THE BEST CAMPER VAN BED BUILD | How to Build a Slat Bed in a Van | GMC Safari Adventure Van Build

Seize The Adventure Co. Store:
seizetheadvent...
Instagram:
/ @seizetheadventureco
/ stephanfogsi
Contact Me:
Business Inquires - [e-mail]
Have any more questions about the build? Feel free to email me, or leave a comment down below.
In this video we re-design our pullout camper van bed. The first video got a ton of traction on KZbin. It was a fantastic design, but I was confident I could do even better. Watch this video if you want to learn how to sleep two people comfortably in an Astro van. Don't let those people on KZbin mislead you who position their bed perpendicular in the van. It simply does not work unless you are 5ft tall. This a clear cut guide on how to build the most efficient bed for a camper van.
The first bed had its issues. It was WAY heavier for no reason. It was too tall so I wasn't able to sit straight up in couch mode. The storage section underneath the bed was open causing my gear to slide freely around the van while in transit.
The new bed fixes all of these problems. It's made from lighter lumber. The bed sits much lower to the ground allowing for more head clearance.
Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@zachs2807]

Thank you for the help! I started a van build with no prior building experience or tools, and I’m almost done. He’s right once you build a skill set it gets easier You are the GOAT van instructional KZbinr!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

That’s exactly right my friend! If you have the courage to start the project the rest will all come together. Now you have obtained a life long skill through your hard work and determination. I’m glad you have been able to find my videos valuable enough to complete your build using them. Really makes this all worth it in the end! THANKS FOR WATCHING!

[@xsxoxpxhixax3215]

I ended up purchasing this van off Facebook marketplace. It ended up being perfect I love it so much. I just want to say thank you so much for all the effort and hard work you put into this!!!! I have watched all your videos and I can’t tell you how cool and unique it is to be able to see the process behind this and the care you put into your work.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

That's great to hear! I hope you have many great adventures in this van that started everything. It's truly something special. Safe travels and enjoy the adventure ahead.

[@WaffleFaceRVA]

Well done! I agree it's the best/ most spacious bed build I've seen so far, and I've looked at/ tried many! Going to implement this one and will let you know what I, my tall hubby, and French Bulldog think of it 😉

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I'm glad you were able to find some inspiration for your build in this video. Thanks for watching

[@thelovelydrkeyx3250]

Oh my 🤩. I need a minivan version of this. I'm planning a one to two year hiatus. Awesome job 👌🏾.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

This could definitely be done in a mini van. The best use of space for a smaller vehicle!

[@allahrackball98]

By far the most practical van build on KZbin

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Really appreciate comments like these! Thank you for watching. 🏔🚐💨

[@masquinatrizick8855]

I used to have a bed in my van that went across the back horizontally but it took up a serious amount of room. I’ll be making this bed in time for my road trip up to Byron in a couple of months. Thank you so much for the video!!!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I’m glad you were able to find this video. There’s a time and a place for a platform bed. It provides much more storage opportunities. Overall the pull out slat bed just looks clean, adds walking space, and adds that little extra cool factor. Thanks for watching

[@rickdoerr7895]

Dude I've been watching van videos for the past week and this is the first good and SIMPLE bed build I've seen. I'm pumped and cant wait to do mine.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I’m glad you came across my channel! Means a lot to me that you find this useful. I thought it was a simple yet efficient use of space. Thanks for watching

[@flgirl250]

After watching you build this bed, I may change my mind. I really like the couch look instead of a full time bed. The pullout will also give my dog a place to lounge when he feels like it. I just got my van 2001 Chevy Express 2500. My son in law found it for me…he’s doing the mechanics on it. Im so excited to start my build and adventures. You have a new subscriber; Me Thank you for sharing your skills.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

The pull out couch allows for more daytime versatility. I try to spend most of my time outside on my adventures, but there has been days where the weather is not cooperating. Congrats on your new build, and thank you for watching!

[@tymitch3207]

Whether your going over things or in the process of building , ilove your videos!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Really appreciate comments like these, thanks!

[@scottphillipy9831]

Really nice improvement, looks like a lot more room. Thanks for sharing your work with us.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Thanks for the comment Scott! It really increased the amount of room and just looks a lot nicer overall. Thanks so much for watching, cheers! 🤠

[@aaron54600]

Years later but what kind of mattress did you use? Sweet build this video got me to switch my design from a flat bed in the back to a pullout so I can have room for bikes and stuff if needed

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

No worries, I respond to all my comments! Im glad you decided to go with this design its so universal. I have a completely new design coming to my new build asap, stay tuned!

[@brenryan6019]

Love the new bed design, can't wait to see where you go next!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Thanks for watching 🤠

[@m623]

Great job

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Really appreciate your support and positivity, thanks for watching!

[@justines1919]

I’m going to do this exact design in a promaster with a high roof - great design and way to keep it simple.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Right on Justine! I would love to build a high roof van soon. Thinking about doing the Ford Transit. How do you like your promaster? Thank you for commenting!

[@darian.explores]

We did something similar as a guest bed. Love the design!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

That’s a great idea! These slat beds are the best. Thanks for watching, cheers! 🤠

[@shinitapepper5629]

I love your bed build.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Thanks for watching!

[@christate590]

Very neat and tidy. When you are sitting in sofa mode, I think that where your head sits should be wood effect also and not this white color. It would be a nicer contrast. Very smart though and keep the videos coming. Loving it so far.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Thank you for your suggestion Chris! I tried very diligently to have cedar planks in that spot, but unfortunately nothing would fit in this position that was flexible enough. This is where the electrical wiring is located that runs to the tail lights of the van. So overall it’s just an awkward spot. I used a piece of flexible plastic in order to fill this space and it’s the best that can be done while maintaining the half inch of head room. Thanks for watching, cheers! 🤠

[@christate590]

@@SeizeTheAdventure I see your point. It is a difficult area I admit and I failed to realize that it was where your wiring must have been. I must admit also that I ,did, edit the message that you just saw and didn't press save. 'A' hole I am, lol. What I changed in the message was that I thought that if it was a darker color there would have been a better contrast to the eye. Looking great though and looking forward to next vlog. Cheers!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

@@christate590 not an A Hole at all! I love constructive criticism wherever necessary and really do enjoy responding to KZbin comments. It’s awesome to start seeing a community developing around my videos. Look forward to a new build coming to the channel soon 😎

[@george.stefanescu99]

thanks mate for this realy useful video , safe trips ! 😉

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

George I’m glad you found this video to be useful. Thanks for commenting! 🏔🚐💨

[@george.stefanescu99]

@@SeizeTheAdventure ofc, I am going to build a bed for my minicampervan and I will use the same ideas 🙏🤩

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

@@george.stefanescu99 excellent! It’s a great space saving design. Good luck with your build!

[@stuartmcintosh7716]

Thanks for clear snd creative video. I bought a 2003 Safari today and this seems like a logical direction. I am trying to figure out what to do with conventional bench seats…. Also have you considered adapting passenger seat to swivel… costly it seems but opens up options. Thanks

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Yes there is a pretty awesome product from Iron Cloud Metal works if you are looking to get a swivel. Handmade right here in Oregon. Thanks for watching!

[@humaidalali7890]

Excellent… like the new bed

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

It’s great! Thanks for watching

[@kylemkitchen]

Dude this is amazing! Love it.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Thank you Kyle! I’m glad you enjoyed this one. Stay tuned for a new build on my channel. Thanks for watching, cheers! 🤠

[@staceyjizzaine]

You've done a great job! Really enjoyed that

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I’m glad you found this video to be useful. Thank you for watching!

[@nickynick7998]

Thanks for explaining so well!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I’m glad you found this video to be useful! Thanks for watching

[@CanadianCampPurr]

Loved your build so much i just ordered ryobi 18v mitre saw cordless from home depot. Hoping my build looks as good in my f150 topper as yours, keep up with the great videos!!!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

That is awesome you found my build to be inspiring. You can create amazing things with a couple of simple tools. Good luck and thanks for watching

[@Why_Not_travel]

Got an Astro van and looking at this for some great ideas! Good video

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Hope this video sparked some ideas for your build. Thanks for commenting

[@Why_Not_travel]

@@SeizeTheAdventure thanks for the reply is there away I could you you a video of it and you could tell me some possible cheap ideas?

[@hebrewsky]

Well done, fellow mustachioed man

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Thanks for watching friend! What’s life without a stache 🤠

[@hebrewsky]

@@SeizeTheAdventure I honestly can't remember. My upper lip hasn't seen the sun in a decade I probably have a permanent tan line.

[@Skummy123]

amazing! I'm about to attempt this on my 2003 astro but i will have to make changes in order to keep my rear ac

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

That’s awesome! I’m glad you found this useful. Good luck on your build. Thanks for watching!

[@thisoledad1946]

Where did you get the mattress (name brand). Looks sweet how much weight do you think it is

[@lc7975]

Awesome video, I will follow the same build with a Cargo Trailer conversion. Where did the mattress come from and how comfortable is it? I was originally planning one of those foldable ones but yours looks way better. Thanks

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

The mattress was surprisingly comfortable. Check it out amzn.to/3QOlfG5 right here.

[@theresamgee]

Great work. You are very talented!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Thanks for watching, cheers to you 🤠

[@dward4979]

Great job dude nice design and explanation, also use an impact driver instead of a drill for all hardware installation, gives you a lot more control and mobility then a drill!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I did finally upgrade to an impact driver and my life was changed forever! Thanks for watching

[@dward4979]

@@SeizeTheAdventure Hell yeah also this will change the game for you when doing finish carpentry or repairs on almost anything in your van and home (wood, plastic, metal). Look up CA (Cyanoacrylate) Glue. It's a one part glue you can instantly bond when spraying with the accelerator. I have repaired everything from plastic trim pieces, motor parts, and its especially useful when doing finish carpentry. I recommend starting with a thick or medium. The black rubberized version is excellent for multi surfaces.

[@schmidaaron]

Hello very nice bed. I want to build one for my camper too. Greetings from switzerland 🤠

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I’m glad you were able to find this useful! Thanks for watching

[@allrightsreserved3237]

Very sharp

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching

[@yovinada]

It’s very nice!!!…❤️👍😊

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Thank you for watching!!

[@palsforpets7940]

Love all the info and ideas. Could you share the website you ordered your grafix from on the side or your van? Looking for something similar for my new Transit Connect. Thanks.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Hello and thank you for watching the videos. Here I have attached the perfect decal for your transit! amzn.to/3J8VVHd Hope this helps, and thanks for commenting

[@Jason-Eson]

Nice build doooood

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Hey Jason, we really appreciate the comment. Thanks for watching!

[@user-uk6yz1my8h]

Love this.can you possibly give a list of your supplies.thanks

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I wish I had a list of all the supplies used in this video, but some of it was recycled and already cut. I can provide you with an estimate. I used about 10 2x2, 12+ 1x2, 1 pack of cedar tongue and groove (about 6), 1 box of 2in construction screws. That is all I used to design this bed. Thanks for watching!

[@Gubson]

Inspiring!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I’m glad you found this to be useful! Thanks for watching

[@zachs2807]

Love the flexibility, 🔥 (mtn bike, surfboards) I feel like platform bed doesn’t give you same flexibility Possible to do this with 2x2 in larger van like econoline, Express?

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Yep! I built this same exact bed into an Econoline. Literal replica. Thanks for watching.

[@josepliego5514]

Hi! I’m about to use your guide to build the bed in my astro! Was curious what you used for the actual slats? Thanks!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

The slats are 1x2 pine furring strips. I found them to be budget friendly for my build. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching.

[@zoemckenna1]

love the van build! I'm looking into buying an astro van myself. can you tell me how you got the front passenger seat to swivel backwards? thanks!

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I don’t have a passenger swivel unfortunately! I’d really love one though. Ironcloudmetalworks custom fabricates swivels for the Astro if you are interested in one! I’d highly recommend. Thanks for watching

[@kernj6454]

Whats that song /beat at the beginning???

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Im sorry but I cannot remember. try using shazam on the video to find out.

[@PjSmith]

Is that a futon mattress?

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

It’s actually a 4in trifold memory foam full-size mattress

[@robertstanley3253]

cooler?

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I was rocking a cooler with this build! Thanks for commenting

[@joshkullman505]

Where can I buy a memory foam mattress like the one you have here ?! Thanks :)

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

This was purchased online. I believe Walmart has this mattress. Do a google search for 4inch memory foam trifold bamboo mattress and you will find a couple that are similar. It was around $100. Thanks for watching

[@joshkullman505]

@@SeizeTheAdventure thank you! I found that my Astro build has been similar to yours so this may work perfectly! Appreciate it :)

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

@@joshkullman505 I’m glad this helps!

[@teddyjones8140]

Where did u get the mattress?

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Here is a link to the exact mattress that I used in my build: amzn.to/3YmJ0a5 Its bamboo which has antimicrobial properties and its 6 inches which I thought was plenty comfy. Mine is a Queen size.

[@shinitapepper5629]

Thanks for the link to your mattress,

[@kriszamora]

What kind of mattress is that ? Where can I buy it from ?

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Trifold bamboo mattress

[@kriszamora]

@@SeizeTheAdventure thank you bro 🤙🏼

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

@@kriszamora ANYTIME!

[@michaellarson8035]

What mattress did you use?

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

It’s a 4 in memory foam trifold bamboo mattress in full size

[@michaellarson8035]

Ya my wife is 6'2 i am 6'1,I guess our feet will hang over..😆

[@MELODYMUNRO]

I personally dont find the log cabin look appealing, looks too much like a sauna. What I need is something that makes me feel cool because I already live in a sauna - Queensland Australia.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Hahah I could imagine why you would want something to remind you of cool weather. Here in the Pacific Northwest of the United States the log cabin feel provides you with a sense of warmth on a snowy mountain or in the damp rain forest. Nothing like a hot cup of coffee in your log cabin on wheels to warm the bones! May I suggest an igloo theme for your van? Thanks for watching friend, cheers! 🤠

[@theonlyhaykel]

very good video bro I love your ideas im doing the same thing I sub too.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

I appreciate you following along. Good luck with your build, and thanks for watching!

[@scottphillipy9831]

Really nice improvement, looks like a lot more room. Thanks for sharing your work with us.