Mod Description:

This mod is closely related to the bunk bed ladder mod. Once the kids climb up the ladder and in to the bunk, you need some way to ensure they cannot fall out while playing in the “fort” or while sleeping. No parent likes to hear the terrible “thud” sound in the middle of the night. So how can you avoid having to sleep with one eye and one ear open? Do the bunk bed rail mod.

Mod Difficulty:

DEX Bunk Bed Safety Rail

DEX Bunk Bed Safety Rail - Example Use

Custom Bunk Bed Safety Rail

Another Custom Bunk Bed Safety Rail - View 1

Another Custom Bunk Bed Safety Rail - View 2

Another Custom Bunk Bed Safety Rail - View 3

Depending on the style of bunk beds in your RV, you can either use the rails you may already have at home, or you can buy something at most large retailers. The key is to find rails that are strong enough to hold up against the weight of a child pushing against it yet be portable enough to easily setup, take down, and stow.

One popular solution is the collapsible/foldable bed rail made by DEX (see links below). The rail has an anchor strap that positions the bed rail firmly against the bunk mattress. It is JMPA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certified, which means it must be tested by an independent testing facility for compliance with the specific ASTM (American Society for Testing & Materials) standards. If it passes the tests, JPMA allows the manufacturer to label it with the JPMA Certified Seal, assuring that it is safe for your child.

Another solution is to custom build a bunk rail that more precisely fits the bunks in your RV, particularly bunks in a class C, which are considerably wider than a standard bunk. What is most important is how the rail is anchored to the bunk. The collapsable type described above, while safe, might not provide the strongest mounting solution. A rail made out of wood and fastened to the bunk frame will go a long way to ensuring your childs safety. Just be sure you design a solution that allows both quick removal of the rail and secure placement of a bunk ladder. You never know what other “accident” might happen that requires quick access to your little one.

ModMyRV recommends these parts for this mod:
Regalo Hide Away Exrta Long Bed Rail - White
Dex Products Safe Sleeper Bed Rail Ultra

General Reference
JMPA.org - Dedicated to promoting the industry and the safe use of juvenile products

6 Comments For This Mod

1. jmt (March 3rd, 2009 at 9:55 pm)

   Great idea especially for my young kids.
2. Bob Vaughn (March 4th, 2009 at 5:39 pm)

   We have one of the safety rails that we put under the cushions when we put down the dinette for our youngest granddaughter to sleep. She sleeps there and the other granddaughter sleeps on the fold down sofa..We have a grandson being born next month I guess he will have to sleep in the tub when he starts camping with us….
3. Joe Beck (August 16th, 2010 at 9:55 pm)

   We bought one that required a heavy mattress to keep the rails from flipping over. I just screwed the straps to the bunk bed’s frame under the mattress. Works well.
4. sdayman (January 7th, 2013 at 8:28 pm)

   Here’s my bunk bed fence. Screwed into the back side are short lengths of 1×4 (same as the rest of the fence) that anchors the mount from the back. The bed frame lip is about 1.5″ tall so it’s anchored pretty well against being pushed over, yet lifts straight up with minimal effort by an adult.
   https://dl.dropbox.com/u/609598/IMG_1968.jpg
   The kid on the bunk still sleeps in a pack ‘n’ play until he’s big enough to promote to the lower bunk, at which time kid #1 will move on up to the upper bunk. After I build a ladder.
5. reneuprr (January 15th, 2013 at 4:57 am)

   I like the metal and wood custom bed rail. I am building a loft bed and was wondering if that bed rail can be purchased?
6. Stephen (April 3rd, 2013 at 11:05 am)

   I was wondering about the custom bed rail pictures. Can you buy those anywhere? they look like the lay very flat under the mattress so there is no bump.

   thanks.

Let's hear your comments about this mod!