Crashing through the bed! (1 Viewer)

[mandymops]

The previous owner of my van saw fit to remove the locker which supported the lower third of the bed-Why???? he was of normal height-the mind boggles. Rather than stretching my somewhat limited carpentry skills to building a locker, I opted to put on batons and place a board over the space. The batons went on nicely and I measured up for the board,went to homebase and explained to the fellow there that I needed something strong but as light as possible as my 970cc engine struggles with the load as it is. He suggested chipboard and I expect you can guess the outcome. I knelt on it with one knee to arrange the mattresses and went straight through. What would you clever folk out there suggest? Do you think MDF would be suitable? Oh and the mattresses were seriously inadequate. What is best for comfort and are there any good places to get them made that don't charge a king's ransom?

 

[old-mo]

I think a desent thickness of "Plywood".. Half or better three quarter inch...

Bit of Marine Ply would be better as it is impregnated with some sort of waterproofing, which seems to make it stronger.. :thumb:

 

[stcyr]

Ply would be stronger and lighter than mdf

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[TheBig1]

having converted vans into campers several times, I would say use 9mm plywood. MDF and chipboard both absorb water from the atmosphere, and condensation in a motorhome will destroy its integrity quickly

I I were you, I would draw a box the correct size and mark out the dimensions, then go to B&Q and have them cut up a sheet of plywood into sizes to suit. then reuse the battons you have to screw the corners together. Much stronger, and if you leave the top loose, it can be used as storage

 

[mandymops]

having converted vans into campers several times, I would say use 9mm plywood. MDF and chipboard both absorb water from the atmosphere, and condensation in a motorhome will destroy its integrity quickly

I I were you, I would draw a box the correct size and mark out the dimensions, then go to B&Q and have them cut up a sheet of plywood into sizes to suit. then reuse the battons you have to screw the corners together. Much stronger, and if you leave the top loose, it can be used as storage

OOh..er.Sounds marvelous but possibly beyond me. Maybe I should invest in a carpenter...

 

[Gromett]

Depending on the size of the sheet 9mm ply would be the best. Personally I doubled up and used 18mm ply but I always over spec stuff.

Don't use MDF, not really a suitable material for structural stuff.

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[Terry]

Hi MM measure and take sizes to B & Q they will cut it to size :thumb: either 9 mm or 12 mm ply will do :thumb: see what off cuts they have,if any :thumb:
terry

 

[Wildman]

Alternatively Mandy bring it down here we have a CL and the construction work provided you pay for materials is free. I have been repairing/upgrading funsters vans for a while now, but no mechanics please I have extensive workshop facilities to hand for wood or metalwork.

 

[Rob e Lee]

Generous

What a very generous offer - gives one a boost knowing there's still a lot of thoughtful/kind people out there.

Rob:thumb:

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[Bushtrekker]

Matress

We used a local firm called Easi Foam, but they have a website and do mail order, It cost £84 for a double matress 196cm x 130cm to give you some idea of cost. Ours is the firm foam and I've been sleeping better than I have in years.

 

[mandymops]

Wow,that's incredibly kind. I'm back at work for a while but would love to see your site sometime soon.