Future Mod: Lifting lower bunk on 175BH

[MicheleSF]

Hi everyone,

I'm a new owner of a 175BH and I have an idea for a mod I'd like to do sometime in the future. Before I get too invested in the idea, I thought I'd run it by people with (hopefully) more technical expertise than myself to see if it's even feasible.

I have one kid (currently 6) and I would like to give her some play space in the lower bunk area, but also want to keep the lower bunk available should we ever need it for a sleepover. If I released the lower bunk from the wall, could I somehow create a pulley system to raise (and lock) the lower bunk so that it's snug under the top bunk to give her room? I'm thinking something like a toy-hauler drop-down bed but without the motor.

Or

Since there's already a gas strut in place to lift the bunk up to access under bed storage from the outside door, could I install additional struts to lift the whole thing vertically?

All ideas welcome. I've seen plenty about removing the top bunk, but she's super into the idea of sleeping up there, and she has a loft bed at home so playing underneath is something she's used to already.

Thanks,
Michele

[ctbruce]

Anything is possible. What is under the bunk now? Sometimes water pumps, wires, pipes, etc. are there that might be in the way and are not movable.

[MicheleSF]

Originally Posted by ctbruce

Anything is possible. What is under the bunk now? Sometimes water pumps, wires, pipes, etc. are there that might be in the way and are not movable.

Nothing is under the lower bunk. It's storage space accessible from the outside via a small door.

[66joej]

Originally Posted by MicheleSF

Nothing is under the lower bunk. It's storage space accessible from the outside via a small door.

Something as simple as this should work. Attach pulleys to bottom of top bunk.

[JRTJH]

Another alternative might be to use piano hinge and install the lower bunk so it folds up against the outer wall of the trailer. Lock it in place with a barrel bolt at each end. If needed, pull up on the barrel bolts, fold the bed/mattress down and when done, fold it back up.