Van Life 101: How to Build a Bed in a Minivan!
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- čas přidán 12. 03. 2017
- In this video, I'll build a bed from 1 sheet of plywood and two, 2x4's. It's for a friend's town and country minivan. It's such a simple project I hope anyone can feel like they can do it themselves just by watching this video.
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Thanks for watching!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Bob is a great guy. A true blessing.
The only thing I thought about during differently was inserting a piece of laminate behind the table to keep cooking stains, splatters off the back of the seat.
As a single woman novice to building, I’ll feel more confident making my bed or any thing else I want to do. Thank you!
2x4s and plywood are cheap, even if you made a mistake it wouldn't be an expensive one. Many a time I've carried materials in for something I was repairing or renovating around the house, worked for about 30 minutes, then grab my keys to walk out that door and my wife will ask where I'm going.
"Back to the store, I screwed up"
But I think the anxiety of trying something new yourself is what makes it feel so amazing when you finish. I installed a new bathroom door and molding, for like 6 months I pointed out to my wife that the door actually closes and has beautiful new molding
Bob, I so appreciate your hands-on, "hand-holding", step-by-step, clear, but always thoughtful and respectful way of showing us how simply we can create a life that could work as we travel and create more choices and freedom than me may have thought possible... for much less than we had thought. This one in particular makes "conversions" seem quite feasible....one step at a time...with simple ideas and tools. You always inspire me, Bob...just being "you" and sharing as you do. Thank you so much. I'll certainly be sharing your channel with friends.
You sir, are one of a kind. The simplicity you employ should make everyone confident to do this themselves. Thanks for sharing, Bob.
I like this a lot...she has a bed and a recliner too!
and a nice handyman.... 😉
he wanders the desert wasteland, helping those in need. wherever there's Injustice he will be there
They call him Super Bob him and his faithful dog Cody! Known to all van his van tribe as Super Bob there Hero.... Just kidding Bob we love you! Thank you for all you do.
(don't worry; i 'got...the 3 amigo's reference! lol!)
he’s just a gem 💎 I would love to o meet him sometime
Jeff B why cant he be the hero we deserve?
Yeah, I bet he's testing out that bed
Nice simple set up Bob, for that van (just get er done). I have been a builder for 48 years and never saw any one run a portable saw agains't a square (good $4.00 idea in place of a bulky, expensive chop/miter saw). Your never to old to learn a new trick or two! lol. Gary in Michigan (retired and freezing aboard sv 'Paladin' for the moment).
I love how you explain the things that actually matter to someone who has never done it before - like how to get lumber, that's the stuff that intimidates me! Thank you for this awesome video :)
Helen Hachtel ya! me too!
Ditto!!
How VERY, VERY kind of you to help out a friend, Bob! This is why I subscribe to your channel and keep up with you! God bless you abundantly as you travel around spreading your message of a simpler life for us all! You've been a blessing to me, even though our Freightliner Coronado is a pretty comfy tiny house on wheels....I have learned a lot! Great video, as usual! Super that you made it a tutorial for those who may want to try the same thing! Thank you for taking the time, Bob! Hope we get to meet out here on the road on day!
Well said!
I agree ditto !!💕
What a gentle teaching spirit you have. I just started using tools a year ago. So every reassuring confidence builder I can find is always appreciated!
Another helpful video, Bob! I also have a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan with Stow n Go seats. With no need for the seats I removed them entirely. That left a huge amount of storage under the floor where the middle and rear seats would be stored. This also removed a lot of unnecessary weight from the van. I use a good quality camping cot and thermarest mattress. It takes up very little space compared to all the wood and is very comfortable. I added a small folding chair stored behind the passenger front seat to sit on inside the van. I also have a 12V fridge, deep cycle battery, 1,000 watt inverter, small 300W electric heater and small propane little buddy heater. I added 5% limo tint for privacy. Very happy with this setup and if needed I can remove it all in 20 minutes to use as a cargo van.
Do you have video of your set up I have the town and country
@@michaelcushmanjr8377 Sorry, I never made a video. I do have pictures filed away and I'll get in touch after finding if that helps. But keep in mind this was a very simple camping setup with nothing permanent. I've now done the same build with a Honda Pilot 4x4 SUV for back-country travel and camping.
I love it when you argue with the camera!!! lol love all your videos! TY!
I know right! lol
haha!
And I know this is harder or you think there's a better way, But I'm just going to do it my way!! Haha. Love u Bob, Love u Cody.
Bob, you are a good person! You have a knack for making people happy.
Bob, I have been following your channel for a while now from across the other side of the world ‘downunder’ in Australia even though I do not have a van. What I like about you is you willingness to help people and your genuine love of your lifestyle. I wish you every happiness for the future and thanks for the videos.
What a nice friend you are Bob
Tnx Bob, this 69 y/o lady just made herself a bed just like this. Needed something quick and not to complicated. Be nice to have the fancy woodwork they do on some of these vans, but gotta make meals, laundry, clean house, take care of old man. This works for me🙂 I really want to travel, been watching you for a long time. Don't have much longer for me. Lord willing, we'll head out in May-want to go to New England before husband cant anymore.
I want to thank you for your time and effort in making these videos. I an a Jack of all trades. But making these videos for beginners or timid is of great value. If I couldn't help a family member or friend. I'm glad you have a tutorial for people to reach out fir and utilize. Keep doing what you're doing for your community. You are a priceless asset. Keep on keepin' on. Stay hydrated and fed
It is my pleasure, I'd hate for anyone to decide they can't live as a nomad because they are intimidated by complicated builds they see online. Nearly everyone ends up with a different build than they started with so you may as well start out simple, light and cheap.
Well said
@@CheapRVliving I am so glad I found your channel. I have been watching builds n saying I can't afford this. These folks have money to burn. Glad to find you n see that it's affordable. I can start off slow n build up
Also Bob don't forget sunscreen your face is burned.
It's interested when you show almost the complete building of the project. Good job. I know it takes more energy when you are also filming. I appreciate it, thanks.
Bob, you angel, this video came out at perfect time. I was planning to go to Home Depot today and try to figure out how to make a bed frame. I was so out of my zone that I left. You went into such detail that I have complete confidence to try again and I feel that I got this now. THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!
Cyndi R
You sound like me I did same thing
God bless you Bob for all that you do for your community. It is BECAUSE OF YOU and your blog that I have decided to embrace the idea of just going out and fulfilling my Life long Dream of Living Free like a Gypsy, but in Nature and enjoying All of God's Blessings!! 😁 May God continue to take care of you so you can continue spreading your message!! Thanks for helping me feel confident enough to make this Life Changing decision!! 😃😁😁 I hope to get to meet you in person one day to thank you!! God Bless 🙏🙏
I love your positivity Bob. Life may throw some difficult things at us financially but we still have freedom. Just have to make good with what we have and be around the right people.
That looks great. If it was only me and one animal, I could definitely live in that space.
Many people do, but you need to be a minimalist.
CheapRVliving That's where I'm headed. I'm already living very small.
so bob in the old days you weren't so friendly and kinda stayed by yourself , it is nice to see you have come out of your shell and are doing this for people , great work BOB !!
Bob, I've been watching your videos for a long time. This was one of my favorites. I waited to long to try the van life. I'm 82 and have health issues that aren't compatible with van life. Keep up the great videos. Thank you so much.
OK, done some woodwork but learned why to cut with the C-side up and to make sure the blade is spinning before touching the wood. Very good vid, Bob. Thank you and Aloha!
Great tip
Nice!!
Bob Wells = Bob Vila of This Old Van
Lol yes!!!
Lol. I was thinking that about another video I watched on him the other day lol
LOL, totally!!
made me chuckel :) !!!! thanks i needed that
Great build and great message Bob. She will be happier now and live a more comfortable life now. You have found your calling and you are great at it. Keep it up and thank you for sharing.
You sir, are one of a kind. The simplicity you employ should make everyone confident to do this themselves. Thanks for sharing, Bob.
I absolutely agree about the 2x4s vs 2x2s. They will split, twist and break. You made her a good solid bed at a very affordable price. Way to go Bob! I really like how helpful you are to people.
I just love how he is having a 2x2 vs 2x4 argument as though there's someone there who keeps trying to tell him he's wrong or something. Made me chuckle because I too like to indulge in the occasional debate with myself.
This was a great instructional video (I have absolutely zero carpentry experience).
Bob, you are such a great person! ❤
Very well thought out! With the pad the owner will have extra almost level knee-leg sleeping room that flows over into the seat for nighttime comfort. All that can be added is a small board type coffee table, side table tray on the bed for day use. Good job! Excellent idea.
Add a pole under table you have a great lil closet!
How nice of you to help others. Thank You Bob
The real message help each other out,very nice thank you for the video..
I love how he has these two-sided conversations with himself. 😆 Another great, helpful video, Bob!
This was an awesome video Bob. It really helped that this was basic. It would help to have a list in the description of everything that you used (kind of like a shopping list) with the specific washers, screws, the grade of lumber you recommend, shelf brackets, 2 X 4's, and the food grade finish you suggest we should use. This would help take the fear of failure out of the project for those that have not built anything before. Thank you for doing this video. You are an angel.
I love a bit of woodwork in the morning and Ryobi made fine good quality tools.Clever idea with the shelf brackets.
Keeping it real. Keeping it simple. Affordable solutions. Well done!
really nice design. I like that she has a bed and a comfortable chair to sit in. thanks for sharing Bob
Thanks Bob for helping us ladies out there....
Great job, Bob! Every vehicle is a little different, so we must improvise, adapt and overcome as we go. A little imagination and a good tape measure will win out in the end. a couple of 'tech tips' for those contemplating this sort of thing: Plated deck screws are about the same price as drywall screws, and will never rust or work loose. For smaller length screws, use flathead sheet metal screws. They work just fine with wood and have a lot more threads per inch of length to help bite into the wood and really stay tight. Also, think about vibration and movement as the vehicle is used. The body will flex and bounce. So, the shelf brackets and 2x4's are definitely not overkill when the construction must withstand what amounts to a continuous small earthquake as the vehicle goes down the road. Good travels to you all!
Thank you for posting some really nice tips bob!
Great tips
Sagebrushbob good grief what about shear strength
is this about Shear strength?
Bob you are one kind friend to help others..So nice to see there are kind and caring people..Thank you for the video very simple build!
Well done Bob! Very thorough and easy to follow! Thank you.
Thanks for watching Cathy!
CheapRVliving Hc
Bob, I would love to see cooking videos from your channel. Anyone thinking about this lifestyle would benefit from seeing your adventurers ideas for meals and how they prep them in their vehicles. Please consider doing these videos...I think it would help those of us considering this way of life. Love your channel and your interviews!
I'm not terribly interested in cooking myself, but I appreciate the suggestion and as I come across folks who are to interview I'll keep it in mind.
Thank you Bob for all thath you do ,helping outhers. You are so special person ,Blesings to you and your Love ones . I love seing your videos and lissening to all you say ,I lurn so much from you. Thank you for all you do for me and others. Gretings to the Lady. 💐and you. Happy Trails👍💝💐💝💐💝💐💝💐💝💐👌love from Dk☕💕☕💕☕💕☕
Really nice tutorial. Shows that it doesn't always have to be complex. Nice of you to do that for the owner, as well.
GOD BLESS YOU ANGEL BOB, YOU HELP A FRIEND BUILT THE BED, AND YOU SHOW ME HOW TO DO IT, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING PLEASE STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR CREW. 🙏💝💝💝
Great job Bob , nice inexpensive build and all you need to live in a van . 🇬🇧👍🍻
Bob, you are so amazing!! Thank you for everything you do!!
Not a waste of money if it gets the job done and keeps things safer.Wonder bed built by a very generous gentleman. Thank you for all you do Bob. Happy trails!
Great simple inexpensive build , thanks for sharing with us all Bob. 👍🇬🇧
Bob, You are a very caring person. This build was a labour of love. Thank you for making this lady's life a better one. ( :
Bob, Thank you!!! I'm trying to make my bed and my carpenter friends have made everything so freaking complicated. I really needed this video.
PS I'm a 5'8" woman. 😂
Bob, I love that you show us how to DIY and economically. So refreshing. :)
With your instructions I feel like I could do it!
wow Bob, that was really great! You made this lady's life so much better, you are a genius!
They also make plastic containers about 5-6 inches tall that would fit under the shorter legs. About 6x15x31. Good job. That is a great idea using the shelf brackets!
Awesome Video! Bob, we LOVE seeing you be you. Don't change! I'm a Ryobi fan as well and I love working with wood. I do like the shelf bracket idea. Just a thought - with the brackets on that shelf it would make a good multi-purpose table beside the fire pit. Thanks for letting everyone know that ANYONE can do simple projects to live their dreams.
Thanks D, and good point: it's always good to have multipurpose tools in general.
D Eddle
Although I'm a Retired Contractor, I always swore by Dewalt but like Bob said, Ryobi is good enough for self-help tinkering. I too bought the Ryobi all in one tool kit.
@@CheapRVliving Thank you Bob for every video.
I'm 65 and disabled but my dream is to live in my Honda CR-V.
You make me believe that anything is possible.
God bless you.
Thank you my friend for all your great advice
You are an amazing man! So kind May God always bless you
The tapered bed design is what I thought of for my van build. It's brilliant, even if by accident, because the top of the body is larger than the bottom, so the thinner bottom of the bed still accommodates a person comfortably.
As you were talking about the 2x2, 2x4 discussion, I began thinking the ease of using the 2x4 makes it a no brainer. Getting all the cuts square makes it really easy. The stow and go seats make it easy for resale, you could buy a van and sell it when you are done, wherever you are, and the seats aren't on the other side of the country!
John Bruce That’s funny John re the seats location. Been there.
bob, i just want to say thank you for being so kind - you address the fact that i (i'm sure many others) actually would be intimidated to go into a supply store and buy a big sheet of plywood... that's scary :) but you show the gates of where you go, how to go about it... in a very kind and understanding manner that I really appreciate. I'm facing the possibility of having no home, very soon.. i've just bought a van, 2002 honda odyssey ex, and am trying to wrap my head around the fact that i may be living in it soon, and have been watching videos, getting ideas for the build! so, anyway.. thank u
What a wonderful thing you have done. She should thoroughly enjoy your table and bed.
Bob, love these simple build videos! That's why I'm really looking forward to the build videos of your personal van. Thanks as always!
Gosh I learned so much.. I'm thinking of doing the same to my Town and Country.. Thank you and love watching all your videos..
I love that idea of using the nut. really great idea. Thanks.
I'd have to add two more legs to the bed platform, split the bed towards the back 2 to 3 feet. So if you need that xtra seat. You can move all the bedding aside.
Tables a nice touch. Go ahead and put the brackets in. You can remove and use outside of the mini-van.❤
What a nice job, she will be happy in her little 🏡 on wheels for many years to come .
Drywall screws are very brittle. Screws made for subfloors or decks are more expensive but have greater shear value. The shear load per screw is likely very low in the bed, so it should work here. I just wanted to point this out. Hopefully people aren't using drywall screws in locations of high shear load. When in doubt, the screws by Simpson Strong Tie (and others) for structural lumber connectors are very good and commonly available, but they are expensive.
Thanks for the info WL!
God, I love an engineer!
Don't get me confused 😂😂😂 lololol
Without Leash I had no idea about
‘Shear Values’ or ‘Shear Loads per screw’
Ok. So what goes on if one dies use drywall screws in locations of high shear load?
Can they snap in half, do they bury themselves in the wood, do they cause a crooked unleveling?
Or worst will they creak?
I barely found out one day that the colors of those drill in screws actually meant blue is for ___ and gray is for _____ and the other day I saw a mustard yellow, and no clue on that one! The other two is gray for cement?
and blue for wood?
The color is way the screw cuts into the material, right?
Shear strength. Is the color to do with labeling the shear strength?
the shelf brackets were a great idea. esp in a moving car where things get shifted front to back stopping and starting. it's a good idea for extra strength. love ryobi
Remember the shelf brackets take up some space under bed so take into account when measuring under bed for bins.
Just got my bed made. Two friends of mine helped me out. It turned out great. I wanted headroom when I sit up so one end is about 6 inches the other is about 9”. I took out my seats so I have a huge trunk that we covered and cut the lid in half and hinged it. It holds a ton of stuff. I won’t have as much under the bed storage but it will work great. I can’t wait till snow melts and I am out of here.
Bob you are one of the kindest people! Thank you so much for helping so many people. Could you do a show on managing prescription medications on the road.
Oh so nice and not complicated. Bob, you created organized useable dedicated spaces which are sturdy and not expensive (sans the tools). On a folding table in the desert, amazing! You are a good and helpful friend and tutor.
That was very informative , I have never bought wood before or made any kinda bed, so thank you Bob👍
Great job Bob. How sweet you are to be such a great help to this lady.
Wow, I have been trying to figure out how I can set up an area for work. It never even occurred to me to leave one of those back seats up! Thank you!!
Great job on the build, Bob! thank you for taking us along and showing us how to make a space fit us, instead of the other way around!
Yep
Bob, I fricken love you!! Thank you for teaching me!!
I just got a new to me, full size van to build out because I hope to go full time and the old mom mini-van I have isn’t road worthy for out of town trips.
I also have a friend who is homeless. He is a single man and I am a single woman. He is a man of faith and won’t accept my offer to stay with me because it’s improper.
I am going to build out the old mini-van for him so he has shelter.
I love the handholding! Some people really need it.
I'm so glad you built this bed because I've been looking at stow and go seating vans and that was my idea also but I would put both seats down because I have a big dog. Great build and great info!!!
Bob, Thanks for the great video. Love the Ryobi line. From tools to a fan, radio, spot light, mini vacuum. Eveything you need for the van life. You can't go wrong with Ryobi.
Carol Ertl I agree. I love the ryobi line. I have t tried the new batteries yet
I was a carpenter for years, and I just wanted to chime in here to say that everything was how I would do it and maybe I still learned a bit. Ryobi for life
You are such a kindgiving soul Bob. I have been watching your channel for a while now, I wonder if there is some kind of calling that keeps drawing me to it. Rock on
Wonderful. Thank you. I would love to see her set up when she's fully decked out.
Thanks bunch and big hugs to you for your compassionate encouragement and hope you and your guests give us. 😘
Its really easy to remove the sto and go seats. I kept one of the middle ones so I can carry a third person, but removed both rear and one middle one. Those caravans are awesome! I have more storage space than I know what to do with. I am more constrained by not wanting to carry excessive weight. Everything is fairly readily accessable. Gas mileage is not so bad. My van is comfy, cosy, convenient and was very inexpensive to kit out. Being as its 'just a van' (common one at that), its easy to stealth park overnight as needs be. The van itself was pretty new when I bought it and I have put alot of kilometres on it. Including a few pretty crazy roads! ❤️my van 😁
Thank you so much for walking through the purchase of wood and tips on using Ryobi tool. Much needed, you are so helpful. God bless.
I love how you are arguing with your self! :)
I can't help it! :)
Yes, 2 x 4 is the way to go. Good job Bob.
Thanks, Bob. This kinda thing is a problem for me and my minimalist ideals. Purging the house is no problem. Purging all my tools and garage has been the biggest problem! Hahaha. Think I will yard sale what I have and pick up that Ryobi set. It look awesome!
I have 1 to.
Bob, another simple yet highly functional build. Thanks for sharing with us!
I'm definitely learning brother so I appreciate your videos
Thank you so much Bob, your advice is so wonderful. Watching you make the bed and the shelf has really helped me. Take care of yourself xx
2011 Town and Country van owner here. Been watching your videos for a month now and soooo want to do this van life. Been wanting to do this for awhile now but finances to do a build are tight. This right here is awesome and cheap and it works !! Next stop for me is home Depot :D You are making this girl very very happy THANKS !!
Please let me know how your build goes for you!
That's so kind of you to help out and show how to get the lumber, and safely brace it. I have a nice 2019 Dodge Grand caravan with the stow and go seats. I have to say, I'm making a wider bed and taking out the seats to really make use of the huge back storage space as a fridge and battery area. But that's the beauty of individual choices with these makeovers. Right now when I sleep, I have to park at a slant or pile a few rugs and yoga mats to level the bed or I slide so I'll be building a platform.
Thank you so much for making this video. I've been thinking of making a bed for the bed of my truck just for camping and was wondering just how I would do that. Last year I used a cot with a 4" foam mattress which was fine because I have a Napier truck bed tent. I hate putting a tent up and down and then you can't go anywhere with it on there. I'm looking at a high top truck cap with windows that open but that means I need to lower the bed closer to the wheel wells so it doesn't get too claustrophobic. I know I could just put the mattress on the floor but I'm 69 yo and just don't like rolling out of bed and want to be able to sit on the bed with my feet on the floor. Lol. I usually become an overnight guest at my daughters campsites for a couple of nights and I just want something quick and easy. This idea really fits the bill. Thanks again for this video. I'm ready to make that bed now.
That was a nice thing to do. THANKS for helping her out!
Thanks, Bob. You explained and demonstrated so clearly , including what to ask for at the lumber yard so that no one needs to feel timid.
🛠 The shelf bracket idea is an excellent simple solution for stability 🛌 Great video! 👍
I really like how you took the camera in the car and specifically showed up the process. Me with my anxiety I would over think the situation and all I’m really doing is picking up some wood lol