BROKEN! My minivan camper bed BROKE! I de-construct it to fix it, and install gas struts! 

To see everything I use in my van, go to www.minivancampergal.com!

I really enjoyed your deductive reasoning and trial by error 😂...never giving up and modifying it to serve a purpose! Tyvm for showing the real work that goes into these projects, good and bad-keeping it real! Great vid, Lisa👍

Thank you for showing us the reality of trial and error when it comes to van work 😬

I think you installed them backwards. Instead of the bottom being towards the rear of the van and the top being close to the hinge do the reverse. Put the bottom towards the front of the van and the top near the back. That way it has the most leverage for opening. Also then the pressure is making it lift up (not lift up the hinges). I installed New struts Under my travel trailer bed to lift more weight and had to redo three times as the pressure difference and geometry changed. E.g. first it wouldn’t shut as was lifting too much so changed to less of an angle and worked. You will have to fiddle but I think doing it opposite to the way you’re doing will save your hinges and use the lift more to mechanical advantage. Hope this is helpful. Best wishes. Like following your journey.

Ohhhh. You can’t compress them by haaand. 🤦‍♀️ I sent mine back because I couldn’t get them to close before I put them on. 😂. I just learned something extremely useful. Great job on fixing the bed and putting on the struts. You cut metal… that’s where I draw the line! 😅

Thanks for your mellow personality that I know I can count on watching your videos. Keep your videos mellow too, please. Too many times I look forward to watching an awesome looking set up but have to dismiss it, or turn volume off because some gal is trying too hard to be cutesy and starts getting annoying to me. I'm just being honest. And BTW I stuck it out with you on your business trip to LA and enjoyed with you all that you did on your 4 days there. Glad you had a memorable and safe experience!

Omg, I am extremely phobic about any manner of bug. Lots of therapy/treatment to no avail. I literally dropped my phone when I saw that spider. So fun. I wouldn't have watched the video if I had known what it was about. 🤯 Nevertheless, I admire anyone who can deal with them, especially without killing them. You did well. ❤

I believe that the slats can also help to prevent mold on your mattress

That's a great idea, thank you for another delightful video!

Another great video. I've recently found your channel and enjoy the content centered around smaller vans. Couple of notes you might consider... 1) You can keep the new panel from sagging by adding a few screws along the edge of the board that holds your cushions in place. All you really need are 3 to 4 screws in the middle section of that board to add a good deal of strength with no further modifications. Just pre-drill slightly smaller holes to reduce stress on the end-grain but provide grip, then use long (2-1/2" to 3") screws to secure the board in place and distribute the pressure (the same can be done with pegs and glue if you don't have long screws - just drill holes that match the peg size instead of going smaller). Doing this will add a great deal of strength and make your bed last longer. 2) In the back section, add small door hinges directly above the struts. Those areas are under a great deal of tension and will break soon. Use bolts instead of screws, though - they will add strength and prevent tear-out due to the tension. Hope that all made sense. You've done a tremendous job. Just a couple of tweaks will help it last. 😉

You go girl! Awesome!👏

Great video, innovative solution.

Love The Yamaha apron!

Another good video! We need to install gas struts for the storage under our heavy Q bed in our travel trailer! Please link the "Wonder Bag" video! I can't find it and I'm intrigued! Love off grid cooking!

Good for you! I have always had so much trouble installing those shocks. I guess I don’t get the angle correct, but I get frustrated with myself, cuz I keep think I should have learned from the last go-round. Congrats for getting 2 tasks completed in the same day. 😁

Good video. Thanks for sharing. Where is the wonder bag video. I can't find it.

Your videos delight me and I really appreciate your editing and camera skills as well.

Centering the load might help as well. All in all, great job!

Thanks for taking the time to show us your work/thought process on this. I'm just starting out and so far, no actual build - just a lot of rearranging and trial/error stuff. I wanted a ramp for my little dog and my brother and I worked on getting the angle, surface, stability right for a couple hours one sunny afternoon. The ramp is beautiful and functional however, my dog refuses to use it. :) I'll keep watching you. Only about 8weeks until I'm full-time on the road. I have so much to do and so much to learn.

🙌🏼😁

What size struts did you end up going with?