Introduction: Robotic Adjustable Bed for My Camper!
Last year we picked up this awesome tiny camper for camping in a camper instead of a tent, so basically, glamping! This camper is totally awesome, super small, so it fits in my driveway - actually, I would even fit in my garage, except I use it as a wood shop...
Anyways, so the ONE major issue I have with this tiny teardrop camper is that on a rainy day, it is challenging to hang out inside of the camper to read a book or something. Due to the weird shape of the camper, you are always either leaning against the backwards sloped back wall, or one of the windows - neither of which is optimal.
So I set out to fix that problem by installing a robotic adjustable bed (like a Sleep Number Bed) in my camper! This project is totally awesome and really, not that difficult to do, so let's just dive right into it!
Supplies
(Some of these links are affiliate links)
Materials and Parts
Misc Scrap Wood
Kodiak Camper from RTTC (optional)
Tools I Used
Step 1: Empty Out the Camper
Always an annoying step to any project...but...you have to start somewhere!
Step 2: Detaching the Passthrough Door
My camper has a pass through door underneath the bed cushion/mattress. I thought It would be clever if I simply re-used this panel and flipped it 180 degrees to act as a backrest, instead of a door.
I started by removing the gas spring lifter and then un bolting all of the screws that were holding the door assembly in place. I left the hinges in place...because I thought this would be easier - but yikes, this thing got a little wonky.
Also a quick note, I noticed that they manufacture had actually nailed the assembly in place before installing the screws. Luckily I had a handy dandy multi tool/oscillating tool!
Step 3: Flipin' It Around
Flipping this door assembly around was WAY HARDER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE!
For one, it is the full width of the interior of the camper, and two, since I left those hinges in place, the whole thing just wanted to eat my fingers!
But eventually I got it flipped around and then re-installed the screws to hold it down.
Amazingly, the door misses the upper shelf by mere inches! Pretty happy with this, because it hadn't occurred to me until now that they could have collided...
Step 4: Electrical and Wiring
I used a Polarity Reversing switch to run the actuator. This is a switch that changes the positive and negative conductors depending on which direction you press the toggle. It is also a momentary switch, which means you have to hold the button down in order for it to work.
I used some wire to connect to the main electrical system in the camper. How I did this exactly is slightly outside the scope of this Instructable, but just look at the existing wiring and you should be able to start to solve the puzzle. Just remember to connect + to + lines and - to - lines.
I ran this wire through the floor and under the camper to get to the back, where I would install the actuator. I used lots of black RTV to ensure a water tight seal.
Step 5: Quick Test
Step 6: Installing the Actuator
Once I was sure of the placement for the actuator, I went ahead and used some exterior wood screws to hold everything in place. The reason for the exterior screws was so that they wouldn't rust if they were too long and went through the bottom of the camper.
which is exactly what happened....
Just to be sure this doesnt ruin my floor, I plan to add some black RTV to the ends of the screws. I really don't want water finding its way into the plywood floor. That would be bad...
Step 7: Cleaning Up Wiring
Next, I went back inside the camper to clean up all of my wiring. I made sure to use lots of zip ties and hold downs to keep everything tidy. I even 3D printed a switch plate cover / mount for the toggle switch!
Step 8: Putting It All Together!
Finally, it was time to put the mattress and cushions back in the camper for the official test...
Step 9: It Works!
Here goes!
I hold down the UP side of the toggle and....
IT WORKS!!!!
The actuator moves up and pushes the backrest into the exact angle I was looking for!
I've already taken this out on a camping trip and boy oh boy!...it is totally awesome! Now, at night or when it rains, we can put the bed into "Comfy Mode" and read books, play games, or just relax comfortably and listen to an audio book or something.
I hope this inspired you to modify your own camper or camping set up! I am so glad I made this mod and can't wait to add the next modification to my mini glamper. haha
If you like the camper, be sure to check out Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers, they do AMAZING work and are frankly, just an awesome company full of great people!
Alright, I have some camping to do...Good luck everyone and thanks for reading!
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