Building a Sturdy and Space-Saving Bed Frame for Our Ram ProMaster Van Conversion
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Today’s project is an exciting one—constructing the bed frame that will be a cozy, practical sleeping area and garage space in our Ram ProMaster. After measuring, planning, and preparing the materials, we’re ready to dive into the installation. Here’s a detailed look at our approach, materials, and progress as we craft our bed frame.
Choosing Materials for a Durable, Lightweight Bed Frame
For this bed frame, we opted for 2x4 whitewood boards from Home Depot. Whitewood is lightweight, relatively affordable, and has a smooth surface that required minimal sanding. While it may not be as durable as some alternatives, it’s a great balance between strength and weight, which is crucial for our van build.
We also prepped the wood with a mold and mildew-resistant primer. This ensures that the frame can withstand changes in temperature and moisture levels, keeping it in good shape throughout our travels.
List of Materials to Build the Bed Frame:
Designing a Functional and Flexible Bed Frame
Our vision for the bed frame includes a practical garage space underneath for storage. We explored multiple design options, like attaching the frame directly to the van’s walls. However, we decided to go with a freestanding structure for added flexibility. Since we’re not entirely sure of our final garage layout, this approach allows us to make changes as we go along.
For connections, we used affordable metal brackets and screws, which cost between $0.85 and $2.50 each. These connectors provide the stability needed to secure the frame without adding much extra weight or cost.
Building the Bed Frame
After priming, we assembled the head and foot sections of the frame. To secure these, we used pocket hole screws with a Kreg jig, allowing for a solid connection at each joint.
Installing Support Slats
One unique feature we’re incorporating is the repurposing of slats from an old queen-sized bed frame. This will add additional support to our mattress, ensuring durability and comfort. We’ll place a 1x1 support piece beneath the slats and secure it with screws, providing an extra layer of stability. This design also allows us to build out the front cubby and doggy door, creating a cozy nook for our furry friends.
Practical Considerations: Fitting the Mattress
To make the most of our sleeping space, we chose a queen-size purple mattress. Although it’s heavier than some van life mattresses, comfort is a top priority for us. We made sure our measurements would accommodate the mattress while allowing for easy access to storage below.
Next Steps: Adding Storage and Electrical Setup
Our van garage space will include a custom-built box around the wheel well, which will house the electrical system. We’ll be adding posts and extra support for the bed frame’s front section to build out the cubby and organize the storage area. We’ll cover the electrical installation in a future post as we continue working on the setup.
What We Learned
This process taught us the importance of tackling one task at a time. We initially attempted to multitask by managing the bed frame, electrical setup, and cubby all at once, which made it challenging to keep our momentum. Moving forward, we’re planning to stay more focused and organized to make the build process smoother.
Join Us on Our Van Build Journey!
Thank you so much for following along on our van build journey! Building this community is truly rewarding, and we’d love to hear from you. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel, and feel free to leave any questions or suggestions in the comments. Whether you want more van build tutorials, insights into our van life prep, or a Q&A, we’re excited to create content that helps you on your journey too. Until next time!
