We have an '84 Funchaser that we are slowly (too slowly) getting ready to actually camp in.

I had to pull the jacknife couch that serves as the front (larger of the two) beds out to replace the old steel hot water heater, and this gets me thinking....does that couch NEED to go back in there?

We are going to buy a good foam mattress of some kind, and leave the couch down all the time anyway. This is going to happen either way... We'd rather have the bed made than the extra couch space.

So...is there any reason that I can't just build a platform over the storage space/water supply space, and put a mattress down?

I'm thinking that I'll have to build the platform in two parts- one hinged in the back for easy access to the water lines/pump/etc. , and the other just attached to the framing I have to make to support that side of the bed.

Seems like this would give me:
*A better bed- I hate the couch as a bed
*Easier access to the waterworks- there isn't much room under there to work on things with the couch in it.
*More storage- I can put a door or two on the new framing section and have some additional under the bed storage.

Any thoughts

Russ Tidwell
Kansas

A good plan
you will lose some sq ft at the entry and make more congested
what if you made a platform, comfortable ht, and left the front a slider in/out like the couch & leg. keeps the area open when awake and larger bed couch.

You are very correct about the minimal access under the couch, PIA
larger storage is good BUT keep it light due to tongue weight

__________________
2002 ford f350, 7.3 diesel
1985 hi-lo funchaser
kb0nai
kd7ctk

Here is what we did in our 25ft. Classic 1990. We were able to take our RV to a place that makes custom mattresses. Our foam mattresses look just like a bed mattress you would have at home. Solved the uncomfortable crack problem. Some have used air mattresses. Many have gone to Walmart and purchased memory foam that would sit on top of the couch. We leave our beds made up all the time.

We removed the couch, built a frame for the empty space between the couch framing/existing storage and the fridge. I bought a 5" custom cut foam mattress, in the firmest foam I could get, then we put a 2" memory foam topper that was left from our tent camper.

It's very comfortable, and we picked up some storage under the bed.

What was the proper method for removing the queen sofa bed without causing damage? Just bought a 95 and want to remove that sofa and clean under it.

For removal, the jack knife sofa is mounted to each side.
Lift using knife action to unbolt. Then muscle one side up and spin to remove.

If just for cleaning this is over kill. On your knees and get friendly with vacuum.
Access was front on mine.

__________________
2002 ford f350, 7.3 diesel
1985 hi-lo funchaser
kb0nai
kd7ctk