Looking for ideas for a folding bed/sleeping area

[FlyingBarney]

So, my Super-Exceed Delica has finally arrived (thanks Mardy) and we are getting to know each other, for what will quite possibly become a long and committed relationship. Photos to follow...

I am planning to remove the back bench seat and convert it to a part-time camper (meaning, be able to open some space to sleep, and then fold it back). I will try to describe in words what I am currently envisioning, and would greatly appreciate any tips, suggestions, pictures of what you have done, and anything else that you think might be of use for me.

When not in "camping mode," the captain seats are moved back, facing forward. Behind them there is an elevated platform, which creates a bit of a truck space. It is permanently fixed, probably like an elevated board, which might be covered with something like a blanket or a permanently-glued carpet-like thing. Underneath, I can slide a few large plastic containers which can hold groceries and other stuff. Like a trunk space. Above it, my dog can hang out, when the car is full of people.

Then, when I decide to sleep in the car, it converts to a "camping mode." The captain seats move all the way forward and are turned to face backwards. There is another piece of board that opens up, creating a sleeping space. Where is it stored (somehow on top of the first, permanently-attached one?)? How do I keep it solid and resting on some support?

Anyway, this is how I am seeing it right now. Appreciate any and all your thoughts and suggestions in advance.

Thanks,
Simon

[TardisDeli]

Hi Simon, We did a long [posting on this in the past, I will go into it now, to post so it will bump to the top of the list again. If you want to meet up we live in Burnaby, and would love to show you various ideas. Cheers, Jay and Christine.

[BCDelica]

Welcome. My rear bed area took a little over an hour to build; nothing more then a support sheet of plywood that filled the area behind the captain seats and a sliding door skin to rest on the seat when the were facing backwards well all the way foward. It last for a couple of years, was only in during camping season, allowed tons of storage space underneath including full jugs of WVO - 9 at the most. And my fav story from the new owners; herself and 4 kids spent the night in the van with that set up - a Delica that sleeps 5!

Dig back with the search function; my fav solutions belong to the A's: Artacoma and Asorensen.

Cheers,
Kev

[FlyingBarney]

Hi Simon, We did a long [posting on this in the past, I will go into it now, to post so it will bump to the top of the list again. If you want to meet up we live in Burnaby, and would love to show you various ideas. Cheers, Jay and Christine.

Hi Jay and Christine,

Would love to see the post, and come take a look at your ideas. Appreciate the offer.

Simon
FlyingBarney@gmail.com

[TardisDeli]

Hi Simon -- Flying Barney,

Can you update your online profile with info about what city you live in, etc. If you want to visit us Tuesday or Wednesday evening this week, we're off the Gaglardi exit in Burnaby. We are set up in camping mode as going camping this weekend. Jay is expert on battery installations, inverters and other wiring stuff.

Cheers, Christine.

[Erebus]

Then, when I decide to sleep in the car, it converts to a "camping mode." The captain seats move all the way forward and are turned to face backwards. There is another piece of board that opens up, creating a sleeping space. Where is it stored (somehow on top of the first, permanently-attached one?)? How do I keep it solid and resting on some support?

When I have a chance (tomorrow?) I'll post photos of my platform on the other thread that Christine refers to (http://www.delica.ca/forum/methods-of-s ... 54-15.html). My platform is similar to the TardisDeli. I would recommend when sleeping, that the second row seats be all the way to the rear, facing rear, then reclined flat. Then the mattress or board can lie on them, doing double duty.

[Erebus]

Okay, so it wasn't quite "tomorrow" but here is the link to the other thread with photos of my sleeping platform.

http://www.delica.ca/forum/methods-of-s ... tml#p28974

It should be noted that I also have a huge roof rack (96" x 51"), so lots of gear is also stored up there. Combining the platform with the roof rack, almost everything is stored out of the way.