Modify to add slideout bed extensions to 2014 320-S Basic

EBastow · March 12

I want to make slideout bed extensions for my 2014 320-S Basic. I'd like them to be like the new units in this picture:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/3i/69tpmn1antfn.png

Can you purchase these, or has anyone made them and have a pattern available?

californication · March 14

@EBastow I can't answer the question about where to buy it.

But I'll give you a counter argument to not do it.

We own Tab320 2022, with said slideouts. They sound like a good thing, however we had several issues with them:

1. it requires a bit of trickery to slide them back, usually moving it back and forth for few seconds.

2. they're too heavy to stay up on themselves, because of the window, they don't stay up. When I reworked wires under the driver's seat, I had to add bungie cords to keep the seat upside (I get it, it's not very often done)

3. The quality of this slideout is.. at best questionable. Several times when I put my knee on top of cushions, I heard underneath boards cracking. On one of slideouts I clearly see one of boards detached from the frame.

I personally started considering changes to this setup. I'm not sure what to do yet.

EBastow · March 17

Thanks for the insight. I may consider just designing something on my own, maybe using heavy-duty drawer sliders. Just need to figure out about the two levels not being even (under the cushion and then on the slideout.)

rfuss928 · March 17

FWIW - I hated the slide out set-up. They were always in the way. They make it very difficult to get in the compartments and keep them up while you utilize the storage. They only open one way so it is impossible to access storage with the bed made (as ours always is). The legs are constantly in the way if you try to sneak something in or out or store anything under the bed.
After season one in the UT a revision was required. I removed the hinges at the wall and legs from each assembly and added a few screws to prevent the tops from extending. They are now completely removable lift off tops. Then I made support pieces for the corners of the base cabinets to keep the tops in place and hold up a piece of 3/4" plywood for the bed. I added some finger handles like the rear covers and now can open the tops from any side even with the mattress in place by just reaching under and lifting the side I want to access.
We're are very happy with the results and improved usability.

BTW - Although we don't anticipate resale, legs and hinges are stored with the original cushions and everything is completely reversible with only a couple extra unused screw holes as scars.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/ik/863tbb45fx8p.jpg

EBastow · March 28

Thank you! Very nice quality work!

WayneW · March 28

My wife and I like the slide outs. They were sticky and stubborn at first but I took them off and used furniture paste wax on all surfaces and they slide quite nicely now. We have a short curtain rod that we stick under the slide out if we need to tip it up to access the storage underneath. The rod stays under the slide out so it’s always there.

We sleep in the two single bed configuration and it’s pretty easy to set up/take down each day. Then we have full use of the dining area. I can even snooze for a bit when my wife gets up to make coffee!

EBastow · March 28

Thank you! That is what we are looking at doing is using a two twin bed size

WayneW · March 29

@EBastow, I can send you pics and dimensions but I’m guessing you’d need to customize it for your trailer.

Basil48192 · March 29

I agree with @WayneW. I really like the slide out feature. No need for storing extra pieces and a little paste wax allows them to slide easily.

EBastow · April 10

I've decided to use some folding shelf brackets (support 3300 lbs) that are 12" - Use 2 on each side of the area. ( https://amzn.to/3EqIUbX )

Image: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61XgzeQ2h7L._AC_SL1500_.jpg

We want to be able to extend them on either side to have the bed expanded on one side only. I'll have extra heavy-duty Zelcro on the top of the bracket and then on the bottom of a 14-15"" wide board that will allow the seat cushions to expand on top of it. If we want to use the entire bed, we will extend the shelf brackets and have 2 14-15" boards. I'll add some photos as I get it done.

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Modify to add slideout bed extensions to 2014 320-S Basic

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