Gary Lee sells one, I'd buy from him rather than reinvent the wheel:

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/frontbed/frontbed.htm

Chris

On 6/21/07, Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@gmail.com> wrote:
> I was wondering if anyone had created a child cot for a Vanagon before. I
> thought it could be a handy thing for those who camp in a Non-Westy and have
> only one kid.
>
> I have been thinking of something that would either tension against the
> front doors (think a sturdy spring tension pole with rubber boots) or
> somehow hang over the tops of the doors but still allow the doors to close
> properly. Of course you'd want to lock the front doors so no accidents
> happen.
>
> I haven't really measured, looked for material, or gotten past the idea
> phase on this yet.
>
> Has anyone else tried anything like this? Any thoughts or ideas on making
> something like this?
>
> I think this would be perfect for my son (he's 7) when we camp. Thus
> eliminating his having to sleep on the floor or in a tent. Then again I
> guess we could get a side tent and that would solve the issue as well.
>
> --
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
> 90' Carat (It's Blue, It's Beautiful. Now sporting a very unstylish brown
> interior taken from the parts bus)
> 86' (We call this one Parts)
> 85' GL (Sidelined and feeling neglected)
>