Modified the queen bed in U-shaped dinette on existing trailer.

[MB]

We have a 2011 19 ft Escape that we love, but we would like to modified the queen bed in a u-shaped dinette and the front table in to a permanent bed.
We did think this throw and read all the post on this forum about it and we think that it would be a good solution for us.

From the picture that were posted of that modification done by Escape I can see that I will have to raised the floor, the frame structure would be fairly easy to figure out and I can do the cushions.

By biggest worry is how to make it look like it was always there (the finishing of the structures)
I was looking to see if someone did that mod themselves and if they have some photos and comment.

Thank you

[dbailey]

It's not a modification I've considered, but I did have the bed mostly deconstructed while I worked on some other projects/problems.

You will not be able to re-use much of the bed structure for what you are planning. The bed is supported by blocks fiberglassed in around the edge, then with 3 beams spanning the width (that is, running trailer-front to trailer-back). Those 3 beams are in line with the front edge of the kitchen cabinet, down the center, and in line with the front of the fridge wall. You might be able to re-use the outer two of the beams, but I suspect they aren't in an ideal location (too close together to define the front edges of the benches).

The floor under then bed is finished, and it's already raised (to fit the fresh water tank underneath it), so you should be good to go there. You will need to be careful if you put any screws down through the floor not to puncture the fresh water tank.

Finishing the structure shouldn't be too tough if you have any experience with wood working. If not, it still shouldn't be difficult but you will need to do some learning.

[Jim Bennett]

Michele, as Doug alluded to, if you have even good basic woodworking skills it would not be too hard to do. For any of the exposed wood you could ether acquire the same materials Escape uses, or just use a real oak with a clear polyurethane finish.

[MB]

Thank you Doug and Jim,

I made a plan today and took a look under the bed, still thinking about the mod
but we will have to wait for the spring.
Right know the memory foam mattress is hard like cement, would take a lot heat to make it soft so we could removed it from there.

If and when I do this mod I will post some pictures of realisation.