Has anyone used linear actuators to raise/lower bed?

[OurJayco]

I have searched this great forum for information using actuators to raise/lower the bed and I am not finding any results.
Can anyone tell me if they made this modification and how well it is working for you. My wife can not raise the bed herself and remove items stored under the bed, so we need to tag team this task. I spoke to her about either adding stronger struts or adding actuator(s) and have a remote switch to raise/lower the bed.
I have purchased the actuators with 225 pounds load each. The package came with a switch and remote control.
My question at this point is, I am trying to find the best location to place the actuators and how did you mount them? I know I will need to add extra support, but where and how are yours mounted?
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

I know actuators can fail and I need a way to access the compartment in the event of failure, so please do not derail this post with those questions or concerns.

[mike837go]

Just how heavy is this bed?


Can the actuators replace the existing struts? That'll relieve you of 1/2 the engineering.

[OurJayco]

Originally Posted by mike837go

Just how heavy is this bed?


Can the actuators replace the existing struts? That'll relieve you of 1/2 the engineering.

Thanks Mike,

It is the regular queen size bed, but we added a 2" memory foam topper. Then add the weight of the bedding, my wife is not weak or old, but trying to lift the bed and get something by herself is not an easy task. I always help by lifting and holding while she gets things under the bed.

The existing struts have a tendency to pop off on one side, which makes it heavier to lift/hold.

Replacing the existing strut with actuators is not possible. The struts straddle the board the cuts off the front storage compartment and under the bed compartment. The size of the actuators will not allow me place them in the same location. I thought about cutting a "notch" in that wall to allow the actuators to fit in the same location and I may end up doing that if I don't hear from anyone who has done this mod.

Thanks for the question Mike!!

[Seann45]

I cut a 1x1 stick. Lift the bed put the stick in place get what I want, drop the bed and restore the stick.. (think engine hood prop like on some of the smaller cars)
this fix is like me cheap and easy..LOL

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by OurJayco

I have searched this great forum for information using actuators to raise/lower the bed and I am not finding any results.
Can anyone tell me if they made this modification and how well it is working for you. My wife can not raise the bed herself and remove items stored under the bed, so we need to tag team this task. I spoke to her about either adding stronger struts or adding actuator(s) and have a remote switch to raise/lower the bed.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

I installed a linear actuator on my bed in our 2BHS. The bed has the regular mattress and a 4" foam pad (or what ever they call them. I have no issues it has been working for the last 4 months and is used on a daily basis, as I keep all my electronics hobby stuff under it. The one I purchased has a 225Lb limit, and is mounted in the center of the bed. It does not strain itself going up and you can tell that it is a lot easier coming down.

I purchased mine on Amazon and the switch is a 3 position, up/off/down and it automatically turns off when either end is reached, which is a GREAT feature.

I also put a piece of metal about 12"x24" (it will need some type of support under the board) on the top of the bed and the actuator is bolted to it from the bottom. I also put a 1/4 inch x 2" x 5' aluminum strip on one of the 1x1 wood supports glued to the bottom of the bed board.

Leave the 2 side lift supports connected as they keep the bed level while going up and down.

Make sure you remove the pillows from the head of the bed before raising it.

I mounted the switch on the side of the bed stand, out of the way.

DW thinks it is the greatest upgrade that I have done so far.

I have a video but the site keeps saying there is a problem.. may look into youtube....

Don

[BJR]

Originally Posted by Mustang65

I purchased mine on Amazon and the switch is a 3 position, up/off/down and it automatically turns off when either end is reached, which is a GREAT feature.

If you can dig up part numbers we would probably all run out and buy one.

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by BJR

If you can dig up part numbers we would probably all run out and buy one.

Your wish is my command...

You will need 4 measurements:
- the distance between the bed board and the floor in the closed position and open position
- the length of the linear actuator extended and compressed position.

Insert spacers where and if needed.

NEWS FLASH: Sorry the switch did not come with the unit.. I will look up the switch and post it here.

I can not locate my invoice for the switch, but it is a DPDT / (On) - Off - (On) type.

Do NOT purchase the 16" model, it will not fit under the bed when closed.

Don

[OurJayco]

This is the kit I purchased from Amazon.....

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Li...r+actuator+kit

I will be out camping the next two weekends, but once we get back, I will be using your ideas to mount them.
Thanks for the picture and information provided. I will post pictures once I get them installed.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by Mustang65

Your wish is my command...

You will need 4 measurements:
- the distance between the bed board and the floor in the closed position and open position
- the length of the linear actuator extended and compressed position.

Insert spacers where and if needed.

NEWS FLASH: Sorry the switch did not come with the unit.. I will look up the switch and post it here.

I can not locate my invoice for the switch, but it is a DPDT / (On) - Off - (On) type.

Do NOT purchase the 16" model, it will not fit under the bed when closed.

Don

Here is the URL for this one: https://www.amazon.com/WINDYNATION-A...+lin-act1br-12

[BJR]

Originally Posted by Mustang65

Your wish is my command...

You will need 4 measurements:
- the distance between the bed board and the floor in the closed position and open position
- the length of the linear actuator extended and compressed position.

Insert spacers where and if needed.

NEWS FLASH: Sorry the switch did not come with the unit.. I will look up the switch and post it here.

I can not locate my invoice for the switch, but it is a DPDT / (On) - Off - (On) type.

Do NOT purchase the 16" model, it will not fit under the bed when closed.

Don

That's awesome! Did you essentially mount vertically or angled like the struts?

Thanks a lot.

[BuddyRay]

So why do some of these kits come with relays? Doesn't seem like this would draw enough current that you couldn't just run it through a switch directly?

[TWP723]

Originally Posted by Seann45

I cut a 1x1 stick. Lift the bed put the stick in place get what I want, drop the bed and restore the stick.. (think engine hood prop like on some of the smaller cars)
this fix is like me cheap and easy..LOL

..cheap and easy! LOL

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by BuddyRay

So why do some of these kits come with relays? Doesn't seem like this would draw enough current that you couldn't just run it through a switch directly?

I ran mine directly through the switch as the current draw is minimal. The unit automatically turns off when the actuator reaches the top and bottom end points. You can also stop the movement anywhere in between those points.

The unit is mounted almost straight up and down and has no issues.

If you modify the mounting bracket's linear actuators pin hole locations, you may be able to mount the top mounting bracket on the 1x1 support that is glued to the bottom of the bed board.

Don
Thank you Lady Fitzgerald for the link.. not sure what happened to my link in the original post.. thought it was inserted... this is the one I purchased

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

Here is the URL for this one: https://www.amazon.com/WINDYNATION-A...+lin-act1br-12

[Bonedaddio]

Thanks, food for thought, a great mod!