
Yes, I agree with John's idea of a magic bed, or Happijac bed, Happijac Bed Lift & Optional Double Bunk : Mirage Trailer Parts.  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..
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Building a bunk room?

Reply #30 –
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.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Building a bunk room?

Reply #31 –
Steve...good idea!  My name is pronounced Shiv-awn. It's Gaelic Irish, so it makes no sense at all...lol.
-Trent and Siobhan Walker + 5 boys
Proud owners of a 1995 U300 SE that we bought from Jor.  We are so blessed and loving life on the road!

Re: Building a bunk room?

Reply #32 –
Jennifer, thanks for the links!  I am definitely going to check those out!
-Trent and Siobhan Walker + 5 boys
Proud owners of a 1995 U300 SE that we bought from Jor.  We are so blessed and loving life on the road!

Re: Building a bunk room?

Reply #33 –
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.

Re: Building a bunk room?

Reply #34 –
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
Mike and Deb Durbin
1997 u320 36', Build# 5059
2007 Saturn Vue
Sophie and Rosie: pooches.
Buddy  01/01/2002 -  03/15/2017.  RIP sweet boy.
 

Re: Building a bunk room?

Reply #35 –
Quote from: debnmike –
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
-Trent and Siobhan Walker + 5 boys
Proud owners of a 1995 U300 SE that we bought from Jor.  We are so blessed and loving life on the road!