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Old 05-22-2019, 12:54 PM   #1
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Leaving bunk down while motoring

Thor ACE 30.4.

I've searched this forum back several years, and haven't seen this question addressed. Is there any real reason the drop down bunk above the cockpit has to be "up" when driving? In the down position, it is supported by steel rails for its full length - seems to me this could be safer than when folded and retracted. The "manual" says it must be up. To retract, I have to remove the memory foam pad, just kind of a pain.

Thoughts? Thanks, all.

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Old 05-22-2019, 12:59 PM   #2
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First: Welcome to the Forum!
Have you tried driving the rig with it down? I wonder if there is any sort of safety lock-out on the ignition?
It might become a question of available head-room; if you were to be in an accident...
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Old 05-22-2019, 02:18 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ParkvilleMike View Post
Thor ACE 30.4.

I've searched this forum back several years, and haven't seen this question addressed. Is there any real reason the drop down bunk above the cockpit has to be "up" when driving? In the down position, it is supported by steel rails for its full length - seems to me this could be safer than when folded and retracted. The "manual" says it must be up. To retract, I have to remove the memory foam pad, just kind of a pain.

Thoughts? Thanks, all.
My bed comes down far enough that we have to make sure the driver's seat is all the way down (electric) and lean the seat backs back about 30 degrees to keep the bed from hitting the seats. I am not sure I could even crawl into the seats. I know I have to use the remote to listen to the radio when the bed id down.
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Old 05-22-2019, 02:29 PM   #4
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Yeah not much room for the driver when the bunk is down.

The only reason I see for "Trying" to drive while down is if the bunk was stuck in the down position and your on your way the repair shop to get it fixed.
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Old 05-22-2019, 03:31 PM   #5
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Ace bunk design is different, but video says not to drive with it down. Looks like clearance is adequate for shorter individuals.


https://youtu.be/jHKMuXi_AJ8
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Old 05-22-2019, 03:43 PM   #6
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I'd hate to be "jammed" in underneath it; and have something go wrong...
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Old 05-22-2019, 04:01 PM   #7
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I forgot that ACEs have an entirely different front bunk than the rest of the bigger gas coaches. Our bunks are heavier deeper and come much further down.
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Old 05-22-2019, 04:23 PM   #8
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Only issue for me is to duck.....
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Old 05-22-2019, 04:35 PM   #9
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I recall seeing a Class A that had a permanent overhead bunk much like one in a Class C, but that was a long time ago. Other design that was more common decades ago was an overhead bunk that tilted up to make getting in and out of seats a bit easier.

In the case of the Ace, Thor may have concerns regarding bunk not staying in place while motorhome is moving. You could ask them but they’ll probably say not to do it due to liability.
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Old 05-22-2019, 04:53 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Yaktop View Post
Only issue for me is to duck.....
... or not!
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Old 05-22-2019, 05:06 PM   #11
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We have a Windsport and on our first trip put the bunk all the way up but forgot to put the safety pins in. When we arrived at our campsite the bed had "drifted" down, but not equally. We thought we could just push the button and raise it up. WRONG. The 2 motors were out of sync and It became so crooked we were panicking...... YouTube saved the day and we learned our lesson.
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Old 05-22-2019, 05:09 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chance View Post
Ace bunk design is different, but video says not to drive with it down. Looks like clearance is adequate for shorter individuals.


https://youtu.be/jHKMuXi_AJ8
Oh yeah, none powered.

But still it would be down to low so why do it?
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Old 05-22-2019, 07:27 PM   #13
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Oh yeah, none powered.

But still it would be down to low so why do it?

I wouldn’t, but could drive it in lower position. Lots of headroom for me.

If it were allowed, I could see benefit of the overhead bunk. On Class Cs we carry all kinds of stuff there on long trips. There can be over 50 cubic feet of volume in an overhead bunk.
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Old 05-22-2019, 07:39 PM   #14
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I agree: They can be the "Go-To Closet"; in a Class C rig.
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Old 05-22-2019, 10:18 PM   #15
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Thanks, all. In the ACE 30.4, you don't have to move seats at all to put the bunk down, and there are no safety pins nor interlocks. I have driven short distances. Bottom line, probably better to NOT do so. And, yes, it can be a head knocker - even when parked!!

Again, appreciate the input. Travel safe.
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Old 06-02-2019, 12:09 PM   #16
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I would say safety is a factor. The system is not designed to be in a mid position and could fall, especially in an accident.
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Old 06-02-2019, 12:36 PM   #17
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I would not recommend driving your coach with the loft in the down position because of safety issues and visibility. I understand what you're saying about the mattress issue because I had the same problem when I replaced my inflatable mattress with a memory foam mattress. What I did was manufacture a new safety pin system that allows for the lost height. I have a post in a previous thread with a picture of the locking pin extension that I manufactured using plywood and 1/4 inch bolts
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