Hammocks and vertical sleeping pods aside, a bed is a crucial part of a camper build, and what better source of wood than ... well, another bed?

I picked up a used bed frame in excellent condition for nothing and began taking it apart. The bed I wanted to build was more than just a sleeping platform; it had to fit perfectly in the van, be attached to the wall and floor for stability, and have a storage component. It also needed to have a removable middle section because I intended to create a doorway to the cabin, so in the daytime, the bed would have a walkway through the middle, creating two benches which could be used as a dining area, thanks to the caravan table I acquired during the mark 1 build (thanks, pops).

The basic frame, built from old bed beams.

To ensure a solid base that can take the weight of a bed and people (and a large dog), I reused the legs of the previous bed and attached them with 4" heavy duty screws. The other end of this unit is secured to the divider with four of the same.

You could fight Bruce Lee on this bed.

With two frames built and precisely spaced to accommodate my caravan table, I'm getting closer to having a king-sized bed in here.

Two frames with ridged central edges for table support.

The table sitting on the ridges, proving the concept.

The bed base in two sections. Also pictured (on top of the bed frame) are the overhead shelf frames that will be used for books, medical supplies, a few games and things of that nature.