Why no rails or ladders for Bunks! 375BHFS

[shadester]

When we purchased our 2016 bunk house we couldn't understand why the accessories are not included. Salesman couldn't answer either. All we could come up with is something to do with liability possibly. Anyways, this is what we came up with for a safety rail for our 3 year old monkey. We used a steel rail and cut the height to size. Had to come up with some flanges to mount it. It serves well and prevents a roll off. Please excuse the background, getting ready to go into storage.

[3'senough]

Liability. If it's not there it can't fail. Nice rail. I went with a 3/4 x 12" x 30" piece of stained pine for each of my top bunks.

[BigJohnD]

The bunk houses we had in the past, I made a rail system out of poplar. They were removable and two rails slid up under the mattress. Sounds weird but looked good and took out when sold. Also made removable ladders.

And why on most bunk houses designed for young kids, do they never have a tub? Heck we had a small garden tub with seat in our 07 Mobile Scout fifth wheel, no bunks. It's not like you don't have the space to do it when some rigs are putting 60" showers in. Gotta please the market, so I guess most don't want one. I know, gray water tank would fill up. Poor excuse. One of the many reasons we always debate getting a custom build or building our own.

Btw, your rail turned out great and looks real professional.

[shadester]

Hey 3'S, How did you do your ladder? Here's mine. On the opposite side I took that trifold couch and stuffed it in the dumpster. Then lowered my upper bunk to floor level. Built a nice platform where that upper bunk was and will be installing closet bars and a few closets. Now I can fully retract the slides without have to lift and lock the the opposite bunk up.

[3'senough]

Nice idea, though my kids retreat to that area along with tagalongs of cousins and such, so I need that couch. I have had up to 10 kids back there watching a flick while the parents were outside having adult fire time later at night when it's quite hours.

I don't use ladders in this one. My son is a monkey and just climbs up the cabinet to his bunk above the couch. Even if there was a ladder I don't think he would use it. The other side is easy as my oldest is 5' 8", so it's easy to get up there. Might have to switch with the little one though due to length.

The only question I have is about the ladder mounted in your photo. I would keep an eye on that as there are some weak points like the top and bottom trim pieces are just a few wood screws in plywood. Just thinking about safety.

The last set I built out of pine and closet rail that went all the way to the ground in my previous unit. Stored them on the bunks when traveling due.

[shadester]

Thanks for the heads up. I have it mounted to the floor base not even touching the outter trim pieces. I couldn't handle ten in this trailer, i'd be in a rubber room. Lol

[CarlB]

I had to build some for my greyhawk. the stairs were really meant to be used when things are all opened up, and we are making epic road trips frequently, so that dog didn't hunt.

Not a great picture, but here is what i built before going to Alaska -

[icandoallthings]

Originally Posted by CarlB

I had to build some for my greyhawk. the stairs were really meant to be used when things are all opened up, and we are making epic road trips frequently, so that dog didn't hunt.

I love this. Did you post the construction I have a '12 31FS purchased used and my kids have ripped the padded trip piece from around the bottom drawers a few times. I need to come up with something like this. I don't think we need the bed rails, at least at this point. Are yours attached to the bunks themselves or do they just hang on the trim pieces. I like the idea of being able to remove them but I don't think it would be an issue to travel with.

Again very nice work. Great craftsmanship

[Iraqvet05]

Maybe they don't add ladders or rails to keep cost down. My kids were 5 and 9 when we purchased our BH. The youngest could not get in the top bunk to bother his sister so I saw no need to add a ladder. We had a friend's kid stay with us and we made him sleep on the dinette bed...no need for a ladder or rails in our case for most circumstances.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by BigJohnD

...snip..
And why on most bunk houses designed for young kids, do they never have a tub? Heck we had a small garden tub with seat in our 07 Mobile Scout fifth wheel, no bunks. It's not like you don't have the space to do it when some rigs are putting 60" showers in. Gotta please the market, so I guess most don't want one. I know, gray water tank would fill up. Poor excuse. One of the many reasons we always debate getting a custom build or building our own...

Interestingly, we've got the opposite problem. The 19RD has the tub. We are a pair of 50+ empty nesters. Considering everything, stepping over the side of the tub is among our top problems when camping. Right up there with paying too much for gasoline. But not as bad as forgetting the marshmallows.

[ctbailey]

Our BH has a ladder to one upper bunk, but not the other. No factory rail, though.

The past two TT were bunkhouses, both had a tub. I sorta thought all BH had tubs.


Craig Bailey
New England
2007 Chevy 2500HD crew
2015 Jayco Jayflight 32BHDS

[Marcm157]

My 28BHBE came with a factory ladder for the top bunk that stores in a recess when not in use. We only have 1 kid left that camps with us and she is 16 so no need for a rail...