Popup Camper: Gaucho Beds
Let’s face it, RVs in general are limited in space but a popup camper is extremely limited. When it comes to sleeping in any RV or be it a popup camper, you need to get creative with the sleeping arrangements. Now, typically a popup camper has 1 to 2 beds that slide out from the main shell and could vary in size. In most cases, many popup campers have additional sleeping with the dinette table adjusting into a single or double bed at night. If you wanted to add additional sleeping quarters, what better way to do that is a Gaucho bed?
What is a Gaucho bed you asked? Well in short terms, a built-in futon. Gaucho beds can function as a sofa or storage area that is designed to do dual roles. Dual meaning it could start as a couch and pull out to a bed when needed. Depending on the space you’re working with a Gaucho bed could be built into a small or double-size bed. Adding more sleeping space for your family. The most popular variations in Gaucho beds are the couch or a dinette setups.
Now some RVs or popup campers come with them installed and owners lose interest and pull them out. But with their popularity growing, some are left reinstalling newer ones. The great thing about Gaucho beds is that they can be made to fit smaller spaces for a reasonable cost. No breaking the budget here. Additionally, intricate designs will cost you extra but can be available with fewer installation challenges. This website 18 Gaucho Bed Plans Ideas shows you 18 ways to build one in smaller spaces.
Sleep!!!
Quality of sleep can be difficult in Gaucho Beds. Why do you ask because the cushions that cover the bed are typically made from foam cushions and are not durable nor comfortable to sleep on for longer periods of time. We have made our Gaucho Bed extremely soft by adding a foam topper and additionally blankets to create a softer bed. We also added a buffer between the cushions and the wood paneling by inserting foam tiles or moving blankets. This helped with regulating the temperatures in the camper as well. Extremely warmer in the wintertime.
Steps to open up a StarCraft Popup Gaucho Bed
One thing to note, it does take some effort to put assemble and put away the Gaucho Bed. It is not a one-minute setup, it usually takes me a good 5 to 10 minutes to fully set up the bed with an assembly including laying the topper and bedding on. But this makes it extremely better than sleeping outdoors or on the floor.
Step 1:
Remove cushions and place above bunk-end bed.
Remove items that will stop you from sliding the top backwards.
Step 2:
Lift the edge of bed up and slide it towards you on both side of the wooden base.
While pulling the wooden base towards you, make sure the base is even while you pull towards you. Avoid damaging walls or forcing the base to slide. Push forward and restart.
Step 3:
Make sure wooden base is open slot and does not move from wall.
This should lock it into place and fit comfortably in slot. Never force it.
Step 4:
Remove table top if desired.
Remove the blue furniture cover pad and lay over the bed.
***Below the table top is a blue furniture cover pad. We use these instead of foam tiles. They block the outside temperature from getting in and make it softer to sleep on.
Step 5:
Start laying your cushions over the bed.
Complete!!!
You can now add bedding! We like to add a foam topper to sleep in a softer bed and then the bedding.
This bed is a little smaller than a full size bed and can sleep 2 adults or 3 children.
Storage!!!
We have 2 cabinets and a cooler that is assessable when the Gaucho Bed is down or up. We also store larger items under the bed when it is installed. I have seen many campers store bulkier objects under the Gaucho Bed when it is set up like the fold-away tables, portable grill, and traveling bags.
In all, if your popup camper can support additional space to build a Gaucho bed, I would highly recommend thinking about adding one in. If you have one already, like my popup camper, you are in luck! They are very versatile and could be comfortable if you add a little more padding.