Murphy bed ate my iPhone!

[flosmith]

New Salem 171RBXL owner here. 25+ years tent camping. Last weekend was our shakeout trip. Very first night in an RV, and I accidentally dropped my phone by the bed. Next morning we discovered that the well for the Murphy bed is a completely enclosed black hole! Tried lots of tactics to retrieve it to no avail. (This doesn't happen in a tent, ya know!)

Since we discovered that our tank sensors were not hooked up to the panel, we took it back to the dealership on Monday. While they had it, we asked them to please retrieve the phone, as well. Their service department was great, and as far as DH tells, no one laughed at me for the mishap. Got the phone back 24 hours later. Technicians said it was not the first time for a similar incident.

Determined to not repeat THAT problem, we spent $4.50 (plus tax)on 1" PVC, cut to lengths for the sides and head of the bed platform. The PVC rolls as the platform is raised & lowered, and blocks any objects from reaching the abyss. Actually, 1/2 of a pool noodle on either side also covers the crevice well, but does not work as well as the PVC at the head.

At least we will always have a funny story to tell on ourselves of our first night in the crazy world of RV camping!

Excited for the adventure!

[SeaDog]

Welcome to the forum its a great place to get your questions answered and share your experience.

[aeblank]

I'd like pictures of the PVC... Don't care about phones. I've seen those before.. haha.

[rockfordroo]

You don't say what TT you have, but see post #33 here for creating access to the space behind the Murphy Bed from the storage compartment on the side.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-126761-4.html

[robbdrell]

This happened to me with my Rockwood several yrs ago. I had to pull back a pcs of cheap paneling to reach it then I think I used gorilla tape to resecure it. The tape was not visible w/o looking down there. Definitely a hassle but learned a lesson.

[Denny B]

We had problems with the gap on our Murphy bed as well.
Our 2016 Rockwood 2304KS had a dog eating 8" gap behind the couch, and a dog/pillow eating gap of about 5 inches at the head of the Murphy bed.
I designed, fabricated, and installed a fold up shelf for the couch gap and a fold down headboard for the head of the bed.
I have e mailed intructions and photos to 12-15 people and would be happy to send my "cure" to the Murphy gap to anyone who has the problem and is reasonably handy. I am a retired carpenter, but anyone with a few tools and a moderate skillset can do it.
My e-mail is guitarmechanic@att.net

[flosmith]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

You don't say what TT you have, but see post #33 here for creating access to the space behind the Murphy Bed from the storage compartment on the side.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-126761-4.html

Thanks for the link.
We have a Salem Cruise Lite 171RBXL. I haven't seen many of those specified in the forums.

[flosmith]

Originally Posted by aeblank

I'd like pictures of the PVC... Don't care about phones. I've seen those before.. haha.

TT back at storage lot now. But I'll get you some pics soon!

[aeblank]

Originally Posted by flosmith

TT back at storage lot now. But I'll get you some pics soon!

Good thing!
I'll likely eventually build the flip down shelves, but options are good.

[OscarsMom2]

If you think retrieving a phone is difficult, try grabbing a cat who has found the space behind the Murphy bed.

[Retiredtwo]

We have the Wildwood version of the Salem 171RBXL where ours has direct access to the front storage area. I don't know if that is a good or a bad thing yet. We put acrylic bins on each side to put our glasses, phones and what not for easy access. If something does fall, it should end up either under the couch or in the storage area.