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Topic: Replacing exisiting bed with adjustable bed? (Read 700 times) previous topic - next topic

Replacing exisiting bed with adjustable bed?

Hubby and I have been rving for years. We're upgrading from a fiver, strongly looking at used U270 Foretravels. Wanting the convince of  a motorhome and the reliability and drivability of a Foretravel.

Due to health reasons hubby needs an adjustable bed. We have researched Foretravels but have never seen one in person so we are uncertain if we can swap out the existing bed for a new bed.

We are considering a 2003 & 2005 34' U270. 

Is the floor under the bed level, without any rise?

The floor would need to be level to accommodate the  base of the queen adjustable bed. The adjustable bed base and mattress are standard size queen.

Thanks much!



 

Re: Replacing exisiting bed with adjustable bed?

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Cheesehead1 –
Due to health reasons hubby needs an adjustable bed. We have researched Foretravels but have never seen one in person so we are uncertain if we can swap out the existing bed for a new bed.

We are considering a 2003 & 2005 34' U270. 

Is the floor under the bed level, without any rise?

The beds in that era/length coach are a mattress on a platform, underneath the platform is the engine (it's basically a box that covers the engine.  There is no frame or boxspring.  The platform is not at floor level so you can't pull out the bed and put something else in or a different platform/frame (but you can replace the mattress).  Also, the 120V breaker boxes and block heater switch are mounted on the vertical face of the platform at the foot of the bed.

It's possible that an east-west bed configuration would be different, but those would be 40 or 42 ft. long coaches. 
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Replacing exisiting bed with adjustable bed?

Reply #2 –
They put the electronics under the 42 foot beds. The newer coaches have that type of bed but pre 05 I do not think you can retrofit it.  If I could, I would as I have one at home.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Replacing exisiting bed with adjustable bed?

Reply #3 –
One could use shims and ramps to adjust a queen bed to a different slope or contour. However, making room for a motorized mechanism would make the bed unworkably high.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Replacing exisiting bed with adjustable bed?

Reply #4 –
I was afraid that would be the answer. Our current 5th wheel bed has raised platform underneath the bed also. Was just hoping!
Were hoping to find a 34' or 36' at the longest. We prefer to boondock or use national park/forest campgrounds. I also will be the primary driver and the idea of maneuvering a 42 footer makes me nervous. 


I guess it would be possible to replace mattress with what we are using at home and build permanent wedge type adjustments under the mattress. At home the head of the bed is almost always set at the same angle, the foot adjustment height of the bed does vary.

It would be tricky to get it just right, as our home bed is a zero gravity bed but he is a engineer so it would be a good challenge.

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

Re: Replacing exisiting bed with adjustable bed?

Reply #5 –
As it happens, I was bed shopping yesterday and had a look at one of those adjustable mechanisms.  Basically, it was a platform hinged in two places with small hydraulic cylinders which could raise the head and foot area.  Relatively simple item but it would need to be custom made, or adapted to fit a coach, probably with the cylinders mounted alongside the bed platform.  A complicating factor would be allowing the bed to be raised for engine access.  If I was building it would most likely use linear actuators which are electrically driven instead of hydraulics. 

Could be done with effort but not purchased off the shelf.  Be a neat project for one so inclined. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Replacing exisiting bed with adjustable bed?

Reply #6 –
Not much difference driving a 42 vs 36.  I had a 36 before my 42. Now fitting into some spaces is a challenge but worth it for the space. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon