Bed frame design — fixed platform vs lifting bed with storage?
Designing the bed area for my Vivaro build. Space is tight so I need to maximise storage. I'm torn between a simple fixed platform bed with access from the side/end, and a lifting bed on gas struts that gives full access to the storage underneath. The lifting bed seems more practical but also more complex to build. Has anyone built a lifting bed? How reliable are the gas struts? Any tips on getting the right strut rating?
1 Answer
I built a lifting bed in my Caddy Maxi and it's the best decision I made. Used two 400N gas struts from eBay (about £15 each) and they've been perfect for 18 months. The trick is getting the right Newton rating — too weak and the bed won't stay up, too strong and it's hard to push down. Measure the weight of your bed platform + mattress and use an online gas strut calculator to get the right rating. I used 18mm ply for the platform with piano hinges at the head end. The full-access storage underneath is a game-changer in a small van.
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