[How to] Expandable / Pull-out Bed for your Camper Van | Van Life & Conversions | Chevy Astro

Want to build a bed but don't know where to start? You've come to the right place.
UPDATE! I switched out my custom foam mattress for a HEST "Foamy" Sleeping Pad.
• HEST Foamy Sleeping Pad:
⇢ REI: bit.ly/3pTEFOD
⇢ Hest: bit.ly/46HkyUu
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• TIP JAR: paypal.me/pnwdiy
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• VAN PROJECT: / disastrovan
• Gear I take on EVERY Adventure: lighterpack.co...
• WEBSITE: www.KadsBaker.com
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0:01 | Intro
0:35 | Bed Overview
1:55 | Bed Design
2:40 | General Bed Measurements
4:01 | How the retractable lid and slat system works
5:24 | The Biggest Mistake I see people make
6:48 | Base Frame and Front Cabinet Access
7:56 | Mattress
8:50 | Bed Design Nuances in my build
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On the Shelves in my Camper Van:
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HELINOX CHAIR ZERO (only 1 pound):
⇢ REI: bit.ly/44NVzgH
⇢ Amazon: amzn.to/3DeTpe4
• EAGLE CREEK PACK-IT CUBE SET:
⇢ Amazon: amzn.to/3DxLI33
• DARN TOUGH SOCKS (LIFETIME WARRANTY):
⇢ REI: bit.ly/3Oforc3
⇢ Amazon: amzn.to/3OcOe4O
• ARCADE ADVENTURE BELT:
⇢ REI: bit.ly/44ofwdT
⇢ Arcade: bit.ly/3w4H48V
• LOKSAK OPSAK (Smell-proof food bag):
⇢ GGG: bit.ly/3pN1p2P
⇢ Amazon: amzn.to/44JAovZ
• Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Full cube Set:
⇢ Amazon: amzn.to/472uQPt
• Z-Seat (ultralight foam seat):
⇢ GGG: bit.ly/3JXR9Mf
⇢ Amazon: amzn.to/3K0rC50
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#ComissionsEarned - The links above are affiliate links whose proceeds go to this channel to create more content for gear-heads, backpackers, and DIY enthusiasts to enjoy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you found this useful please consider using the above links, or donate to help keep this channel alive and updated frequently. Thank you so much!
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Apero Hour Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons....

[@EthanBares]

Dude THANK YOU! This video is just what I was looking for. My fiancé and I recently bought a safari and plan on converting it and this basically addresses all of our concerns when it comes to the layout and bedding situation. Absolutely awesome job on the build and the video

[@UltralightNerd]

You're very welcome! Comments like this are why I make these videos. :)

[@nanobot2k]

@@UltralightNerd I second this! We just purchased a Safari and very excited to have found this video. Do you by chance have any of the dimensions/cut list for the bed and side/roof panels?

[@CanadianCampPurr]

After years of deciding what i will live in 24/7 your youtube channel & @seize the adventure are 2 of the best builds i've ever seen. Thank you!!!

[@joshandthejam7806]

I've been searching all over for a design i like for my build and this bed is it. Great job. Thanks for the detailed information. Much appreciated.

[@tigertoxins584]

Hi y'all, built this bed with my own measurements and it's looking great so far. Thanks for all the detailed shots, wouldn't have been able to build it without them!

[@ryanjoe66]

Man, cannot thank you enough for the detail and effort you've put into these videos. I have a drop on a 2000 Astro and have been looking at ideas for a build and your ingenuity and honesty is helping me see what is / isn't possible.

[@georgiacorey954]

Ty for posting. I'm getting ready to upgrade my E250 diy campervan. Currently I have 2 stationery beds, 1 crosswise & 1 lengthwise with room for a folding bike under back bed. I need more moving around space & to pack in a couple more essentials so Im planning a slide out bed. Your plan is by far the best slide out concept I've found. Ty again.

[@PixelShade]

LOVE your videos mate! One thing I have personally been thinking about is to avoid a stationary bed all together since they take up a lot of space when not in use. Like you said "couch mode is deceiving" If it is not comfortable to sit upright it feels hard to make any practical use of all that space. It's not a critique against this bed since it looks super comfortable and of course everyone has different needs from a camper van. Mine would be: - Comfortable sleeping and relaxing - Comfortable workspace (video editing, computing) - Simple kitchen setup - Multi-purpose furniture and and transformable spaces (avoid dedicated room for bed, kitchen, office space etc. instead make the space as roomy as possible) - Ample hauling space when not used as a camper My idea would be to make two shelf units, like the one you have and a longer- and 25cm wider unit on the other side. The longer unit would house a two 10cm foam mattress as a fold down and extendable murphy bed (which is resting only a couple of cm above the floor). It would take up minimal space when not needed. and allow ample head room when used in sleep mode. Behind the murphy bed would be storage space for bedding around the hard-to-use wheel well as well as shelves above the wheel well for night time relaxation (books, portable game system, phone charging etc) as well as clothing (which you can choose when waking up before folding away the bed in the morning). I would probably invest in one or two comfortable foldable chairs and then have nice desk-sized slab of wood to put between the shelves, acting as a big workspace as well as a kitchen countertop when the bed is not in use. sink? I would use a pot or a bowl. Water pump? Use gravity-fed water. Hot water? Use a thermos for left over coffee or tea water that you boiled in the morning. Shower? use a camping shower (bag). Things can be very simple. One thing I have learned about living in small spaces is that bringing in "the ideals of a home" is just wrong. Think critically about what you use and how you live, be creative and find solutions. PNW DIY does this! and it is the first channel I have found with van videos that are inspiring and makes sense. "Rolling houses" is just, I don't know, unnecessary and expensive. :)

[@x0TheGamer0x]

I don't ever post comments on KZbin but I'm here with a similar situation; converting my Astro for a year now and starting to design the bed, but I have a large rear AC unit that takes up the whole back corner and is like 17-18" tall, so although I love this design, I don't know how to work around it!

[@henrikneugebauer1696]

Finally someone with dimensions

[@cambodianrefugee6305]

Simple, clever, well thought out. What more do you want! This is a good example of a designer being an end user and building from experience. If I were to be extremely picky, I might say that "furniture" in these types of builds tends to be a bit over built which has its advantages, off the shelf home depot variety materials, easily construction, field repairable, easy to change your mind as things evolve but.... 2x4's and dimensional lumber are quite chonky. Just as you have had a rethink about night stands and counter tops. I've had a rethink about beds. I'm also coming from a pickup truck background as well and I opted to build wheel well width floor to ceiling side storage and not have a proper bed which in your analogy is a really big countertop. Come bed time I roll,out the thermarest and sleep on the floor. No bulky bed during the day. A pickup truck bed is different than a van though and easier to keep clean. All in all,. Your van is pretty brilliant. Everything you need without feeling like your trying to replicate a tiny home into a van. 2 thumbs up!

[@annmarieinthehouse]

This is such a great descriptive video!!! Found you on FB in a group where you referred someone to your channel for building design ideas. 🙌🏻

[@brown55061]

Honestly, I think you have the best build Ive come across for an outdoors person. Perfect blend of functionality, usable space and it doesn't make it so the van can't be unconverted if it dies and you move it all to a new donor. One question, what is under your plywood floor, any vapor barriers or insulation?

[@UltralightNerd]

Thank you for the kind words. No vapor barrier. I chose to have a breathable floor design in case of leaks or spills. That way the water can run down the ridge line of the metal flooring and not get trapped so it can't evaporate. Cheers!

[@johnpaulgarzaniti5065]

Thanks for sharing your design tips. Your bed design seems perfect! After failing over and over to get a bed and design I am happy with I so appreciated your honest comment you have built and rebuilt your bed and changed its design multiple times to get to the current configuration shown.

[@a.p9483]

Love the way u build it and the Twin Peaks draw!

[@ogninja2876]

DOPE!!! Converting my 02 Astro. Thanks for the help! this is the best build I've seen so far.

[@margiesvanmori]

Love the bed design! I am building out my 1988 chevy van now and I love this! I am going to get on the road this year to travel and work in film/tv. Thanks for a great video!

[@binhnguyen6725]

Living the dream my man. Here from reddit. Keep up the cool content

[@nzedsurfer]

A very good explanatory video. I am looking to design a slat bed that is removable. Appreciated your explanations for your design.

[@ExploringTheWestCoast]

Great Video! Well Done! I built a very similar unit in my Astro Conversation, and I can not explain it as clearly and concisely as you did!

[@GilWandered]

Found you yesterday from the kitchen setup. You are now my favorite vanlife-youtuber :)

[@UltralightNerd]

Thanks, that means a lot! Quick question, how did you find the kitchen setup vid? The pelican video is picking up a lot of traffic and I have no idea how people are finding it. :)

[@GilWandered]

@@UltralightNerd It came up on my recommendation feed. I guess the algorithm gods just knew what they were doing when I was looking up van life vids :)

[@TheHouseOfEstest]

This video deserves more than a thumbs up like. Great job, very through and quality content! Thank you

[@abstract_extremist]

Wish I watched this before making my build definitely going to go back and fix it but currently living out of it full time so kinda hard.

[@MrLwii]

Wish you had more videos of the build, you make great presentations.

[@nicholasdcolvin]

this is the best version and explanation i have seen !!

[@sueforsue1435]

Hi , I found this video by accident! This is amazing. I also have a camper van like yours being conversion in China. Thanks for the video, it gave me a lot of inspiration！

[@ElohiSilverEarthVentures]

Wow ok that's a bit of vital info that nooo other video on diy pull out beds dont mention or know. The moisture thing, very helpful knowledge thank you...almost feel that should be common sense but if it was ide not see so many beds made with interlocking closed slates

[@tonyedwards8067]

Awesome design and build Sir !! 👍

[@skodagt31]

Best bed Video i have ever seen! Thank you so much, dude! Best wishes from Germany.

[@kevinjcooper]

Killer video. You’re talented at Van design, and making how-to vids. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@matteaandmike]

Thanks for the extremely helpful video!! This is exactly what I was picturing in my head! Do you happen to have the dimensions? We’re building out our ‘99 Safari for the next two weeks before we head across country :)

[@eze8024]

Damn that interior looks nice 👌

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

Perfect bed design!!

[@T4LiebeHeike]

Very nice ..Looks all amazing.. I had fun with your Video...

[@UltralightNerd]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelfinley9737]

This is the build I am looking for, for my 2000 GMC Safari, do you have plans or blue prints available? I gotta say, as a woodworker myself, this is the one to use. Excellent design. Michael Finley

[@danielfoutch8930]

Did you happen to find any plans or blue prints?

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

astounding content PNW DIY. I killed that thumbs up on your video. Always keep up the very good work.

[@ThisIsSolution]

Nice bed. Just get a swivel for passenger seat, boom its a recliner

[@nmsma]

So many details and measurements, thank you!

[@hldye7442]

Very Good Job on video A+ and also Van build workmanship A +

[@ItsTheBishop]

Fantastic content as always, pal! Have you done (or considered) something along the lines of a van buying guide yet?

[@wehipeace]

i love this design!!!!

[@marklennox2151]

Although I went with a fixed bed and different materials and color scheme my build has to be 90% of your ingenious design. I'd love to send you photos (email address?). One key thing you provided was the 74 inch bed length and the 14 inch floor to top of slat height. My 75 x 30 mattress fit like a glove when it arrived. 😊

[@pbsalfen]

In your IG Q&A story you replied to a question about the floor. What was the sealant/coating* you put down before you laid the plywood? And, since you're attaching interior pieces to the plywood, what thickness plywood did you use? TNX! *found it. I didn't know IG saved stories to the "page".

[@leecallaghan4625]

I took part of your idea for my astro van

[@popatop75]

serious question have you thought about making a push up top? made of wood that rises and lowers.? you seem to have the skills and you buy throw away vans maybe pull it off or make a mock up simulated van. just a thought great video thank you i ;;

[@BenInyasVlogs]

Incredible work Kads!!!

[@madalynnlefler8199]

Great video, it was so helpful! My dad and I have based my bed build on your design! I'm working on making my own mattress as well and I've noticed a lot of reviews say the memory foam toppers hold a lot of heat. In your experience, does your mattress have this issue? We will be in primarily warm areas so I'm doing my best to reduce excess heat.

[@renelopez2244]

Sweet looking ride

[@UltralightNerd]

Thanks 👍

[@freesteez3]

I am now convinced I can make my own camper van bed! And produce a mattress cheaper than buying 1. You say that's the most comfortable bed ever huh? Where would I go about buying marine foam and the other foam?

[@jimgood4966]

Thanks for your content. I just purchased a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. I am hoping to get my hands on some design files (ideally I can open in TinkerCAD format .stl, .obj or .svg, or any drawings/diagrams/measurements of bed/cabinet/kitchen alternate setups etc) that I can take inspiration from modify to my personal liking to get the best result possible. I thought I might ask if you would be so kind as to forward any design files that you have that may help me, also if you are aware currently of any useful/necessary items for vanlife selling at a really good price/value I would very much appreciate any help/advice you can provide. Thanks and safe travels!

[@markpowers8125]

I love this build out, and I'm going to hopefully have one like this soon, im curious on how you did you sub floor, and walls though

[@thirdeyevision11]

Extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@GreaseMonkey-zm2ex]

Dope video bro. Doing this on my safari

[@jatorresrv]

Well done! Thanks for sharing.

[@cameronpuccini7373]

and feature a BIG ASS ZIPPER part had me dying 😂

[@Alex_556]

Very thoughtful design and engineering, although I personally do not agree with the construction material choice :)

[@UltralightNerd]

Thanks! Grew up in a log cabin, so the coziness and nostalgia factor goes a long way with that blued pine. :)

[@brianrothenberger817]

Do you have plans available. The nicest bed design I’ve seen

[@Rob.P]

Great idea 🙂👍

[@albertcanturri1372]

Thanks for the video! I just got a 2000 Astro and I see that you also have the AC/heater radiators at the side. I see that the one located behind the drivers seat is there but what about the one located at the very bottom of the van, next to the back door? Did you get rid of that? My wife is going to follow you on instagram to see more about your designs! Thanks again

[@georgeperkins4171]

Great graphics. I m keeping my rear ac setup so ill have to accommodate that. But whatis that compressor looking setup under the bed?.

[@bettysha3154]

How did you cut the bed and where did you get the bedding? It is really nice. Your instructions are very helpful.

[@bettysha3154]

Sorry, I should have watch the entire video. Good job.

[@imsodone4309]

Awesome video.

[@matthewbright2454]

Ingenious

[@gazellemeat]

Hey there! Amazing design! What was the dimensions of the “F” base if you don’t mind? 74” by ??

[@george.stefanescu99]

this video is really useful. thanks mate! I was wondering which app did you use to color wood panels like that 4:23 , thanks!

[@ndimitri48]

Fantastic

[@bethanyatkinson6944]

Maybe you covered it in the video, if so I didn't catch it... Why are there some slats that are super wide while the others are skinnier? I know a couple of them are for the lip, but what about the others? Also, I'm concerned about the amount of weight I'd be adding to one side of my camper

[@nesshead3051]

This is the plan I'm going to do (but with a split base for easier pull out) in a Mercedes LWB high. I see everyone in a low roof doing it this way but hardly ever in a high top and singles put in huge double beds, what are they doing swapping hook ups for hook ups😁

[@ElizaWitty]

Hi! I have a 2002 Chevy Astro Van that I just began to convert. I noticed that you left the vent in the front. Did you remove the back unit by the bed? I'm not sure what to do about mine. I haven't gotten to that point yet!

[@juliansolomon855]

Awesome video, we are building something similar in my buddies truck camper. Any chance there's plans somewhere?

[@joeyaugusta2782]

Do you have any pictures of a blue print? Or a list of the boards you cut? I have an Astro and from watching this video I think this is the best bed I’ve seen so far and would love to make one pretty identical

[@foggleoggleoggle]

where did you get the twin peaks themed sheet?

[@JosephCompnotta]

Thanks, been looking for ideas, I have a 03' Astro from side wall to side wall what is the width? I have a queen bed but could shave down. I want to place the kitchen at the rear though. Needing to complete by Sept. for a tour of the New England states for a month. I welcome ideas .

[@age_of_reason]

If you sleep on uneven ground can you level the bed since it is on a piano hinge? Or do the slats prevent this?

[@UltralightNerd]

You know, I've never considered this, but I bet you could do it if there was an inner channel that locked the slats in place. It's have to be sturdy, though. Currently it does not.

[@jaderivera9082]

This is AWESOME

[@thecapothedon]

Homie you got a kitty I can buy this perfect!

[@ericfrommerrick]

meow

[@PhenomenalWorld]

I love your bed!! how much room did you have for the shelf behind the driver's seat?

[@beatrizlins5609]

I like it!

[@IndyGirlTH]

nice 👍 new friend from thailand 🇹🇭 like and +1❤️ for support you 👍👍👍😊

[@wowbrothers6312]

So i just got a mini van and am thinking about turning it into a small office any ideas on making a desk? The van is a Plymouth 1998

[@hughjampton1561]

Hmm I got to be careful I'm actually 76" 6' 4" in English money.

[@jonathanbrazeau970]

you're overplaying the moisture slate thing in your case, because your mattress is small and moveable and not very heavy or thick, it's not that big of a deal, you can just lift the mattress every now and then to air things out, clean underneathetc. It's only more of an issue with larger two person mattress sizes that are crammed into tight spaces, like what most people do in the back of most sprinter vans, you need the air circ then because you're basically never really lifting or moving the mattress except for maybe once a year.

[@UltralightNerd]

Completely disagree. I've had my mattress (same configuration, different vehicle) mold in the Southwest. You *need* ventilation; that's the whole point of box springs. Allowing for mattress ventilation will save you money in the long run because your mattress will not be destroyed by preventable moisture accumulation.

[@ericmoss8308]

Is there a reason why you didn't insulate the floor?

[@UltralightNerd]

Breathable floor works great in my opinion. Plywood actually insulates *a lot*. The open air ridges underneath give my vehicle a fighting chance in case there is a leak or a spill. Much higher chance of having excess moisture evaporate instead of soaking into or being trapped by insulation leading to mildew, mold, or even rust. Breathable floor, imo, works amazingly well.

[@GalaxyXLII]

How to you build the bed frame man. Is it pretty simple ?

[@spicykittyh1]

9:08 How tall are you? Wondering if a shortie like myself could make it work.

[@adamhixon]

I searched the comments for this specific question. I'm 5'7" so I'm hoping I can make it work. Have you had any success?

[@stacky512a]

awesome

[@corypeterson8908]

Is that vinyl flooring

[@mattcowdrey3438]

can you provide a link to the wood you used for the walls??

[@UltralightNerd]

No link to them. It's blues Pine (beetlekill pine). Little harder to find but beautiful.

[@mattcowdrey3438]

@@UltralightNerd did you sew the mattress cover yourself?

[@johnwolf1475]

300 lbs of wood-- not good

[@UltralightNerd]

You do realize that’s the weight of like 2 passengers, right? Not to mention the weight is offset by the removal of the two benches. These vans have towing capacities, yo.

[@SeaMorButts]

Thanks for the video! I’ve seen your van on quite a few Van pages and I think I’ve possibly been convinced to go this route. I’ve been really struggling with deciding on how I wanted the sleeping platform in my rig.

[@theuglytruckling]

Can you do a detailed video on how you covered the inside of the rear door with wood panelling? I'm also converting an astro right now, and I've found that conversions that go the extra mile in covering up plastic/sheet metal look waaay nicer than the "mattress in a van" variety.

[@UltralightNerd]

100%. I filmed that over the summer, just need to edit it together and record the audio. This will be one of my next vids :)

[@raphasantos]

@@UltralightNerd That would be amazing to see!

[@UltralightNerd]

It has been uploaded!