U-Shape Convertible Bed | Ram ProMaster Van Build Series | Van Life

U-Shape Convertible Bed | Ram ProMaster Van Build Series | Van Life | Solo Female Traveler

Рет қаралды 35,071

Күн бұрын

In this video I cover different bed styles, the pros and cons of a convertible bed compared to a fixed bed and take you through the process of making my bed area that also functions as a couch and table.
Tune in to my next video where I'll be sharing the install of my roof rack.
Until then, be sure to subscribe to my channel and turn on notifications so you don't miss a beat!
For more frequent van life updates, connect and interact with me on Instagram and Tik Tok @LaurenLawliss.
Instagram: / laurenlawliss
Tik Tok: / laurenlawliss
Thank you for your support - Venmo: www.venmo.com/u/LaurenLawliss
What bed style would you choose?
Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for being here :)
LINKS TO PRODUCTS AND TOOLS BELOW!
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:52 - Van Life Bed Designs
2:13 - Pros and Cons of a Convertible Bed and Fixed Bed
5:29 - Steps of Making a Convertible Bed
5:49 - Planning and Finalizing Measurements
7:27 - Wheel Well Boxes
13:27 - Center Boxes
14:40 - Piano Hinges
16:54 - Box Lids
19:19 - Lid Holes
21:28 - Securing the Lids to the Boxes
26:08 - How the U-Shape Convertible Bed Works
28:04 - Remaining Steps to Finish the Bed
29:40 - Closing
Affiliate Links for Products and Tools
1-1/16" x 72" Piano Hinge: amzn.to/3fSB9iv
1-1/16" x 30" Piano Hinge: amzn.to/3UCyB71
Kreg Jig Pocket Hole Tool: amzn.to/3Tjf4rk
Disclaimer: I am not a professional. This information is what I have gathered from my own research on the topic and is only intended for reference. Further research should be conducted for your specific project based on your needs. Please note, not everything you see online is the correct nor the only way to do something. Contact a professional if in doubt as following an incorrect procedure could lead to a dangerous and ineffective result.

Пікірлер: 117

@cynthiadunn9121 Ай бұрын

You Rock Young Lady!!! Great Educator!! Wish you have one on one lessons!

@212caboose Жыл бұрын

I like the u-shaped bed/bench set up w/removeable table... You can sleep 2 either separate or together, and storage is good. Bonus: if you're sleeping two separately; if you have to go to the bathroom at night, there's less chance of waking up the other person.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

I LOVE the u-shape too! It’s perfect for my wants and needs. Thanks for watching😁

@dennisroberts8595 5 ай бұрын

I have watched a number of your videos and am very impressed. You have so much more information than other videos. Thank you so much 😊

@LaurenLawliss 5 ай бұрын

Thank you! I try my best to include as many helpful details as I can 👍🏻

@jpl0202 7 ай бұрын

Girl, you got skills! And great teacher! Well thought out. I’ve been watching van build videos, getting ideas, for a long time. Yours are the best!

@LaurenLawliss 7 ай бұрын

I appreciate the kind words. Thank you for watching and commenting!

@dougsagon2156 Жыл бұрын

As always, great job Lauren. Well thought out, well executed. Can't wait to see the next build section. Nice that you have all the tools and space needed to get the job done. Congrats.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! 😊

@MELODYMUNRO Жыл бұрын

Really well thought out and built. Only change I might have made is the section for your sport equipment, with the rear of the box able to fold down or be removed so that that section could have been easily accessed from the rear of the van as well. But that might not be an issue for you.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Great suggestion! I don’t foresee it being an issue for my needs, but that might be a good idea for someone else. Thanks for sharing😊

@laughingwolf8711 9 ай бұрын

The holes you made to get into your storage spaces, a hole saw would work, with your jigsaw, then sanding the edges so they are rounded

@LaurenLawliss 9 ай бұрын

If someone wants a circle hole then sure. I wanted an oval shape as it makes more sense for a hand to reach in☺️

@donnaking4528 Жыл бұрын

This was the most amazing thing I've ever seen! You're an expert! 💯🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Hahaha thank you!

@LastChanceTinyHouse 5 ай бұрын

As a builder of all things, including cabinets, I'm really enjoying your descriptive video's. I watch and have watched a good amount of video from van life builders and one thing I've seen time and time again and that is that even though I'm sure you'll never have an accident and spill on your cushions while drinking coffee in bed some morning, other people have. They discovered mold growing on the wood and quickly realized it was there because there was no ventilation between the cushion and the wood face it sat on. I'm sure you have that covered but I thought I'd mention it.

@LaurenLawliss 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words - I really appreciate it. Yes, mold is also something I have heard of too so it’s something I will keep an eye on for sure and adapt if I need too 😄👍🏻

@user-kf9fv1qj9u 5 ай бұрын

Awesome work Lauren

@LaurenLawliss 5 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@user-kf9fv1qj9u 5 ай бұрын

Great video Lauren

@LaurenLawliss 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for the kind words.

@epicelements5528 Жыл бұрын

I’m so impressed with your building skills and knowledge. This is going to be a strong well built van. I can’t wait to see a tour once it’s done. I’m interested in knowing where you got your wood working skills. You should seek out going onto the Gutted series where they have a team of people that have to build out a vehicle in 5 days. You would be an extreme asset to a team!

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank for your kinds words, they mean so much. Believe it or not, this was the first time I have ever built anything out of wood. Crazy what the internet can teach you. And yes, I LOVE gutted and just sent in my application for season 3. Fingers crossed😁

@epicelements5528 Жыл бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss OMG Girl! I’m rooting for you. Once they see your videos you’re in! I’m totally shook this is your first rodeo with building 🤯 I’m obsessed with your videos and learning from them. Good luck and keep us posted!

@LaurenLawliss 9 ай бұрын

Hahaha thank you, thank you☺️

@jpl0202 7 ай бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss you show us everything for a well built van. The details on insulating was impressive. I was SMH the entire time saying to my wife where did she learn these skills? She said, if she could do it you could do it. I’m not sure about that you have patience and an eye for perfection.

@LaurenLawliss 7 ай бұрын

@@jpl0202 Thank you! I am glad the details are helpful. You got this - best of luck😄

@marvellousmarvin Жыл бұрын

Lauren you are doing great work. I love your planning and being meticulous 😛🥰😆

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind words!

@xbox100000 Жыл бұрын

Great video!! thank you for taking the time to record and share your wonderful build

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting!

@btownes5632 Жыл бұрын

Such a great video!!!

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you!☺️

@jasonjones5213 Жыл бұрын

I like the bed design.The vans coming along pretty nice.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you : )

@joshm3342 6 ай бұрын

Very well thought out and well explained. Thanks!

@LaurenLawliss 6 ай бұрын

You’re welcome! Glad you found it helpful.

@allentuggle2837 2 ай бұрын

I'm Anxious to see this unit completed.

@LaurenLawliss 2 ай бұрын

I’m really happy with the final product 😆

@czappa44 2 ай бұрын

What a great channel! So many helpful information in one place. Love it. Thank you for sharing!

@LaurenLawliss 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting! Glad you found it helpful 😊

@mausie1967 10 ай бұрын

R.E.S.P.E.C.T!!!

@LaurenLawliss 10 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!

@baswann2 9 ай бұрын

Thanks Lauren, you given me some good options regarding how you did your central floor walkway storage boxes.

@LaurenLawliss 9 ай бұрын

Glad you found it helpful. Thank you for watching and commenting!

@JoseHernandez-gl9ef Жыл бұрын

Nicely Done!

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@MrAustin602 2 ай бұрын

Really good info, thank you

@LaurenLawliss 2 ай бұрын

Thanks!!

@ChefDocumentary 3 ай бұрын

Bravooo!!!

@LaurenLawliss 2 ай бұрын

Thank youuuuu

@trentcarbino921 Жыл бұрын

Nicely done

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@strunk_adventures9750 4 ай бұрын

wow! what a great video! very nice job! this was very helpful. It is important to plan it out and take your time and your video shows that very well. I'm going to subscribe and watch your videos from the start of the build.

@LaurenLawliss 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words and welcome!

@albertoc5882 4 ай бұрын

Awesome work!!! Looks great!!! Good idea using the lighter half inch

@LaurenLawliss 4 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!

@ChrysalideEngineering 10 ай бұрын

Cool work

@LaurenLawliss 10 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@johnlarson4623 Жыл бұрын

You are doing a fantastic job of building the way you want it done and taking your time wish you a good year from an old guy in Minnesota winners coming but I still move around and do exercise anyway take care and good luck with all your endeavors 😇🌞☕🤗

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@Bugs1953 Жыл бұрын

You are very good and a pleasure to watch.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Awh, thank you☺️

@DieTabbi 10 ай бұрын

You are lucky having a garding/place for the workshop. nice work.

@LaurenLawliss 10 ай бұрын

Yes, very lucky to have this space to work on the build!

@2500gs Жыл бұрын

Good job

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@themetalmaiden7462 Жыл бұрын

Another great video. Things are moving along nicely and I've picked up a few more tips for my build ;) Have you given any thought to possibly a louvered vent for the shoe box area and possibly the other boxes to allow air circulation? Can't wait to see your electrical and plumbing build-outs.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Great question! I am planning on adding vent openings on the back of the two side boxes. Still trying to determine my approach for the middle boxes. Electrical will be coming soon ;)

@danthesquirrel Жыл бұрын

If all goes according to plan I will get a 136 Promaster high top in spring of 2024. I am 99% sure I have decided on the u-shape bed as well except the portion along the back door I plan on making wide enough for a twin mattress. That way I have my lazy fixed bed for 99% of all days and the nook seats would only be big enough for one person each. I also plan on making one nook seat flip up to reveal the composting toilet and the other nook seat would have an opening to a litter box for my cat. Your design looks like it could get 5 people around the table where my design would accommodate only 3, but I get my always ready bed for always effortless naps.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

How exciting! I like your approach. Best of luck :)

@antrv1 Ай бұрын

thanks 4 the great summary of sleeping area layouts 🙇wonder what the bed width turned out to be in your case? :) ty

@LaurenLawliss Ай бұрын

Glad you liked the video. My bed is 54 inches by 71 inches

@user-sp2kk9rs7d 4 ай бұрын

Great videos! Informative and well documented. Question on this video as to why you installed a bottom to your bed boxes vs anchoring to your subfloor?

@LaurenLawliss 4 ай бұрын

Thanks! Good question. This was very early in my build so I was still learning as I went. In hindsight, I suppose the bottoms are not necessary😆

@user-bk4no6kh2y 6 ай бұрын

Great video. You are excellent at explaining and demonstrating througout the entire video. Q: can you supply a link for the purchase of the water tank? Happy new year!

@LaurenLawliss 6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I bought my fresh water tank from Class A Customs. They have many different sizes to choose from😄

@alberthull1515 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Sweet Girl, this is great

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching🤩

@LeopoldoManuelRamirezMena 7 ай бұрын

❤shoes! Haha 😊 my wife will probably need a tow truck 😂

@LaurenLawliss 7 ай бұрын

Shoes 👎🏻 Barefoot 👍🏻😆

@akram4li Жыл бұрын

that is a really good work, can't wait to see the result

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@joyserrato4033 3 ай бұрын

❤❤❤

@LaurenLawliss 3 ай бұрын

💖💖💖

@robertwagner8596 Жыл бұрын

if you ever quit the vanlife you could probably be a cabnet maker or carpenter,you have talent..

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Hahaha I do love building cabinetry. So much fun🙌🏼

@bknnacerch2m721 Жыл бұрын

👍👍👍👍👍

@xingboxu2123 10 ай бұрын

really great video. just curious how did you attach them to the wall/floor of the van?

@LaurenLawliss 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment! I fastened the to the subfloor and furring strips with screws in multiple locations. Also the weight of the electrical and plumbing helps to hold it in place☺️

@gklJC Жыл бұрын

Well thought out. What are the final bed dimensions (full, queen, etc.), and how do you fit in it?

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thanks! The bed is 54 inches (front to back) by 71.5 inches (wall to wall). I find the bed dimensions plenty for me and comfortable :)

@madeleinehughes4757 Жыл бұрын

Love your videos! I’ve been stuck on electric for months and so ended up just not working on my van at all out of frustration, and I finally feel motivated again because of how straightforward your explanations are! Curious if you think it’s necessary to have a bottom on the box? I’ve already installed my flooring so wondering if I can just leave the box without a bottom?

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment, Madeleine! I hear you. Sometimes taking a break from the build is necessary. It can be overwhelming and frustrating at times. Great question! No, I don’t think a bottom on my bed boxes were necessary. It’s fine with or without a bottom. I added a bottom because I knew I’d be moving the boxes around a lot before permanently installing them so the bottoms helped them stay in tacked. But if I did it over again knowing what I know now, I might skip the bottoms to save on weight and space. But totally up to personal preference. Good luck with the rest of your build! You got this!

@madeleinehughes4757 Жыл бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss That makes sense! I hadn’t thought about that - definitely easier to move them around when they have a bottom! Also curious for your thoughts on using 1/2” Sande ply? I’ve had a really hard time finding Baltic Birch. Unfortunately it’s only 3 layers, not 9 like yours, but wondering how crucial that is in your opinion?

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Honestly, I LOVE baltic birch plywood. It has so many benefits and I really tried hard to find what I have. At the end of the day, other plywood will get the job done so it is up to personal preference. If you are near the Tampa, Florida or Utica, NY area let me know because I know two places that have some baltic birch.

@jeffreyhartman9921 7 ай бұрын

Love your videos! What editing software do you use?

@LaurenLawliss 7 ай бұрын

Thanks! I currently use iMovie.

@laanatomista3962 Жыл бұрын

Like everyone else, I'm impressed with your skills, Lauren! One question (again, sorry): did you screw the side boxes to the low section furring strips? What did you do with the center and back boxes? are they attached to the floor? I'm not sure this would be my bed choice since the fixed one is quite simpler, but you keep inspiring me out of my comfort zone 👌

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you! So the original plan was to drill the boxes to the furring strips. So far I’ve only permanently install one box and I just screwed it down into my subfloor. I plan on doing that with the other three boxes too. Keep the questions coming, I’m happy to add my two sense. I know you can do this bed style if you choose, you got this!!🤩

@laanatomista3962 Жыл бұрын

Excellent! Thank you for your kindness and patience with me 🤲

@LaurenLawliss 9 ай бұрын

Anytime🥰

@vinceocratic 3 ай бұрын

Great video. I’m curios - did you do a weight and balance calculation for your build? Disclaimer: I’m an airline pilot.

@LaurenLawliss 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! I did weigh my van before the conversion and did consider the placement of everything for optimal balance. So yes😁

@therealCellblock1138 Жыл бұрын

Hey, where did you happen to find that TwoWanderingSoles van photo? It doesn't seem to be their personal van and I'm hoping to check out more photos of that build.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Hey there! I went back and looked a little more closely. The owner of the van is actually @rydawell. Good luck!

@therealCellblock1138 Жыл бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss Appreciate it. Thanks!

@LaurenLawliss 9 ай бұрын

Anytime!

@jorge9947 Жыл бұрын

I'm curious, why not buy a portable power station like a bluetti for your electrical needs instead of battle born batteries?

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your question! Personally, I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of setting up the portable system every time I needed to power something. Also, my electrical setup will be powering all my 12v DC and 120v AC appliances so through my calculations, I require a large amount of power for everything. The portable setups are great options for certain needs, but not for mine. Hope this helps!😊

@jorge9947 Жыл бұрын

@@LaurenLawliss Ok I understand, but I recently saw a video from a van builder that used her bluetti to power both DC (puck lights and fan) while simultaneously powering a/c appliances. She hooked up a fuse box to the bluetti for a/c appliances and d/c also and then she ran electrical wires into a outlet box to plug her a/c appliances into. There's two people that i've seen do it Jonnie's Journey and also DualEx. Check it out if you can. Great video by the way.

@LaurenLawliss Жыл бұрын

I'll check them out. Thanks!

@marvellousmarvin 9 ай бұрын

Lauren how many times have you messed up measurements 😮

@LaurenLawliss 9 ай бұрын

I am human so I do make errors. But my attention to detail and ability to think things through has prevented me from making too many mistakes

@marvellousmarvin 9 ай бұрын

Lauren, it appears that you and myself are very much alike 😆👍🥰🤗