Comfiest Van Bed! DIY Folding Sofa Bed Guide | Self Build Camper Van Conversion For Dummies Part 3

[@Zerpersande]

‘Measure twice cut once’ is very old saying. I first heard that from my grandfather when I was about six years old and he had built me my first toolbox. I still have that toolbox and it’s over 60 years old now. And I still remember his advice. I have remembered it pleasantly when I avoided mistakes, and I have remembered it in a bittersweet fashion when I had forgotten it.

[@travelertrome8449]

We are seeing a different side of Emma unlike any we've seen in earlier videos. That party girl in early vlogs is all grown up! 👍

[@PRS200492]

I came across your channel just a few days back - because of my interest in van builds. Your videos are so engaging and real - I love the fact that dad is on hand to help you along! Emma you are a natural at presenting!

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Great job! Emma, you seem to be a natural because you talk about your plan and execute it perfectly while, you know, just putting up the wall panels and floor with seemingly little effort. Well done!

[@TravelBeans]

😅 I did seem to brush over that bit eh? The floor was really quite easy.. the wall cladding took a bit more time and effort to get the right shape/sizes 😁

[@JohnRS100]

As a professional, (I have an O level in woodwork) I can appreciate the level of skill involved in this build. Really impressed.

[@shatishchauhan7958]

Hello TravelBeans! I recently discovered your channel and I absolutely love it! Your enthusiasm, especially Emmas, is addictive and the way you have converted your van and your lives is joyous to watch. I have had a crappy couple of years through illness, covid and a scare with the big c, and your videos have made me smile and given me a sort of push to get on with life in general. Thank you!

[@cherylbarnes851]

I love how your dad is never surprised that things work lol He's like yeah of course it's gonna work it was my design. Love your videos, only just found you so more to watch yet

[@clairehiggins7120]

Advice from Claire. Boats have mats to go under the mattress that promote ventilation and prevent mould, if you call a boating supply shop they will be able to advise you on what you need 😀 I love your channel and the design is great 👍

[@canoejohn]

I’ve only just started watching your channel since you started trying to buy a van. I’m very impressed with your attitude and non-preaching approach. Good luck on the rest of the build.

[@Scott-gf6qd]

Looks amazing! But you might want to put some carpet or something between the sliding section of the bed frame and the vinyl floor otherwise it'll tear the vinyl over time (a lesson I learned myself with storage boxes on my van)

[@monseftravel7400]

that was helpful and great because i was confused about make my bed in vw t3 1981 named vafa camper , im rebuilding it and its in painting part

[@oreinodedeusestadeportasab7793]

A angel on distinct.You are for sure a rare light begin shalow

[@DDIII3]

Great idea using the boxes to simulate the finished cabinet area.

[@DannyHustle]

That little “middle lifter” was brilliant!

[@chrisfolkharmonicaplayer6292]

A good bed design !! After the tragity with Frank , I had to go back and watch your happy van videos.

[@MatteoMontanari73]

This is serious work, my goodness. You are the best, especially Emma, this time. Keep up the good work, you're teaching us too

[@richardlphillips]

I am so impressed right now. Emma, you are so professional on camera and the wood skills are off the charts. 👌

[@gedb3946]

im well impressed, im watching a lot of camper build vids at the moment and that is by far the best bed ive seen.

[@TravelBeans]

Wow thanks so much 😊🙏

[@SoxRoxBoston]

My favorite van build video yet. I loved the animation and Emma's detailed explanation of how the bed to sofa works. Plus Alex got a bird to occupy his time 🦚🦚🦚😃

[@TravelBeans]

Thanks so much George! The drawings did take a while to do 😂 but I didn't think I could explain it very well without them! The peacocks are so funny roaming the streets 🤣

[@rmounty64]

Emma!! You are amazing when it comes to developing these units (ie ... bed) for you van, thus putting a lot of handymen to shame.

[@Hylan_]

Anyone watching in 2024 like me

[@rachelholmes6483]

Meee

[@rachelholmes6483]

Why can’t I find the closet open out shower plan anywhere lol

[@melindamcanally3787]

I am! Hi!

[@meganrodriguez3823]

Wow, Emma! I’m so impressed with all you’re doing. Cannot wait to see the finished product!

[@annegibbs7867]

Hi guys, I got hacked & have now got an old account up & running until I figure out how to get my old account back.. You look so happy Emma & what a fantastic Job you have done on the sofa. I for one think it's a great design for your van. Take care stay safe and looking forward to seeing your next van conversation video 🤗

[@nemesisstormuk]

Awesome work Emma (& Dad). What a clever idea for the bed frame. Great job to you all.

[@TravelBeans]

Thanks Paul!

[@LiveLifeCreating]

I like your design. Going to try my hand at it this weekend! I have been looking for something easy to build and convert from bed to seat & back again. Thanks for sharing!

[@larry6682]

That was super impressive. My mind reeled with the complexity of making this all work. Kudos.

[@neilthechip]

Simple additions,Router out 2 hand holes in plywood base for pulling,fit drawer runners to pull out section of 4x2 that you pulled on(can get long draw runners) put wd40 on chopsaw!plenty more modifications you can do to make the bed slide easier...lovely job 😉

[@kimbeaver110]

Emma, you’re my new superhero

[@philwilliams23]

Love the bed design. Really well thought out, planned and executed......with Dad's help😉

[@stevehardwick5903]

I have added some of the anti slip matting from pound shops to the ply on our bed hopefully giving some air pockets and to help it stay in place

[@jodiestewart8989]

awesome beans ....LOVE IT. Just cruising around on youtube trying to figure out my bed/couch design. I have found it. Thank you so much. x

[@cathiepreece1200]

Yes I am. Recently found the channel so doing a binge watch of previous vids. 🇦🇺

[@pagla0306]

Wow, such clear thinking and perfect execution. You are really gifted Emma. Thoroughly enjoyed your van build video. Alex can not be ignored. He has done such good photography. Take care.

[@colinthegeordiehistorian10]

Love how exited you get Emma. I am loving your Van Build Tell Alex he is doing a good job filming what your doing. Take Care and Stay Safe

[@ablaze7973]

😃 Well done, the van is coming along nicely! We too have a full size mattress with memory foam, and are very comfortable in our home from home. We find a box filled with 6 or 8, 2 litre water bottles from the local supermarket, a practical way to carry and refill our water for daily use. It also means you have the option of topping up your water supply on a daily basis. I mention this only so you perhaps consider a storage area especially for water bottles 🙂

[@Rlrrlrll100]

Ps one tip,vans move so wise to consider the impact of this movement with ,design,fixings and bracing.I love that ya doing it.

[@budrow80]

Awesome work! Very clever design - amazing what we can surprise ourselves and accomplish right?! When this project completes it will be time for a well earned Tipsy Beans episode!

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

WOW EMMA YOU ROCK!! We are so impressed! Great job it looks amazing! ~Cara 😊

[@TravelBeans]

Aw thank you!! 😊

[@richmatty5561]

Girl you are a hero!!!!!

[@mariondiemert430]

Great job Emma! ....uh, where is Alex? Oh yeah, birdwatching while Emma constructs their bed. Epic.

[@mike7444]

you're very creative, i have seen similar videos but you done that extra little bit. only thing i would say is felt may work a little better than carpet especially with the weight of the mattress. very impressive work

[@marciavernor1849]

Super couch to bed & back to couch!! Emma that’s a genius idea! Congratulations 🎈🍾🎊🎉

[@blitzedangel4556]

Smart and cute as a button. You have inspired me to get more creative. Cant wait to see more of what you develop.

[@Straitjacket808]

Highly impressed Emma. Looks very comfortable and a great use of space.

[@TravelBeans]

Thank you! Can't wait to test it out properly on our first trip!

[@Straitjacket808]

@@TravelBeans It'll be awesome. I re built mine about 5 times lol. Happy now though.

[@TravelBeans]

Haha I'm sure ours will be the same!

[@annakyrylenko7643]

Great job, Emma & dad!) Every day the van is looking more promising!

[@TravelBeans]

Thank you! It blows my mind looking at photos from the beginning and how much has changed!

[@narrowboatfreya5623]

Thanks for the discount code will be emailing them as I need foam for the boat happy days thankyou and a nicely executed job! Spot on!

[@Richoffroad]

Wow, amazing progress. I really like the bed design. I have one suggestion for you to consider which is cutting lots of circular holes (with a hole saw) in the bed base plywood to allow the mattress to breath. I think it might be worth doing. Keep up the amazing work.

[@paulmeakin6020]

You are literally amazing. Your confidence in tackling this build just astounds me. Wish I had half of your determination😊

[@TravelBeans]

Aw thank you Paul 🙏 but don't let my camera energy fool you.. there have been plenty of days where I've doubted my ability to complete this build. But breaking it down into sections and having all the amazing support from Alex, my dad and you guys has really helped 😊 I think we're all capable of far more than we give ourselves credit for, yourself included

[@paulmeakin6020]

I'm trying to figure out the best way of getting a van, self build or pre built. Keep up the amazing work both of you.x

[@martinlewis8225]

Very impressive! Can’t wait to see more videos on the construction and then out on the road.

[@helenarce8064]

This is so clever! Emma! You're amazing! Keep it up, I can't wait to see the end result.

[@michaelhancock4508]

Looking Good. It’s coming a along niceIy I am liking ur Van conversation videos. Keep at it and the end result will be near 😊

[@pauldeveras298]

Hi beans can you please tell me measurements for the bed frame and boards so I can make one thank you 😊

[@joanhall3718]

Absolutely impressed Emma! You rocked that bed.

[@americanberran2527]

It's awesome. You rock for taking on this challenge and kicking butt!

[@federomay3985]

You make me happy just watching you guys! Great job Emma, that wasn't easy. claps from Argentina

[@EvanC881]

Super comprehensive and helpful video! Thanks!

[@teresamoorhouse6892]

You did yourself proud Emma

[@TravelBeans]

Aw thank you! 😊🙏

[@dirkjansen4309]

This is really british rock'n'roll!!!

[@whatthekidsdidnext5977]

Brilliant job Emma!

[@IanHolton]

Quite familiar to a Murvi camper van we had. Bed and seat setup.We found using that middle space with the swivel seat as well gives a spacious feel.

[@thetessellater9163]

Great design, I would supplement the piano hinges with some 3 inch door hinges cut in on each end, for reinforcement; piano hinges can be easily damaged at the ends. Presumably some sort of kitchenette will be fitted, and will have to be out of the way of the bed too. Be interested to see how you design and build the rest.

[@claireb8675]

Love this build so far. Well done!!

[@Juliegriffiths1]

Fantastic design. Well done.

[@Lawgivaah]

Super helpfull! I'm now considering a similar bed build. Perhaps more sitting towards the back where my only windows are!

[@Dont.....-]

I’ve just ordered a mattress for my camper the same as yours, I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the £20 off 👍🏻

[@MyRunningJourney]

Looks good, I would put a lock on it to hold it closed while driving. 👍

[@cathrynmartin4395]

This is the style bed I think works best, but for the pushing it up, an industrial drawer slide would have worked really well and made moving the bed up and down easier. That's what I have used in my bed and it really is a great solution to this style bed.

[@chrisdickinson3168]

Who knew basic engineering could be so entertaining 😃👍 love the bed design the extra space will be needed when it's pooring with rain in the UK. Less so impressive was that lackluster 'beans out' come on Emma give it some umph

[@TravelBeans]

😂 apologies for the subpar beans out

[@NyreeAlana]

Dude, she's tired after all that work! 😆

[@BakarHussain786]

Hi Emma nice to see the sofa come bed but one thing i want to advise you for yours benefits. Everytime when you slide internal wood to make bed or sofa your van carpet will get spoil by the wood. For that safety you should put a bearing slider between van base and wood so the carpet won't get spoil.

[@madalynmagnuson251]

Emma, you did AWESOME!!! We love your design! You make it look so easy... still doubt I could work the miracles you all are but nearly ready to take the leap and give it a go! Keep these coming! We cannot get enough of you TravelBeans!!! Love, love! 💙

[@TravelBeans]

Honestly.. if I can do it, you can! It's amazing how much we can achieve if we stop doubting ourselves 😊💛 you're more capable than you realise

[@adrianhibbs]

Hi you two, we have a bed at home that the base hinges up with storage under, it has a rough material on the base to stop the mattress moving when opens that Isn't velcro, not sure if its, available, practical or cost effective but thought I should mention it. love to both, Adrian

[@franklinvanduin8009]

Excellent. Love the pop-up mechanism !

[@mdl7534]

Wow u have skills mrs travel beans! i am impressed!

[@karendyba5213]

Love your bed it’s great how it goes into a sofa

[@burton_burton_burton]

So awesome seeing you build the interior, Emma! I’m jealous of your skill, but also feel inspired if I were to ever want to do the same as y’all. Looking forward to future videos and whatever adventures y’all will have with the van.

[@MyOpelvectra]

Very impressive Emma. Now you can make a trip to Norway ,when this corona is over,you will love it. Love your videos.

[@michaelchartres]

Well done Lady. Great job! Oh yes, and by the way, great camera work !! Regards Michael

[@always.wondering.wandering]

Awesome job Emma! I really like your bed/sofa idea and the foam looks really comfy. The peacock wandering through reminded me of a place I use to live, the neighbors up the street had one and it use to just wander the neighborhood. Also had a neighbor with a pet turkey, he use to come peek in my front screen door and say hi. Good luck with the projects ahead, have a great week!

[@TravelBeans]

they are such funny animals aren't they.. sounds similar in that we have a pair that just wander around the neighbourhood 😂 thanks so much Adele

[@chelbelltravels9588]

Love the design. Can't wait to see it all finished.

[@leslee_fw]

Beat bed design I’ve seen for a van

[@pennyh3101]

Excellent... love what you’ve done.. can’t wait to see finished..God bless

[@tbeau6663]

There's a job in television for you, Emma!!

[@liveinthesunshine3018]

brilliant 'contraption' well done.

[@ianextence6612]

brilliant simple things please simple minds.

[@Dutchbelg3]

That's McGyver Emma ! You guys do a great job! It already looks like a real campervan!

[@TravelBeans]

Thanks so much! 😊🙏

[@TravelswithTommyandLori]

Emma, you are such a bad ass! Great work! It's looking awesome!

[@Rlrrlrll100]

Is that your dad? What a legend! I subscribed especially cos of him,he rocks!!

[@indylaura99]

It's a sign!!! Your van name should be peacock!

[@lindatyler7056]

Wow that's coming along so well 🤗Bet you can't wait for your first adventure!! 😁😊

[@TravelBeans]

So excited for that!

[@DeborahLong7777]

Awesome job! IF I get the van I am looking at, this is what I would do! Perfect timing Emma. Can you come help me too ? Hopefully I can find someone here in Texas to do the tweaks I will need. The bed goes east to west on the van I am looking at, I do believe that this will give me more space for me and the pup's, timing is everything!!! I pray I get it, I am in the USA, I need adventure and living the rest of my life instead of sitting here like I waiting to die. No no 67 year's young, perfect and epic!

[@TravelBeans]

Sounds like a wonderful plan Debbe! If our van was wide enough to fit a full bed in sideways, we definitely would have done - it would give so much extra room! Traveling the US in a campervan with your pup sounds like heaven! Enjoy and good luck with the project! 👍

[@MarissatheXplorer]

What an impressive design!

[@bexsee]

The build illustrations and explanation gave me early 2000's Scrap Heap Challenge vibes, loved it!

[@TravelBeans]

😄 why thank you!

[@sammic974]

Go, Emma!! Fantastic work. It must've given you such a boost to get the bed platform sorted. I see you've been on travels with the fabulous Aimee and Craig. Saving that vid for tonight so my OH can watch it too cos he adores them 😆 Am determined to get gim to watch you both as well but I don't want to overwhelm him with vanlife videos lol. He already reckons am going to do a runner one day!.

[@SarahandMarek]

Emma, your buildings skills are impressive! 👏🏼

[@TravelBeans]

Learning by doing! 😅

[@thetessellater9163]

You might have noticed a comprehensive training program in the background - courtesy of father.

[@derekiwanczuk2867]

Brilliant bed and sofa.

[@karinpople1019]

OK, now the birds are looking for you guys..lol

[@TravelBeans]

😂 roles reversed!

[@kelleysedgwick2913]

Great job Emma! Very impressed with your skills

[@LincolnMcCann]

That's a great bed design guys. Love it.

[@IronMountainx]

Double entry storage is also my favourite 😄

[@yankeebiscuitfan]

I see 10 dislikes. How on earth can you not like this?

[@thetessellater9163]

They're Martians!

[@MikeDiEva]

Those are the people who couldn't figure out how to get the middle hinge to pop up.

[@gazzertrn]

they don't appreciate quality vids , and genuine people making them . Just ignore them (they will just go away)lol.

[@artsteadman2230]

It's not a perfect world

[@turboteresa1]

Jealous