Front Bed Mod 26BH (and similar)

[BubbaJBI]

Came up with a simple mod for the front bed on our 2013 Jay Flight Swift 26BH. The front bed would bow in the middle giving us the feeling that it wouldn't be long before the 1/4" plywood would give out. I finally built a support under the front bed and WOW what a difference. I could tap dance on there now. Here are some before and after pics:



As you can see here under the bed the 1/4" plywood is sagging even with no weight on it. There is minimal support here.


One of the screws that holds the stringer on has pulled loose.


Another photo showing the wide open space under the bed.


This was a simple frame that I was able to throw together and install in no time at all. It also conveniently separates the front storage from the storage under the bed.


I didn't lose hardly any storage in the nose and I have a convenient space in front of the plywood to store my carpet without it rolling around.

[hbravo]

Nicely done!

[troutslayer]

Looks great! I had to beef up our dining area seats in a similar way cuz they only used 1/8" plywood and the 1X2s used in the frame were split...say what!

[Hitch Pin]

Looks great! looks like you done a good job.

[Jwunsch]

I have a 26bh 2014. I just picked it up last Friday. I remember seeing your forum before. I slept in the front bedroom Friday night on the very first night of ownership. I checked in the morning to see if it did the same as your picture show. Yep it did show a little sag. I weight 195lb. It came to my surprise that Jayco would allow by not putting a well support for the front bed. I add three 2 by 8 board and frame it to hold three board. Slide it in the front storage just like your picture shows. It did the trick. I am glad I saw your post before, because of this I was aware how to fix it. :-)

[clubhouse]

Interesting that the under bed and front pass through aren't seperated already from the factory. Both my 26BH nad 29QBH came with a framed plywood divider.

I had heard some didn't have the hydraulic ram to assist lifting, but I didn't think the divider was non-standard on some units. Seems like a real security risk, especially if one doesn't change the cam locks on the pass through doors. someone could pretty easily get in the pass though and push open the bed - viola they have access to everything inside.

[Jwunsch]

Clubhouse- My bed had a lift system and a divider. but no lock to keep from coming into the trailer from the storage below. I didn't like the idea that the bed and the storage below is open because I can see my bed sheet hanging in the storage below. That not keeping the spiders or any insects out! That is why I am sealing it good with a thicker plywood and screw it down real good. I plan open the front panel of the bed allowing me to stored plastic containers. Of course I am going to ensure to keep all storage locked. I grew up having 4 trailers in my life. My parents front bed were built sealed seperated from the storage below. This one is the first time to see that it was not sealed.

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by clubhouse

Interesting that the under bed and front pass through aren't seperated already from the factory. Both my 26BH nad 29QBH came with a framed plywood divider.

I had heard some didn't have the hydraulic ram to assist lifting, but I didn't think the divider was non-standard on some units. Seems like a real security risk, especially if one doesn't change the cam locks on the pass through doors. someone could pretty easily get in the pass though and push open the bed - viola they have access to everything inside.

My bed and passthrough storage are also separated which gives added support to the bed. And the plywood on mine is 1/2''. Looks like they made a few cutbacks....

[Jwunsch]

Not 1/2. It more of 1/4. Very flimsy plywood. That's ok I am a handy man. I can replace it with thicker wood. Got a good deal on the trailer.

[Jwunsch]

Took out my 26bh over Mother's day weekend. I had more people with me than I expected. Usually I bring 1 or two kids. But this time it was four of us and two dogs. It was bit crowded in the kitchen area but not too bad since everyone was sitting in their own space like front bedroom, bunk beds and the sofa. Love the trailer since it tow really good and not a problem. That is what I wanted. I didn't want to tow a heavier trailer. However last Friday we were driving through bad storms. It really scare me for a moment but I learned to stay calm and drove through it with no problem. I found out after arriving to the campground. The news said there was a 45mph winds in that storm. Whew. glad I made it through with no problem.

No problem with the trailer on my first shakedown. Had couple of small issues that I need to fix. The booth table. The back support near the outside door is loose. The screen door won't stay shut. Need to get a better latch.

My stupity. I am so glad to have an adult with me last weekend. I forgot to chock my wheel before unlatch the trailer from the truck. The trailer started to rolling backward. Lucky the gravel caught the power jack stand. My friend had to hold the tongue so i could reconnect.

After all Had a great weekend and everyone seem to enjoyed the trailer.

[Iraqvet05]

I forgot to check for sagging in my bed the last time we were out but my 2013 26BH has a factory installed 2x2 frame and thin (1/4") plywood separation between the bed storage and forward compartment. Under the bed, I have single 2x2 running the length of the plywood that rests on the compartment divider. I wonder if Jayco realized the beds were sagging at some point and tried some type of remedy.

[Jwunsch]

Mine has 2x2 wood that hold the plywood. Problem is no support to hold that 2x2. That why I had to build a support for it. I took it out last weekend. No problem after all.