Electric or Mechanical Drop Down Bed

[Gadgets78]

I’m guessing this question may split opinion but what is the better option, mechanical or electric drop down beds.

I said in another post we are looking for our first motorhome. There is 4 of us and two dogs so space will be important. Having a drop down bed is a good option for this reason.

However, when looking at them recently they are getting mixed reviews. Also it’s not easy when trying to figure out what the weight limit is for two people. A lot of the time it says refer to the label on the bed. Which is not easy when doing research on the internet. I’ve seen some drop downs say their limit is 150kg, others 250kg, how can there be such a weight difference. Surely most beds are made the same?

 

[Jewellbags]

We have an electric bed and it hasn’t missed a beat over 4 years but tbh I’d go for a mechanical / manual one - less things to go wrong

 

[Guigsy]

I was under the impression that most mechanical ones were in A-classes where it hinges down from above the cab. And most electrical ones were in semi-integrated coach builds where the bed drops down into the lounge?

 

[Reallyretired]

I don't have either but there have been many posts on here about electric ones causing problems, getting stuck up or down or worse half way.

 

[Bleau’s]

We had an electric one in our elegance and was great but worrying when it would not go up now got a carthago with a manual one and takes a good hard push to put it back up but no worries it will stick down and prevent you driving although taking the fuse out the electric one when down is a good anti theft deterant

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[Lenny HB]

I was under the impression that most mechanical ones were in A-classes where it hinges down from above the cab. And most electrical ones were in semi-integrated coach builds where the bed drops down into the lounge?

Most A class's electric is an expensive option.

 

[Lenny HB]

taking the fuse out the electric one when down is a good anti theft deterant

Friends one is mechanical, he puts a padlock through a convient hole in the frame.

 

[Shrimp]

Manual, less to breakdown!

 

[Lenny HB]

Personally I would go for a mechanical one, most of the electric mechanisms are Project 2000, nothing they make seems reliable.

I think drop down beds in a standard CB are a waste of time as you lose the lounge when the bed is down. Unlike an A Class where the lounge is still useable bar the front seats when the bed is down.

 

[DDJC]

Got two. Centre bed above the saloon area. Also got the rear one electrified as well. This means that for travelling, we can take tall stuff like bikes in the garage and then drop it down once stopped. I am an old git. I don't want to climb a ladder into bed.

Not had any problems yet (five years), but I would advise four things.

1. Silicone the runners and oil the motor annually.
2. When raising the bed, help the motor by pushing the bed up. The motor runs easier with even a small amount of support.
3. Test the manual winding mechanism. If your motor fails and the bed won't go up, it could make your trip every uncomfortable.
4. Have a cordless drill with a winder bit to do the manual winder. I have tested this and one battery charge raises and lowers the front bed six times.

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[Cheese Monster]

We have a 6mtr motorhome with a drop down bed so here's my thoughts.
Would I want two more people in such a space NO. Where do you put their luggage? The extra cushions that are required to make up the lower bed would take up more luggage space. You'd all have to get up or go to bed at the same time. When the beds are made there's little floor space available. Our bed has been powered up and down nearly every day for 6 years but it will break one day.

For just the two of us it's fine but I would prefer fixed beds.

Tip:
Always carry an electric drill so you don't have to wind it manually when the motor fails.

 

[CRD]

I was under the impression that most mechanical ones were in A-classes where it hinges down from above the cab. And most electrical ones were in semi-integrated coach builds where the bed drops down into the lounge?

I think this is correct. We’re in the process of buying a semi integrated coach built (Adria Matrix) which has an electric drop down bed. Given the choice, though, I would rather go with a manual drop down, but we could only find those in A class vans.

 

[DDJC]

Regarding the bed weight limit, our centre bed is rated at 150. That is seriously tested by my two boys! The bed is odd shaped, and there is a weak spot on the ladder side, where there is a corner, that is probably the reason why it is rated 150, rather 250 kilos. The bed used to bend as the eldest got in. Also, the mattress is a dual layer memory foam , which doubled the weight of the mattress. I am pretty sure the occupied front bed is over 150 kilos

What I did was got some 3" polished ally pole and cut it to length. Added two end stoppers and then added a circle of stick-on padding until the length was exactly right. See pics. Now the bed is solid as a rock.

 

[KUSKUS]

We had a Burstner with electric bed, it was an absolute nightmare .
dealer took the van back off us in the end.

 

[RedFrame]

We had an electrical drop down in a Burstner, the control unit failed and I was quoted over £1000 for repair, manufacturer would only supply dealer not direct. I ended up reverse engineering the control unit and making a new one for around £100.

I would want a manual drop down if I was looking.

Cheers
Red.

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[AdrianChen]

Ours is electric and slow - but would choose mechanical if I needed it at all, in the previous van we didn't have the drop down but an extra skylight and better stowage which I much preferred.

 

[nicholsong]

We have a manual overcab bed in our N&B Arto 'A' Class and I am pleased that is not electric. The MH is over 20 years old and no problem with the manual, but I doubt an electric one would have gone that long without a problem.

I am pleased that all we have that is electric are steps, water pump, fan for heating and lights.

KISS

 

[Lenny HB]

I like the stripper pole.

 

[68c]

Our 2001 A class Pilote has a manual forward mounted drop down bed. As it comes down it pivots forward over the instrument panel. A simple set up with four levers assisted by two gas struts.
Most electric ones I have seen are in the centre and raise and lower vertically with screw jacks. Not sure how that could be made to be purely manual.

 

[Camdoon]

Personally I would go for a mechanical one, most of the electric mechanisms are Project 2000, nothing they make seems reliable.

I think drop down beds in a standard CB are a waste of time as you lose the lounge when the bed is down. Unlike an A Class where the lounge is still useable bar the front seats when the bed is down.

Conversely if the bed is stuck down...

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[Guigsy]

Personally I would go for a mechanical one, most of the electric mechanisms are Project 2000, nothing they make seems reliable.

I think drop down beds in a standard CB are a waste of time as you lose the lounge when the bed is down. Unlike an A Class where the lounge is still useable bar the front seats when the bed is down.

Also, when the bed drops through the lounge, often the overhead lockers are reduced or even absent.

We're limited to 6m due to drive length. Getting a stubby A-class instead of a semi-integrated coachbuild with the equivalent layout ment quite a lot more storage. As Lenny mentioned, being able to use the lounge while the bed is down was the justification for the extra spend on the A-class. It was well worth it. The fact that bed is mechanical is a minor bonus.

 

[xCrow]

We have a 6mtr motorhome with a drop down bed so here's my thoughts.
Would I want two more people in such a space NO. Where do you put their luggage? The extra cushions that are required to make up the lower bed would take up more luggage space. You'd all have to get up or go to bed at the same time. When the beds are made there's little floor space available. Our bed has been powered up and down nearly every day for 6 years but it will break one day.

For just the two of us it's fine but I would prefer fixed beds.

Tip:
Always carry an electric drill so you don't have to wind it manually when the motor fails.

What is the correct drill attachment for the electric drill. I have a Bailey Approach Compact 540 and the electric motor won’t get the bed up without a LOT of help. I can see there is a hole for a manual winder but no idea what drill attachment I need. Thanks.

 

[Gromett]

The only drop down bed I would ever consider would be one with a very simple mechanical hinge, held up in the up position with a seatbelt style clasp. With the only additional mechanism being dual gas struts.
Even if one or both gas struts give up you could still use it. Seen this style in lots of A classes and I like it.

I really don't like adding complexity to something so basic but essentials.

 

[Gromett]

This guy shows the mechanism I like and it is so simple very little to actually go wrong.

 

[Cheese Monster]

What is the correct drill attachment for the electric drill. I have a Bailey Approach Compact 540 and the electric motor won’t get the bed up without a LOT of help. I can see there is a hole for a manual winder but no idea what drill attachment I need. Thanks.

The Project 2000 beds fitted to Roller Teams require a piece of hexagonal bar. This fits nicely into a drill chuck.