Furniture frame for rv. Unable to solve problem

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Hey guys.  Does anyone have any good idea for solving my design issue?  This frame will be out of 2" .125 6061.I have gone through a number of concepts trying to find the best way to convert this into a platform for a queen size air mattress, but I'm at a multi-day roadblock.Here's what I have tested so farDouble up the sofa frame's top, and have it hinged at the front.  Remove cushions, pull sofa frame up from the back and it will fold out to rest on the ottoman frame and one or two extendable legs.Problem: This would be a lot of extra material (weight is an issue) and would be cumbersome to deploy (move lots of cushions, pull up large platform).  Also notice that the sectional cushion ends up needing to be an extra 4 inches thick to have the platform lay flat (10" total).  This is a pain.Super door front idea was to have the sofa's doors be a surface that folds out, and then has an additional hinged fold out.  Multiple supports.Problem: I like this concept but I think the tubing will need to be thick enough that it will make the door too thick.Expanding sectional piece was an idea that would have the sectional expand on one side to double it's size.Any thoughts or ideas?
Reply:Make the frame of the bed like a Murphy style bed that raises up against the back wall behind the sofa. Either that or spring for whats called a zoom room.Last edited by Blazin; 03-18-2011 at 12:42 AM.
Reply:Hmmm.. So have you considered a queen size folding futon as a solution.  It would be worth a few minutes to visit a futon store (one that has high quality items, not just the cheap junk...)  Look closely at the frames that are well made, bring your digital camera.  In essence, you have a folding queen size frame, flat for sleeping, but in the folded state, the 'extra' platform hinges up to work as the back of the couch.  Check out the info at http://www.futonlife.com/buying-guid...re-Buying.aspxIts a complicated slider arrangement, but if done well could work wonders in an RV.  Here is a link to a free plan for a wooden futon couch / bed.  You can see the slider / slot arrangement which makes this all work.  http://www.futonlife.com/buying-guid...uton-plan.aspx   I'd probably make the slotted piece of flat plate with bronze sleeve over a steel bar pin.  (Of course it would help to have a vertical mill.. or even a plasma cutter.)OOps.. what you really need is a zero clearance wall hugging futon couch.  For the art / overview of one that works, check out http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20040158921.pdf     (Now you can really put those CAD skills to the test, no?)  If you are just making one RV and one only, you might use the patent art as the start of your own design.  Just don't try to sell it.Also, air mattress vs. high quality futon for comfort, durability?  Not sure about you, but I'd go for the futon every time.  (note: I'm NOT talking about the cheap $100 ones.. )  Again, while you are at the futon store, check out the range / pricing of futon mattresses.  Good luck,zipOh.. and the reason your text is running off the end of the page is because your photos are too big. Make em no larger than 800 pixels wide.  If you still have access to the storage http://dl.dropbox.com/u/.. go ahead resize them and restore to that server again with EXACTLY the same file name.  Best is to read up on the posting at the top of the forum that tells you how to attach photos to your threads.Last edited by zipzit; 03-18-2011 at 05:05 AM.
Reply:I built a similar setup in our camp once, all I did was make a second top, with a front brace and two legs that slid in and out on top of the fixed top, under the matress. It held me fine and I weigh in at about two fiddy