Club 80-90 Forums

Hi,

I am hoping to replace my current wooden R&R bed frame (has a water tank underneath which I'm thinking of removing) with a 3/4 metal R&R frame with integrated seat belts. My current set up has eyebolts attached above the boot door where the seat belts attach to when required, I don't like this and would prefer seat belts attached to the bed itself.

I'm finding lots of manufacturers but not many with any sort of crash testing carried out or seat belts fitted.

Firstly does anyone have any recommendations? and secondly if I managed to fit a new metal framed R&R bed with integrated seat belts do I need it safety checked?

Regards

No you don't need it safety checked but many beds lack enough area to attach seat belt bolts anyway - unless you weld in heavy duty plates to take them. Both seat and belts (however fitted) should have spreader washers underneath the chassis. I used 1/4" flat bar cut to short 1" lengths with a hole drilled in them. I understand your concerns on seat integrity. Some time ago I posted a DIY metal seat/bed in the WIKI that is incredibly strong although I've since fitted a Rusty Lee bed.

DIY version bottom of this page: https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... build_beds" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for the reply and link CovKid, I am mulling over whether or not to buy a Rusty Lee R&R bed, its just the seatbelt's I'm concerned about. Ah well, better take the plunge soon before the wife spends my bed money. Cheers.

My understanding is that most vans take the R&R seatbelt anchors from the bodyshell of the vehicle rather than the bench itself. That's certainly the way it is on all the Westys I've seen, and in line with how VW seems to have built the mounting points in.

Maybe have a look at some of the threads on here about adding three point belts for some ideas about alternative locations to fit them.

You can't go wrong with a rusty Lee bed I've fitted a few now and there cracking quality and a good price and Lee's a cracking bloke to deal with as well