17-03-2017, 08:18 AM
(This post was last modified: 17-03-2017, 09:05 AM by ghost123uk.)
Last week I finally got around to making a raised bed base for mine, out of 18mm ply. With the drivers seat pushed forwards I get 6'2". The bed base is 11" tall and 28" wide, giving lots of storage space underneath. I have a fold up mattress like this one. I got mine for £10, used but as new, I chucked the metalwork away.
The main "platform" is 60" long to fit neatly when the seat is in the driving position. It has 2 x swivel out "arms" at the front, so when the seat is pushed forwards, they can be swivelled out and another piece of 18mm ply sits onto them to get the extra length. The mattress folds in half and fits neatly under the rear of the platform, along with a good sleeping bag, a pillow, a camping table, a camping chair, a water container and one of those cheap canister type cookers etc etc etc.
The vertical side, near the centre line of the car is also made of 18mm ply, screwed and glued. It only goes as far as the edge of the load space, not intruding into the "leg space", to maximise storage there. It has 18mm ply triangular reinforcing webs at rear, centre and front.
The right hand side has a 1" square leg at the front corner with 2 of those small right angle shelf brackets attached with dome head 6mm bolts and nuts for strength. The rear corner is shaped to sit onto the wheel arch, with a 1" tall x 9" long block to get the height correct and some rubber matting glued onto the arch to protect it.
The whole thing will be covered in some of that thin black cord carpet they use in wedding marquees and the like, using spray on carpet glue. I will post some pics when I have finished it off with the carpet.
It is very sturdy, but can be removed in seconds if extra load space is required. I will leave it in place though, as I will hardly ever need the whole load space. In many respects this "bed platform" come storage box, is a very useful addition to the car, and when finished in the thin black carpet will look great!!
The single rear seat has been left in place. When the seat back rest is folded down it forms a fine table top like surface. You just need a block of wood to get it level. Of course that seat can / is usually folded right up for sleeping / maximum space.
I am REALLY happy with the result and can't wait for my first camp out in it.
The main "platform" is 60" long to fit neatly when the seat is in the driving position. It has 2 x swivel out "arms" at the front, so when the seat is pushed forwards, they can be swivelled out and another piece of 18mm ply sits onto them to get the extra length. The mattress folds in half and fits neatly under the rear of the platform, along with a good sleeping bag, a pillow, a camping table, a camping chair, a water container and one of those cheap canister type cookers etc etc etc.
The vertical side, near the centre line of the car is also made of 18mm ply, screwed and glued. It only goes as far as the edge of the load space, not intruding into the "leg space", to maximise storage there. It has 18mm ply triangular reinforcing webs at rear, centre and front.
The right hand side has a 1" square leg at the front corner with 2 of those small right angle shelf brackets attached with dome head 6mm bolts and nuts for strength. The rear corner is shaped to sit onto the wheel arch, with a 1" tall x 9" long block to get the height correct and some rubber matting glued onto the arch to protect it.
The whole thing will be covered in some of that thin black cord carpet they use in wedding marquees and the like, using spray on carpet glue. I will post some pics when I have finished it off with the carpet.
It is very sturdy, but can be removed in seconds if extra load space is required. I will leave it in place though, as I will hardly ever need the whole load space. In many respects this "bed platform" come storage box, is a very useful addition to the car, and when finished in the thin black carpet will look great!!
The single rear seat has been left in place. When the seat back rest is folded down it forms a fine table top like surface. You just need a block of wood to get it level. Of course that seat can / is usually folded right up for sleeping / maximum space.
I am REALLY happy with the result and can't wait for my first camp out in it.
Regards to all,
John - (2005 2.0HDi with Modutop roof, mini camper).
John - (2005 2.0HDi with Modutop roof, mini camper).