Starting to Build The Pull Out Couch In My Bus Conversion

Starting to building the pull out couch in Ivan. These slotted couch designs always end up more complicated than originally planned but its great when they are all finished. Thanks to my Dad for coming by the build to help out and get the couch started.
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[@TheDawnofVanlife]

When I watch you and your family working together, it makes me sad that I don't have that. But I love living vicariously through watching you work together.

[@SunflowerandtheBussLady]

Girl, you have loads of non blood family!!! And I’m watching you build out your box truck... So excited for you! 👏🏽🙌🏽🥰🙏🏽✌🏽💖

[@larryboyle1249]

Yes indeed. ✌️😁👍

[@michellelcinkel4380]

Make a family find one u love and they live you !! U don’t have to have blood to love take care . Your comment made me sad enough to reply .

[@blazebrown9102]

I'm a new subscriber as if today‼️✅😂

[@SteampunkSteve]

Best explanation of how to build a pull out bed I've seen. I give the credit to your dad for the design expertise. 😁

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks Steve. It is always fun picking my dads brain and building with him.

[@cobra19946]

Take full advantage of the time that you have with your dad. I truly miss my dad. He was a great man that taught me everything that i know about carpentry and life.

[@jamesskeen3392]

DADS ROCK! SPEND TIME TOGETHER FROM NOW ON! ❤️

[@navigationnowhere]

My dad helped me out on my first bus build so its great to have him around on this one. Hopefully he comes back around this summer.

[@tonywhitley6929]

Those slides are begging for paste wax to help them slide more smoothly. Your work is really outstanding.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thats a great suggestion. Thanks

[@pamelaraney4654]

This is awesome to see a family happily working together

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks Pamela. Good to have my Dad around.

[@maureenblutekraus3561]

I like dad idea cause it could be a twin bed and like a lounge with only 1 slide pulled out.

[@navigationnowhere]

I agree. I like the ability to use the couch in a couple different formats.

[@F-J.]

Those hollow armrests could be open shelved storage for bottles and cans OR a secret compartment. Not so secret now 😆

[@alisonshanahan9529]

I was thinking the same thing. A pull out rack on the one near the kitchen would be perfect for spices, cans, bottles. The back one can be your night stand.

[@JT9685]

shout out to all the dads supporting their kids on accomplishing their goals....Another great video Mike, thanks for sharing.

[@hearcamir7810]

Cherish your Dad ❤️

[@JR-playlists]

We do like him. You are fortunate to have him...

[@rs480285]

That is a brilliant design. Not gonna lie, I will end up using that somewhere in life.

[@cfh4201969]

It's so nice to have your dad come and spend time with you and help you out. Spend as much time together as possible, time goes by waaay too fast. And your sisters help too! You have a really nice family.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks, I am really happy my family wants to join in on the projects. It is always fun having them around.

[@Scorpiomary]

Idea, if you continue to build more, even with Rachel's build you might want to do same horses, stands like Steampunk Steve did. I was watching you and Dad cutting wood and saw how one would help steady wood. Just an idea. Looking great. Precious moments spending building and working your passion. Blessings. Peace.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks for the suggestion. I was looking to build a few more sawhorses this spring!

[@Scorpiomary]

@@navigationnowhere syncronisity

[@mmanut]

Dad is a genius ‼️👍👍. Vinny 🇺🇸

[@pocomokeforester2504]

The apple did not fall far from the tree! I see where you get your methodical approach to problem solving! Awesome Dad!

[@navigationnowhere]

I can only thank my dad for that.

[@jerrybriggs8908]

It's awesome that you are sharing this build with your dad, special times and memories.

[@bennyhill6161]

I almost, almost made the Colossal Mistake of selling my"Tiger Adventure Vehicle"for a skoolie! Thank God I came to my senses!

[@lanetteprice7508]

Love how your bus is a family affair the bus LOVE made.

[@aaronnicholson8470]

You know a nice little bit of kit to install on your couch would be the mounting point for a little slip in table.

[@LeaveHerWild]

Dad jokes lol The bed looks amazing so far just like everything else you've done! I love how into the details you are!

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks, it takes a it of time to get it done but worth the result. You build is coming along your almost done gutting.

[@LeaveHerWild]

@@navigationnowhere No truer words lol Definitely ready to start building up. Prepping and sealing the floor has been such a tedious process!

[@ren11164]

Your build is terrific and your dad rocks!

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks, I am glad he was able to come by and help out on the build.

[@geigertron3000]

looks like you're getting some moisture ingress there where your wires are coming though!!

[@navigationnowhere]

It is a leak from a broken fitting on the roof. I just found it as spring arrived. Ill be fixing it and working on the outside in a future video.

[@larryboyle1249]

Dad is a handy guy to have around the project. Enjoy these times, they’re precious moments.

[@davidowen888]

Good to build with Pops

[@maryf2964]

I love watching you and your Dad work together. These are memories you'll treasure.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks. I enjoy every time I get to work with him.

[@Trygn]

Like father like son you guys are awesome 😎

[@theadventuresofsaltyjrover]

Mike just so you know I never fast forward through any of your videos I watch the whole video... also can’t wait to see you one day at tiny fest in Southern California

[@navigationnowhere]

thanks! I am glad to hear that you enjoy the videos. I hope to get back out on the road and get back west. I miss heading to festivals.

[@ferraritrip]

Dad ROCKS!!!

[@navigationnowhere]

He is the best. Always a good time when he comes around.

[@edwardseth1230]

The arm rest side are plywood.. so they can be hollow.. you can pull up the arm rest to make some space for your computer/shower storage (toiletries)...the seat front part is all wood sheet.. make some holes (design them holes...so air can vent.. and the storage underneath is not mushy...cover the air vent with some cloth mesh.. from the inside..so your cloths are dry.. don't throw away the hole cutouts.. you can put e'm in.. if your cloths are wet in storage in winter... the best way to sleep in a closed space like this is to sleep diagonally.. so if and when your sleeping with some company in ur bus.. atleast your legs are not hanging in mid air on the 2 piece mattress.

[@navigationnowhere]

I think in the future I will make the faces of the arm rests open. They can be adjusted in the future if I find I need the space. Thanks for the tip!

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

Mike enjoy those times you have with your Dad, they are priceless memories with no price tags ever applied in life. Have you thought of painting the back of the bed/couch black so when outside it blends & does not look like wood through the glass windows? You coming down to the next to next to next finish line. lol Always, Tommy :-)

[@navigationnowhere]

I did not think to paint the back panel black. Thats would have been a good idea to test out next time. It would blend in with the tint. Thanks.

[@BelbyB]

Hey Mike, I've been watching this whole series and it's given me some really good ideas for my own build, I just wanted to say thank you for doing a full visual series as opposed to just a single timelapse build video! It's seriously helped a lot 😁✌

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

I concur.

[@TroyDeanOnTheRoad]

Your dad is tops!

[@nancyfava1050]

That is such a clever bed idea! Get a patent!

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks but I cannot take credit for the design. It has been used for many years in the conversion world. I am glad I could feature it here.

[@justinlucero6652]

On your armrest couch have you thought of a little pull out drawer inside the armrest both sides just a thought 💭

[@SB-oq5jf]

This entire design and build is genius and creativity in concert.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks!

[@greensnapper1602]

cool your dad came to help you.. the sofa is coming out very nice.. Go Dale !!

[@mikedicecco5812]

Great bed design. Like the full panel on rhe on the slide out. So cool your Dad is involved.👍

[@navigationnowhere]

I am happy he came by to help out. He has not been able to build with me recently so its a nice change of pace.

[@toddjohnston4788]

Great supportive family and friends, that's what attracted me to this Channel... And oF course IVAN'S build. Thanks 👍🌞

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks Todd. I have been blessed with a group of awesome people who really enjoy the random projects we do.

[@trae4473]

Man, that's really looking SWEET!

[@grayeagleswolves]

Hi Michael ( and dad ) y'all did very well together so proud of you

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks! It felt like it did back when we worked on Navi together.

[@sweetpea3472]

You're so funny, Mike. You come from a family of craftsmen/women obviously!

[@nareshbalgobin8101]

Great job to you and yr dad 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@JANDLWOODWORKING]

I remember the days when I got to work with my Dad like you did in this video. It brought back so many great memories. Wonderful Video and thank you for that!

[@gov683]

Mom, thanks so much for tips

[@josephinebloodgood4734]

Great bed design! Thanks!

[@shaymcquaid]

I wish I had a dad.

[@fourwheelcamper5491]

Great piece of dad engineering.

[@holaelkyle6666]

Thank you for explaining that thoroughly!! Been trying to figure out exactly how to make my sofa

[@charlesbrunner258]

I will use this couch/bed in my school bus conversion

[@tyggy3]

You and dad did an amazing job! It's so nice when family works together on projects like these

[@seanreiniermanatad7266]

Hey there been following your bus build for several months now. I notice that your arm rest has a tiny space in between two plyboards. I think you can create a tiny storage area in between. :)

[@advancednutritioninc908]

Great Video! Awesome watching you and your Dad work together !!

[@jmbcbataille9594]

Waouh super work and again lot of talent 👍👍👍it’s fabulous 😜😜😜😜

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks!

[@IvyRosethebus]

Excellent. Thank you

[@gblakev]

It's an Adirondack King bed!

[@navigationnowhere]

Totally agree! All you need to be in the woods.

[@kathleenthorene5846]

You do a great job demonstrating and explaining what you are doing. I so enjoy your build.👍

[@CharlieandMeOurCampingVlog]

Greetings from Ireland Well done you & Dad looks fantastic

[@ChrisSeliga]

Fellow KZbinr, Brian from AdeventureVanMan, also did a lift up/slide out slat bed for his box truck build, it was on his March 8th video, great minds think alike!

[@rob1971]

Yet another fun and informative video Mike, thank you. Great idea from your dad about splitting the couch slide-out too 👍🏻

[@justinlucero6652]

Nice couch looking good

[@Datzneat]

Coming from a van my first thought was that the armrests need a hinge so you can store things in them.

[@navigationnowhere]

I left them built in a way that I can add a piano hinge in the future if I need the storage.

[@kalle9643]

Awesome design! One solution to avoid the bathroom door hitting the bed would be to go for some kind of folding bathroom door

[@karenminckler4198]

Looking good!

[@karenkoontz4248]

Excellent explanation. Thank you!

[@jessiepapabear4272]

Such Awesome break down, step by step and so detailed. One of the many reasons why i enjoy your videos!!😀

[@gardenextra7415]

Your floor plan it is perfect. That little bus is going to rock.

[@jwrangler12]

You do fine work sir

[@drjcwardjr]

Very clever couch bed adaptation! Looking Uber functional!😎👍

[@theresahartman7465]

I love this!

[@CSSkoolieProject]

Man, it's really starting to take shape. Great job and thanks for the content and your explanations. We've taken a lot from you over the past year so thank you. Chris & Steph

[@bigb2956]

Looks great, one suggestion, put cup holders on the arm rests.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thats a good idea. I wanted to add storage to the arms but, I think it will be a future add on.

[@sandraartistabellestri]

Genius!

[@createlovehappy]

My dad and I used to build projects together in his garage. I miss him so much. I wish he could help me build the bus. He would have loved it.

[@wendyshepard2080]

Fantastic explanation of the bed/couch process. Hubs was going to do something like this in my Blossom but I think it would have been much more cumbersome and intense to build. Will definitely save for the next time!

[@Fieldtrip-rj8cc]

Very nice Intel. Thank you so much for being you. It's refreshing

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks for supporting and following along with the build. It has been a fun project for so many reasons.

[@anneparisi1828]

So enjoy this channel thank you so much. I love what you’re doing with this bus !

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks. It has been a fun project. I can't wait to get moving in.

[@robpivato4227]

cool pops

[@tammyfrangella2162]

that bed is design is ingenious!! now I know how you became so intelligent....thanks to dad!

[@ChrissyCrow]

It is so nice to see Mike and his daddy working together. 💪 ❤

[@billb4200]

I like the color

[@markattardo]

Enjoyed watching you guys working together. Your variation of the pull out looks perfect for Ivan.👍 BTW, nice pencil roll (10:05)

[@_.Mack._]

Im so incredibly invested and interested in how the bathroom door storage works out. Cant wait for that part of the build!

[@cindythecatwoman1601]

I should hire you guys when I'm ready to build my minivan. You're doing a great job on that bus. I like your Dad, he seems like a nice guy.

[@lisablake4237]

Can I borrow your dad? Oh and Rachel, ok you can come too. I'm rebuilding an RV this spring and you guys look like you could use a trip to Alaska. And of course do not forget Dalton, Luke and Dale.

[@justinlucero6652]

I love this music 🎼🎶 great song

[@aprilek6003]

Love the camera shot of the build Mike excellent

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks, I was not sure if some of it would come out on camera

[@carrtb]

Nice work on the couch/bed! Be aware of your flooring choice in front of the couch because as you deploy it into “bed mode” the foot of your front vertical panel has to not only navigate over the floor surface but also rest upon it when extended. Ask yourself: Will the extension slats remain level with the stationary slats when extended once the final floor surface is installed?

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks for pointing that out. I already pre cut the front leg to allow for the flooring thickness. Right now its 12mm above the plywood floor.

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Wow knocked that bed out of the park wow. Chris you are very very awesome very smart 👍. Very good video. Michael you lucky guy Dad is awesome 🛠️🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦👍👍

[@navigationnowhere]

Badge between my dad, Dale and you I have been a blessed man.

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

@@navigationnowhere Yes we'll said Michael 💜🛠️🇨🇦

[@andreahoward1319]

I've been binge watching this series and I'm devastated that I'm finally caught up 😭 love what you're creating and your videos are great!! Can't wait to see more!

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed the series. It has been a long project of filming and building but its fun to look back over the whole project.

[@bobbykraus1189]

GREAT SIMPLE BRIEF EXPLANATIONS!

[@navigationnowhere]

Glad you found it helpful !

[@gaileenfrost4588]

Great job awesome work

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks

[@TripleXclown]

Oh.. might consider a few L brackets to help support the Leg section.. love the design otherwise! (Furniture builder here btw)

[@navigationnowhere]

Thats a great idea it would add a lot of strength to the leg. I might go pick some up and add it in. thanks.

[@gblakev]

There's a nice shout out to Michael in Jenna's (Tiny House Giant Journey) latest video (4/22/21). It's about Jax Austin's red skoolie with a putting green roof deck. At the end he talks about his life-altering diagnosis. It's very well done.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks Blake for letting me know. I saw the video very well done. Hope Jax continues to get better.

[@lauratibbles6598]

Thanks for your illustrations the build is coming along great see you next time

[@navigationnowhere]

I am working with Luc for the next video to get drawings done and 3-d renderings for everyone to see. Hopefully it will give a clearer example.

[@lauratibbles6598]

@@navigationnowhere e very thing that I have seen you all do you do it with such perfection and in my life I’ve been around a lot of construction I know great work wen I see it great job looking forward to the next video stay warm be safe

[@critterkarma]

Slat slide conversion beds are great solutions. Mike, I hope the cushions you get will be super sturdy, with such a wide gap between slats in the bed position you might suffer with support issues. I suggest adding a piece of flat stiffener material behind the foam inside the cushion cover. Could be as simple as gessoed corrugated cardboard, plastic coroplast or luan.

[@aaronforan7613]

Great stuff bro.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks!

[@jamesskeen3392]

ROCK’ON BRO! 👍

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks James.

[@nheinrich834]

Looks great, but I’m still trying to figure out why you didn’t put the pitch in the back rest further against the windows. Would have given you a few additional inches in the walkway, or made for a deeper couch! Cant wait to start seeing what finishes you pick for this bus!

[@guy4462]

Good design on the couch/bed. At some point, maybe at the end of the project, you could talk about how much it all cost and how many hours you put into it. Your level of detail is fantastic by the way.

[@navigationnowhere]

I hope to share costs when it is all done. Hours I would never be able to calculate because filming slows everything down immensely. I could take a guess haha.