Opinions on this bed please

Post by **Les Shoes** » 13 Jan 2016, 19:35

Hi, hopefully getting the van home this weekend finally. First job once I get started is to get a bed in there, I've been looking at this -http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141855818494 mainly because it's the only one I've seen with seat belts built in but also because they say the can make custom ones and I'd like mine to sit a few inches higher to give me more storage underneath at the back.
Has anyone else bought a bed from these people, is it worth buying a bed with the belts built in and is it a good idea to raise it higher than usual? So many questions! All advice greatfully received, thanks

Post by **DoubleOSeven** » 14 Jan 2016, 16:54

My completely biased opinion would be to hunt around for a full width Westfalia Rock n Roll bed, nice original equipment then...Oh, try German eBay for Westy & Multivan stuff. Most sellers in my experience will ship to UK.

Post by **Les Shoes** » 14 Jan 2016, 21:37

DoubleOSeven wrote:My completely biased opinion would be to hunt around for a full width Westfalia Rock n Roll bed, nice original equipment then...Oh, try German eBay for Westy & Multivan stuff. Most sellers in my experience will ship to UK.

Thanks but I'm actually after a 3/4 width bed, I want to build some storage space in down the side.

Post by **DavidPallister** » 15 Jan 2016, 11:53

bed in the link looks like it would just crumple in an accident, all the forwards loadings would pull in the centre of the bed at the shoulder loops, and you are relying on a single steel bar and a bit of flat sheet to resist it...er, no.

Post by **Les Shoes** » 15 Jan 2016, 12:04

DavidPallister wrote:bed in the link looks like it would just crumple in an accident, all the forwards loadings would pull in the centre of the bed at the shoulder loops, and you are relying on a single steel bar and a bit of flat sheet to resist it...er, no.

That's what I was wondering, is it possible to use the original seat belt mounts on both sides with a 3/4 bed? Or would this restrict the available space too much on the short side? I have no windows in the back panels so was planning a tall cupboard next to the bed. There's only 3 of us anyway so one seat is spare really.

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 17 Jan 2016, 16:35

The one on ebay looks like a copy of my design. I can't see what sort of mounting points are used though. Best one is the Rusty Lee bed - on offer for £200 at mo I think.

Post by **Les Shoes** » 19 Jan 2016, 20:11

CovKid wrote:The one on ebay looks like a copy of my design. I can't see what sort of mounting points are used though. Best one is the Rusty Lee bed - on offer for £200 at mo I think.

After a good look round this is the one I reckon I'm going for, didn't know they had an offer on though, cheers

Post by **ELVIS** » 19 Jan 2016, 20:59

Rusty Lee beds are the mutz nutz.

Fitted a few recently and really good bit if kit.

Post by **RogerT** » 19 Jan 2016, 21:55

If you are wanting to fit 3point belts the mounting points originally used by VW are ok, but can require some work. Make sure you use spreader plates on the back of mountings, but the points on the engine bulkhead are handy enough (but you need long arms to breach under the wheel arch across to the middle of the van. The point behind the panel in the rear is awkward if your rear panel doesn't come off easily. I have a reel fitted higher up as well so that there are 2 three point belts in the rear of my van. Needed a custom made belt but they are obtainable, its all a much better and stronger option than anything fitted to the seat frame.

Post by **Sir Brixalot** » 19 Jan 2016, 22:00

I've got one of those rickety autosleeper beds which are a faff. Already got three point belts fitted. Anyone know if this would be a straight swap?

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 20 Jan 2016, 06:48

The only slight downside with some commercial beds is weight, and that includes the Rusty Lee. This may not matter to some but the ideal design would be one that combined strength with a reduction in unneeded heavy materials (in the same way that some cupboards have sides made of thick chipboard when in most cases ply would be a better solution. When you've lifted a few different types of beds in to fit them, theres quite a variation in weight from reasonable to outright heavy. A difficult compromise and one which some manufacturers don't take into account.

Post by **paulandchez** » 20 Jan 2016, 13:02

CovKid wrote:The one on ebay looks like a copy of my design. I can't see what sort of mounting points are used though. Best one is the Rusty Lee bed - on offer for £200 at mo I think.

Where abouts are they on offer at that price mate? I've been looking at the Vanwurks ones too. Are they comparable do you know?

Thanks

Post by **Les Shoes** » 20 Jan 2016, 18:13

RogerT wrote:If you are wanting to fit 3point belts the mounting points originally used by VW are ok, but can require some work. Make sure you use spreader plates on the back of mountings, but the points on the engine bulkhead are handy enough (but you need long arms to breach under the wheel arch across to the middle of the van. The point behind the panel in the rear is awkward if your rear panel doesn't come off easily. I have a reel fitted higher up as well so that there are 2 three point belts in the rear of my van. Needed a custom made belt but they are obtainable, its all a much better and stronger option than anything fitted to the seat frame.

I don't have any panels to worry about at the mo, van is completely bare.
So you have both the rear belts mounted to the same side? And nothing on the other side? Any pictures?

Post by **RogerT** » 20 Jan 2016, 19:34

No piccies at present, but can take some this weekend maybe. I am actually quite proud of it,,,

I also have a Sharan rear seat just behind the passenger seat, front or rear facing, with an integral lap belt, so have a van with a 3/4 rock and roll and seatbelts for 5. Dead proud of the Sharan seat fitting too!! Take it out when we get to campsite.

Post by **Les Shoes** » 20 Jan 2016, 22:17

RogerT wrote:No piccies at present, but can take some this weekend maybe. I am actually quite proud of it,,,

I also have a Sharan rear seat just behind the passenger seat, front or rear facing, with an integral lap belt, so have a van with a 3/4 rock and roll and seatbelts for 5. Dead proud of the Sharan seat fitting too!! Take it out when we get to campsite.

Take some pictures, show it off!

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