RV Bed - Pipe Berth DIY Build

Pipe berths have been around for centuries and they are one of the most comfortable bunks you can sleep on. On top of that, they are lightweight, easy to roll up and store out of the way and inexpensive to make. What's not to like? I love mine!
Thank you to the ladies of "North Country Canvas" for the excellent job in making the canvas cover! They can handle all kinds of canvas projects including awnings, covers for boats, golf carts, BBQs, windows, furniture, cars, repairs, etc. They even make chaps! Contact them at: [e-mail]
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[@jonkirkwood469]

Update - We've made two trips since we built the pipe berths. We love them. Our trailer is 79" inside width. I'm 6'1" and my wife is 5'2" so they're the perfect accommodation. My children and grandchildren have all tried them and everyone agrees that they're surprisingly comfortable. All I need is a scratchy Navy wool blanket and I'll be young again. They will allow us access to the ramp as a sitting area during the day. Great idea, Rick.

[@gonagain]

Glad to hear those pipe berths are working out well for you. They really are so comfortable, we really like ours.

[@CDNBVR1]

I liked the ending. It was a nice touch.

[@davidschroeder1651]

Had no idea there was canvas stores. Learn every day

[@ruabadkitty]

It is hard to find a canvas shop that makes sails. I had to go over 100 miles to find someone to make mine. Canvas furniture last forever.

[@debVan1363]

Same here! :D

[@jkocol]

We have a Tent and Awning here. I'm sure they could accommodate this project, and The Foam Shop would sell the foam, with a decorative cover to go on it.

[@MOTrav]

Cool way to make a bed with minimal materials!

[@gonagain]

The bunks continue to be very comfortable for us.

[@markreynolds3850]

I remember when I was in the navy I the sixties ,I had to thrice my rack my canvas back and tighten the rope to get the slack out of it . These were the rams we had at that time. With 4 inch mattress pad.. nice talking with you,

[@gonagain]

Thanks for the info Mark.

[@carlyellison8498]

I am thinking of a water bed, a) because that is what I sleep on at home, and b) because I often camp in the desert and could always drink my bed if I broke down! :-)

[@gregchewie3059]

Don't forget how much water weighs (8.4 lbs per gallon)

[@odahithedubious2017]

Also, be aware that you will need to put something in the water to prevent algae from growing inside the bed, that might not be so good to drink.

[@secondact7151]

You are probably joking, but you really can have a water bed. There are bed pads used for people that are essentially bed bound. I've seen air filled ones, but also water filled. They are not like a full water mattress, but they could go over a canvas cot and simulate a water bed with much less weight.

[@ctech24]

I like this idea because then you can easily break it down if you need to haul something in your cargo trailer. Thanks for sharing.

[@gonagain]

Yes, that's exactly why we made those. Comfortable to sleep on , easy to take down and easy to stow. ~Linda

[@hero2006]

Great project. Very talented ladies. Got me thinking of a solution for the back of my truck bed. Using this instead of the heavy plywood structure and memory foam everyone else uses.

[@gonagain]

Exactly! Besides, I sleep way better on these.

[@ruabadkitty]

Do you have videos of your truck? I am in need of ideas. I just bought truck with topper.

[@hero2006]

Nancy Rae nope not yet. I just bought my camper shell. Good luck.

[@ruabadkitty]

@@hero2006 same to you.

[@gregoutdoors7]

Rick, you’re filling my head full of good ideas! 👍🏻😎

[@gonagain]

I wish someone would do that for me!

[@gregoutdoors7]

Gonagain lol 😊

[@Spinonemaster]

"He's Done" ..... lol ... love Linda's sense of humor .... great idea and design .... our local Awning place has been in business for over 100 years here ...

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

In the Navy, (about 1973), my second ship was so old it had canvas bunks laced to pipe with a fiber mat of some sort on it. . When we went into the shipyards, they converted to a metal box for storage with foam on top. I liked the canvas better. It was more comfortable, and in heavy seas the canvas sag made it easier to not fall out. Now I need to rethink the bed in my van. One could also make adjustable storage shelving with dowel rods and fabric. Maybe even PVC with a center stretcher, (like a square 8 frame for the shelf part, and wood for the risers).

[@gonagain]

Good idea about the storage shelving. Hey Danny, I still have the canvas with the lacing grommets that belonged to my dad from his time in the Navy during WWII.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

@@gonagain My ship was the USS Hector AR-7. Left the shipyard 1942 and was commissioned in 1944. It had the old steel plate and rivet construction.

[@cetifoxproductions]

So, thank you for this great idea! We have a 6x10 cargo trailer that is primarily outfitted to teach scuba diving (most of the space is taken up by a compressor, tanks, BCs, regulators, safety gear, etc.). But there was a lot of wasted space. Over the past several months I've installed a counter at the front, upper and lower cabinets for camping/cooking gear, food, clothes, etc., a 200w solar kit w/1000w inverter....but other than a walkway down the center and some space by the twin doors (there's no side door), there really was no place to sleep unless we deployed our 2-person tent. The tent is fine when we are intentionally camping or when the weather's decent. But for stealth or bad weather, there was no practical way to sleep...especially since we also have 5 small dogs. Your pipe berth was the PERFECT solution for us! I can easily remove the two cots, roll them up and tuck them along the side of the trailer when I'm teaching classes and easily set them up when we're camping or have to bugout. We don't have anyone in our small border town who can custom-sew cot/canvas material, so we bought a couple of fold-up cots from Walmart, removed the framework and inserted 1 1/2" pipes in their place for an easy install! Thanks again!

[@gonagain]

Thanks for tip on the cots from Walmart! That's the kind of thinking we use when diy-ing projects. Those should work out just fine.

[@cetifoxproductions]

@@gonagain BTW, Home Depot has closet rods of various lengths, colors and strengths made by Everbilt. I got the 6ft ones rated for Heavy Duty ($19.98)....they fit the Walmart cot easily (with just enough room to make insertion and adjustment easy). I definitely would only go for the Heavy Duty ones, but they hold me just just fine.

[@KMF3]

I like this set up for several reasons. Mostly because you can take it all out and use as a utility trailer

[@gonagain]

We started out that way because we had a 2Up ATV that we hauled around.

[@explorer867]

Looks like a great solution for our sleeping accomodations. I will take this up with the boss Lol. Thanks for the great concept and presentation. Have a great week.

[@herblapp6134]

Did you know Rick was the original inspiration for Macgyver?? 😅😂🤣🙋‍♂️

[@dezfan]

Great idea and use of space! May have to steal this idea!👍🏼

[@herblapp6134]

Plagiarism is the highest form of flattery. 😉

[@michaelharris1455]

light weight, too!

[@kubotamaniac]

Nice video! Fun to watch, and good ideas!! I just bought a 18.5 feet trailer, and it was MY trailer, until my wife watched your videos, now it is OUR trailer............

[@gonagain]

LOL!

[@MrTyroneweaver]

my cousin went to msu. got his masters in sugar beet growing, although he never grew a sugar beet in his life.

[@philmickey7247]

For what it's worth. Place foam or moving blanket between (sandwich) canvas. Thanks for the great video!👍

[@gonagain]

Thanks for the tip Phil!

[@CurtisDrew1]

My parents had a Shasta Camper trailer in the 50`s that had a bunk like that over the dining room table. It's where my little brother would sleep. Fun times.

[@gonagain]

Very cool Curtis.

[@kyongbriggs8488]

Sure do enjoy your approach to projects and the clarity there in.

[@studio1954thereflections]

Great job on these cots ...awesome use of space and light weight for travel 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[@gonagain]

They're comfortable too.

[@JD-hs7ib]

What a Great Idea !!!!!!!!!!!

[@seymourwrasse3321]

this looks like a good project for my industrial walking foot sewing machine, just like the canvas lady's machine

[@gonagain]

There you go! Nice machine to have around.

[@edjrmorgan]

Awesome!

[@glenschumannGlensWorkshop]

Nice project. Love Linda's close.

[@jimv.661]

Excellent add on!

[@garywells3874]

Love your ammo can shop heater.

[@mattuboyle5891]

Not sure how I came across this lovely family. Very relaxed, informative and easy to watch. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love for adventure. When I was 17 I saw a video about Montana..I said...I'm going to the USA to visit that state.. I ended up in PA, now IL...but I'm getting closer..I love my adopted country.. so beautiful with great people..particularly off the beaten track.

[@gonagain]

Hello Mattú, you're almost here!

[@kristabaker6932]

Oh you guys are cute! Thanks for the video. We're trying to draw out plans for our cargo conversion, and this really looks like a great option for ours. The more beds, the better. We have a lot of kids to keep happy.

[@gonagain]

I hear you and know how busy you must be in camp!

[@jasonpetty3786]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@normanmallory2055]

I would not have thought the pipes you use would be strong enough to hold my 178 pounds, great idea , i like how you did the brackets on the wall .. It looks great .. Now i know how to do it , slick idea .. I sleep on my side a lot of the time but not all the time..

[@gonagain]

Those pipes will easily support 300 pounds. That conduit comes in two different weights (that I'm aware of) and this is the heavier one.

[@normanmallory2055]

@@gonagain Thanks I never knew that and have bought conduit pipe in the passed for jobs, good to know.. I like that system, what a great system..

[@kenjepsen4579]

Great idea. Simple, light, and comfortable! Thanks!!

[@yv6eda]

Very nice! You guys are great!

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Great idea - thank you

[@duncdunc76]

Sweet bed upgrade you two are great🤙

[@GunneyRat]

that's a great idea thanks

[@susart7]

Well-done! I enjoyed seeing you make the bed. Very creative.

[@hg2.]

Bravo!

[@phillipmorris1334]

hello from the Ozarks rick and linda!! thanks for sharing!!

[@simplyliving1808]

Another great idea! I think this might work for my build👍👍👍

[@ihaveaquestion4153]

That’s awesome!

[@gonagain]

And comfy too!

[@dexslater5433]

New subscriber. Love your ideas. This canvas bunk idea is ingenious. Ty so much.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing your video,, interesting and hope it works for ya!

[@terrywilliams557]

Awesome bunk I think I'll pu some in my van thanks

[@sasquatch885]

Great upgrade. Slicker than snot on a doorknob.👏

[@cotter9751]

I'd been trying to design a bed like this in my head. Helpful to see if realized.

[@GypsyJvan]

i know that this video is an old one, but i just viewed it... great ideal, using conduit, instead of a 2x4s, like most people..and the netting..thanks..this is the RR guy, that did train wrecks..u and i have talked before..thanks again for a great ideal ... Gypsy J van/trailer..

[@gonagain]

Thanks, Jerry. Some of our sailing life comes through in our current life.

[@SamuraiMama]

Looks like that is gonna work out great!

[@gonagain]

I'm about to find out!

[@debVan1363]

so glad I found this channel. This family is awesome :) So many inspiring ideas!

[@montanadivacreations9267]

I live in Western Montana.. so I totally LOVE this. My hubby and I have looked at so many cargo builds and they are so uber fancy we gave up thinking we could do that.. But seeing how simply you all have yours set up.. I totally am going to revisit a cargo trailer again..

[@rachelpeacock6674]

I loved your video on revamping sleeping space. That’s a cool idea to use canvas with grommets to tie. Very economical and looks comfortable too! Thank you for sharing.

[@angelawierda760]

Love love love this! As with all your other ventures you take us on until we are able to do the same. You give us such grand ideas❤🤗❤! Thank you!

[@gonagain]

Thank you Angela!

[@WannaBFree]

Great idea and design! This gives me some ideas for a new bunk bed set up in our little camping van. Thank you for sharing it with us! 👍👍👍

[@gonagain]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video.nice job constructing the bunks.

[@gonagain]

Thank you Mark!

[@paulhunter546]

Very cool to see the whole process 👍

[@jeanleyton4327]

what a cool project! ou are always sharing the best ideas! Thank you!!

[@gonagain]

Thank you! 😊

[@terrimccain9697]

Very cool and loved the ending

[@gonagain]

Thanks Terri!

[@boathemian7694]

Nicely done y’all

[@gonagain]

Thank you!

[@justmona9647]

Cool 👍👍 canvas chaps❣️ I've had canvas cots my entire life, only the frames have changed (wooden to tubular steel). Until I was 30, I had canvas tents with ties to close them. Then I started pairing them with the rigs [whatever I had at the time] and my kids have known nothing other than them growing up.

[@denisekyle6603]

Fantastic video

[@gonagain]

The pipe berths continue to be very comfortable.

[@johnthompson5792]

The Girls at North County did a nice job,,, tc

[@gonagain]

Yes, they certainly did.

[@odahithedubious2017]

Very nice! That looks like a very comfortable bed.

[@gonagain]

I've got two nights on it now and just about to turn in for a third! It's comfortable.

[@doingitwithnothing]

Interesting

[@steveswenson5764]

Another great idea! You're full of them. Great video, Thanks Rick!

[@gonagain]

Thank you for watching Steve!

[@mikemanjo2458]

This is amazing!!! Thanks for sharing! Such a smart way to build! (Love from SC, Jane)

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching Jane!

[@gregchewie3059]

WOW!!! Great video! Great information. The MRS is a great jokester too!! Happy 2020 travels

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching, Greg and Chewie!

[@morphergaming0531]

I love the concept that the bed lacing could be tightened or loosened to the individual's preference, the original select your comfort bed. Plus if needed pushing the front pipe back or removing it could open up floor space when not in use, genius.

[@gonagain]

Hello morphergaming 05, The bed is still comfy and once in a while I re-adjust the lacing.

[@powderbeast5598]

Ditto , canvas store 👍.

[@jodyseaman1885]

Asleep on the job. Enjoyed watching this video again. Such a great idea for bunks that don't take up much space .

[@gonagain]

We just got back recently from a month on the road and we both slept very well on these bunks. That's saying a lot because I don't sleep well on most beds.

[@BillSias-op7xw]

Coleman makes some nice camp cots, just say'n!

[@faze_buendia9514]

great video! Informative and helpful! I'm trying to build twin beds in the bedroom of my RV and this is a fantastic idea, think I"ll borrow it, thanks for sharing!!

[@gonagain]

These bunks are super comfortable too.

[@scottmitseff4402]

Very nice video and thank you for sharing in the fabric manufacturing of the Hamic/bed

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching Scott!

[@xuey0uth]

Nice video! You both are funny!

[@gonagain]

Thank you! 😁

[@miket8324]

Looks great Rick.👍😋

[@gonagain]

Thanks Mike!

[@txdreams100]

Your trailer is full of genius ideas! The new berth looks terrific-and you immediately put it to good use! Enjoy!

[@gonagain]

Thank you Sandy. I'm sleeping good on it.

[@billmitchell7731]

I like the way you think👍 This will give you more floor space too.👍👍👍

[@gonagain]

I've been sleeping on it this past week and it's very comfy. I like it.

[@billmitchell7731]

@@gonagain 👍👍👍

[@alextaylor3815]

I like the bed build. Great video!!

[@gonagain]

Thank you Paul!

[@scottgorman7166]

Pop them off, roll them up and look at all the space. Great idea. I might incorporate this in my when I start the design. Thanks

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching Scott!

[@markreynolds3850]

Canvas back racks in the navy. Triceup or tighten the rope supporting the canvas. That had to tighten so it did not drupe down on the guy below. Usually three high.

[@gonagain]

I have my father's canvas from his WWII Navy service (Seabee).

[@galardmills5306]

Great Falls! You folks have the best little dirt track there! When I’m in that area I always try to be there on a weekend when you have Saturday night races! And thank you for showing us the pipe birth process. Now I want to see how loosely you tune the laces.

[@gonagain]

On summer nights we can hear the distant roar of the engines from the track. I spent the first night in the bunk and will be adjusting the lacing after it settles in later this week. I'll video that for you.

[@heckmancs]

That is an awesome idea, I was thinking something much heavier with plywood and 2x4s into my horizontal track this is perfect and easy to dismantle if you want to use the trailer for cargo as well. Thanks for sharing have enjoyed a lot of your videos and has my wheels turning in my head. God bless and keep adventur'n. 👍

[@gonagain]

With a pad on top it's very comfortable too, no hard spots.

[@martykong3592]

Love the ending with Linda! :) Great space and weight saving ideas! Hmmmmmmmmmm, how could I do that in a MiniVan:) THanks again and all the BEST to both of you and family!

[@gonagain]

Hi Marty. You could do it with two low, swing out bulkheads (or permanent) that the pipes drop into along the side of the van (lengthwise).

[@martykong3592]

@@gonagain Thanks for the suggestion and help! All the BEST to you, Linda and family! :)

[@ericswild]

I saw a similar setup to this for camping in the woods where you angle logs. You could angle the support holes openings to allow you to remove and store the cot and then when you add your weight to the cot is sets in and separates the cot side supports.

[@jms60]

Pipe great ideal now i fiqure with one for me no legs TY

[@danlux4954]

I had my guy make it out of some mesh type material, which I have on some 2x4’s connected to e-track. Probably going to upgrade to aluminum shoring beams to be a little stiffer.

[@dalepointer9312]

Brilliant, really neat/ Enough room for head and feet/ Like it so, I 'll do it too/ Really, really sweet and cool/

[@gonagain]

Thank you Dale!

[@MacgyverSharon]

Awesome :-)

[@Melvinschroeder]

E track on wall with 2x4 brackets is what I used.

[@lylewagner2118]

Perfect timing for this episode, we have been using a blow up mattress and was about to order a fold up frame so we could have storage underneath but this would be a lot cheaper!

[@gonagain]

And it's very comfortable for us, too!

[@flipnotrab]

I agree! Been debating a third bed “option” on a step-van and this is a heck of a lot cheaper and efficient than a pulley & electric cable system. I think I’ll do 3-piece “interlocking” pipe so I’ll have them to use for breaker-bars too. Won’t need to carry a electric impact gun anymore for the flat tire that “will” happen at some point.

[@ErikHeller-sg8sw]

Another Fantastic Video. Thank You I think I'm going to Have to make a trip to Montana.(for a Variety of Reasons)

[@gonagain]

Don't come in February!

[@ErikHeller-sg8sw]

@@gonagain I have lived & Worked at Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort. 7 or More Years of Driving Up to 9- 10 Thousand Feet, Everyday, & Having to Drive Back at 10 PM. Made me a Pro at Dealing with Snow Everywhere. Thank You for the Heads Up. I'm Cool. You & Linda are The Best---!!!

[@gonagain]

Thanks Erik!

[@darrenschroeder9123]

Love your videos. Love the new ideas. Was just honking you could stuff some sort of material between the two canvas surfaces to act as insulation. Kinda like an underquit does for a hammock. Just an idea. Keep up the good work.

[@gonagain]

You know what? We always put a self inflating mat on top and you're right about the insulation.

[@markkeating1804]

Great video, as usual. I just totaled my 21’rv after flipping it into the woods off the side of hwy10 in MS. Time for me to get a cargo trailer. Thank you for you’re wonderful videos,. Keep them coming. Safe travels 👍👍

[@cajunjamis9001]

Get one that doesn't leak- it is raining " cats & dogs in Mississippi ! Maybe a boat? lol

[@gonagain]

Thank you for the nice comment, hope your cargo trailer build goes well!

[@helidude3502]

👍

[@Hobo_Juanito]

Looking good neighbor! Cheers from Armington!

[@gonagain]

Stay warm! It's been a very mild February and I'm expecting all heck to break loose at any time.

[@Hobo_Juanito]

@@gonagainLikewise! I think March will get us. This has been the mildest winter I can remember in my years of being here. We had more snow in the Fall. I'm not complaining though.

[@gonagain]

@@Hobo_Juanito Yeah, we had one day of fall and then it started snowing!

[@Hobo_Juanito]

@@gonagain I have a cargo trailer for camping and I have been running the disc-0-bunkbed which is heavy. I may try doing what you have done. Looks light and easily removable. Do you recommend any type of paint or treatment that inexpensive to treat the floors? I thought about just putting down some clear water seal.

[@summerland6397]

Ha! I was thinking you needed to make that wider just before the misses came in to take a seat. My dad was in the navy and made flip up canvas bunks for us kids in the back of the 49 chevy pu. Hope you two have a great year.

[@gonagain]

Thank you Summerland. I still have my father's canvas from his berth aboard ship during WWII.

[@summerland6397]

@@gonagain That is something, sir.

[@tamiboelter5491]

I am doing it...

[@cmanofthewoodscentralus3217]

Great job the only thing I might considering to add would be a strip of wood running at the top where the poles go in along the side of the trailer so the brackets would not be able to twist in to each other.

[@gonagain]

Our upper bunk is like that and I'll be keeping an eye on this one. I didn't do the braces because I'm trying to maintain maximum length, but we'll see if the mounts move at all.

[@jodyseaman1885]

Such a great idea! Now Linda can use your bunk as a step to get in her bunk. Gives you more open space too. How tall is your ceiling. Just trying to get an idea how far apart the 2 bunks are.You 2 really enjoy life.

[@gonagain]

Hi Jody, our ceiling height is 6 feet.

[@steveflinn6]

You know what we learned in perfecting the camping hammock? Don't ever hang your bed higher than you are willing to fall (while asleep in the dead of night). Nuff said. So you're happy with canvas? I would like to hear from anyone who used a ripstop nylon.

[@gonagain]

Love the canvas.

[@lindagolden9892]

Interesting bed setup; hadn’t seen your camper as I’m a new subscriber. Might want to pick up an inexpensive foldable one step stool to set in your shower to place the water bucket on. Big Lots, Walmart, Camping World, etc, sells for approx $12 or less. 🧼