I want to sit up in bed! Ideas?

[StevenP]

Hi all, I can’t be the only California owner (ours is a T4 so maybe not an issue on later vans?) who wishes there was an option to be able to sit up in bed and drink tea/read a book or lounge in the day without having to lie down? Ideally a fold down ‘headboard’ where the overhead cabinet is, would be ideal. This would allow you to sit up facing forwards before reclining fully to sleep. Has anyone done this kind of mod? Description/photos of possible solutions would be much appreciated. Steve

 

[kurienp]

Hi all, I can’t be the only California owner (ours is a T4 so maybe not an issue on later vans?) who wishes there was an option to be able to sit up in bed and drink tea/read a book or lounge in the day without having to lie down? Ideally a fold down ‘headboard’ where the overhead cabinet is, would be ideal. This would allow you to sit up facing forwards before reclining fully to sleep. Has anyone done this kind of mod? Description/photos of possible solutions would be much appreciated. Steve

No need for any complex mods. Cannot get any simpler, effective and cheaper than this. I have two in the van.

 

[Jay586]

Costco occasionally do a fab large wedge cushion.

 

[Kiwi Ocean]

Hi all, I can’t be the only California owner (ours is a T4 so maybe not an issue on later vans?) who wishes there was an option to be able to sit up in bed and drink tea/read a book or lounge in the day without having to lie down? Ideally a fold down ‘headboard’ where the overhead cabinet is, would be ideal. This would allow you to sit up facing forwards before reclining fully to sleep. Has anyone done this kind of mod? Description/photos of possible solutions would be much appreciated. Steve

How about something like this? Just googled "bed backrest".

 

[Tim Hook]

I have a T6 for which I made a couple of struts from aluminium that support each side of the frame in the boot. No mods. are required to the van and they are secured with bolts that are pulled via a wing nut through a rubber tube that expands in the existing frame locking holes.
The only negative issue is taking them out before lowering the frame to sleep, I've not managed that from inside the van! For day use, they work well.

 

[Jim2007]

I have a T6 for which I made a couple of struts from aluminium that support each side of the frame in the boot. No mods. are required to the van and they are secured with bolts that are pulled via a wing nut through a rubber tube that expands in the existing frame locking holes.
The only negative issue is taking them out before lowering the frame to sleep, I've not managed that from inside the van! For day use, they work well.

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That, sir, is why given enough time and off cuts there is no problem that can’t be solved by men in sheds.

I salute you and am off down the garden to shamelessly copy.

 

[Hans Vulink]

I have a T4 as well and made a lounge function in my California.
The story is in dutch, but the photo,s will tell you what to https://www.weetjewel.nl/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?t=67498

 

[StevenP]

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No need for any complex mods. Cannot get any simpler, effective and cheaper than this. I have two in the van.

Yes we’ve looked at similar and so thanks for the recommendation- good solution

 

[StevenP]

How about something like this? Just googled "bed backrest".

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These look good but most are too wide for two side by side

 

[StevenP]

I have a T6 for which I made a couple of struts from aluminium that support each side of the frame in the boot. No mods. are required to the van and they are secured with bolts that are pulled via a wing nut through a rubber tube that expands in the existing frame locking holes.
The only negative issue is taking them out before lowering the frame to sleep, I've not managed that from inside the van! For day use, they work well.

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Excellent !

 

[StevenP]

I have a T4 as well and made a lounge function in my California.
The story is in dutch, but the photo,s will tell you what to https://www.weetjewel.nl/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?t=67498

Very good modification - it’s a shame VW didn’t offer a solution as it’s definite gap in the otherwise fabulous design of a Campervan

 

[Dill Tart]

I have a T6 for which I made a couple of struts from aluminium that support each side of the frame in the boot. No mods. are required to the van and they are secured with bolts that are pulled via a wing nut through a rubber tube that expands in the existing frame locking holes.
The only negative issue is taking them out before lowering the frame to sleep, I've not managed that from inside the van! For day use, they work well.

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Love this! Very clever!

 

[GrahamB]

Another (expensive) option would be to trade up to a T6.1 for lounge seating

 

[soulstyledevon]

Another (expensive) option would be to trade up to a T6.1 for lounge seating

That would be mad. A T4 is far more reliable…

 

[Pitstop Penny]

Such a good thread! Thanks for raising this. I’d love a daybed too! Watching this thread with interest

 

[Kayleigh]

I have a T6 for which I made a couple of struts from aluminium that support each side of the frame in the boot. No mods. are required to the van and they are secured with bolts that are pulled via a wing nut through a rubber tube that expands in the existing frame locking holes.
The only negative issue is taking them out before lowering the frame to sleep, I've not managed that from inside the van! For day use, they work well.

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Hey Tim, that’s a really simple ‘no mods’ daybed solution. Perhaps you could enhance with some ratchet hinges designed for sofas to give different recline positions. You would need to cut the supports somewhere and bolt them on. Something like these might do the trick
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09K599NHT/?tag=unique09f-21

 

[Jay586]

My able assistant knew I'd want the 6.1 as soon as I saw the loungey bed option on YT....

 

[soulstyledevon]

How is the daybed done in the T6.1…?
Could you retro fit the parts required?

 

[Gina-B]

That, sir, is why given enough time and off cuts there is no problem that can’t be solved by men in sheds.

I salute you and am off down the garden to shamelessly copy.

Pl;ease remember - that ladies have sheds and skills too.

 

[laurentfox]

I always sleep downstairs so i have the same predicament. What i do is flip my mattress (including my ikea topper) in half backwards (with the sheets and blanket inside the fold). I then take all my pillows and prop them against the fold. Works great for me

 

[Cali kids dog bike]

That, sir, is why given enough time and off cuts there is no problem that can’t be solved by men in sheds.

I salute you and am off down the garden to shamelessly copy.

Or women in sheds

 

[ejmoore]

Sit sideways with a pillow behind you - works whether the bed is down or in the seat position

 

[ejmoore]

Sit sideways with a pillow behind you - works whether the bed is down or in the seat position

Incidentally this also works upstairs - I like a cup of tea first thing in the morning - lean (lightly) back against the side roof strut

 

[Anthony1]

I have a T6 for which I made a couple of struts from aluminium that support each side of the frame in the boot. No mods. are required to the van and they are secured with bolts that are pulled via a wing nut through a rubber tube that expands in the existing frame locking holes.
The only negative issue is taking them out before lowering the frame to sleep, I've not managed that from inside the van! For day use, they work well.

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Clever.

 

[Pitstop Penny]

I have a T6 for which I made a couple of struts from aluminium that support each side of the frame in the boot. No mods. are required to the van and they are secured with bolts that are pulled via a wing nut through a rubber tube that expands in the existing frame locking holes.
The only negative issue is taking them out before lowering the frame to sleep, I've not managed that from inside the van! For day use, they work well.

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Hi Tim

May I ask if you could provide dimensions and the material you used? I’m going to attempt to make this myself! Thank you.