Good day all,

 I am keen to convert the back bunks of my Caravette 6 to an Island bed.

I have seen a central island bed, but on measuring it seems as if the bed is too short (183cm) whereas the front bed is 203cm. Furthermore, it also seems as if the roof cupboards will restrict movement. Can someone who has this conversion, in any caravan, please advise if they have overcome this and how?

Alternatively, at a closer look, an angled bed seems to allow more access due to a point between the cupboards rather than a straight edge parallel with the wardrobe. Due to the angle, a longer bed is possible by making it slightly odd shaped. I am also of the opinion that the angled conversion will be stronger and less rickety (lendelam). Walk around space still seems as if it will be restricted. Has anyone seen this.

Any points of view will be appreciated.

DR DRAKE GP that's not a Doctor nor a GP

David,

This may give you some ideas.

Regards

Thanks Reg,

Both examples are in a way what I have visualised. My son-in-law has a Palma with the diagonal bed.

My concern arises in that the newer model van's are wider than my 1988 Caravette and there is a cupboard each side which I forsee will restrict movement. To be honest, my thinking was an angled bed to get length on the front side (for myself), but on the back side to make room to move, give the matress a bit of an odd shape (where the shorter wife should fit).

On the otherhand, what I seem to remember on what I have seen, with the cut away's to allow access, the bed becomes extremely narrow.

Hi David

Ilsland bed is very small if you convert the single beds but a corner double bed works beutyfully in there

Thanks

Nico & Claudet Prinsloo

David, the only advice I want to give to you is whatever you do, invest in good quality mattress, it is going to cost an arm and half a leg (sorry for sny jou arm en been af) BUT, do get one THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO TURN!!!!. I have an off-side shaped bed in my van as it came out, but previous owner had a mattress made up, but it cannot be turned due to the shape, and in needs to be turned by now, which will give me a few headaches!!!

At least. as it is, it's still better than the flat that we stayed in at the South Coast a month ago!!!!

Hope you find your solution.

Altyd egte kampgroete.

Frans 

Dawid stuur n foto of twee as jy klaar is .

Hi all,

Thanks for the comments – ideas always welcome. I am sure there will be more.

We are not keen on the side bed as the idea is to make it easier to get off. As I get more ancient, it becomes more difficult to move down and around the wife’s feet – a simple action back in 1982 with my first Caravette 5.

We saw a middle island bed …. I think on the small side, but will hopefully see again next week end before making a final decision.

Cognisance taken of the mattress – good point. Especially as what I have in mind is not symmetrical and the turning of the mattress not possible.

Any thoughts or suggestions to the following?

The idea is to angle the bed with the leading edge from the roof cupboard to the centre of the floor between the cupboard and wardrobe. This will leave only sufficient space to get in/out of bed.

The far side to be parallel but the foot end cut off parallel with the side of the caravan in line with the wardrobe front allowing a walk around partly under the roof cupboard, which should be alright for my short wife and a bit more uncomfortable bend for myself, but manageable.

The mattress must extend into the corner for extra length and the cupboard can then be refitted in the corner.

I have tested by drawing relevant pieces/areas to scale and placing other small mattresses in place with the bunk open to get an idea.

Regards,

DR DRAKE GP that's not a Doctor nor a GP

has anyone change the bed in a sprite swift 1984 model to a island bed any info will be welkom