Simple Campervan Fold Out Bed - DIY Camper Conversion

Simple Campervan Fold Out Bed. In this DIY Camper conversion I went for a fold out bed instead of a pull out bed. There are a few van bed ideas but this one is simple to make and works really well. Van conversion bed design is important as the bed doubles as a seat and space and ease of use is also a consideration.

[@StGirlFriday]

My husband recommended your Baking on a Budget videos, because he does 99% of the cooking and thought you're a good teacher for a beginner like me. He was right, I really enjoy your videos (even if I haven't started baking yet!). My usual KZbin viewing is restoration and building furniture so I was well stoked to find you make these videos too! Thanks Dave, love your stuff. I'll keep watching as long as you keep creating :)

[@dave-watson]

Many thanks.....I've been converting vans for a few years now it's a great project.....and good luck with the baking.

[@CampervanEcosse]

Hi Dave. Great to see an old-school craftsman at work. I have a VW T6 with a rock and roll bed which is just not comfortable. So, I am going to take it out and build something like yours. Just subscribed and will having a look at all your videos. Thanks. Jim

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot Jim. good luck with the bed.

[@melwel9116]

Great job & design! One tip I learned, I would like to share, though: When using a circle saw bit, especially if you wish for a smoother result on the surface, start your pilot hole, then stop before the teeth touch the surface and put your drill into Reverse for the first millimeter or so. This creates a smooth indent score line and prevents splinters. This method is essential if your are cutting a hole into any laminate or melamine or solid surface ("Corian") or epoxied surface.

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot.......I do that when i am cutting holes in the metalwork of the van to stop the saw from jumping around and potentially scratching the paintwork.

[@fattyfishdrones]

Great videos, I've been binge watching them more than Netflix. Gtreat work and good commentary throughout. I'm just along the road from you "well almost" in county Durham and have just bought a 2005 VWT5 to start my conversion. Your video's are a great help.Thanks!

[@dave-watson]

Hi, I'm glad the videos have been helpful. I'm planning on doing another full build series in the spring from the planning stage right through to completion. Good luck with your conversion and thanks for watching.

[@donnakarr9143]

Great craftsmanship! You made the flip bed look easy. I prefer the flip to the slid the slide out bed

[@dave-watson]

Thanks Donna. Yes these fold out beds are real simple and inexpensive, I've put them in a few vans now. Thanks for watching.

[@tyegillig1228]

I don’t have a van, I have a small trailer. I’m looking to change the bed/seating arrangement so that I can swap between multiple configurations/orientations and none of what you’ve done will work for my project whatsoever.HOWEVER, I’ve watched the entire video and will be likely watching all your videos now, regardless of subject matter because (and I’m sorry if the reference isn’t familiar) you are the “Bob Ross of building” and just following along to your narration is extremely relaxing 😂. It’s just peaceful and serine and all around nice. Thank you.

[@dave-watson]

Hi Tye, Thanks for watching and you kind words. I am familiar with Bob Ross because I am also an oil painter. So to be compared to Bob is praise indeed. Thanks very much and I hope you enjoy the videos.

[@richardpowell9238]

Brilliant video again dave, can't wait to get cracking on my van, just waiting for day 5 video of your newer vivaro

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot and good luck with your own conversion....it's a great project.

[@hopehope938]

Yes, I do love you fold out bed and I an not a woodworker/carpenter like you are, but your build did make we wonder if the legs you use at night for bed legs if they could adapted and designed to use as arm rests during the day? I have a ruff idea for a fold/slid out in to the inside a shower/bathroom, mudroom, a place to wash clothing. That would have multiple drain options. I want to build out a box truck so I want to design it we can use the box truck when necessary as a box truck.

[@kootrawrexlive93]

Dave, my partner and I love watching your videos. We have recently bought a vivaro Combi and are in the process of converting it. You have inspired pretty much every part of our build and your advice has been invaluable. I was really excited to see that you are fitting an L seating area/ bed 😁 this is what we planned to do and now you have shown us how... Thanks so much for all your hints and tips, we really look forward to your videos 😁❤️

[@dave-watson]

Hi, I am so glad to hear that he videos have been an inspiration. That's the whole idea of these youtube videos. I hope your build goes well, many more videos to come. Thanks for watching and good luck with the build.

[@ZeroXtiK]

That place reminds me my time In Plymouth! Nice job!

[@dave-watson]

Hi, Thanks a lot. I'm on the North East coast. Thanks for watching

[@adyadams5752]

Watched your vivaro fit out and I was going to change my plans to a rock and roll bed then I found this post this was my first idea but with a slated bed Going with a folding bed instead A brilliant idea

[@dave-watson]

Yeah the fold out bed works really well and is very simple to make, I prefer it the R&R or slatted bed style.

[@adamericsson3336]

Your videos are just superb! A true inspiration for our upcoming conversion on a Renault trafic! 👌😀

[@dave-watson]

Hi Adam, glad to videos are of some help and good luck with your conversion.

[@danmegoutdoors8709]

ive literally just bought a 18 plate lwb vivaro sport and this has given me some inspiration as to how i can do the inside, thanks for uploading, your conversion looks stunning, we'll be their soon, cant wait

[@dave-watson]

Glad to hear the videos have been useful, good luck with your own conversion. Thanks

[@danmegoutdoors8709]

@@dave-watson picking up a lwb vivaro 18 plate on saturday, im looking for ideas on layout, i couldnt sleep on a rock and roll bed, to uncomfortable, wanted to put a fixed bed at the back but that may have to change due to space

[@dave-watson]

@@danmegoutdoors8709 Yeah the R&R beds are not the best and they limit the layout. The Vivaro might be a bit narrow for a fixed bed, but the fold out works really well. Hope you conversion goes well, It's all in the layout and planning.

[@kevinkelleher7868]

Love your work dave. I think would be easier to make up bed if you could slide the legs out of the seat or side unit . Another option might be fix a slim board on unit the bed fold would land on .. Thanks for all your videos

[@dave-watson]

Hi Kevin, I tried a few different methods with the legs. But taking the draws under the bed into account it was difficult to make the legs slide out but I'm always looking for innovations to make the bed easier to use. Thanks for watching.

[@davidlundy5007]

Very nice

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot.

[@adampayne7305]

Brilliant video dave,a great help to us 👏👏

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot Adam glad to hear the video was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@karenowen4855]

Interesting video Dave. I think this type of bed is much more versatile than the rock and roll bed you had in your vivaro and I should imagine a lot cheaper! I've just put a pull out slat type bed in mine and you have to be really careful that everything's lined up properly or it just jams up, wished I'd done one like this now!

[@dave-watson]

Yes this is a lot cheaper than the R n R, about half the price! The most expensive part was the fabric. I am going to try a slide out bed soon. I know they can stick a bit. I was thinking about sliding it on drawer runners.

[@karenowen4855]

@@dave-watson I did one side with a runner, just happened to have a spare the right size and I thought it would give it a bit extra strength. What thickness Ply did you use for yours please?

[@dave-watson]

@@karenowen4855 Hi Karen, I used 12mm ply for the boards. They seem plenty strong enough as it is just a 50cm span.

[@karenowen4855]

@@dave-watson Thanks for that.

[@briansymes2936]

Well done that was very clever

[@dave-watson]

Thanks very much.

[@jazzycool2950]

I love your innovative mind 😊

[@dave-watson]

Thanks Jazzy, loads more videos to come. Thanks for watching.

[@johnburson5695]

Thanks Dave

[@greentonythetig]

i subscribed and gave you a big thumbs up! smashing build!!!!!

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot.

[@diwarburton5369]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@dave-watson]

Thank you, the bed works really well.

[@d_s_ctube]

I personally prefer this type of seating/bed.

[@dave-watson]

Yes, I think it's a better set up than the rock and roll bed, much lighter in the van too.

[@andytawa1114]

nice dave keep them coming

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot, many more to come

[@mohammedkumkumji9081]

Great job, although I didn't like the detachable idea as there are many ways to avoid them. Keep it up 🙏

[@dave-watson]

Thanks Mohammed, I've cgot a new conversion series coming soon. Thanks for watching

[@willwebb1582]

Hi Dave - love the bed and thanks for these great videos, they have been a source of inspiration! I am designing something very similar for my van conversion. I previously built a pull-out style bed in my last van but I found it was rather clunky, the piano-hinge style bed seems an awful lot simpler and easier to build. What specification of plywood would you recommend? There would be two people living in the van, so my biggest concern is that the hinge becomes over loaded and the screws tear the ply. Thanks!

[@dave-watson]

Thanks....I used 12mm ply but you could use 18mm which will be solid.

[@thewanderer8]

Nice bed but I would have put a couple of legs on the extension where the piano hinge is as well. It must be under a lot of strain in the middle, as it's only supported by the piano hinge.

[@dave-watson]

Yes, I've had a couple of people suggest that, but the piano hinge is very strong, there is about 40 screws in it.....so far so good.

[@jartotable]

I love this design. I'm buying my van in a few months 🤞🏻 but I'm going to need this lovely L-shape going the dull width of the van, as it's me and two children. I just can't work out the best way to do it; moving slats or flip top. I would normally just have two sides and make it a U-shape but the seat widths would not be wide enough to lounge on so nice deep L-shape feels the way to go. Any recommendations? I've been trying to find a carpenter to help me but no-one wants to help. So frustrating.

[@dave-watson]

It's best to make a series of drawings first if you can get the dimensions of the van your buying. Than you can try all of the options on paper first. But the L shape is very simple to make. But try some drawings first. Hope that helps.

[@katicus_prime]

DO YOU HAVE A VIDEO FOR PUTTING THE MATERIAL ON THE FOAM FOR THE BED/SEATING OR HOW YOU WENT ABOUT IT ?

[@dave-watson]

I have a video where I did the upholstery for a Rock and roll bed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ona0oX-Xj91rack

[@joeysmith4515]

How did you carpet the walls? Is there another video on it? Great work

[@dave-watson]

Hi, I see you found the other video. Good luck with your build and thanks for watching

[@glennclark762]

I just found this video and what a great idea. Do you not need some support the other end where the hinge is? Would have though it would bend the hinge or screws

[@dave-watson]

Hi Glenn, The bed seems to be okay, it has about 30 screws along he hinge and the piano hinges are pretty strong. But you could set it back a little so the fold out also rested on the frame. Thanks for watching.

[@thecampervanmotorcyclist]

Hi Dave, just come across your videos 👍🏻 I’m changing the bed layout in my camper and I need some new foam and covers, could you tell me where you got yours from please? I’m a Northumberland lad so not too far from you maybe 😉 cheers Ernie

[@dave-watson]

Hi, I order the foam online from GB foam direct, quick delivery and not too expensive.

[@thecampervanmotorcyclist]

@@dave-watson Thanks, I’ve just ordered the pieces I need from them 👍🏻 now just to find a cover maker.

[@orlandonelthorpe9027]

Dave, your fold-out bed/sofa is such a space-saver - so important in a build like this. Did you draw any specs or list of materials, as I want to get a long wheelbase Trafic/Vivaro too (and I don't want to have to reinvent the wheel)? Thanks again for such a useful video!

[@dave-watson]

Hi Orlando, I don't have any plans or drawings for the bed I thin I made a rough sketch before making it which I discarded once the bed was made. But it is quite a simple build once you get the base frame in. I think the height of the frame was 37cm just enough to get over the wheel arch. Hope that helps and thanks for watching..

[@johnburson5695]

Thanks Dave been planning today could you tell me height from floor you built your frame and what size timber is 3x2 about right and was thinking 11mm ply am I on the right track. Sorry for all the questions thanks.

[@dave-watson]

Hi John, the top of the framing was 38cm from the floor and 47 with the foam on. I did use 3 x 2s for the framing and 12mm ply for the tops. Hope that helps.

[@joshuastebbing7408]

Great video, I’m planning on using this on my van build. I was wondering if you are using 12mm or 18mm plywood? I am also wondering if the piano hinges are strong enough to take the weight of 2 (light) adults? I see that there’s nothing else supporting the hinge joint in the middle of the ply.

[@dave-watson]

Hi Joshua, I used 12mm ply for the bed and so far the piano hinges have been good. There is about 20 screws in each side of the hinge and it is holding up just fine. Good luck with your build.

[@johnburson5695]

Hi Dave just copying your design. You mentioned the thickness of the medium density foam could you tell me the thickness of the thicker foam and who made your cushion covers thanks. Really informative thanks

[@dave-watson]

Hi John, The medium density foam was 25mm and the other was 65mm making 90mm in total. I made the covers myself, I got a second hand sewing machine off gumtree and watched a load of youtube tutorials and gave it a go.......turned out pretty good. Good luck with your conversion.

[@kaicampbell9165]

Nice video very informative, where can I get this foam to make a bed?

[@dave-watson]

Thanks Kai, I got the foam online from a place called GBFoam.

[@Bobby8270]

Can u please tell me where you got those trap nut for the 8 MM bolts. And what they’re called. Thanks.

[@dave-watson]

Hi, I got the "pronged nuts" from ebay and I think the bolts came from toolstation

[@samanthamills8654]

Hi Dave about to have somebody make this bed for me!! So excited! Love your videos. Where did you get the foam from for the cushions?

[@dave-watson]

Thanks Samantha and I hope the van build works out well. I got the foam from www.gbfoamdirect.co.uk/ I got the two different types and glued them together Hope that helps.

[@samanthamills8654]

Fab thanks Dave! Super excited you’ve given me soo much inspiration so thank you. Another quick question. What height is this bed? I’ve been trying to figure it out. As I don’t want the back cushion to be higher than my window. And I have a little window ledge that I don’t want hidden! Thank you so much!

[@dave-watson]

@@samanthamills8654 No problem , I'm glad that the videos are helpful. The bed is 47cm high with the foam on and the woodwork is 38cm high with 9cm of foam. Hope that helps.

[@samanthamills8654]

That’s perfect thank you so much!

[@chatteyj]

I'm getting confused is this vivaro build number 1 or what? It looks a lot like it.

[@dave-watson]

This is Build No. 3. Very similar layout to van No. 1. But this is a LWB and the first one was SWB. I like this layout so I thought I would combine the design of Van No. 2 with the layout of van No.1. Van No. 4 is coming soon. No idea how that will look as yet. Thanks for watching.

[@aidasanchez9565]

😮😮😮😮👏👏👏👏👏👏👍🏻🙋🏻‍♀️🇪🇨

[@dave-watson]

Thanks a lot.

[@allanb52]

For the same money you can buy a rock n roll bed, which is much more versatile. 1 second to the bed mode, 5 seconds back to sofa. Forward facing seat, with seatbelt in required. My van can carry 4 like a car.

[@beng9452]

Have you not seen his other videos where he’s bought rock and roll beds, and even made a wooden one from scratch himself…. Clearly he wanted to do a different design, a rock and roll bed doesn’t suit every van or every man so you keep your advice yiurself

[@allanb52]

@@beng9452 No, and I assume others who are contemplating a build haven't either. So many KZbinrs are opting for this design and I think an R&R bed is better, easier to build and use and cheaper.

[@artsteadman2230]

@allanb52 check out the diy rock n roll bed ERIC ENJOYS EARTH for a whole lot LESS than store bought

[@donnabrydon3022]

That’s a lot of effort to do twice a day so you can sleep looks good but not for me

[@dave-watson]

Yes there is a bit of effort in it......but it's a real good layout for a smaller van. Thanks.

[@jfitzpatrick6108]

Your Camera Work makes me feel like I am on a roller coaster! Goodbye!