I Built the Ultimate Camper Conversion Bed for my TINY Van

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I Built the Ultimate Camper Conversion Bed for my TINY Van
In my last video, I attempted to build a converting bed from an existing IKEA couch. I ultimately quit this build after making way too many moving parts and creating a complicated build that I didn't think would be very practical. Now I'm back with a new bed design which can be the most simple and convenient bed design I've ever made.
Tags:
urban stealth camping,van camping,camper van,stealth camping,tiny house tour,tiny home,van life,van tour,rv renovation on a budget,camper remodel before and after,rv renovation ideas,renovated rv tour,rv life renovation,van conversion,van conversion solar,van build,diy camper van,micro camper van build,stealth van,stealth camper van,stealth camper,stealth camper van build,camper van conversion,van to camper conversion,diy van life build,dualex

[@Dualex_Builds]

Uploading 2 days in a row. It’s a miracle

[@sinjaja5836]

I am not mad about it. Well done! Love the result. But RIP my ears whenever you start the tools ... 🎧😱

[@giioreviews2372]

BRO CAN WE TALK G. PLEASE.

[@nathanpeachs2704]

😅 nice work 😁

[@MotoMarvmtb]

The benefits of making contact with your future self. 😉

[@truthseeker36]

Nice! keep them coming"

[@frankr111th]

It's coming along nicely. While your skills are impressive, I think you're design aesthetic is even more impressive. 👍🏽

[@Dualex_Builds]

I appreciate that thank you!

[@irishman3375]

agreed

[@VonBluesman]

Three helpful tips, when cutting your finish cabinet plywood, use a razor knife to score a line on the top veneer. That will keep the saw from splintering and chipping the wood. #2 Use a electric knife when cutting the foam, it makes it so much easier. #3 Use a good pair of heavy duty upholstery scissors for cutting the fabric. I am really impressed by your builds and your adaptability. You do amazing work. I will always believe the sky is the limit for what you can do.

[@007nadineL]

I can't believe he didn't have and use an electric steak knife. . .

[@thisone.]

I think his flaw is quality of work. he has some good ideas at times but the quality isnt there most of the time. Technique lacks. I bet most of his builds wont last that long without a lot of maintenance. Also I bet he is loved by his next door neighbors with all those power tools in that apartment complex.

[@nicoleraheem1195]

@@thisone. I hope he is humble enough to consider everyone's advice on how to make more quality builds. Thanks for sharing. 🙏🏾

[@thisone.]

@@nicoleraheem1195 You and I both. What do they say, quality over quantity?

[@pamelabennett4792]

@@thisone. your just jealous, lol.

[@ireadalota]

Love the reuse. No waste!

[@Dualex_Builds]

I try to reuse as much material as possible

[@teetertotter5787]

I get so inspired by what you do, then I remember I have zero skills to do it. hahahhaha. Still so satisfying to see what you create.

[@Dualex_Builds]

Give it a try! I wasn’t always good at building I just got better over time. Thanks for watching the videos and I’m glad you enjoy them!

[@SuperClare]

Same!!! 😂

[@blazkull]

Hey DualEx, thanks to your videos I just bought my first Van and I will be converting it before Burning man this year. I'm stoked, so thanks for all the detailed work you have shown us over the past few years!

[@snowguy2954]

This is high level thinking and he has great carpentry skills to put it together. Bravo.

[@mikebarkerstudio]

Awesome job my dude! A couple of suggestions to help up your carpentry game. I would use washers on the wood side of those bolts on the slides. It will prevent the screw heads from tearing through the ply under stress. Especially since you counter sank them a few layers. Also try to refrain from using drywall screws on anything other than drywall. Their shear strength is not great. They will do in a pinch but its generally frowned upon by pro carpenters. Keep up the good work!

[@mikebarkerstudio]

Also, when you're gluing material together. Spread the glue out with your finger or something so that the entire surface area is coated. Wipe away any excess with a "wet" rag.

[@coloradodad8560]

I’ve been talking about doing this forever - After several jeep rebuilds I know I’m great at tear down and driveline build but it’s the interior that I’m scared about haha. So inspiring, you do amazing work! Felt the pain (my own laziness) when you had to rework - very well handled and it turned out been better than I was to start. Also, when cutting the mattress maybe a hot wire would work? I would’ve butchered that thing after like five minutes I’d be tearing it off by hand haha. I have a close friend in the EV business - they retrofit fleet vans. Can’t help but wish I could do this type of thing full time - is this your full time gig? My friends company sells their ICE and driveline (brand new) then installs all electric drivetrain and batteries. My dream would be to build out one of those vans - but hey, maybe a hookup for new engines and drivetrain if you ever need it for a larger van build. Love it!

[@randybarentine5762]

That was just Awesome how you moved the rail away from fridge. You are a Very Creative young man. Really enjoy watching your build. Awesome talent, God Bless.

[@maobfh]

Really smart! Thank you for filming the different steps. I wondered why you made a few choices early in the build but you were so thorough in what and how you filmed it that the reason became very apparent and your solutions were genius. I learned a few things in the video as well and was unfamiliar with the circ saw with the cutting guide and I did not immediately recognize your jig saw. You have definitely improved on the bed design!

[@TheTechnoBarbarian]

I love that feeling of getting a project in place after all kinds of planning, engineering and building only to realize you overlooked one little detail and have to redo it all.😆

[@Dualex_Builds]

That happens to me literally every single time I build something lol

[@benjones8977]

It’s always nice that you can admit that something didn’t work the way you wanted to. And then go on to make it even better! 🤙 When I built my off grid solar system for my house, there were many times I wanted to give up because I didn’t really understand a lot of it and had to redo it. In the learning, a lot of it are things you just don’t know and I had to learn as I went along. Even after watching many many videos, there are things they just do not tell you in those videos. Then you have to hit up all the forms and ask a lot of questions.

[@Dualex_Builds]

Everything has a learning curve for sure. I’m definitely guilty of not showing every time I make a mistake on my videos, but I do try to include them if it might help someone else. I’m glad you were able to enjoy the video!

[@PapaSeBakkie]

It’s coming along nicely 👌🏻 try using a bread knife to cut the foam, works pretty well.

[@judiwiegel8181]

It works the best ... Nice straight lines and very fast.

[@Swampkrew]

Amazing design!! Add a lock washer on the rail hardware.

[@domG]

I love watching you work. ❤️

[@Dualex_Builds]

I’m glad you enjoy the videos thank you!

[@mikeisgettinupset]

I know it's basically all put together, but what about some tucked up/hidden either pull down or spring loaded feet for that 1/3 section of the bed that's just kinda floating? Like some legs that fold up into the bottom of it while it's in couch mode, with some tension springs, where as soon as they've cleared the couch section the pop down so it's fully supported.

[@erindover6617]

This is the same concept I’m trying to figure out for my class c slideout. I want the bed to open/close both with slide as well as manually. Thanks for showing your build.

[@estherstephens1858]

Can I just say (over and over again) how your planning, designing and building skills are NEXT LEVEL for sure!!! I’ve said it before and I’ll continue saying it bc I want you to know your work is exceptional and continues to improve every time. I’d also like to say it was nice seeing your gf back with you in your video. It’s been a min since I saw her.

[@jamesgill5511]

The way the bed slides out is well done. I've seen tons of 'folding bench/bed' designs that were, let's be honest, half assed. The only thing I think would have been better would be to build a power bank yourself or relocate the one you used so the bed is lower in seat mode. The current height means you need to sit with your head in the vent and at the same time short peoples legs will dangle. I get using a prebuilt system for simplicity though.

[@globyois]

Excellent move on the bolts instead of screws on the drawer slides!

[@martink9785]

When I bought my van it had a similar bed that filled the entire floor space. I quickly realised that having to get out to pull the bed out, get out to put clothes on etc was totally impractical. Now I have an 80cm wide bed down one side. Beautiful woodworking though 👍

[@marymcmanus]

I have a low transit and you have given me the solution for the space under the bed and my shelves. Sliding panels. Brilliant. Great work. ❤️👍🏻👍🏻

[@sandzhs]

Hey It might just be me, but I feel that you should put a washer on the board side as well, not only on the slide side since it has a bigger risk of being torn out.

[@inezaultman1850]

Wow. This design impresses me. I am thinking of building it, but with the orientation of the hinges running the length of a full size bed. Super instructions! Big THANKS!

[@jenpen7888]

Fantastic job ..... just a tip for cushion making .... people always make the covers too loose bc they cut the fabric the size of the cushion with added seam allowance . If you cut the fabric the same size as the foam and sew up , you can squish the foam in and have nice tight covers .

[@rsdouglass4]

Love your calculated, meticulous creativity. Thanks for all the great ideas.

[@robertstewart1254]

Have you looked into doing a project with linear actuators to raise and lower your camper shell for more headroom while camping? It was an idea I had, not knowing it was already done in commercial products until I did a search for it. It appears to be a good idea--one that I would be interested in doing myself.

[@ChibiChula]

Well done! Only thing I can nitpick at is your upholstery technique which isn't really bad, but it's usually best to start at the center and work your way outward. It helps keep your fabric much more evenly stretched and helps with keeping edges and curves really crisp. 😅 Some upholstery tacks would help make it nicer too, but is unnecessary, just a nice detail. 😉 One piece of advice I can give you is that if you anticipate having to cut more mattresses like this, buy an electric turkey carver. Makes a much smoother and easier cut in foam much faster, plus they're not too expensive. 👍

[@beverlymottley4798]

I think you are so creative at things do. It is amazing how you made the bed for the van.

[@inventor1v]

When cutting foam use an electric carving knife or bread knife and put an offcut either side of where you want to cut. 😊

[@62hotrodvair]

Thanks so much for the video , i have always thought that abed that folds up into a couch would be better to save space when the bed wasn't being used, many campers have a full size bed in place all the time taking up a lot of space. very nice design . Appreciate all your videos and your talent !

[@iMann_iFail]

Such an awesome project and incredibly ideal for what I need at the moment, as I contract and live away from home. With raising costs of accommodation, etc it would save me the expense. When you’ve finished this build, would you be uploading or be willing to sell the design of it? as I would like to duplicate this for myself.

[@OldMan_PJ]

Thumbs up for the camera person.👍

[@nompumelelozungu510]

Your design and consolidation process is pretty cool. Awesome job!

[@Ginluv0207]

I'm loving your work DualEx. Keep it coming.

[@Dualex_Builds]

I’ll do my best thank you!

[@Bruin4Life]

Great job and I wish I had known you 49 years ago as I built a bed and storage for the rear of a 1973 Chevrolet van. What I built was nowhere even close to the professional job that you have done of building out your van I also installed an ice box for food with a container which held a 25 lb block of ice to keep our food cold. I bought large plastic containers which I could slide under the bed for our food stuffs, clothing, toiletries, etc. I made curtain rods from about a 1/2" wooden rod at night which I screwed in to the sides and over the back doors to hold blackout curtains. I even bought the material and cut it out and sewed it together to fit the windows around the van including the front and side windows which shocked my wife. Things weren't as available for DIY building vans out for camping back then. It was nowhere near as nice as what you have done, but it worked for my wife and I and I didn't know anyone else who was doing that. We used that equipment for years even after I traded the Chevrolet in on a 1976 Dodge Maxivan which gave us even more room without some of the side windows which helped keep the van cooler when it was hot and hotter when it was cold.

[@irishman3375]

Amazed at your vision, craftsmanship, very nice work. Inspiring

[@2000bvz]

I really appreciate how much you are willing to experiment (and do over) your work in the pursuit of an ever more perfect design. It inspires me to not accept “good enough” in my designs.

[@kellygillett9441]

I love all of your wood work! Such great designs and execution.

[@ginawhite3728]

Another tip on cutting the foam, is using an electric meat knife, it cuts through it like butter and allowsbyou to easy roybd out corners for a orofessional look. That's basically what professional upholsterers use. My mother was a professional same stress and upholsterer. You can pick one up for about $10 at any local Walmart.

[@barbaraburke2937]

Love the content, awesome use and reuse with no waste, great skill and job😉👍

[@Dualex_Builds]

Thank you! I try to reuse as much material as I can if I need to do a rebuild

[@MySonsMother]

Your woodworking skills are improving and this is a great design.

[@mn2mx563]

Electric carving knife for your foam cutting needs

[@Dualex_Builds]

I think eventually I’ll get one but I don’t cut foam often enough and I always forget to buy one when I need it

[@mn2mx563]

@@Dualex_Builds I’ve always gotten mine at garage sales … cause nobody really uses them… they just buy them cause they are a good idea. Lol

[@slkonnaris8477]

Magic! What a perfect design! Your skills are unbelievable. I learnt from Nikki Delventhal (van lifer) that an easy way to cut through a thick foam mattress is using an electric turkey carving knife! You can always give it a try. I don’t live in a van but I’m fascinated by how these projects are done . I’m sure lots of people will apply your ideas and methods to their own ‘bigger’ homes too! Thanks so much for your amazing videos❤🏆

[@BKLYNGIRL222]

This is phenomenal. Excellent customization. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@luminyam6145]

I love your brilliant creativity with your builds of course. But I would like to also address the beautiful creativity of your videos. My goodness these are so well filmed.

[@kanecarolan9663]

I was told you can use an electric carving knife on foam and it works well!

[@Dualex_Builds]

I know I just always forget to buy one every time I need to cut foam lol

[@robsvanlife8239]

nice build mate looks great, giving me some ideas for mine, im still a long way off its just a empty shell at the moment

[@mjbusmc]

That's a brilliant design. I like all the hardware you chose

[@jameslatimer9290]

You are an amazing story teller, short simple efficient. Nice job on the build

[@asaprocky8195]

Nice shop and build. Looks comfy cozy! Great gear, and you know how to use it well. Props!

[@DUribeRedel]

You are from another galaxy dude, keep it up!

[@3176sue]

WOW. just found your channel. You are so impressive! Not only your talent for carpentry and design but for producing the video itself. Well done! 👍🏻. Can’t wait to see more. 😊

[@gmommcmittens5707]

Your skills are incredible. Keep up the fantastic carpentry, electrical, plumbing skills that you have and thanks for sharing.

[@btownes5632]

Love watching your process and appreciate you sharing the challenges and how you overcome them. Definitely very inspiring. Once I get my bus i will definitely be watching all these videos on repeat...lol

[@Outandabout2384]

You are true inspiration bro....you just gave me a set of new ideas for my build....gotta admit that I love your dome provision!

[@monaleescott4203]

Very impressive build. So professional and beautifully designed. Subscribed to your channel.

[@momonthego9318]

I love the bed. I wish I can put that together for myself. Like always great job.

[@jamiejermann]

Your skills are out of this world!! Well done!!!

[@believedreams1663]

You are so inspiring to watch, from the beginning to the end. I've watched you for awhile now. When living a "NOMADIC LIFESTYLE " , wasn't as popular as it is now. You make an old lady, feel like I can do this. In my thoughts I know what I want, just putting it together is half the battle. I've wanted to live this lifestyle every since my daughters were teenagers, now they're in their late 30's. How you be reached to help me transform my "DREAM HOUSE" on wheels?

[@knelson5442]

I’ve just started watching your channel and I am so impressed by what you’re able to design and build. Two suggestions from a person who will try anything. Invest in a serrated bread knife to cut your phone. Not the electrical ones but just a long serrated knife. It will cut straight and like butter! Second, invest in a good pair of upholstery shears. Your upholstery projects will dramatically improve with these two adds to your workshop. Great channel.

[@terry362]

Your carpentry skills are insane. Well done. 💛🇬🇧💛

[@zakraymond4371]

Dope design. I’ve been planning something similar but wasn’t sure if it would work, so cheers for the boost in confidence.

[@TerrieAronson-lf2ob]

Love watching your builds. If I may offer a suggestion, use a serrated knife to cut foam. Keep up the fantastic work

[@Sunday_Jazz]

Talented AF bro! Ive got a tip for cutting bed foam for you- use a bread knife! Honestly cuts like butter and straight edges.

[@maxobrien4762]

Keep up the great content!

[@Dualex_Builds]

Will do thank you!

[@j.v.1973]

I love watching you work! You sure are good at figuring things out that will work. Amazing!

[@OIII-IOOO]

you have excellent problem-solving skills and great patience. i hate re-doing things.

[@randylester1219]

Very cool ideas. Love the use of space. Great content.

[@autoknight747]

Possibly the finest workmanship I have ever seen. Outstanding!

[@michelleoglesbee-flores3648]

Nice bed build. Made the same one 18 months ago and just changed it again. Needed more working space as I work remotely.

[@salter7824]

Don't you just love how each build creates 3 new problems 😆. Genius build bro, def gonna steal some stuff!

[@diezmon]

Looking great, man. I built a similar one last year, but didn't think of the rope! 👍.

[@connief5154]

I love watching your videos, you are so talented. I wish you would explain each step of your builds with measurements and all for others to copy. I too have a Transit Connect but have no skills so watching your videos makes me dream of what could happen to my van...lol Thanks for sharing

[@danah358]

The only way to learn is to try. Your 1st attempt may fail, but thats learning.

[@Go4Corvette]

I don't know if you still look at your older videos, but thank you for posting this video, I was thinking of going with a larger van, but with the high cost of gas nowadays and being it will only be me in the van, I like the idea of using a small van, keeping things simple and low cost. Again thank you for some great ideas, Mike, in Oregaon.

[@BigNesandCoco]

Bro. You have mad talent. 100% props.

[@ladytrader688]

that was so cool twitch. Really helps me visualize the steps (and tools) needed to do a project like this. Kudos! Very Nice.

[@leese.23]

Enjoying this so much! I have a big Van that I'm trying to make into living space...almost impossible with a bad back but you are such an inspiration! Thx.

[@brsoo]

Before watching this I was planning a similar build in my van. I really like the drawer slides as a portion of the bed. I am very curious how this will work / hold up when climbing into bed with it open? Wouldn't the leverage create extra stress on it? Also, what plywood are you using that is structural enough for your weight? Thanks!

[@kimmixerxs]

Your carpentry skills are beyond on point 💯🎯👏🏾 I ❤️ your problem solving skills 📐🥾🪚🦺🚐

[@anothersomebody8195]

I don't know what could have been done better. Maybe an access panel to the batteries from above when in the bed position? I'm really grasping here. NICE job!

[@seeithappen1]

That is a real cool bed/couch conversion ... well done.

[@traceewales8422]

Such a pleasure watching you work. Your marksmanship and attention to detail is fabulous. 😊

[@elizabethb3270]

I love your work. Just a thought - some people use an electric turkey knife to cut foam. Keep making amazing videos. I'd love to commission you to make me a van someday!

[@yaobuckman5006]

Nice video! , try brad nailing and glue together first, then secure with your screws to tighten, will be a lot more precise!

[@rebeccazuckman9059]

So glad to see ya again… Its been a lil too long. I go and rewatch old videos just to learn from you!!

[@Dualex_Builds]

I just posted a video yesterday!

[@manuelester7420]

You can use a soldering iron to cut right through the foam and it's much neater.😎😁

[@copdwarriormcdonald7968]

Outstanding job my Brother! Wow nice woodworking skills too!

[@tarmstrong99]

Wow, talented in design and fabrication. Great job! The skill to do, comes by doing. Envious of your skills.

[@spinmarion1]

Nice work !I love to see young people working with their brain and hands ! THANKS 😊

[@mikerobbins5049]

I don’t know much about building beds in van’s but it sure looks like one heck of a good design and execution of that design....

[@southafricanrhino]

I adore this bed. I will make this one for my campervan.

[@inediblemangoes7797]

Looks super cozy

[@julianjimenez9901]

Your videos are very inspiring, and it's nice to see how your wood working skills have evolved over all of your builds.

[@davesullivan8073]

This guy is a master. I hope he’s making enough money on his channel and if he was smart he get a half a dozen guys to train and to work in a shop with him. he’s really got some good ideas. I know that might be a pipe dream but honestly as the day goes by more and more people are interested in this type of life if they could keep the cost down and reasonable I would think that many little cottage businesses could be created in this genre.

[@Dualex_Builds]

I’m right with you man I’m working to get my shop set up within the next year or so

[@kev0M6]

Loving the videos like always. Which app do you use to make your furniture layout?

[@JonathanLamontagne]

Wow thanks so much for the way you filmed this it makes so much sense

[@ingridhansen8278]

Wow. It is art. You are so talented!

[@hoonypark]

love the asmr and editing. super fun to watch!

[@SeauT]

Nicely done. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.