95 Dodge saratoga customizing and mods

[monaw81]

Purchased a 95 Dodge Ram 3500 coachmen Saratoga (I believe) van- looking to make some modifications and have had no luck in googling possibilities. Do you own a dodge class b that you've customized or a similar model to mine and you are converting?
Thanks 🙂
I am mostly looking into removing partition walls in the back, raising the bed frame to add storage and some other ideas- maybe. Just hoping for inspiration before I consider digging in.

[Shoalster]

monaw81 wrote:
Stan- mine is just like you described with the two beds on each side running length wise) that have the back rest that folds over and meets together In the aisle creating a large bed. I was aware at the time that there would be a few adjustments made and arguably we are fine leaving it how it is. That being said, we got a great deal on the van and fell in love with it (after our lemon inspectors checked it out) and we plan to use a tent, van and I am creating the collapsible bed to lay on top of the front passenger seat that turns around and faces the behind seat. I just wanted to come up with an easier, more long term solution since we will be on the road a long time. I am also looking into the front seat hammock idea as well made from pvc pipe. For the most part we are happy to tent together and use the van or a combination but I have to also plan on torrential downpours that might force us all to sleep inside. Yes, we can make it work. I was just hopeful for creating something slightly more permanent and versitle 🙂

Hi,
I have a chance to buy a 1996 coachmen Saratoga.It does not have the couches where the backrest flip to the center of the aisle mechanically like yours. My question to you is when the couches are in the normal position for sitting can you lay down on either one of them and have room to sleep? It doesn't look like there's much room with the back rest in place. I'm just guessing but it looks like that one of the couches has to be folded down in order to sleep on one of them only.

Also, I saw a picture of only one of the couches folded down and it doesn't look like there is too much room to walk in the aisle to get to the bathroom, is that correct? If you had a choice would you stay with your existing couches or would you go to the later models where the backrests are not attached to the couch itself.

I'm going to look at the 96 model tomorrow so I have to make a decision. Any feedback for you would be appreciated.

[monaw81]

Not a shabby idea 🙂 we'd run into clearance issues. I think I am going to build the diy seat bed tomorrow and then try the pvc hammock next. This way we have a few more months of testing it out to make sure everything's good to go 🙂

[omjones]

Maybe you could make bunk beds over the existing ones. Some 2 bys and ply wood maybe...
john 'I am Canadian'

[monaw81]

If it helps- and it's ok to link,
This is the exact model I have (no tv in mine or generator) otherwise identical layout

http://rvsuperdeals.com/inv/1995_Coachmen_Saratoga_desc.htm

Made link clickable
Admin

[monaw81]

Stan- mine is just like you described with the two beds on each side running length wise) that have the back rest that folds over and meets together In the aisle creating a large bed. I was aware at the time that there would be a few adjustments made and arguably we are fine leaving it how it is. That being said, we got a great deal on the van and fell in love with it (after our lemon inspectors checked it out) and we plan to use a tent, van and I am creating the collapsible bed to lay on top of the front passenger seat that turns around and faces the behind seat. I just wanted to come up with an easier, more long term solution since we will be on the road a long time. I am also looking into the front seat hammock idea as well made from pvc pipe. For the most part we are happy to tent together and use the van or a combination but I have to also plan on torrential downpours that might force us all to sleep inside. Yes, we can make it work. I was just hopeful for creating something slightly more permanent and versitle 🙂

[stan909]

I too understand your situation but realize the limitations of your coach because I own the same model. You could build a frame over the existing beds and store stuff below.allow an access panel above the passenger side (old) bed so you won't lose that storage. The drivers side bed has no storage because that is where your fresh water tank n water heater are. As far as front sleeping is concerned it would be comfortable to tyrn front seat around and put feet up on back seat. I still think selling the van and getting something similar to what I described above would be best but if you have time constraints then that's that. I wish you good luck.BTW .Is your van tge kind with fold out couch or like mine as described above?

[monaw81]

Thank you 924guy!!!! I appreciate you understanding my situation and I love the ideas!

[924guy]

My van is similar , but the layout is different (has the side lavatory instead of at the rear.) Instead of telling you to bail out, Ill offer some suggestions because that always isnt an option or necessary.
I have seen a few gadgets on line that allow you to make a bed over the front seats. one was a hammock like contraption and the other also would swing from the front doors frames, but had a fold up , solid base. something like that might be an option for you and seems easy to create if you have the inclination. The other idea i had was that if you have an awning, an awning room (side wall or screen kit) might work. a few minutes to set up and a cot and you significantly increase your living space. this is not as "secure" an option of course, but neither is a tent..
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/225954106279720781/

[stan909]

I suggest you sell it for a profit and look for something more fitting.I have a 96 Saratoga with the same floorplan.I can sleep one kid on the passenger seat turned around with his feet on the rear seat and one on the floor in a pinch.I actually removed the board that folded over the walkway between the twin beds to make a full size bed.The back cushions that would be used to fill in made a very odd bed with irregular shapes.I put the back cushions in the garage with the aforementioned board and use as a 2 twin bed setup.If yours has the backrests that fold down into the isle that makes a much better bed and can't be improved upon much.You really need a hi-top van with the bed over the cab and sofa bed.Coachmen also had a model with overhead bunk,sofa bed and rear dinette.That's what you should be looking for.Please consider resale before rearranging such a well made and configured rv.Also consider outside storage.

[drsolo]

For storage, yes, but for less than frequent kids I would suggest a little teardrop like the one behind my RVan in the picture. Then it can be left at home when not needed, left at the campsite while visiting local sites, and is very easy to move around.

[monaw81]

Yes, it is- I believe the saratoga model, fridge, stove, bed towards back with the toilet at the very back on the driver side wall. I am mostly curious about adding extra storage space or even a frame around the back for an optional bed to be added for kids when needed. I realize it makes more sense to some to buy a larger class b that's already got everything you want but this was a great deal, low miles and well taken care of.

[drsolo]

So this is already configured as an RV B?