Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage/Tow-Haul discussion

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Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage/Tow-Haul discussion

October 09, 2018, 10:08:19 am

Good Morning, I have a 2005 RK which has an overhead bunk and two "twin" couches. My nighttime bladder decided to choose a twin couch for its bed. My organizational skills decided I needed the overhead bunk for accessible storage. My question: Is any harm done by pulling out the couch and making up the bed and NOT returning it back every night? Basically may I drive down the road with the couch pulled a bit from the wall?
My second question is a basic "What is the most efficient use of the overhead bunk for storage? Plastic bins? Boxes? Sacks?" I want to have easy access to my clothing and laundry. I'm pretty much filling the wardrobe space with gear. Again, Open to suggestions. Thanks

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #1 – October 09, 2018, 11:09:04 am

"Good Morning, I have a 2005 RK . . . My question: Is any harm done by pulling out the couch and making up the bed and NOT returning it back every night? . . ."What is the most efficient use of the overhead bunk for storage? Plastic bins? Boxes? Sacks?""

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Good morning -

Even though I sleep in the overcab bed of our Rear Bath thus have no advice about keeping your sofa made into a bed at all times (I don't see any reason not to if it suits your needs), I keep a lot of things in the overcab area as well. It is a very capacious area. Depending on the item, I either put it into a mesh bag, a cylindrical stuff sack, an envelope-type clothes folder/carrier, or just toss it up there on its own. I have a whole row of stuff sacks up against the front of the overcab bed where it faces the road ahead. This provides insulation as well as efficient storage.

I have a very large mesh bag with jackets in it that I keep on top of the storage bin near the small window on the passenger side. We live in the desert, so it is frequently cool enough at night to need a jacket, so they are kept handy. If your venue has more humidity, you might want to keep ventilation in mind when you store items that can rust, mildew or get musty.

Some folks (us included) have a small fan mounted on the driver's side of the overcab bed for ventilation while sleeping, but it would be handy for general ventilation purposes as well.

At one time, I carried heavy-ish items in that bin by the overhead passenger-side window, but it is awkward to access, so depending on your particular needs, this may be a goldmine of storage space for seldom-required and heavy items. If you are in a warm, stable climate, then this would be a good place for "winter" clothing that won't be accessed for months at a time.

We don't travel with any clothing that requires a hanger, so your everyday closet needs may be different. I have a cloth shoe bag that I hang on the wardrobe door, into which I place rolled up underwear, tee shirts, washcloths, and various other small items that are often needed during the day.

I have another hanging sweater holder that I placed on the left side of the wardrobe. It handily holds other light items such as dish towels, bath towels, plastic bags in their original boxes, and any other light-ish item that will fit. I have found that my Bob's Red Mill boxes, that I get their products in, fit perfectly, and allow me to fill them (with light items) and use them as drawers to pull out to peer at and retrieve the contents.

The remainder of the closet houses two plastic drawer units wherein I keep heavy objects in the bottom drawer of each unit, with items of lesser weight being put into the next-to-the-bottom drawer. The top two drawers of each unit have office supplies, and other light household needs. This is also a good place for socks, hats, mufflers, and other items that are lightweight.

We don't eat a lot of canned foods, but I always carry a can of two different kinds of beans, a jar of pasta sauce, and a can of corn for emergencies. The bottom drawers are good for this use, too.

At least one member of this forum has a built-in system of very elegant light metal drawers in her wardrobe that are affixed to the walls of the closet, which makes it very stable. Perhaps she will favor us with some details for your consideration.

Virtual hugs,

Judie <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

Today: Wild Horse
*********************

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #2 – October 09, 2018, 11:23:56 am

"Is any harm done by pulling out the couch and making up the bed and NOT returning it back every night? Basically may I drive down the road with the couch pulled a bit from the wall?"
---
No problem, except that leaving one couch in "pulled out bed mode" reduces aisle space substantially in my TK (or in a MB), and also makes it ore difficult to reach the overhead cabinet with the couch in the wider "bed" configuration. I don't recall the configuration of the RK, so can't say whether these constraints would be issues in that model.

As for storage in the overcab, I use a combination of plastic boxes with snap-on lids, an open "bin" for dog food and supplies, and bags (for laundry). I put the "rubbery" mesh shelf liner (the heaviest I can find) under the plastic boxes so they don't slide; boxes with heavier items are stowed toward the back of the space (front of the overcab). The ladder (now just used to access the overcab boxes instead of crawling in and out of the space for sleeping) can be stored in the overcab. (I also have a 16" tall folding "step".)

The numbers and types of boxes and bags varies according to trip length/type; I re-assess what works periodically and re-organize if necessary. You may have to try a few "configurations" and storage solutions before you light on the best ones for you.

I used the overcab in the LD as a sleep space for 15 years, and did the same in a previous motorhome for several years; having a fixed, always made up bed kept the sleeping space separate and the rest of the rig "open". But, circumstances change as we age!

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #3 – October 09, 2018, 11:58:53 am

I started out with the "super" king in back but then decided the twins were more practical in spite of certain advantages with the king. I frequently leave then set up. The cabover has a bed made up and gets occasional use. I have 3 inch foam on the twins so the only place that can fit when rolled up is the cabover space. They go end to end across the front (rolled up) and that still leaves adequate room for one person to sleep in that space. If the cab over bed isn't being used as a bed, it's a handy space for miscellaneous and temporary "set it up there" storage.

Frank

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #4 – October 09, 2018, 12:10:25 pm

Hi there Half Mile,

We have a 27’ RB and have had our twin couches pulled out partially for about two years now.

With memory foam pads and comfy throws and oversize sofa cushions, they make excellent day couches. Super nice to be able to swing your legs across to the opposite couch while chatting or reading a Zane Grey.

Night time sleep prep takes less than a minute. Just exchange sofa cushions for pillows and blankets (stored in the overhead sleeper) and it’s lights out.

I’m 6’ so reaching the cabinets above the couches is a none issue. The overhead sleeper, for us, is for pillow and blanket storage. That’s good for me when the occasional pillow bonks me on the head while driving down the road.🤪

I’m a hanger 4 season junky and keep the closet “ready to wear”. If it fits, I take it along. Any loose household items are placed in collapsible boxes and get placed in the shower (well padded to protect the enclosure) during travel. Keeps things from falling on the floor and prevents flying objects in the case of an accident. 😖

I found a diagram of the RK so your LD has pretty much the same living room configuration as our RB. Works for us and sure is a lot easier than breaking down the bed each morning.

Have fun out there.

Kent

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #5 – October 09, 2018, 12:47:52 pm

I have a 2001 MB and I am also sleeping on one of the couches - in my case in the back of the RV. Since I'm not very tall I am using the shorter couch on the driver side. I have the board behind the couch back always straight down so I do not have to do that at night. Now I only have to remove the couch back cushion for the night (which fits easily onto the slightly longer couch on the passenger side), put a thick, lengthwise folded flat sheet onto the couch and add a pillow and a blanket. It takes less than two minutes to set it up and maybe one minute more to take it down. I also like to sleep close to (and on the same level as) the bathroom!

I never had a problem with the width of my "bed" without using the couch back to make it wider (and I do turn quite often at night). I noticed only some days ago that the longer couch on the passenger side is several inches wider - I might sleep there for a night just to try it out, although I like that on the driver side the bathroom is blocking the view to the front more than the closet on the other side It's almost like a separate bedroom even when the bathroom door is closed (which I prefer).

I have not been on long trips with a lot of gear but I started now to use the overcab bed for storage. So far I used just some plastic bins but I would be happy to hear about smart solutions of other people.

In regards to the closet: I need very little hanging space and have put a four drawer plastic storage unit which is about half as wide as the closet into there. That works very well for me.

Nick

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #6 – October 09, 2018, 08:36:34 pm

All good ideas. I need to get some measurements. Thanks for sharing what works for you all.

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #7 – October 10, 2018, 01:39:56 am

HalfMile,

I have exactly the same model and year as you. I leave the couch behind the driver side in bed mode all the time. I'ts nice to have it available to take a nap or read . The space between it and the opposite couch does get reduced but I have not found it to be a problem for gaining access to the overhead area or the driver compartment. I use the overhead space for storage. bedding material, camp chairs and tables, dirty laundry bag, etc. How do you like the RK?

Bob

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #8 – October 10, 2018, 02:30:31 pm

Bob, HooRay! Another 2005 RK. I have not actually gotten to go anywhere yet. My rig is getting a roof reseal and a back up camera. When you use the overhead space do you leave the bunk "flap" down? Have you had stuff fall out of the space?
Also, if you have time, Have you used that button on the shifter? I forget the name. I only had a short drive from purchase to shop and only a small hill. So, push the button in while going uphill before the automatic engages with increased pressure on the gas? Turn off when going downhill?
In my misspent youth I drove "big" rigs and it kinda sounds like a split gear on the engine.
Probably a hard question to answer without me knowing the correct terminology.

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #9 – October 10, 2018, 05:57:54 pm

Another suggestion - add a cargo net across the overhead Storage to keep those storage items in place while driving. Like the ones at the back door of SUVs.
We found one on Amazon - correct size and can be set up with easy on/off fasteners.

Jane

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Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #10 – October 10, 2018, 06:32:25 pm

HalfMile,

Never had anything fall out. Remember I would have to accelerate pretty fast for things to start sliding back into the rv from the overhead cab. Rough roads could, I suppose, jostle things around and maybe then could fall but I'm not going to worry about it. I haven't played with the button you're referring too. I'll have to try it on the next hill.

Bob

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #11 – October 10, 2018, 07:22:57 pm

"Have you used that button on the shifter?"

HalfMile

That 'button on the shifter' as you call it is meant to shift the transmission between Overdrive and Drive. There is an associated light... light 'off' = Overdrive. Light 'on' = Drive. Overdrive is the default selection (light off).
It comes in handy while climbing a grade to drop the Tranny into Drive (light on) to give you just a bit of a boost over the hill. It's also useful when on a down grade to add a bit of engine compression to hold your speed in check. Of course using the shift lever will do the same thing, only to a greater extent.

In my experience folks who cut their teeth with an automatic transmission are not aware that you can use any gear you want by manipulation of the shift lever.

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #12 – October 10, 2018, 07:28:05 pm

Quote from: rprice - October 10, 2018, 06:32:25 pm

HalfMile,

Never had anything fall out. Remember I would have to accelerate pretty fast for things to start sliding back into the rv from the overhead cab. Rough roads could, I suppose, jostle things around and maybe then could fall but I'm not going to worry about it. I haven't played with the button you're referring too. I'll have to try it on the next hill.

Bob

If the button is the “tow-haul” feature, engaging it on uphills results in lower shift points for better power. You don’t have to mash the accelerator so much to get it to kick down. On downhills, it will keep your momentum retarded to a point, allowing less use of the brakes. However, there is that point where you will touch the brakes to slow further and all hell breaks loose as the transmission dives down to a lower gear, the tach leaps up to 4K rpm, and the resulting noise will startle the bejeezus out of you. I have given up on using it to descend, for the most part, but use it all the time on uphill grades. YMMV. — Jon

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #13 – October 10, 2018, 07:32:23 pm

Quote from: Lazy Bones - October 10, 2018, 07:22:57 pm

"Have you used that button on the shifter?"

In my experience folks who cut their teeth with an automatic transmission are not aware that you can use any gear you want by manipulation of the shift lever.

If only. My ‘06 TK has the 5-speed tranny, and the gear I long for the most when descending a grade is 4th. But that’s the only one not available for manual selection. ☹️ — Jon

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #14 – October 10, 2018, 08:13:25 pm

Quote from: rprice - October 10, 2018, 06:32:25 pm

HalfMile,

Never had anything fall out. Remember I would have to accelerate pretty fast for things to start sliding back into the rv from the overhead cab. Rough roads could, I suppose, jostle things around and maybe then could fall but I'm not going to worry about it. I haven't played with the button you're referring too. I'll have to try it on the next hill.

Bob
The second day I had my Lazy Daze. I was driving from the Pamona KOA to Joshua Tree NP. Going up a bumpy steep winding road (hay I don't remember the number and live on the right side of the map) my Nikon D300 with a 17-55 f 2.8 traveled from way up front to fall on my shoulder. No damage to camera, lens and only a large sore on my shoulder (camera and lens weigh only 200 lbs when falling on a DaCrema shoulder, well with the shock value it felt like that much).

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #15 – October 10, 2018, 09:08:49 pm

"...the gear I long for the most when descending a grade is 4th."

Jon

Ah yes, you must have that Tow-Haul feature... my condolences!

When LD was ready to start the build on my '04 order Steve Newton called me and was all hyped up over the 'new' transmission. He said that if I wanted to delay my delivery I could have this miraculous innovation. I respectfully declined and now realize it was a very good decision. I've been up and down some hellacious mountain passes, including Tioga, without a bead of sweat by judiciously utilizing the gears provided.

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #16 – October 11, 2018, 12:15:38 am

Jon/Loni That's what happened! Thought I was all smart, barley touched the brakes and RPM city! That's why I was asking for guidance.
Thank you all for a better understanding. I have done a lot of "shifting". Just not quite the same as riding a bicycle.
Appreciate the break down of Drive and Overdrive, knowing that OD is default is important info Lazy Bones.
Thanks again.

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #17 – October 24, 2018, 03:30:10 pm

First, I appreciated Joans discussion about the parking brake. We were told never to use brake in winter because of freezing, so just never used, ever. I wrote down her suggestion so maybe I can get in the habit.
Second, This whole going up a steep hill. I thought you built your speed up and then used the tow button before your rig shifted . Lazy Bones explained OD being default and that helped. In my research it looks like some, instead of getting speed built up starting up the hill actually slow down, manually shift to 3rd or even 2nd, and proceed up the hill. That seems dangerous to me in traffic.
Appreciate any thoughts and/or clarification. Also several times someone mentioned going up the hill in same gear as coming down the hill. I understand that rushing up the hill might contribute to not being able to use "strength" towards top of hill because your rig shifts too late. Thanks for your time, Sharon

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #18 – October 24, 2018, 04:19:08 pm

   Hi Sharon. The purpose of that tow-Haul mode is to save the service brakes from absorbing all of that energy going down a hill. The transmission and engine help take some of the load. The part about going downhill in the same gear you went up, is just a guide for someone with no tachometer. I believe the 2005 model did come with a tach.
When going up hill, let the transmission/engine do its thing. The only time to intervene is when the motorhome would do better in a lower gear, and it is 'lugging' in a higher gear. As Larry stated there is too big of a gap in ratios between some gears. Just gentle pressure on the gas pedal for a short time will get the transmission to downshift. If you relax your foot on the pedal, and the transmission up shifts again, then it is ok where it is.
   Sometimes I want to keep the speed lower going up a long grade, especially with trucks in front of me, and cars whizzing by in the next lane. I like to keep the RPM below 4000 or so, but above 3000, but the transmission wants to upshift. Two of my newer cars allow me to pick any gear manually, but over rule anything that would be harmful. The motorhome doesn't let me do that. The 4R100 only lets me lock out 4th, or select first or second. I can't force it to stay in third, which is what I really would prefer. It tries to shift into second randomly from third). Much like Jon wanting 4th gear- I don't have a 5th.
   At least with the newer 2005 Tow/Haul you have a few more options.
As far as the parking brake, it is attached, in your model, just aft of the transmission. Ford didn't return it to the rear wheels until 2008. (If memory serves me right) You should always use the parking brake to protect the transmission. Are you afraid it might freeze in place from water spray? I always thought that was not to 'slam' on the service brakes if there might be patches of ice on the road. I've never heard of not using the parking brakes, even in icy weather. RonB

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #19 – October 24, 2018, 07:44:16 pm

Quote from: HalfMile20 - October 24, 2018, 03:30:10 pm

Second, This whole going up a steep hill. I thought you built your speed up and then used the tow button before your rig shifted . Lazy Bones explained OD being default and that helped. In my research it looks like some, instead of getting speed built up starting up the hill actually slow down, manually shift to 3rd or even 2nd, and proceed up the hill. That seems dangerous to me in traffic.
Appreciate any thoughts and/or clarification.

Sharon— Our’s is an ‘06 TK with the 5 speed tow-haul. For way too long, I ignored the tow-haul button on upgrades,, not sure of its use. For all that long time, I would curse the tyranny on upgrades as it would stay in fifth far too long, lugging away. It wouldn’t automatically downshift to fourth until speed dropped below 50, despite my nudging/kicking the accelerator. If I really mashed it, the tranny would kick down to a roaring third, which was lower than I needed/wanted. When I finally got some smarts (there are those that remain doubtful to this day), and tried using the tow-haul button on the uphill, it was a transformation. Now the thing downshifted, with just the barest nudge, into fourth at about 55. No roaring revs, nice and smooth. For me, perfect. No more expletives (happier wife is an added bonus). I know that those with much more mechanical knowledge than I (hello, Larry) affirm that these V-10s are made to rev, but I’ve always preferred more relaxed drivetrains. YMMV for sure. — Jon

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage

Reply #20 – October 24, 2018, 08:58:26 pm

If I understand correctly:
I should have the OD off putting the transmission into drive instead of overdrive(default) when in hilly (5/6 or higher) road conditions. Approaching the steep grade with regular speed, say 55, with no need to enter the grade with speed built up. Maintain steady accelerator pressure and the engine will down shift itself. Slow, brake before descending and transmission will help hold speed on decent. I understand that V10 engine/transmission likes high, even up to 4500 RPM's and I do have a tach. Does that sound about right? So, flat driving OD is "on" default. Hilly terrain OD is "off". just leave OD off in hilly conditions.
The parking brake was not used in my neck of the woods because it would "freeze" on in really cold weather. If I understand correct procedure is to use parking brake rather than gear to hold position. Apply brake, put in gear, turn off. Turn on, release brake, put in gear, drive. I want to operate correctly. Thanks for your time and help.

Re: Keeping twin bed pulled out, overhead storage/Tow-Haul discussion

Reply #21 – October 24, 2018, 11:03:08 pm

6 speed 2016... downshifts nicely on hills without excessive engine speed. Gears are well spaced. Fourth gear at about 3500 pulls most hills at about 50 mph or so.

downhills.. if I crest the hill in cruise at the speed I want to maintain going downhill, cruise will hold that speed. A second option I use is to slide the selector into 4th for moderately steep downhills and this will hold it at about 55-60 with engine speeds under 4000.

I've yet to experiment with tow/haul so will have to do that. Frank

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