Chapter 17
The one-year verdict
What stayed solid, silent, dry, and comfortable—and what we would build again.
The cheap, light structure proved itself
After more than a year, the bed is essentially as strong as when we finished it. There is no noticeable weakening, looseness, squeaking, or annoying movement. It has survived thousands of miles and plenty of bad roads while staying sturdy, quiet, dry, and comfortable.
The success did not come from expensive or massive materials. Structural support in the right places, metal beams spanning efficiently, a lightweight tied platform, ventilation, and floor-plan planning all work together.
The decision that mattered most
The biggest win happened before construction: finding enough width to sleep sideways. Those few inches reclaimed inside the wall saved several feet of useful van length.
| Decision | Our verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sideways bed | Do again | Saved major floor-plan length. |
| Internal flares | Do again | Let a normal full mattress fit across the van. |
| Regular mattress | Do again | No trimming or custom shape. |
| Three Skorva beams | Do again | Our completed structure stayed strong and quiet. |
| ½-inch plywood | Do again | Light and adequate in our completed structure. |
| Ventilation holes | Do again | No underside moisture problem after more than a year. |
| Anti-mold-painted platform | Do again | Part of a moisture strategy that worked for us. |
| Wall reinforcement | Do again | The bed remains structurally solid. |
| High bed | Accept the tradeoff | Harder entry; huge garage below. |
| Drawer-step | Do again | Useful dual-purpose design. |
| Large lumber frame | Not needed for ours | Efficient structure worked without one. |