Forward Drop Down Bunk Latches And Ladder Mods

[Sojourn Explorer]

Thought I would do a quick post on a couple of mods I did on our 2015 Windsport forward overhead bunk. The two issues that make it unpopular in the family are the narrow steps on the ladder and the thin mattress. We opted to put a thicker memory foam mattress with a mattress pad. That extra 5 inches wouldn't let us travel without removing the mattress. I fabbed up a set of drop down hooks that let's us travel with the bunk a little lower. Worked great. I also made these wood steps for the ladder. Not as hard on the feet as those narrow ones.

[txsport]

Nice job, I've been looking to do the same. Think in 2017-18 thor realized this issue and put in taller filler panel to roof line.

[John & Diane]

Great ideas. Would you mind providing the dimensions of the brackets you made? I need some projects to keep me busy until it's time to head south and these are great. When using the brackets have you gotten any new noises?



Our rv is in storage and I can't look at the bunk right now but I'm sure it will be apparent where you hook the brackets to bunk.



Thanks for sharing your ideas, much appreciated.

[Vibeman]

Very clever, nice work!

[Sojourn Explorer]

Originally Posted by John & Diane

Great ideas. Would you mind providing the dimensions of the brackets you made? I need some projects to keep me busy until it's time to head south and these are great. When using the brackets have you gotten any new noises?



Our rv is in storage and I can't look at the bunk right now but I'm sure it will be apparent where you hook the brackets to bunk.



Thanks for sharing your ideas, much appreciated.

I just left the RV on the west coast, so the dimensions are from memory. The latch length is 5" from the inside of the hook to the center of the pin. I remember that for certain. Pin diameter is the same as the factory supplied pin. From memory, 5/16". The strap width was 5/8", if I recall, but not sure. On the steps, I bought a 1" X 4" X 6' long piece of mahogany. Measured center to center of ladder rail and shot the holes. I sanded a slight curvature in the bottom of the mahogany steps to marry up to the aluminum factory steps. Used some two-part epoxy bedding glue, plus some screws from the bottom to secure them. Just put 2000 miles in the last week and a half, and everything worked great.