Saturday, June 13, 2009

#43 Bunks for the boys



Last years trip to the Cherry Blossom rally demonstrated to us that we six could fit comfortably in a small Airstream. At one point we managed even to sleep seven... but this year, the boys seem to have grown beyond that comfort level. To solve this problem... taking a cue from an optional feature available in our '67, I devised a way to suspend lightweight bunks above the two gauchos.


I constructed them from 3/4" dia Schedule #40 Aluminum pipe (1.05" O.D.) and Slip-On fittings available from R.B. Wagner . They are covered with brown duck and hung with nylon webbing from Stainless Steel Rope Guides (available from McMaster-Carr ) riveted to the ceiling ribs.




Other than the Velcro webbing hangers, the frames are only supported at two points on the walls. This makes them easy to remove during the day... although, as you can see... Kelly is sitting comfortably on the front gaucho while Amery is lounging above. This will be useful when Kelly and I get up early to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee while the kids sleep in.

8 comments:

Frank Yensan said...

very nice Steve. Now you can squeeze eight in the trailer for the night.

Anonymous said...

Steve,

Thanks for posting this. I am becoming more inclined to making a bunk over the rear bed (east to west) for Collin so we don't have to worry about making the dinette into a bed every night, and back into a table in the morning. I am looking more for a permanent solution however, but I like the lightweight design you have created.

Great job.

Steve

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this great addition. I would like to add the bunks once we purchase our airstream, but was wondering how you reinforced the areas where you hang and support the bunks from. Any insight? Thanks.
ACGYPSIES

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this great addition. I would like to add the bunks once we purchase our airstream, but was wondering how you reinforced the areas where you hang and support the bunks from. Any insight? Thanks.
ACGYPSIES

the byamcaravanner said...

Ben, three of the hangers are located at the main ribs, so no reinforcement was necessary. At one of the locations, no rib was available, so I fabricated a triangular bracket that transfered the load down thru the door jamb at the bathroom.

Steven said...

This looks great. Any chance of gettig more details/pcitures. I need to put a bunk over one twin. We have 3 kids and will be traveling full-time.

Thanks

Steve

TomW said...

Steve - Don'cha think it's time for another post?

Tom

the byamcaravanner said...

Tom... good things come to those who wait ;-)