Sofa Bed Ideas

[bj3nk5]

Guys - I'm looking for some photos or design ideas to build a sofa bed. I want 2 sideways facing (driver and passenger) sofas, that slide into a bed with storage underneath. Like the Gaucho ones.

I've seen the sliding rail system that VanSpecialties has on their site and a few of the "flip over" type beds. But I was thinking of a different design. I was thinking of using a "C" channel on each side of the sofa, using 4-5" strip of plywood to slide through the "c" Channel. Screw the bottom of a piano hinge to the plywood sliding through the 'C" channel and screw the top of the piano hinge to the plywood base for the foam of the seat. That way the seat can lift up AND pull forward, allowing the back-rest to fill in the gap behind the seat. Volia....a (not too complicated or expensive) sofa bed.

Does that make sense? Has anyone done anything similar?

Any other ideas, photos, or diagrams that anyone has laying around would be super appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[710m]

I just built a really simple sofabed that you're describing. You can check it out in my build thread: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/155789-Quigley-4x4-Chevy-Express-build/page5

 

[bj3nk5]

Thanks 710m! Have you changed anything since you built it? Anything you would change? Does it rattle or move around much?

 

[710m]

I fixed the plywood back rattling against the frame in the sitting position by putting a couple layers of duct tape around the frame. The seat part doesn't move around at all in either position.

 

[4x4pair]

I'm also looking for sofa bed ideas. Anyone else mind sharing their set-ups/ideas? Thanks!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[jdharrin]

This guy who has one of the more impressive homebuilds I've come across on the interwebz utilized channels on his sofa/bed:

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f24/popping-my-top-10808-10.html

 

[huskyhauler]

I built a slider that lifts up.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...other-ambulance-build)?highlight=husky+hauler

I used this guy's thread as insperation: http://vandogtraveller.com/expanding-bed-for-van/

 

[Jb1rd]

Here is what I found at the RV salvage yard.
They call it a jack knife, not sure the exact difference between it and a gaucho.

Partly flipped

Totally flipped

I'm not sure how I'm going to attach it but want some type of "quick" disconnect that I can pull a couple of bolts or pins and have the entire contraption out of the van in minutes. Thinking some type of cargo track then I can slide the extension panel in or out as need too.




Sent by magic, I mean come on really, pictures through thin air, MAGIC!!!

 

[verdesardog]

I made folding bunk beds, I hate trying to get comfortable on segmented mattresses. They only take up about 10" of floor space when stored:



That leaves plenty of room to walk around, use the kitchen area and/or sit at the table.
The build thread for my trailer is at: http://americanadventurist.com/forum/threads/not-a-tear-drop.1075/

 

[Corneilius]

I build a "slat style" bed like many others. Metal framed. I like it but would have made it bigger in hindsight.

 

[4x4pair]

I'm really leaning towards the slat design but still would love to see what more people have done.

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[bj3nk5]

Agreed. Thanks for all the posts so far. Keep them coming!

 

[mgmetalworks]

Do a patent search and you'll find some folding seat/bed mechanism ideas that are pretty cool too.

 

[Outlaw Images]

What is the brand of this bed on the bracket there, almost make it out but cant find it online

Really like your find

 

[lcavalletti]

Just bought my custom sofa bed and it should be here next week from discountvantruck. Its the sedona model for sprinter vans. Mine is going in my e350 rb. Ill let you know how it goes. I had it made 6 inches higher on the backrest for more sleeping room once folded down. Ill take pictures. It wasnt cheap, i had to go leather but im hoping it will be worth it