Asked on Dec 10, 2016

Travel trailer remodel- how do I change the bunk beds in to a pantry?

Melissa
by Melissa
I need some ideas on how to remove the bunk beds from my travel trailer and turn that space into a pantry. I have attached some photos of the space.
  17 answers
  • Mcvey Mcvey on Dec 11, 2016

    You have a good idea going all ready! If you take the bunks out you can install shelves on the side from bathroom wall to outside wall. I would use the closet style plastic covered metal. They are really easy to cut to the exact length you need for each shelf. You can install them upside down so that the edge where you would normally hang clothes goes up so there will be a lip so your baskets or items won't slide off. The very best part of these shelves is that they are light weight and won't add to the gas mileage of your rig! Then you can use the rest of the space for your choice, tall storage for brooms or vac, or continue shelves, or use for more closet space. Put a curtain rod over the opening, use a top sheet long curtain and hide the storage. A fast and easy fix without needing a lot of experience to complete!

  • Melissa Melissa on Dec 11, 2016

    I just worry about taking the bunks out and ruining the wall they are attached to that is an outside wall. I do not want to damage the structure of my travel trailer. I do not have to worry about the weight issue, I live in this full time it is set up like a home I have a regular toilet hooked to a lagoon and am hooked to well water.


    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 11, 2016

      So do not attempt to remove it. Dress the area up with prety baskets and if there is room place a tension rod in between the wood and put up a nice drape of sort. This way it will not be obvious and at the same time usable.

  • Ccc Ccc on Dec 12, 2016

    You can go on Pinterest and search rv/camper remodel or upgrades etc... I have gone there and once you find something it just keeps going on with more ideas everytime you click to view an idea.

  • Mcvey Mcvey on Dec 12, 2016

    Removing the bunks, especially if you aren't towing the trailer should pose no problems. They were put in after the outside walls. Merry Christmas!

  • Julie M. Julie M. on Dec 15, 2016

    I would put large covered totes in the back corners that are hard to reach to hold oversized (maybe bedding) items that you use infrequently. Use a selection of coordinating storage items so it pleases you every time you access your "pantry". I would also add some of these handy storage bins from the Container Store. I label the front lips of mine to keep me better organized.

    http://www.containerstore.com/s/kitchen/pantry-organizers/stacking-bins/12d?productId=10027640

  • Julie M. Julie M. on Dec 15, 2016

    https://www.amazon.com/Set-Metro-Magazine-Files-Plastic/dp/B001EHGT3K/ref=pd_day0_201_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BKM9297RQCJ2YV1BPZYF I use these to corral tall bottles, plastic/foil wrap boxes my stacking rv "glasses". Keeps taller things in place and you can sometimes find plastic ones at the dollar store.

  • Gail Gail on Dec 16, 2016

    I think i understand you are asking about removing the bunks. To remove them without damaging or compromising walls of travel trailer, you will need a "star" screwdriver or tip for a power one. We just did that in our RV to convert it into a bird room.

    Ours were installed with "star headed" screws as is most things in RV's & even mobile homes. Look at underside of top bunk & locate screws. Remove them & that underpiece. It should reveal more screws to take out as is usual with each piece you remove. Expect that braces for bunks will most likely be aluminum. You will have a few small holes in walls but if taken out this way, your travel trailer will not be harmed or compromised. When finished removing bunks, use whatever shelves you wish. IF shelves don't seem solidly set, those can be screwed to the walls, just make sure you put screws into wall studs.


    Hope this helps.

  • Leslee Case Leslee Case on Dec 16, 2016

    Its called a sawsall

  • Mary Lucas Mary Lucas on Dec 16, 2016

    We took our bunk beds out of our trailer. We had 2problems. One we had was with the light for the bottom bunk. It came from the outside wall and then was fed in between the space of the bottom bunk. we wrapped them with electrical tape so the rest of the lights worked. We didn't want the wires to fall down inside the wall, we taped them so they couldn't. We just hung a picture over the wires. The last problem was the back wall is curved, so the shelf doesn't sit against the wall completely, but it works. We have a lot more room.

  • Melissa Melissa on Dec 16, 2016

    Thank you , this comment explains how to do this very well.


  • Ccc Ccc on Dec 18, 2016

    Here's a few things from Pinterest:

      from Pinterest Happily Uprooted,

     jennifer luthye saved to my actual projects I have created and photographed

    Rv under bunk bed storage, removed bottom bunk pulled apart random plastic 3 drawer storage bins and put them back together 5 high.

  • Ron Ron on Jul 05, 2017

    Like the idea of replacing bunk beds with storage option. Any suggestion as to how to handle a CampLite 21BHS conversion where access to water heater bypass valves are under bottom bunk and to the rear.

  • Linda Mullis Schrack Linda Mullis Schrack on Sep 20, 2021

    We want to change our bunk area into a closet with a dresser

  • Janice Janice on Feb 23, 2024

    Hope the redo went well. It would be great if you'd post how you completed the project and show pictures. I bet the change adds a lot of function to the space.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Feb 23, 2024

    I would add shelves and bins, leaving the bunks in tact. I'm thinking ahead to resale possibilities. I would think it would be more if beds were still there and shelves & bins could be easily removed.

  • Dee Dee on Feb 24, 2024

    I like Janets answer Use pretty baskets from the $ Store and put a curtain in front. Also use bungee cords to secure the items in the pantry.