Bed lift and reenforcement

[Trials/Rider]

Jayco

I purchased a used Jayco 264bhw and the PO tried to install a bed lift kit he ordered from etrailer and he said it would lift up on it own so was unhooked.
After assessing the situation found several areas of concern. 2x2 Bed support board under bed deck pulled screws through the deck?
The plywood deck was 1/4in 3 ply cheap wood and was badly warped from being left in the bad shape.

Found the header that was screwed int the bulkhead was mounted sloping at an angle making the side with the pulled support lower and was the cause of the pulled board.
Clearly this was from the factory as the boards were original with no new mounting holes.

The PO said the bed would raise on its own and this can happen if the gas struts are mounted level or at a slight upward angle. So I designed my lift support to have the strut lower than level when closed. This uses the same force used to open it to also hold it closed.
Upgrades during bed remodel:

Replaced plywood deck with slightly heavier 15/32 5 ply.

Sealed off the front part of the compartment making the under bed storage more for interior friendly, while keeping more of the dirty items on the other side.

Sealed off the night stands at the bed deck area (large gap).

Added a few screws to strengthen key areas around bed structure.

Replaced piano hinge with heavy duty hinge and used #10 32 machine screws and Tee nuts

Added center support design found on this site. Especially licked this design as the two 90# struts put a lot of stress on the unsupported 90deg turn at the nightstand area.
This was later addressed when finally closing off the gap at the nightstand/ bed deck. But have my doubts the stapled 1x2 frame would hold up with such force constantly pushing on it.

Bed was piled with extra weight and confident we can change mattress anytime without issues.
Dean

[Trials/Rider]

I’ll take more pictures of the completed project. And post them.

[Lake Huron]

Nice job!
Some peoples repairs,... make you wonder sometimes what were they thinking. Lol!

[Marcm157]

Looks great - nice job correcting someone's handy work! The level of workmanship that some people call good is mind boggling sometimes. I like to do most things because I want things done my way...

[Trials/Rider]

Sorry for not getting the rest of the pictures, been busy with other projects! I’ll try tonpost those too. 🤔

[mokurt]

The queen bed in our 248RSBW is like yours and does not have a hinge.
The end of the plywood just rubs on the 2x2 mounted to the front when lifted up!

[Trials/Rider]

Originally Posted by mokurt

The queen bed in our 248RSBW is like yours and does not have a hinge.
The end of the plywood just rubs on the 2x2 mounted to the front when lifted up!

Mine had a cheap piano hinge that was nearly as long as the beds width. I used a gate hinge sold at Lowe’s. Be sure to use T Nuts to prevent the screws from digging into the 2x2 support and working loose.
Can you post a picture? How’s the deck material? Mine was way too light and warped.

[Trials/Rider]

The rest of the pictures of the bed & compartment modification. Closed off the open gaps on side of bed deck. Cut a Slot into the 2x3 to hold paneling on nightstand. The 2x3 reinforces the bed frame & night stands.
Walled off compartment to better segregate inside items from outside items.
Dean

[MRichaud]

Nice work - thanks for posting!

I'm looking to add a lift kit to our Precept. Have looked at etrailer's site and couldn't find one. Do you happen to know the part number? Length and lb. rating?

Thanks!

Mickey

[Trials/Rider]

Originally Posted by MRichaud

Nice work - thanks for posting!

I'm looking to add a lift kit to our Precept. Have looked at etrailer's site and couldn't find one. Do you happen to know the part number? Length and lb. rating?

Thanks!

Mickey

The previous owner purchased these -probably from Camping World. I don’t know the kit number but had fount it before I started this project.
Here’s a picture of the strut I’m using. It’s rated @ 90lb It’s pretty stout and would recommend finding a mount with lots of screw holes!

[MRichaud]

Thanks!