Plastic Pipe Bunk

theoldprof · Sep 22, 2008

In a conversation with another person recently we were discussing cargo van bunks. Most of them being made out of plywood that is heavy. I brought up the idea of having the bunk frame made of 1-1/2 or 2 inch plastic pipe. It would be strong and it could support a piece of plywood for the top that the mattress lies on. It could be made to store stuff underneath, also. Keeping in mind that patio furniture is made out of this stuff. On top of that it could be made into a 4 poster configuration. The two forward posts could be used to hang the privacy curtain from, and the two rear posts could be used to hang your jeans and cap on. This could save some weight, and any weight saving is fuel saving and increased load potential. Any thoughts on this idea?

OntarioVanMan · Sep 23, 2008

theoldprof said:
In a conversation with another person recently we were discussing cargo van bunks. Most of them being made out of plywood that is heavy. I brought up the idea of having the bunk frame made of 1-1/2 or 2 inch plastic pipe. It would be strong and it could support a piece of plywood for the top that the mattress lies on. It could be made to store stuff underneath, also. Keeping in mind that patio furniture is made out of this stuff. On top of that it could be made into a 4 poster configuration. The two forward posts could be used to hang the privacy curtain from, and the two rear posts could be used to hang your jeans and cap on. This could save some weight, and any weight saving is fuel saving and increased load potential. Any thoughts on this idea?

Now ya got me thinking....thanks!

MCBuggyCo · Sep 23, 2008

When I was researching making a loft bed one of the plans used PVC instead of wood/metal for the bed frame. I think its a great idea and if you don't glue all the joints (they stick pretty good either way) you can take it apart if you need the room for an especially large load.

Jack_Berry · Sep 23, 2008

depending on the store you might get t connectors to make feet from also. used them once for a mortar for ariel bombs.

BillChaffey · Sep 23, 2008

You wouldn't need 1 1/2 or 2" pipe. 3/4 or 1" schedule 40# would be plenty strong. #3 10' pieces, #4 90 degree elbows, #6 T's, #6 90 degree street elbows. Take two of the 10 footers cut them to 6' or what ever length you like, the amount left over cuts to the length for the ends. The six T's are equally spaced three to a side facing down, the six street elbows then allow you to connect three supports and inch or two below the top of the sides, drop in your plywood, and set your mattress on top.

OntarioVanMan · Sep 23, 2008

whadda think about replacing the plywood with nylon straps between the pipes and eliminate more weight??

Jack_Berry · Sep 24, 2008

or replacing the bed with a hammock? prolly okay for you young fellas with good backs.

Moot · Sep 25, 2008

Good idea Professor! One could use threaded couplers on the legs so the legs could be removed if extra room was needed. Also flanged fittings could be used for feet. That pipe is like playing with a giant Tinker Toy set.

Professor, I seem to recall you using a length of pvc pipe for another purpose. You didn't start this thread so you could unload some slightly used pipe to supplement your retirement; did you?

theoldprof · Sep 25, 2008

Moot, you got a good memory. Unfortunately the Old Prof's Patented Personal Preferred Pee Pipe is stashed somewhere in a land fill where it will be discovered 500 years from now by an archeologist. Should drive him/her nuts trying to figure that one out.