Build a Bed in the Back of Your Van

So you've got a road trip planned, maybe you're even headed to Burning Man like we were, and you want to make the most of the space in your vehicle.

Building a raised platform in the back of your van (or truck) will let you make the most of your storage space and also give you a comfortable place to sleep when you don't want to bother with setting up a tent or finding a motel.

Step 1: Measure (maybe Even Twice)

The first thing you need for a road trip is a good vehicle. We used Bertha, our 2000 Ford E-150 van - a somewhat reliable automobile.
We decided to keep one bench seat (so she could still carry up to 5 people) and remove the last row of seats to give us more room for the bed.

Measure the space you have available in the vehicle for the bed and make careful notes about any obstructions including the wheel wells, seat mounting brackets, etc.

If you already have storage bins, measure their height and width. You really don't want to build the raised bed and then find out your stuff won't fit under it!

Step 2: Plan

Take all those measurements and decide how big your bed will be and how high you'll raise it.

Sketch out a plan - we used SketchUp, but drawing on a napkin would work just as well. Basically you want a flat bottom, two risers on either side and a top. While you might be tempted to skip the bottom, it adds structural stability and prevents the whole thing from sliding around. A flat plywood bottom is also preferable to 2x4 bracing as it makes it much easier to slide the storage bins in and out.

Things to consider:

• size of the bed (we fit a double mattress with room on all sides)
• how you will fit in the storage bins (we made sure the openings were wide enough to utilize the most space possible)
• best use of lumber - you'll want to minimize the number of cuts and scrap

Step 3: Build

Buy the lumber that you'll need (according to your plan). You can ask the hardware store to cut it for you.
If you don't have a pile of screws at home, purchase them as well. You'll want to use screws and not nails to make taking the whole thing apart easier after your trip is over.

Start with the risers first. Layout one of the long 2x4s, the top plate, and attach the shorter 2x4s for the studs and jack studs (see Plan). You can reinforce the middle section by doubling up the 2x4s. Repeat for the second riser.

Attach the bottom to the two risers. With a jigsaw, cut out holes for brackets or other obstructions. If you have measured properly these holes will not only let the bottom fit in your van but will also prevent the bed from sliding around. Keep in mind when you are cutting the holes that the bottom is upside down.

Flip the bottom over and slide it into the vehicle. You may need to tilt it to fit it through the doors.

Attach evenly spaced joists to the risers.

Trim the top with a jigsaw, if necessary to avoid speakers or other obstructions, then screw the top to the cross bars.

Step 4: Enjoy!

You're ready to hit the road!

Some tips for making the most of your van's new bed:

• Store everything in labeled clear plastic bins. This is especially important if you plan on crossing borders, as police and border guards will be less suspicious of your hidden storage if you can quickly show them everything you've got under there. It will also make finding things much easier!
• Buy a cheap carpet or rug to throw over the top. Having the rough wood covered with carpet will save you from splinters without you needing to worry about sanding and finishing the wood.
• Use a cheap futon mattress instead of an air mattress. No one wants to pump up a mattress after a long day of driving or worry about patching it if it leaks.
• Create some window coverings that you can put up for privacy when you're sleeping in the back.