Tour of the BEST BEDS For Living in a Van

[@mollymagpie5965]

Who ever recommended a "Best Of" video is brilliant. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@brennabresee1395]

A "Highlight Reel"!!!😁😁😁👍👍👍🎞🎞🎞 sounds perfect!!!

[@einzgeisha]

I always think of the lady with the brown couch when I see or am inside a Big Lots store that she found a great find!

[@amyschaefer1140]

My favorite is the reclining chair. Sleeping & sitting area in one! ♥️

[@danielkinney8166]

I use a hammock in my 6 x 12 cargo trailer home.

[@SouthFloridaThrifter]

Moving into my 7x14 cargo trailer next week! May I ask about how you hang the hammock? I love this idea.

[@danielkinney8166]

@@SouthFloridaThrifter I mounted 2x4s one in the front one in the rear on opposite sides of the trailer. I screwed eyes into them and use carabiners to connect the hammock to the 2x4s.

[@SouthFloridaThrifter]

@@danielkinney8166 perfect!! Thank you!

[@nalomelikukui8134]

How does a hammock treat your body in the long term? Do you have any neck or back problems? How is your quality of sleep? Thanks!

[@danielkinney8166]

@@nalomelikukui8134 I have slept exclusively in a hammock for more than 10 years. I have no complaints.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Thanks, Bob. Hey Kelly D. Hope you and Sophie are well!

[@rolliebca]

I'm really enjoying these "Best of" videos Bob! Thanks! It saves us so much time searching through all your videos. Really appreciate your efforts.

[@susanm9078]

I'd love to see a best of couples diy vans.

[@raccoonlittlebear6476]

Nice compilation, Bob! This is a great idea, to be able to compare designs 'side by side'. Thank you, for all you do!🙏

[@justgivemethetruth]

Now that giant recliner-easy chair looked pretty good. Very impressive..

[@jessegee179]

Wonderful stuff Bob, great to see what people come up with, admire their creativity and handy work. I’m thinking if I could only have one thing it’s got to be a comfy bed!

[@kburkes4245]

Really loving these "best of" videos. So many great ideas, and seeing them directly compared to each other is very helpful. Thanks for doing them!

[@susanbeever5708]

Love the best of theme! You have a wealth of ingenuity in these videos that you all have carefully produced.

[@terrapintravels3829]

This video is so convenient with all the great ideas in one place. Thank you so much!🦋

[@CharlesButler]

Some of these beds are pretty cool! I have a light weight metal bedframe that is 17 inches high and put storage underneath it for my 7x14 cargo trailer camper conversion.

[@TheBigExclusive]

The lady who put the reclining couch in her bed was pretty smart. Didn't need to build anything! Boom! Ready to go.

[@lisaroth7526]

I went back and watched the videos and got a lot out of them. I have a feeling I will be going back and watching some more of the old videos. This is definitely a great series, thanks Bob!

[@dubi01]

Thanks Bob!

[@8188jlpc]

A+ to the "Best Of" complilations

[@leet2089]

Number 8 is my fav rig ever and she is such a nice lady

[@oldcodyjr]

Thanks! I don’t need to create a bed in my travel trailer but these ideas get me stimulated to “think outside the box”for other ways I can create more storage/living space.

[@kaykaykayak9368]

Thanks, I was just thinking about how I can improve my camper bed, helpful.

[@memikel1489]

Always worth it Bob. thanks so much

[@tammyburke9453]

Didn't think it was possible to love your videos even more, but these are doubly terrific. Bob you generously showcase ppls creative ideas and builds. You found your niche and we're all grateful! These 'best of are great.

[@sunseeker4775]

After trying every kind of mattress, I settled on a good quality air bed (Kmart) and it's perfect. Air beds tend to collapse when used on the floor, but they fit perfectly in any space and when held on 3 or 4 sides in the van, they make a perfect mattress that fits and doesn't collapse. Can be as hard or soft as you wish and removed in seconds. No weight. Air pump is essential to keep it just the way you want.

[@sea2sea2seevanlife92]

I'm sure enjoying these 'best of's'... Thank you!

[@kathryntaylor4608]

Great ideas. Thank you Bob

[@janetkoball44]

I was looking for the video of yours that shows you actually building a wooden bed frame. But I was glad to see all of these beds too. One of my favorite ideas is the Parsons legs. I think I'll add that idea. Thanks

[@tiffanylogan1351]

Everyone is so creative and use focused!

[@jessicawoodard6466]

Bob, what a fantastic video! A most complete, convenient resource for anyone trying to figure out what kind of bed to use!

[@morphergaming0531]

I love these Best Of series, thank you for the extra work to compile these.

[@heathroush5343]

Thanks for this. I'm currently designing a camper and am thinking about bed design. The slats idea could be really useful for me.

[@shaneross7428]

Thanks Bob for taking all that time compiling that information. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to build my bed right now. Its an 08 ford econoline extended passenger van with the high roof. I'm amazed how flat, level and square the inside is. I can almost just put house furniture in it. Lol. I hope to meet you some day. I'm 59 and a union crane operator working long hours. I'm pretty much done because I'm miserable. Everything you say is true. Simplicity and minimalism is light on the soul. Finding real friends who get me will be great. I sold practically everything. I bought a 2009 38ft Four winds motorhome a year ago and I thought about using it to get off grid and travel in but I prefer small and less conspicuous and easier to park. I'm an ex materialistic person. The more I own beyond what I need the worse I feel because I feel like i have to babysit my things or put them in storage and waste an obscene amount of money. I'm putting the motorhome for sale next week and as soon as it sells I'm moving into my van full time. I'll probably work a few short projects as a crane operator whenever I want if I feel like putting a little more in the bank. But like Randy and his amazing poems, I hope I can just stop the madness and just live and explore.

[@themapsarewrongandthetimel8722]

REALLY enjoying this series! Thank you to the brilliant commenter who suggested it, and also to Bob and co. for their hard work in putting it together...this is one of the most helpful formats ever!

[@shelleynobleart]

This is AWESOME! Thanks for all the creative ideas and for compiling these bed ideas together!

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

In my pickup truck with campershell, keep it very simple, I call it "wash & wear" one ice chest, two totes, three back packs , two sleeping bags and a small stove. Can easily unload hose down wipe and reload! It's been working for me since 1970's!🤘🏼🏜️

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Also, I've changed the way I eat when out so I won't need much ice. I basically need ice for cold drinks and half & half. Hot links, mustard and that's it, everything else is dry food. Plus learned to eat less.

[@beverleydryland1146]

Bob thankyou from Bunbury western Australia x x

[@abbeyjane1306]

Thanks for another excellent video

[@mommadw2010]

Thank You, see ya soon.

[@richardbottslotsandmore5696]

Great video ideas...Very interesting ideas..Im still a fan of the no build build..Take care..

[@michellestratford9753]

I'm really enjoying this series! In addition to the 'best of' part, I love watching how people have taken bits and bobs of hardware and use them for alternative infrastructure. Like PVC pipe to store outdoor rugs, and channel markers as guides for bungy cords, and so many others! Even though I bought an older van conversion, I'm loving all the creative ideas to make my vanlife more convenient! Thanks again Bob!!❤🥰🚙🇨🇦

[@mauricepowers3804]

Great video.... but it always astonishes me the number of people that do not put holes for ventillation in the bottom of their bed!!

[@MacgyverSharon]

Some great ideas! (And my Version 2 bed too 🙂). Thanks Bob. These "themed" video collections are a great idea/tool for those building out. ☮️❤️🕉️

[@terrimitchell8767]

Thanks ☺️

[@beckyransom5504]

I always love seeing Vanessa's lounge chair. She looks so comfortable! Thanks Bob for this video.

[@darrisnelson5223]

Loved it Bob!👏🏻 #3👍🏻

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

Wonderful-thanks to you and your team for compiling this!🌻🌻🌻

[@clearwater9118]

🤣😁The tri-fold mattress only really folds twice. 🤣🤔🤯

[@beckyelliott2871]

Love your bed ideas. Will use this video for builder reference. Thanks😸👍

[@tonik9724]

For my truck bed, I used 1 1/2" PVC frame, plywood under mattress, can take apart in seconds

[@hypatia4754]

Well that just gave me a few ideas! haha Thanks!

[@anneli1735]

🤔 Did you ever meet people sleeping in a hammock inside their „rolling homes“? Would love to see their solutions ☺️

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Yes I have seen them. Also with a mosquito enclosure. I think its a great idea.

[@littlepotato2741]

Vehicle are a bit expensive right now. Well, everything is. But I will be using a hammock to sleep in. I've used a hammock as my main sleeping bed for many years. Installation: You need strong connections/hooks/etc as it will be two points holding all your weight. Depending on the vehicle you may have to go corner to corner to get enough hanging room. The length you need will depend on the hammock. For example, the hammock I'll be getting for the van will be 10 feet with a recommended hang distance of 8.5 feet (you can extend your hammock length with nylon rope on the ends if your vehicle is too long.) My plan is to have a wider aisle in the middle for sleeping and strategic placement on high cabinetry, etc so that I can run my hammock from corner to corner and sleep lengthwise in the aisle. Cold: After sleeping in a hammock for years and living in a northern state, I've tried many different methods to keep warm. Just get a underquilt. An underquilt is like a specialized sleeping bag made to go underneath your hammock and on the sides. Many of them will also connect on top so you are basically like a burrito. Hands down, the best solution. My gold standard is using an open underquilt (on bottom and sides) and blankets on top by season. People have also made their own underquilts too. The key is just try to avoid putting anything between you and the hammock or you can end up sliding around and have a bad night of sleep. Type of hammock to get: There are different styles of hammock and different materials. Advantages vary on what you are using it for. Two be honest, I'd just focus getting a good length for your vehicle. And avoid spreader bars. One of the huge advantages of a hammock is that it envelops your body... a spreader bar removes that advantage. I slept in a huge Mayan style hammock with many thin threads. All of those thin threads spread out the force of me laying down on it so there were no pressure points. If I'm on my back, it feels like I'm floating in the air sometimes. That hammock is too big for a van as it's 16 feet long. I think one of the nylon/etc camping hammocks could be nearly as comfortable and that would more convenient from a material maintenance standpoint. And lighter. Storage: My plan is to put velco on the top side of the loops that I will use to hang my hammock. And a bag at just below the back hook. This way I can pull the forward loop off the hook, walk it back to put on the back hook (connecting the velco together on the loops to keep orientation) and stuff my hammock into the bag below that back hook. Compact storage and only a few seconds to take it up or down and I will never have to untwist it. Depending on the individual, you would probably want to air your hammock out every once in a while. Just to make sure you don't have any moisture buildup (and all the bad things that come from moisture buildup.) Proper Sleeping: There is one important step about getting proper sleep in a hammock that is often missed. You should not sleep along the long axis of a hammock. This will curve your back and prevent it from decompressing while you sleep. This can be fine for a couple of days, but eventually your back will get more and more sore until you stop or correct your hammock sleeping. The proper way is to lay about 15 to 30 degrees off the long axis so that you are mostly parallel with the floor. That will allow your back to decompress and you will be golden. My plan of going corner to corner with a wider aisle will work perfectly for this. Well, hopefully that gives you a little more information. Have a great day.

[@anneli1735]

@@littlepotato2741 😂 this will be helpful for all the others reading yet not being familiar with hammocks 😂

[@anneli1735]

@Timothy Mckee surely the best hint to check that channel for mounting a hammock inside a van - thanks for this one !

[@adrianekeils4120]

My son puts the hammock up in his jeep. Just attaches to the roll cage by popping the roof loose and putting it back.

[@BelovedsPlace]

Here is a real no-build bed: it is a piece of 6x3' plywood (cut by Home Depot) that I put on top of milk crates (I asked my son's job for like 10 of them) that I ziptied/bungeed together. I used 6 for the frame and placed them so I access 2 from the back, two from inside the van, and 2 from the other side that faces out the van for storage. I use a twin size travel mattress pad (but if you wanted you could use something thicker, I prefer a hard-ish surface) & two thick blankets. I use the other crates as storage thru-out the van. I don't live full time but I slept very well on my first 3 days on the road trip. Looking forward to more travels soon.

[@carolinanavarro9076]

I had a similar idea, but no plywood, just using upside down milk crates with water jugs stored in them. Which is more comfortable? the plywood sounds too hard, upside down milk crates have more give,...mine is going to be in a pickup truck bed.

[@BelovedsPlace]

@@carolinanavarro9076 I suppose it would be a choice issue. I'm assuming you are putting blankets on the crates but even then I would have a problem with feeling all the holes. I'd more likely put a thicker mattress on the board. Or were you saying put a mattress right on the crates? That would also work. Should be fine either way I would think. May have to bungee it in parts to keep it from flailing about in the truck while its moving, I know I had to strap mine in in a couple places.

[@carolinanavarro9076]

@@BelovedsPlaceyou have inspired me, and the hurricane, or whatever it was, that rolled through here yesterday (northeast florida) has motivated me! I'm out in the blazin heat gettin it ready! I'm gonna try hard foam on top of the upside down milk crates!

[@carolinanavarro9076]

@@BelovedsPlace now that I'm actually in the process, I'm thinking maybe the plywood is a better idea, bcuz when you stop for awhile you can set up a table with the crates and plywood for cooking, eating, workstation, etc.

[@pooddescrewch8718]

I have fused vertebrae in my neck . Finding comfortable pillows is a must .

[@susanmboudreau]

I am loving this series of grouped ideas awesome

[@tanyajohnston8262]

love this video idea. So fun to watch the different ideas for beds. A good bed is very important for travel everytime ! Thanks

[@PeaceAndLove1234]

Great inspiration ! Rico from Austria .

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

Worth it ! Thank you for taking the time to look back through your videos. It's neat to know which ones you picked after years of seeing so many.

[@tinas1129]

My favorite it #1. I love the idea there is a second bed and it can also be a sofa.

[@purposelydriven6566]

Love the video Iam definitely cheap Van build

[@gardengirl7258]

I love this. Thank you for doing it.

[@HOPEbus]

Thanks for ur time in showing all these cool bed ideas . Ur videos all r so useful n interesting 👍🏽

[@pamostman516]

That was a great suggestion and thank you for following up on it.

[@Parkitloveit]

You did an incredible job with that with that video. I think it will help a lot of people. I’m still thinking about building a small platform in the back where the folded seats come down farther than in the middle part of the car where the seats don’t fold completely down.

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Great job Bob. Keep um coming

[@anthonyvisor8880]

Great video

[@talldude5841]

Love the creativity of these setups. I wish I was not 6'6" tall when I see these these. I dont think I would be comfortable to live in one of these. Looking for a small system that would fit me to boondock this winter in the south west USA. If anyone has ideas, please let me know.

[@Cecilia-fc3sg]

Great idea for the "Best of " series. I'll look forward to all of them I'm sure. This one was great!

[@brianleonard6885]

Great

[@thevideostump46239]

Great idea 💡 Bob.. Thanks...

[@BILLOFRIGHTSDANGER]

Thank you!

[@Kimberley_Black_White_TV]

This is AWESOME! Thank you for doing this and giving us the links to the full videos. Much appreciated! xo

[@nmartin5551]

Hi Bob, Thanks for another great video!

[@mgrams4203]

thank you!!!!!!

[@debmann5168]

Great video. Really enjoyed it. Thanks Bob

[@maryrobertson5250]

How about The Best of Bob. This would fill a library.💚UBOB.

[@nooksandcrannies9871]

Lots of great ideas.

[@meeow2165]

Would love to see a lightweight, maybe manual crank, "hospital" style movement bed. (Sorry, do not know the brand name) I am aiming for a small class C size vehicle.

[@robertalynch5433]

Great video Bob.

[@jm4672]

I wish that lady of the end would took her bed out to show us because I think that was an ingenious idea

[@marymcquaid7291]

I also like the steel cot that Bob used in his no-build build, where he showed us how to adjust the heights of the legs, with tubing, for uneven floors.

[@hollandspinehaven2634]

Loving the new series of the best of the best. We are in the hunt for a small shuttle bus and these ideas help so much...

[@WhiteBirdMustFly1]

Ok, thank you.

[@theresafinn4257]

I’m loving this, TY!

[@lisakukla459]

This is really helpful. Thank you for taking the time to put this together!

[@brucebjornson9135]

That is great and cool 😎

[@Simply.C]

Thank you and your team for producing this and all the videos for us.

[@kathyball554]

Great information. Thanks.

[@darrellgosnell9971]

Wish I had viewed this before making my bed. I needed the space and removed a queen size bed and made a twin size. I needed the space for my business. I also had to remove a kitchen space, needed it for adding a portable recording studio including an 88 key piano. I wanted to continue working while on the road. I found great internet connection through att hotspots in Quartzsite while staying on la posa south. Generator is all I need for power. Unfortunately, I live in a 17 foot travel trailer and make repairs constantly, but life has been rewarding and the last 2 years on the road has been great. Just wish I had kept the larger bed. A good nights sleep is important!

[@SevenBears1]

Great information. All these ideas can be applied to your house.

[@mhayes6864]

Great compilation of the best of the best! Lots of ideas in one video! Thank you very much!

[@bevtrue6937]

Great job. As usual.

[@itsmimiyallxoxo5624]

Love your "Best of.." videos!!!

[@seanriley8448]

Thanks Bob et al.!

[@chrisholds1]

This is terrific, thanks for putting it together! Very helpful ideas.

[@lorib360]

Compilation videos - great idea! Look forward to the series. Thanks.

[@gp4708]

That was fun. Thanks for putting it together.

[@marilynrenaud1892]

Loving this series! Very interesting and educational.👍👍👍👍👍😁

[@frankmckinley1254]

Great video!

[@NomadicRev]

This one was special, thanks Bob!

[@elizabetha2056]

Thank You Bob! That was fun! Love the links too!

[@janicenicholls4708]

I love your ‘best of’ videos!