Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

If I can add to this. I had a side fold down in my 5x12 and had about 14" between the bed and wall. It's not really an issue, as long as the bed isn't too high. I had to step sideways but the only annoyance was stubbing my toes on the leg supports.
I did end up taking that out and converting to a U shaped bench with a pull out slat section for filling in the center. Went from a twin to just shy of a queen. The other plus is that it made the space larger because it's not up against the wall, gave me usable seating and even a spot to nap, if the urge takes hold, without having to set up the bed. In any of these small CTCs it becomes economy of space and multi function. A bed standing against the wall is just a bed, taking up space. Much better if it's a bed, a bench, a dining area and a storage area.
As for not wanting to make up the bed....that's what a sleeping bag is for.

M C, Icon - Thank you for the explanations. I'm keeping this for my next build where I can pre-plan everything. I think some type of pull out bed is a better option for this build.

beachguy - My original plan was a "L" shaped sofa bed. I was out in the trailer today looking at a "U" shaped set up. I only need a twin to sleep on, but I want the full size for resale. The upside to a u shape is that I can pull it out to twin size, throw my topper on it (and not have to make the bed everyday) and still have seating when I'm on the road.

I made mine convertible to either a couch or bed and it is an easy lift and slide to make the change at anytime.

Mine has Etrack down the sides at the bed height and the bed is hinged at the spot where it folds to make the couch seat and back.

There are etrack 2x4 brackets for the front edge in 2 different positions,1 for when a couch and another forward of that for when it is a bed.
There is another set of brackets for the rear edge when it is a bed but when a couch that edge just lays against the rear wall and the front edge in brackets keeps it from moving until I lift the edge and slide forward.

I just lift the front edge out of etrack 2x4 brackets that set it as a couch and pull forward to flatten it out and set the edge down into forward 2x4 brackets to set the edge of the bed.

It is easier to do than to try to explain really.

I use a 4" foam topper on the thing and it easily folds as it is changed from bed to couch.

All good stuff. Lots of ways to skin a cat.

McDave

I decided to do a simple sofa pull out bed (like Iconfabul8's but without the really cool welded frame). Full size - 54 x 75 and I'll use a futon mattress on . I hinged the fixed slats so the top can be lifted for storage (no point in wasting space). The only issue I'm having is the sliding slats are hitting the cleat that the fixed slats are attache to. I used a round over bed on the edge of that cleat and beveled the end of the sliders, but they still hit just enough to not work smoothly. I'm thinking a simple fix is to put a washer under the rear of the sliding slat and run the screw through it. I don't think the thickness of the washer will be an issue with an 8" mattress on the bed. I'll get it completely installed and working, then I'll post pics. Thanks to everyone for their help and advice.

A spacer/shim under the rear of the sliding slats is a thing, I think everyone has to do it. I did it, but I can't for the life of me remember what I used.

Icon - Thanks. Now I don't feel like someone in a bad youtube video.

After looking at numerous different bed installs, I decided to go with a simple slide out sofa bed. I made it full size (54 x 75 - Thinking about resale potential) which makes it a bit of a tight squeeze between the bed and the side wall when the bed is fully extended. The beauty of this design (I mean the general design, not my specific build) is that the bed platform can go anywhere from the fixed base size of 28" out to the full size bed. I use a twin when I'm on the road, so I'll have more room between the bed and the wall. I also hinged the platform so it can be lifted and the base become usable storage area. I'm going to buy a full size futon mattress for it for when it comes time to sell, but I'll use my twin. I still need to cut some of the left over wall paneling and cover the base,torch the face frame to match the rest of the cabinetry and install a support strut for when it's lifted up, but the worst is over. Thanks to everyone for their help and ideas.

Nice! Looks great.

Icon - Thanks. I ended up putting a flat washer under the back end of the sliders and presto! They slid fine. I also ran a cleat front to rear under the rear slider support to stop it from flopping down. That makes the unit slide much easier.

Excellent work on the pull out bed. Really looks good and does the job you wanted it to do.


McDave

jwh92020 wrote:After looking at numerous different bed installs, I decided to go with a simple slide out sofa bed. I made it full size (54 x 75 - Thinking about resale potential) which makes it a bit of a tight squeeze between the bed and the side wall when the bed is fully extended. The beauty of this design (I mean the general design, not my specific build) is that the bed platform can go anywhere from the fixed base size of 28" out to the full size bed.

Good job - Very versatile.

M C Toyer - Thank you. I'm keeping your bed plan in a folder to use in my next build. This build is an expedient means to meet a need right now. Long term, I have plans for a more "home like" interior.

M C Toyer, Howdy;

Excellent job on the bed!

hank