Transforming a TB into a Cal King

Topic: Transforming a TB into a Cal King (Read 4 times) previous topic - next topic

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October 25, 2011, 05:24:08 pm

My bride and I sold our 2002 MB to my sister last year thinking we would look for something a little bigger. We thought that the MB was too good a motor home to just let it go, so we kept it in the family! She is thrilled to have it.
You learn about yourself and your preferences as you try out various RV's. Over the years we discovered that since we came from a number of fifth wheels, we got used to having a bit more space. The desire for more room was met in a new to us 2005 TB.
We purchased the 2005 TB in December of last year and have been travelling hither thither and yon in it ever since. But, once again the self-discovery mode kicked in. A month or two ago I came across a blog written by a couple who had made their TB into a king. What they had done was put a bridge between their twins (port to starboard) and then used their twin mattresses across the bridge so that now they could sleep together and at the same time have more elbowroom. The thought intrigued me. I took some measurements and felt confident I could build something in that space that would fit a Cal King.
I began by removing the bed frame plywood top which was made from ¼" plywood. I removed the platform top on the water tank side of the TB, which gave me a chance to clean the inside of the storage space under the bed. I then re-installed a 3/8" plywood top with a spacer to bring the edges flush with the platform top. On the drivers side the transition was a bit more complicated. I discovered that the top of the bed was not only screwed down, it was glued down. What that means is it took me some laborious hours removing the old plywood and installing the new with the appropriate spacers. Again, while that top was removed I got a chance to clean the storage space thoroughly and to install a 120V outlet at the front end of the bed for easy access to electricity when necessary.
The old headboards were easily removed having been stapled to the rear wall on both sides of the motor home. The center drawer was a bit more of a challenge because it was blind screwed from the outside of the rear wall. With some finagling I got it removed as well. I then filled in the opening between the twin beds with ½" plywood supported by 1X2" gussets and cross members. The new platform provides enough space for a Cal King mattress with 12" of space at the head for pillows and blankets.
Having used this set up now for a couple of months now I really like the space. The Cal King mattress is gloriously spacious and comfortable even for lounging. Of course, the view out of those big windows is wonderful as well.
I know that this kind of a project isn't for everyone but it sure meet our need for spacious sleeping accommodations.