rear bed build question on a short bus

[Brewmaster]

Hello All,

Just wondering, I'm reading to build my rear bed crossways on my short bus. I've seen that everyone is using either wood slats or plywood below their box spring or mattress. I have a metal bed frame with springs and metal chains stretched between it and was thinking of using that simply because it would be so much lighter. Any reason no one else isn't using the metal frame ?? Just wondering !!!

[Ronnie]

We just have the mattress on a plywood frame, no box spring. This gives room for storage under the bed

[musigenesis]

I welded together my own bed frame/platform using angle steel and expanded steel sheet. It only takes up 1.5" vertically and prevents the underside of the mattress from getting soggy.

https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/r...tml#post430042

[Rucker]

Originally Posted by Brewmaster

Hello All,

Just wondering, I'm reading to build my rear bed crossways on my short bus. I've seen that everyone is using either wood slats or plywood below their box spring or mattress. I have a metal bed frame with springs and metal chains stretched between it and was thinking of using that simply because it would be so much lighter. Any reason no one else isn't using the metal frame ?? Just wondering !!!

I'm guessing because most people doing a bus conversion may not have access to a welder, and almost anyone can nail two boards together.

[vanman95]

Have you looked into an aluminum extrusion frame? 80/20 or tnutz ? I’ve read good things about both and I’m toying with the idea myself on my shuttle build. Same for a roof rack! It’s light and strong.

[DeMac]

Originally Posted by Brewmaster

Hello All,

Just wondering, I'm reading to build my rear bed crossways on my short bus. I've seen that everyone is using either wood slats or plywood below their box spring or mattress. I have a metal bed frame with springs and metal chains stretched between it and was thinking of using that simply because it would be so much lighter. Any reason no one else isn't using the metal frame ?? Just wondering !!!

Your on-hand frame is probably one of the best frames to use. No boxspring required? If it's the type I'm picturing, the springs allow the mattress to breathe, helping to will away moisture from the occupant.

Older Steel bedframes are made from spring steel, & they retain their shape well. For this same reason, the angle iron frames are also terrific for fabricating tank/battery supports, beneath the conversion.