Dude, living the van life is all about riding the open road, chasing waves or pow in our case, and embracing the freedom that comes with it. But when you're living in a cozy van, space can be a bit cramped, man. That's where a DIY elevator bed lift with actuators comes in, and I'm going to show you how to build one and create the ultimate van life crib.
Gear You'll Need For Your DIY Elevator Bed Lift:
Linear Actuators: These bad boys will be the muscle behind your bed lift system. Get some quality actuators with the right stroke length for your van's dimensions. We used -Firgelli automations optical feedback linear actuators 400 pound with a 30 inch stroke.
Bed Frame: Your bed frame is like the surfboard of this setup – make sure it's solid and fits your mattress like a glove.
Mounting Brackets: You'll need these to attach the actuators to both the bed frame and your van's interior.
Synchronising Box: This is your control for the whole operation, man. you gotta have one.
Power Source: Depending on your setup, you might need a separate battery or tap into your van's electrical system.
Safety Measures: Don't forget to add limit switches or sensors to prevent any wipe outs – we're talking about safety, bro! If you decide to go with Firgelli actuators they have built in limit switches
Wiring and Connectors: To keep the energy flowing and make sure everything's connected like a well-balanced board.
Step-by-Step:
Measure and Plan: Start by sizing up your van and sketching out your plan. You need to know how much room you've got for your mattress and clearance when the bed's up.
Choose the Actuators: Find actuators that can lift your bed frame and mattress smoothly. Make sure they've got the right stroke length for your lift height. purchasing a type with built in limit switches creates less wiring work.
Mount the Actuators: Bolt those actuators to the van's floor using those mounting brackets. Keep 'em level and aligned – it's all about that even lift, bro!
Build the Bed Frame: Craft a bed frame that's as solid as and fits your mattress snug. we'd recommend having a welded steel frame to keep everything solid.
Connect the Actuators to the Bed Frame: Attach the other ends of those actuators to the bed frame, making sure they're rock-solid and parallel.
Wiring and Control: Wire up those actuators to the controller, man. If you're using a separate battery, get that hooked up too. Test the system to make sure it's smooth sailing. This is the part that requires the most thinking. we've added a wiring diagram from Frigelli to make things easier.
Safety First: Add those limit switches or sensors to keep things safe. No wipe outs allowed here! again we recommend actuators with built in limit switches so you can skip this step
Finishing Touches: Give your setup some style, dude! Add panels or curtains to make it look rad and blend in with your van's vibes.
Maintenance Tips:
Check your gear regularly, man! Keep an eye on those actuators, brackets, and wires to make sure they're in tip-top shape.
Grease up those actuators as recommended by the manufacturer to keep things running smooth.
Keep the wiring and controller safe from moisture, just like you'd protect your board from the elements.
Building an elevator bed lift with actuators is like catching the perfect wave or powder bowl in the world of van life, dude! It's all about making the most of your space while keeping it stylish and safe. So, ride that wave, invest in top-notch gear, and create the ultimate van life setup. When you're done, you'll have a crib that goes from a comfy bed to a spacious living area with a flip of the switch, making your van life journey very rad!
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