Froli sleep system (and other bed mods) for converting an existing sofa bed?

[zuren]

When I converted my van to a camper using a Sportmobile RB50-like layout, I bought a sofa bed bench seat from a manufacturer in Indiana. The sliding, convertible, quick release framework is nice (despite take up more storage space than I would like) but have never been impressed by the foam used in the cushions. As a seat, the cushioning works but as a bed it is way too firm.

I have something similar to this with 2 extension cushions to make it close to a Double bed (I ordered from a different company) - http://www.discountvantruck.com/rvvansofas/Princessvansofabeds.htm

I'm reading up on projects taken on by others that removed poor quality mattresses/cushions and made new cushions with some combination of firm foam with memory foam. Most of these have been standard RV beds. Has anyone attempted, or is it even possible, to incorporate the Froli system into a convertible sofa bed like mine?

Each cushion section has a frame inside the fabric that bolts to the main frame of the sofa (except for the add-on cushions). I would have to dissect each cushion but wonder if there is enough space to cut a piece of plywood to fit each cushion frame, attach the Froli system to each piece of plywood, then use whatever combination of foam (seat type vs. memory type) to fill the cushion out, and reassemble the sofa. I'd be interested in hearing others experiences.

Thanks!

 

[gh0ztkid21]

If you don't mind me asking where did you order your sofa from? I'm looking to buy one now and have been looking into the princess sofa bed from discountvantruck but am looking around at different systems.

 

[zuren]

If you don't mind me asking where did you order your sofa from? I'm looking to buy one now and have been looking into the princess sofa bed from discountvantruck but am looking around at different systems.

http://www.superior-seats.com/

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f24/bolting-sofa-down-6563.html

I'm 99% certain that the frame is from Atwood (http://www.atwoodmobile.com/seating/seating-hardware/sofa-lounge-frames.asp). If I had to do it again, I would NOT have bought the sofa that slides (2nd pic down at the Atwood link). You lose a lot of storage space underneath. The standard fold-down soda bed (the top frame at the link) conserves storage space.

 

[TeleSteve]

I have the same if not similar sofa bed. I found it used, so I made new covers and cushions. I went with 3" 70 density foam. My wife thinks it is perfect , it is firmer then I like. I would go with 50 density or combine a 70 with a softer layer on top. The other thing I did that made it more comfortable for sleeping was remove the headrest and armrest mounts from the frame. They are welded to the front/top part of the frame and you can feel them through the foam when laying on them. The armrests, being on the sides weren't a big issue, but because of my layout I didn't have room for them. The headrest mounts were in the worst possible spot when made into a bed. Mine is rarely used for passengers so headrests weren't important to us.
No experience with the Froli system, but the stack up height would be my main concern. The plywood wouldn't be an issue.

 

[zuren]

I have the same if not similar sofa bed. I found it used, so I made new covers and cushions. I went with 3" 70 density foam. My wife thinks it is perfect , it is firmer then I like. I would go with 50 density or combine a 70 with a softer layer on top. The other thing I did that made it more comfortable for sleeping was remove the headrest and armrest mounts from the frame. They are welded to the front/top part of the frame and you can feel them through the foam when laying on them. The armrests, being on the sides weren't a big issue, but because of my layout I didn't have room for them. The headrest mounts were in the worst possible spot when made into a bed. Mine is rarely used for passengers so headrests weren't important to us.
No experience with the Froli system, but the stack up height would be my main concern. The plywood wouldn't be an issue.

I have the headrests as well and feel them at times. If I were to do it again, I would not include them. I did it for passenger safety. As part of this exercise, I may see what I can do to added some cushioning to those areas.

I think I read that the Froli springs stack up to total height of 2". I'm not sure how much foam you want on top. My fabric is in good condition and would like to try to reuse them so the total stack up height is a consideration.

My wife wants to just roll out a foam topper to the existing bed. It would work but I don't want to carry around such a bulky thing in the van when the bed is in seat mode.

 

[Choff]

We use nice camping mats that Velcro together making 60" x 2" air mats, with down bags on a standard AWD GMC Coversion Van bed, we keep headrests on and I built a support for the headrest area and foam around it, and also foam down sides along walls, works great and sleeps better than most beds.
Also use a full size matress pad over the leather couch
Choff

 

[CSG]

I have a similar style sofa bed in my PW Traverse. Early on, I realized that it was not comfortable by itself. I tried a memory foam topper but didn't like it and it was bulky. I ended up with a self inflatable air pad (Lightspeed 3) which is 3"x32"x78". I use a heavy or light sleeping bag depending on season and a couple down pillows from home. That was the cheap, easy, effective solution for me.