RV Murphy Bed Idea – Build Your Own

 

The allure of space saving alternatives is always a hot topic when it comes to RV’s. Nothing takes up more space for most people than the RV Bed.  Its a space hogging necessity that I never considered an area of space saving improvement until the RV Murphy Bed. If you purchased an actual pre-made murphy bed they would cost upwards of $1000 for any of decent quality. But, as we tend to do around here we recommend building one yourself which is a surprisingly straight forward task according to Ana-White.com. The best part about building a custom RV murphy bed is you can choose the size and the orientation (Hinge at the top or side of the RV bed).  I have actually seen them both ways and the side mounted version is better on space but harder for 2 people to get in and out of. If you have the space for it this could be a great add on to a RV remodel. I have also seen people use this as a replacement for the bunk bed area in some RV’s. Interesting to say the least. See the pictures below to get a better idea of the build process. Perhaps you could do it at your S&B house as well!

 

 

According to Ana-White.com, you will need the following to build your very own RV Murphy Bed:

Shopping List:

• 1 – Sheet of 1/2″ Plywood or MDF
• 3 – 1×12, 8′ Long
• 1 – 1×8, 8′ Long
• 1 – 1×4, 8′ Long
• 1 – 1×3, 8′ Long
• 3 – 1×2, 8′ Long
• 2″ Screws
• 2″ Nails
• 1 1/4″ Nails
• 5/8″ Brad Nails
• Glue
• Wood Filler
• Sand Paper
• 1/4″ Thick Hobby Boards
• Hinges (preferably heavy duty door hinges or continuous piano hinge)
• Heavy duty magnetic clasp to keep the bed from falling open
• Optional compression hinges to slowly lower the bed in place

 

Tools:

• measuring tape
• square
• pencil
• hammer
• safety glasses
• hearing protection
• Kreg Jig™
• drill
• circular saw
• nailer
• sander

 

To see the entire breakdown and tutorial of the RV murhpy bed visit http://ana-white.com/2010/03/plans-a-murphy-bed-you-can-build-and-afford-to-build.html

 

As an alternative you can order these RV murphy bed kits that come with all the hardware and also instructions on how to assemble

Full

Queen

Twin

 

Other resources for builidng RV Murphy Beds:

http://www.handymanclub.com/projects/articletype/articleview/articleid/5397/murphy-bed-project-plans

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-murphy-bed/index.html

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/moddi-murphy-bed-kit-41602