treesner Posted February 13, 2020 Report Share Posted February 13, 2020 hey guys I build a slide out bed in my van and I dont like how the end legs slide in and out when I'm in the bed. if I add a clamp to locket down it becomes really sturdy. Anyone have any Idas on how add some kind of quick lock that will work at different lengths as sometimes the bed is always lid out sometimes its just half slid out.. my initial idea was to put a series of holes (maybe some kind of metal insert to keep strong) out of the bottom of one of the boards that slides out then in the lower one thats stable and doesnt slide have a pin thats sticking out. so as it slides out you can put it down into the hole. the one that slides out can move up and down while sliding so you could clear the post if you want it to go out further Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted February 13, 2020 Report Share Posted February 13, 2020 clamp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cdlong Posted February 14, 2020 Report Share Posted February 14, 2020 Like the bottom of a crutch? I'm not sure how to incorporate it, but why not use the bottom of an actual crutch? You can get a pair at any goodwill for dirt cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 14, 2020 Report Share Posted February 14, 2020 Instead of holes, cut a slot along most of the length of one of the sliding boards. Drill a hole through the frame below that slot, drop a toilet flange bolt (flat, oblong head) through the hole, put a washer and wing nut underneath. Loosen to slide, tighten to stabilize. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treesner Posted February 14, 2020 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2020 15 hours ago, wtnhighlander said: Instead of holes, cut a slot along most of the length of one of the sliding boards. Drill a hole through the frame below that slot, drop a toilet flange bolt (flat, oblong head) through the hole, put a washer and wing nut underneath. Loosen to slide, tighten to stabilize. I like that alternative approach to the problem my only annoyance on that is my bed slides out in two sections so I would have to maybe crawl over the bed to one side to tighten or lift up the cushions to get under. I'll feel it out in the actual van today and see what its like reaching under Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 14, 2020 Report Share Posted February 14, 2020 If you want a slightly quicker way to clamp & release, try a bicycle wheel 'skewer'. The cam-lock action would be faster than a wingnut, but may require you to modify the skewer a bit to avoid having a lump under the mattress. Any place that sells racing bikes, or does bike repair, will have these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronn W Posted February 14, 2020 Report Share Posted February 14, 2020 I like your idea of pins - just need to refine it to suit your needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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