Can I do this? Add bunks?

Thank you for the feedback. Sounds like no one is jumping up and down saying not to try this… I think I will take some measurements and make up a sketch or two this weekend. Gather materials next week and Walla I have a great Memorial Day weekend project. My kids want me to do build it for them. All three of them get in the closet now when we are camping with their flashlights and make a play “fort” in there. The closet has 3 12V lights now. I was thinking I could reroute the lights for bunk lights and add a 12 plug for a USB charger for each bunk. Get the DW to make some nice bunk curtains and each munchkin would have their own space. The more I think about this, the more I want to try it.

Hi,

Not sure which model Pursuit you have, I'm guessing the 3500DS? I know that line pretty well as we bought our GBM Cruise Master in the 2004-2005 model year change over.

Can you do it? Sure. But consider the loss of the storage space very carefully, ESPECIALLY if you start taking longer trips. Your children are at the age where they can start helping with the beds each morning & night. (Yes, it actually does take a bit longer the first couple of times they "help", but eventually they get it! :) ) Put their respective sheets, blankets & pillow in the storage areas above their sleeping spots and it becomes a real easy change-over.

We like having the kids in the front of the rig and us in the back. Children in bunk beds a paper-thin wall away from the mommy-daddy space wouldn't work for us.

At night, our kids usually fall asleep watching something on the front TV while we watch something in our bedroom. We don't have to worry about curious precious little ears pressed against the walls listening to what's going on.

The gas class A's with bunks became popular in the years after we bought our rig. We've looked at most of them, and haven't seen one we'd trade ours for. But lots of folks apparently like them.

Another thing to consider is to make sure you have enough length so as the kids get older, they will "fit" in the space. Five feet long might work now, but not so in a couple of years.

We also notice that because the shades on the front of the rig usually don't darken as well as the bedroom, that it's brighter up front and the kids are often up before we are now that they've aged a bit. Yours may start that as well.

So, can you do it? Sure. Just think it through. Perhaps you should try one of your next camping expeditions without using the current closet space you'll use in the bunk conversion. See how that works. If you can get it to work for a short trip, make sure that if you have to pack for 3-4 weeks you can still manage, if those types of trips are in your future.

Good Luck,

~Rick

I asked this same question last year. I was looking at bunk houses, but found that the same floor plan you have was almost $10-20k cheaper, plus there are more choices of models going that route. If you have the skill I say do it! I'm still looking but kind of on hold at the moment.

BTW, people thought I was crazy for even suggesting something like this! LOL

God luck!

Try to weigh what you take out in that location and keep the new modifications about the same weight so as not to affect the balance or gross weight of your coach. Since it is going to be a triple bunk, most of the weight can be supported by the floor with a minimal attachment to the side wall or ceiling. Just be careful to use lightweight bedding and construction materials and it will be a great modification to your rig.

I don't know how hard it would be to add bunks to your unit however I can tell you that if you do convert it you will have no problem selling it. Bunk models are at a premium over standard motorhomes. This is especially true for affordable units.

Go for it, glue (liquid nail) and screw. Stud finder and measure the space in the cabinets to get close. There is not a lot to screw to so go easy. Just look at the cabinets and you will get the ideal of what thickness to use to keep weight down. I would say 1/2 in plywood and 1x2x3/4 in lumber, 2x4 where you need more. We add bunks back in the 70s and it work out great. use metal brace where needed. Good luck