Trails » Camping & Wilderness » GPS & Outdoor Gear » Hammocks » DIY Bunk Bed for Camping

DIY Bunk Bed for Camping

DIY Bunk Bed for Camping

rv, image by Greg Pickens from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Regress back to the days of summer camp and add a bunk bed to your RV. Bunk beds save space in small RVs. If you are RV camping with children, you can use a bunk bed to stack the wee ones up for a good night's sleep. Fashioning a bunk in an RV is possible with a few alterations and a timber frame. If you are going into the back country and wish to stack up the sleeping arrangements, do not fear, you can fashion a sort of "jungle bunk-bed" when camping under the stars as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

RV Bunk Bed

Things You’ll Need:
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • RV mattress
  • Power drill
  • Power saw
  • Bolts, nuts and washers
  • Hacksaw
  • RV mattress
  • 1 x 2 and 2 x 4 timbers
  • Other method:
  • Two hammocks
  • Ratchet straps
  • 4 locking carabiners
Step 1
Measure the size of the RV mattresses you will use for the bunk beds. Try to use twin-sized mattresses to save space. Determine where in the RV you wish to hang and mount the bunk bed frame. Mark the wall where you will drill the frame to place the supports.
Step 2
Cut out your bed frame using the 2x4 timbers for the main section of the frame. Use the 1x4 timbers to make the restraining guards on the outside of the mattresses to prevent falls from the bed. Place a series of three 2x4 supports under each mattress area on the frame, running them lengthwise under the mattress and along the frame.
Step 3
Bolt the frame to the RV wall. If there are portions of the bolt sticking out into the sleeping area, or where a head could knock them, either cover them with a plastic or rubber cap, or use a hacksaw to cut them off. Place the mattresses onto the frame and make the beds for sleeping or other uses.

Open Air Camping

Step 1
Scout out two trees approximately 7 to 8 feet apart that are big enough to support hammocks with humans in them.
Step 2
Shimmy up one tree and wrap the hammock strap around the tree. Go to the other tree and shimmy up the same height and wrap the other hammock strap around the tree. Try and go up to 5 or 6 feet on the tree.
Step 3
Attach the hammock to the straps via locking carabiners. Screw the carabiners closed, then open them by one quarter turn to the left. Tighten the straps up and stretch the hammock using the ratchet on the straps.
Step 4
Wrap the hammock straps around each tree 3 feet below the higher hammock. Attach the second hammock to these straps via the locking carabiners and screw them closed, then open the 'biners one quarter turn to the left.
Step 5
Tighten the bottom hammock up using the ratchet on the straps.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword