VW Caddy Pull Out/Extendable Bed DIY Camper Van

[@joniloverin7343]

Thank you so much for the tip on sanding the slats edge and for making such an easy to follow video!

[@martyjoseph9507]

I'll say this video will probably help me the most out of the half dozen I've watched. Planning on using old pallets for a temporary bed while vacationing in a Mercury Villager so we can keep some storage room underneath, and maybe be warmer off the floor.

[@davidfildes9826]

Built same into my sailboat ...routed steps to both sliding and stationary slats so all locked and no tilting. No legs necessary as hooked to mast one end and supported by line at other.

[@HughTube]

Wow sounds like an epic version of this!

[@jakespira]

mate, watched both your vids on this topic as well as a couple from others and just built my own, it came out a treat. Thanks for all the info, the tip about sanding off the edges was bang on. Between the two vids you've nailed all the key points as far as I could see. ta

[@HughTube]

Thanks Jake!!

[@cinders1128]

Am in the middle of building my first pullout bed, and am absolutely glad I've watched this as I actually maid my lats a bit short!! Lucky it was only a few bars as the wood shop won't be open until Tuesday now!! Thank you!! And a happy new year 2023 👌🏽🌠

[@TemplarX2]

Just an idea. You can divide the sliding part into two to make two chairs or one chair and a sofa. You pull the chair part to your desk for a quick office or for eating.

[@HughTube]

Nice idea

[@MrManhound]

Thank you very much. Very helpful..going to make the bed for the camper as this is the best guide i have seen so far.

[@HughTube]

Thanks Mal!

[@Smiirkwood]

I’m turning my van into a little home too and you absolutely rescued me with this tutorial !! So many pictures of this type of bed and no sign how to build it ever. Cheers! Will enjoy it all over New Zealand :)

[@barryisland3349]

I found using IKEA bed slats worked a treat for me for the slats...cheap and have a slight arch to them offering smaller gaps between slats..also the moving slats don't need to go back fully over the rear frame..saving a lot of worry about friction etc...enjoyed the vid..

[@helendaw2891]

Really well explained, thanks Hugh!

[@ShulaOudean]

My favourite thing about your channel is watching the things you make get put together at high speed. It is so fun to watch.

[@John_Wayno]

You're an absolute legend. Cheers for the tips!

[@HughTube]

Cheers John!

[@colinjones7916]

very helpful making the bed as it now looks a lot easier to do looking forward to see what else you going to make thank you very much have a wonderful day

[@HughTube]

Thanks Colin, you too!

[@LuDoFamily]

Thx for the tips about the fraction. Gonna try it!

[@littlemisssunshine2931]

Thanks for all the hints and tips. Great to know them before starting the build for my client. Thanks for sharing.

[@jgrmtnjgrmtn3954]

Great job n Great video ! U r a stand out in skill and clarity unlike many other folks who have only one of these talents but post unclear inaudible videos anyway...

[@FUZ2706]

I made my first slat pull out bed! Worked first time making it, no adjustments needed. All i had to do was put washers under the fixed side and make the sliding side legs a bit shorter. Mine also folds up on hinges to completely eliminate the bed so i can still use it for moving stuff around.

[@clydestamp6970]

Excellent job! Been wanting to build one for a while

[@ogitugi4138]

Great idea!

[@milo_thatch_incarnate]

Thank you SO much, this video is definitely the clearest and simplest I've found on these sliding slat beds for vanlife! I'm a petite woman, so the size of your folded IN bed is close to the FULL size of mine LOL

[@HughTube]

Cheers Mel!

[@VelvetChaise]

100% the best camper bed tutorial I’ve seen. SO helpful !! So many useful tips

[@HughTube]

Thanks Boop!

[@gijsdries4141]

@@HughTube Do you have like a template with sizes etc we can use for it?

[@stitchedwicked7373]

Really appreciate this video. I was trying to explain a slat bed to my sister and it just wouldn't click for her. She has a small home and is looking for solutions for the kid's rooms and her room. You made this look so easy and do-able.

[@HughTube]

thanks!

[@beautyschoolbooks]

You are a perfectionist many thanks for a great demo

[@HughTube]

Thanks!

[@gashead2]

That was a great help and one of the best I have seen. Can you tell me what width and thickness all the parts are please? Frame and slats, thanks.

[@HughTube]

The slats are recycled pallet strips but remember to seal them with a coating. The frame was with 44x44mm planed timber, you can get from a lot of builders merchants

[@kathleenfulton4806]

Oh my dog! You are so right about the frustration of slats not sliding fully closed due to squared off ends. My slat bed was already installed in my convertion, but no rounding off done at all. Also, despite new wood being used, the slats have still been placed a touch too close to each other. A whole lot of sanding and candle waxing will be going on in mine shortly 😀🚐

[@HughTube]

Exactly how I felt sometimes, spending all that time on a lovely pull out bed and blam completely stuck together haha

[@cynthiajean3774]

Window covering i bought felt material sewed magnets (w a hole) On perimeter. Easy

[@melsparkles]

Great tips...those things have been running around in my head..now I don't have to worry about them!

[@lisaphillips2862]

Brilliant tips on making the bed slide out easier. Where do you buy those magnetic curtains from? Brilliant idea.

[@HughTube]

My friend made them, he isn’t any good at sewing so bought a bit of blackout fabric, cut roughly to shape with a 50mm excess lip then glued a few magnets from amazon or eBay round edge with a glue glue and used fabric glue (or more glue gun) to fold over excess lip to tidy up a bit

[@willsvanadventures]

Thanks for the video! Built something very similar when converting my van. I think is deffo the best/cheapest option when building the bed.

[@sophieboisvert]

Amazing! Thanks for those tips you are the best ❤️

[@elenaz6533]

Very good video. Could you give sizes of wood you used for support frame. THANKS

[@HughTube]

Got the timbers from Wickes but any builders merchants would sell them, they are 44x44mm

[@acidatheist5191]

Wow dude. That was one of the best diy videos I’ve ever seen.

[@katrinabell8556]

Thanks for this video I am going to try to make one of these in a small Freedom caravan, cos I hate the slats idea,it's given me the conference to have a go, cheers guys,🙂

[@TheHermitHacker]

Thanks! I'm still deciding how to build my bed and this video helps quite a bit. I'm lucky to have a friend who is a woodsmith so literally any design can be accomplished with expert help. I'm rebuilding the back-half of my van conversion to suit my needs better since I will be working on software while bouncing between cities.

[@HughTube]

Lucky you! having a woodsmith on side is fantastic!

[@melodyhuggins4792]

Thank you! Will make great window seats/beds in guestroom. I'll build myself with your excellent tips!

[@jagmasters7392]

Great vid mate! Excellent explanations & tips. 😊

[@lesolson2380]

Nice bed frame and great explanation and demonstration! Thank YOU!!!

[@HughTube]

No problem Les

[@ruthsharrock3573]

Love this video, I'm a older woman with few skills and little finance but determined to do this in my VW caddy as at the moment I sleep on a bed roll on the floor of the van. Thanks for the clear instructions, would appreciate any more info on fitting out a VW Caddy most of the youtube vids I've found are for the VW Caddy Maxi , cheers

[@HughTube]

Hi Ruth I am really keen to get a caddy conversion going in a few months so stay tuned!

[@nickiwoodington6855]

Hi Ruth, I'm reading this 2 years later. How did you get on?

[@LikeToDrive]

Great work, dude! Thanks very much for sharing! 🙏

[@HughTube]

My pleasure!

[@thomaspalmer1938]

Great video. Seriously helpful

[@jessicaberg3661]

This is perfect. I’m making one for my Zafira in a couple of days. So helpful to know the little details that make it work better before I get started!

[@CaminoReal55]

TY for your time. & thanks for the magnet window tip. Awesome.

[@Josephien1982]

This is really helpfull! Thanks a lot!

[@marianlynch4829]

God... don't ya just love men... Yes.. I know some women could do this too, but men are the best! We women have are uses too, we explain to are men what we want and they just do it . Thanks for great vid . My man is a carpenter.

[@fin_jan]

Good tips. Thanks

[@RebeccaWilliamsOfficial]

Thank you, very helpful. I'm going to do this for a seat and take your idea and figure out how to also hinge the top to open for storage.

[@T_3rR4h]

Great tips for the build mate! Nice work

[@annabellealvarado1723]

Thanks for sharing and the detailed explanation on how it should be done.

[@meenawai5005]

I'm a sub now just for this explanation lol. Thank so much!

[@chrisboot6585]

Where did you get those curtains? I want them for my caddy they are awesome !

[@HughTube]

The owner made them using a bit of fabric, some amazon bought magnets and a glue gun

[@abstrahujacod5130]

Super 🙂👍 Norbert Szczecin 🇵🇱

[@carlpoucher2182]

Hi. Would you be able to get a few measurements just the basics . The width is perfect on this bed frame

[@HughTube]

Hi Carl sorry dont have any dimensions but for reference the bed was came out to the same width as one of the half doors on the back

[@paulmonkton1227]

Good video. What size wood did u use for the framework.hoping to make one the weekend

[@HughTube]

Sorry but late to this but we used 44mm x 44mm timbers

[@marshabrown8337]

Loved it. Could you speak about the 1mm underlayment placement when you have time. Take care. Love your videos.

[@HughTube]

Hi Marsha, what would you like to know?

[@gaz3097]

Good advice mate.

[@Hadeshands]

Wonderful tips thank you

[@maninavan.2043]

Hi, I have seen a lot of people make these type of beds. I just cheated and put in a full size metal frame bed in... and made slightly longer corner posts...

[@alxforth1]

Thanks good info. What size battens did you use for the framing and whats the dimensions of the wooden slats?

[@HughTube]

The frame is made of 44x44mm planed timber and the slats are from pallets, just seal the pallet wood with watered down pva or another coating

[@gadtovel1621]

you are gifethed artist.thans for yuor TIP

[@deemad2180]

Great video. What is the size of the mattress you use. What is the length

[@HughTube]

It was about 1.8m by 1.2m

[@63MIJ63]

Could you make or detachable so it can be taken out and used as a normal van?

[@HughTube]

of course, you could make it free standing out side the van (making sure the frame fits) and then attached it to the van with bolts so it can be removed whenever

[@manxviking6873]

Thanks man, this is going to make my bed much better. 👍

[@paulchoppara2234]

Great work Bro.

[@gracewilshaw4337]

Hey Hugh, you mention about the width of your bedslats and not going any wider than "this".....how wide are the slats you've used please? Are they 60mm?

[@HughTube]

50mm is a good width

[@davidwaterhouse2552]

Some great advice here! What thickness of foam do you recommend for the mattress? Many thanks dx

[@sphincterwhistle]

Hi mate. Is that 2"×2" on the frame please. Thanks for sharing

[@HughTube]

We used 44x44mm planes timber but pretty close to 2x2

[@bjornb4941]

Very Nice slide out bed, but, were do you keep your legs? Looks like the bed is less than 1.6m?

[@HughTube]

Well this is one of the issues with such a small van. With the bed pulled out you have to sleep diagonally to fit better

[@CosgroveNotts]

You should have looked at an IKEA bed for a smooth sliding design.

[@HughTube]

More fun building yourself

[@DanielGennaro]

Awesome mate. Do you guys have a website with dimensions on what size wood you bought?

[@HughTube]

Sorry Daniel, we do not

[@thelundstram4394]

Brilliant 👍

[@twowheeltales]

this is so so good

[@joshbutler7369]

Hi Hugh, great video! What diameter of baton did you use for the beds frame?

[@HughTube]

Hey Josh, sorry can't remember but usually I go thicker so it's more robust. Like 15-18mm

[@JoansJunkJournalsAndMore]

Great timing as this is exactly what I was wanting. Some times I travel by myself, other times with my niece so I can easily go from single to dble bed. Thumbs up

[@andreahammond8866]

I need to make one of these and have no experience 😂always great to find useful videos like this tho, so thank you. What size wood should I use for the frame please. I will roughly be making a 6ft long by 2ft seat but pulls out to a 6ft by 4ft bed. 👌

[@HughTube]

Hi Andrea, we used 44X44mm planed timber you can get from a lot of builders merchants

[@andreahammond8866]

@@HughTube thank you for taking the time to reply 👍

[@jamiehitchings1163]

Fantastic video, and such an effective bed, just wanted to know if you had a list of what wood sizes you used to make the bed?

[@HughTube]

the main structure was made in 44mm X 44mm plained timber. The slats I can't remember sorry!

[@jamiehitchings1163]

HughTube thank you

[@nueschtsNutzername]

Awesome idea!

[@냥냥펀치-x8l]

nice video!! thank you for your great tips

[@HughTube]

No problem!

[@corinlanser]

good video, appreciate the explanations as watched one of your other videos on this and seemed to gloss over it pretty quickly. I've just done a sofa/bed base myself with a hinged section that works but catches as you try to fold and basically I want to redo the whole thing as it's not easy to do at night especially after a drink! videos like yours give good ideas and tips. thanks again

[@HughTube]

thanks for watching! Glad to help

[@toppertruthio]

search furniture glides on ebay,put them under the feet of the bed.they will glide on a wood floor.Also add hoks and eyes to bed to stop it sliding out when driving.im not an expert but i thought of that while watching your video;)

[@JudiChristopher]

"THUMBS UP!!" I had this kind of bed in an old 72 class A RV... I loved it, because during the day, it is a couch and I could easily pull it out to a bed at night... Thank you for sharing this is great video/tutorial.

[@tylerburgess8709]

I was wondering why you didn’t use drawer slides either side until you mentioned it sliding around when you’re driving. I didn’t think about that lol

[@geoffrey5161]

Awesome. Thanks for explaining it all.

[@mirandamarie2347]

Wow! Thanks for such detailed instructions. Do you have the blueprint/ plans with measurements written down?

[@HughTube]

Sorry Miranda I don't have any plans written down

[@deniswu4132]

Hi Hugh, great video! I would like to build something similar, but would want for the storage part to be completely closed and access it from above instead of the front. So I would need for the slats to be lifted, do do you have any tips on that? Thanks!

[@HughTube]

Hi Denis, it is possible to do this but the build gets a bit more complex. the fixed half of the bed that doesn't move, those slats can be on hinges and this is the part that is panelled off. when the sliding part slides back in you lift it up and take the hinged side with it, opening it up from the top. it's hard to explain

[@robertcuthill8484]

I'm getting ready to build an extendable bed. Great tips! I'll use a router to round over those square edges you talk about.

[@teaberrywmn]

Thanks so much for explaining so well and taking the time to do so. Gonna give this a try soon on my Astro Van!!

[@matthewjenkins1161]

The answer with that type of bed is so simple you'll kick yourself. Each slat should cover it's own square only, without any overhang. When closed the slats should look staggered. Look at the situation again and it is the overhangs that cause friction or catch. Hope if that's to late to help you, it will help others.

[@organabus1]

Beautiful~!! I want to build one for my horse trailer. Can you come to Ca? Pleeeze give instructions.. well you did.

[@HughTube]

haha I would love to come to CA! I just can't afford it

[@chatteyj]

I don't think I've ever said this - thanks for the tips

[@h0llytr0n]

Could you explain the tip about making the front legs shorter again? I didn't really understand, to my mind shorter legs would make things more, not less awkward! Thanks for sharing your build videos.

[@HughTube]

The legs to make shorter are the ones on the pull out section and only by 3mm, the reason this helps is when it is de-extended as you slide it closed the shorter legs allow the back edge to close easier without the edges hitting. Does this make sense?

[@h0llytr0n]

Ahh so I think I understand - as the pullout side is lowered by shorter legs, the side making contact with the main frame is raised slightly, reducing friction as it approaches the back bar to slide over? Thanks for taking the time! :)

[@HughTube]

Yes exactly that!

[@TCarter]

Useful video! I like the look of those wooden coat hooks behind you at 6:35, homemade?

[@HughTube]

Hey Tom cheers, yeah they are homemade. I did a video on it, search for remake of oak hooks on my channel!

[@sierrasurvivaladventures]

Bloody hell it worked the bed is amazing, thanks again

[@inigougarte1391]

What is the mattres that I can buy, thickness? Some help would be great

[@HughTube]

Ikea is great for affordable foam mattresses

[@inigougarte1391]

@@HughTube thanks!

[@inigougarte1391]

@@HughTube how can I get the right cover?:) thanks!

[@alexpattington8651]

Awesome video, what size timber did you use for the framework and legs? 2"X2" planed? Many thanks

[@HughTube]

Hi Alex, we used 44mm X 44mm which is near enough to 2"x2"

[@joaocosta4643]

Hey Hugh, that's a nice bed you got there, I'm not a fan of mounted double beds, I think this the best space saver you can have without giving up comfort. I have one question regarding the build. Wouldn't a frame similar to the fixed one (meaning with four legs) be better for the pull out part? I'd imagine it would give more stability to the bed and allow it to slide out smoother. Is it practical/useful placing legs on the inside attached to the boards?

[@HughTube]

Hi João so do you mean rotating the bed 180 and mounting the two legged part to the van instead?

[@milesmilner3660]

What tools do you need/recommend for this? A combi drill, mitre saw, tape measure?

[@HughTube]

pretty much what you listed along with basic stuff like a pencil, knife and sandpaper

[@milesmilner3660]

@@HughTube awesome! I'm going to have a crack at it on my new van! Wish me luck!!

[@nathanaisthorpe4867]

I just used a second sheet of ply that slid across but was heavier and could slid around at times. Are the legs on yours solid I find they can buckle without extra support.

[@HughTube]

Legs seem fine even 2 years down the line

[@BORLY]

More Caddy Content please

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

Thanks.

[@dannycivic02]

What about using bed slats that have a curve to make the bed less rigid?

[@HughTube]

True they could add some nice spring to the bed, tricky to source or curve at home though

[@dannycivic02]

HughTube was thinking something like this trimming each end of each slat to be the right length www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/mattresses/slatted-bed-bases/lur%C3%B6y-slatted-bed-base-art-50278726/

[@dec2mclaren]

I don't understand why you made the slats of the fixed portion extend over the cross piece. You were explaining how to not let it get caught, but the most ovvious to me is to just not have it exist to get caught in the first place.

[@HughTube]

Its a good point but when they go over the edge like that it stops the bed sliding out and from bouncing up and down in transit

[@dec2mclaren]

@@HughTube I see. I haven't made one of these yet, but to solve that, I was just figuring I put some kind of latch or string to hold them in place while moving. Thanks for your reply