Under bed storage

[out_for_a_rip]

Hi Everyone - Our new TT under bed storage did not come with struts to support the bed when opened. Does anyone have any alternate suggestions for keeping the area open? I am thinking maybe a board on a hinge that folds open to a block attached to the frame but before moving forward I thought I would ask the group.

Thanks!

[1L243]

Another route you may consider, After adding memory foam mattress topper bed is so heavy and right up against the wall between the bedroom and livingroom I gave up on the bed lift and added slide out drawers. I got the idea from a guy on another forum who has a similar trailer.

by removing the side paneling and using it for drawer fronts and using 5/8" double laminated plywood that I found at a building recycle center for $4 per 4x4 sheet. I used bottom mount 100lb drawer slides (would recommend under mount) but I could not find them in my town.

[doxiemom11]

I wouldn't be able to lift our bed without the struts. Our storage area is under the entire queen bed. So, it is very heavy with mattress, memory foam topper and bedding.

[AllegroD]

Get the struts and reduce the amount of bend and lift.

[nineoaks2004]

I cut a piece of 3/4 PVC water pipe and notched it so it would not slip, works ok for me..

[old_guy]

on one of my older trailer I once had I used a folding rv table kitchen leg and it worked great. they lock into place so the bed will not fall on you

[Almot]

out_for_a_rip wrote:
Hi Everyone - Our new TT under bed storage did not come with struts to support the bed when opened. Does anyone have any alternate suggestions for keeping the area open?

Why re-inventing the wheel? There are struts made exactly for this purpose: Hatchlift RV Bed struts. Make sure you get the right strength for your bed, see the chart. If bed is MUCH heavier than the struts rating, it will try to close slowly but you'll be able to hold it easily. If bed is MUCH lighter, it will try to lift when you're not in the bed, so you might have to add some hook. Those are extreme cases, struts rating has pretty wide margins.

Those 4x4 plywood pieces are bases to mount the brackets on the wall, but RV underbed storage often has thin 1/8 plywood walls, you might want to put a longer piece of board resting on the frame.

[Ltrip]

We just took delivery of an Arctic Fox 25Y and am surprised how well the struts work. In my previous 5th wheel, the struts made it a bit easier to lift the bed, but would not hold it there. On the AF 25Y, the struts exert good pressure on the upward motion such that with the mattress off, the lid springs open. It is very easy to open with the mattress on and stays up, requiring a bit of a push to get it back down. I am VERY pleased with how well they work!!!

[SoundGuy]

Etstorm wrote:
Actually, I use an old putter as a prop. The flat sole rest on the floor inside the storage area and the rubbber grip keeps the lid in place

Way too hi tech for me. :W

[Etstorm]

Actually, I use an old putter as a prop. The flat sole rest on the floor inside the storage area and the rubbber grip keeps the lid in place

[pianotuna]

I hate my struts. I will replace with a drop down leg similar to the ones dinette tables used to have.

[ktmrfs]

I tossed the struts in ours. the strut mounting often was interferring with items placed near the edges when closing. So, to make it less troublesome I took them off. Then I just cut a piece of 1x2 the length I wanted to prop against the bottom and top that I put in place to hold the top up.

[Terryallan]

the struts are not expensive. You will prolly need to brace the bed box. Most RV dealers have them

[out_for_a_rip]

SoundGuy wrote:

out_for_a_rip wrote:
Great idea with the cabinet doors, I just installed some underneath our dinette. I am going to take some measurements tonight to see if I could do something similar.

Trailer manufacturers change interior decor on a regular basis so if yours is a new trailer the trick is to look around your own model or others in the same lineup to see if there's a cabinet door of the dimensions you require. Once you do find one order a couple from your dealer as replacement parts, along with the matching hardware - that way the installation will look completely stock, as if it was done at the factory. 🙂

That is exactly what I did for underneath my dinette, but I went through the manufacturer instead of the dealer. I was really surprised at the reasonable price from the manufacturer.

[SoundGuy]

out_for_a_rip wrote:
Great idea with the cabinet doors, I just installed some underneath our dinette. I am going to take some measurements tonight to see if I could do something similar.

Trailer manufacturers change interior decor on a regular basis so if yours is a new trailer the trick is to look around your own model or others in the same lineup to see if there's a cabinet door of the dimensions you require. Once you do find one order a couple from your dealer as replacement parts, along with the matching hardware - that way the installation will look completely stock, as if it was done at the factory. 🙂