After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas? - Escape Trailer Owners Community
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×

Go Back   Escape Trailer Owners Community > Escape Tech > Problem Solving | Owners helping each other
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 06-13-2009, 11:52 PM   #1
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 33
After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

I just purchased a 2004 17' Plan B with the dinette single bed. (The dinette was actually removed, so at this point it is really a couple of seats or a single bed- no table anymore - it does make a really nice sitting area however,) I was hoping to upgrade, after the fact, to the gaucho bunk as I have 2 little kids I want to house. I emailed the manufacturers and 'Reace' was kind enough to respond to me the next day. Now that says something about the Escape brand!!!

"The gaucho bunk requires a support brace in the front wall under the window to anchor the bunk to. It is a piece of 3/4" plywood which is fiberglassed to the shell under the headliner. If it is there, then the bunk can be added easily....if not, you will have to come up with another solution such as screwing through the shell to anchor the bunk..."

Unfortunately for me, I am lacking that anchor. I am hoping that the members might be kind enough to share pictures with me of what I have to do to 're-create' a bunk, or perhaps share ideas on what I could do. My version comes with the upgraded insulation and no apparent bunk bed attatchments, so I think I will need to get fancy. Unfortunately I am no engineer and only marginally handy.
I live in the queen charlottes, so there are no easy 3rd party fixes for me, I am eager for any help.

I have to say that I am amazed at this trailer. It has lived in the rainforest for it's whole life and it is showing no signs of leaking. In fact it looks brand new, despite sitting outside, uncovered for it's whole life. I am blown away at the quality of construction and the ergonomics of this unit. Very proud to have bought a CDN constructed trailer. Love the web support!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Clint
__________________
2004 17' Plan B
British Columbia
bcescape is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2009, 01:10 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
amirie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Chilliwack, British Columbia
Trailer: 2008 17B Escape
Posts: 766
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Can't help you as we don't have the gaucho model.

Just wanted to say WELCOME!

We are going to be up in the Charlottes in July--but not with the trailer... I'll be pleased if we happen to see yours, always get excited when we see an Escape.. Ther are two Escape trailers on The Charlottes right??
__________________
Anna-Marie
amirie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2009, 08:52 AM   #3
Site Team
 
Donna D.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,023
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Have you considered building a framework for the bunk portion? If it's affixed to the floor, you wouldn't need to punch holes through the outside shell.
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
Donna D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2009, 11:40 PM   #4
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 33
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Thanks for the welcome. Yes, I believe that there are currently two Escapes in the Charlotte's. Too bad you can't bring yours, but ferry travel is pretty expensive these days, so I understand why you might not want to bring yours. You visiting Gwaii Haanas NPR? Too bad no way to get an 'Escape' down there!

I agree, that a frame is preferred to punching holes. I hadn't thought of that, but in my climate I think that is the way to go.

I figure that a bunk would really only need to support max. about a 100 pounds of kid. If anyone has pics of the gaucho and would be kind enough to post I would appreciate it. I think that it uses a couple of aluminum posts for added strength?

Cheers
__________________
2004 17' Plan B
British Columbia
bcescape is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2009, 01:04 AM   #5
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 33
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas for 2004 17b?

I love my 2nd hand 2004 escape, I just really need a bunk bed for the kids.
I think I will need to bolt a 2X4 under the front window. (I think that is the sort of thing that Reece may have been suggesting). I am going to try and mod a frame that uses slats (instead of solid plywood) which can be broken down and stored under the front dinette space. The lateral support on the approach side will be a hinged 2X4 (can hide it in the bathroom). Trying to figure out how to support that brace on the wardrobe and restroom closets. Maybe modify a metal shelf bracket thingy. I will share my experiment when completed. If anyone has any words of advice or pics, I am all ears. I really like the big open feel of the front seating area, and don't want to commit to a permanent bunk, hence the break down option.

I wish I lived near Chilliwack!



__________________
2004 17' Plan B
British Columbia
bcescape is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2009, 06:51 AM   #6
Site Team
 
Donna D.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,023
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

I fella just posted a topic and link to pics on FiberglassRV, Replaced front bunk a strong bunk that works: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/in...howtopic=36072

Maybe there's something in the post that will help you? Good luck!
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
Donna D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2009, 09:36 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
gbaglo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Careful. Escape 17s that have the bunk also have a support block fiber-glassed to the shell, under the front window. You will have nothing but the shell to bolt to and through.

baglo
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
gbaglo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2009, 11:05 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
gbaglo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?


There is a much simpler solution. You buy a tent. The kids love having their own space. Pitch it near the trailer so you and they can feel safe. Not sure how old the kids are, but, by the time they are 10, they will insist on their own spot.

baglo
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
gbaglo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2009, 11:07 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Sandra L's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Antelope, California
Trailer: 2009 17B "Suite Escape" pulled by a 2020 Toyota Sienna
Posts: 1,565
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Hi and Welcome!
Since I did not envision much group camping, I did not get the gaucho. Now, however, there are three of "Grammy's girls" that are expected to be regulars. I have seen pvc pipe made into chairs and tables using pipe, fittings and fabric for chair backs and seats. I was wondering if that concept could be modified to make a bunk bed that is stable and yet could be broken down for travel or dinette use. I think it could work if the kid(s) weren't heavy. Also, since it would be free-standing, no wall reinforcement would be necessary and the bathroom wall and wardrobe wall could prevent it from tipping over. Just a thought... :
__________________
Peace and Sunshine
Sandra L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2009, 02:34 PM   #10
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 33
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Thanks for the feedback and link. I looked at the fiberglass again after gbaglos warning and have to agree. I am scared that it might crack under use. I think I will go with something like sandra suggested - only use wood not pvc. I will update with pics when I am done. A system that can break down, and gets its support from the existing cabinetry.

Kids are under 10 and still want to be in the same unit. This will likely change as soon as I have built the bunk!

Thanks for all your suggestions, waiting for feedback has forced me to slow down and think it through a little more, which is always a good thing.
__________________
2004 17' Plan B
British Columbia
bcescape is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2009, 06:51 PM   #11
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 33
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Here is my bunk bed modification. No drilling into the fiberglass. It is able to fold for storage, slats are not secured. Used a shelf holder for bracing on the front side. The back side (front of trailer) rests on the seat.
Attached Thumbnails
bunkbedmod.JPG   shelfholdermod.JPG  
__________________
2004 17' Plan B
British Columbia
bcescape is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2009, 06:56 PM   #12
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 33
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

couple more pics. I used two shelf holders, one for each cabinet. It supports 190 pounds of me .... but the entire bunk is really only capable of holding a child. The width was a half inch difference between the two seperate cabinets. The slats act as a brace and really keep things snug. Easy to break down.
Attached Thumbnails
rearsupportrestingonseat.JPG   foldingbunkmod.JPG  
__________________
2004 17' Plan B
British Columbia
bcescape is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2009, 08:27 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
JeffZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 893
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Nicely done!! .. and great idea..
__________________
Former 17ft Plan "B" Escape
Toyota Highlander w/tow pkg


favorite quote: "Put the candle back"
JeffZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2009, 08:49 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Hokie Escape's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Farmville, Virginia
Trailer: 2006 Escape 5.0
Posts: 900
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Ditto! nice job, well thought out. Great contribution to many I'm sure





































__________________
"In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice. In the morning, I will offer my prayer to you, and wait in expectation" Ps 5:3
'11 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab (5' bed) 09 Escape 5.0
Blacksburg, Virginia (Home of the Virginia Tech Hokies)
Hokie Escape is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-02-2009, 09:14 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Jim Bennett's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Looks great. It should work great for you.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
Jim Bennett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2009, 09:22 AM   #16
Senior Member
 
Sandra L's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Antelope, California
Trailer: 2009 17B "Suite Escape" pulled by a 2020 Toyota Sienna
Posts: 1,565
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Great idea! How are the attached legs (in the front of the trailer) removed for storage? What are your thoughts with regard to 4 legs and no brackets? The bunk looks very sturdy.
__________________
Peace and Sunshine
Sandra L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2009, 10:30 AM   #17
Senior Member
 
Hokie Escape's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Farmville, Virginia
Trailer: 2006 Escape 5.0
Posts: 900
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Sandra, where are some of YOUR pictures? You ordered some different things (different sized windows, hatches, etc.) that might help others. Love to see them, or have I missed them somewhere?
__________________
"In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice. In the morning, I will offer my prayer to you, and wait in expectation" Ps 5:3
'11 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab (5' bed) 09 Escape 5.0
Blacksburg, Virginia (Home of the Virginia Tech Hokies)
Hokie Escape is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2009, 11:29 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
Sandra L's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Antelope, California
Trailer: 2009 17B "Suite Escape" pulled by a 2020 Toyota Sienna
Posts: 1,565
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Thanks for your interest! I just posted some exterior pictures under Show Your Escape..Sandra's "Suite Escape". Hopefully I will get some new interior shots showing the white window frames before too long.
__________________
Peace and Sunshine
Sandra L is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2009, 01:24 AM   #19
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2
Re: After Market Gaucho / Bunk Bed Any Ideas?

Hi, your bunk bed modification looks great. We have purchased a 2005 17b and are also looking to retro-fit a bunk bed into the unit for the kids. Reace suggested that I look at your modifications. I am not handy at all and would appreciate a bit more detail on how you did it.
Thanks,
Lorelei
llew@pacificcoast.net
lorelei l is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2021, 10:40 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Falls Church, Virginia
Trailer: 2005 Escape 17b
Posts: 124
Quote:
Originally Posted by bcescape View Post
Here is my bunk bed modification. No drilling into the fiberglass. It is able to fold for storage, slats are not secured. Used a shelf holder for bracing on the front side. The back side (front of trailer) rests on the seat.
This looks great! Do you have any pictures of what it looked like when you wanted to use the dinette? We are interested in an older 17B that doesn't have the bunk option.
harvest is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off




» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Escape Trailer Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:27 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2023 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.