The early childs' cots came in three sizes and two configurations. Before
1976 they were made of 16 or 18 gauge galvanized sheet metal, bent into a
u-channel. At each end the edge tapered, and a 90 degree bend at the end
formed a hook (about 1/4"-3/8" long). The canvas was sown so that the
rods slipped into the sides, and the dimensions of the canvas were such
that it took a bit of stretching to slip the rod hooks onto the brackets.

The brackets were just pieces of pressed steel that attached to A and B
pillars with sheet metal screws. This formed a pocket that captured each
rod end.

It would be fairly easy to make something similar for the vanagon,
assuming that there is adequate space on the pillars for brackets. You
could use channel or even conduit for the rods, cut the ends to a taper,
hammer the end flat, square it off, and make the bend in a vise. The
brackets might take more creativity, but I suspect that the little cleats
used on Westy roof racks might do the job.

Depending on the materials you use, this cot will hold anywhere from 50
to 100 lbs of weight.

As for how large to sew the canvas: examine a director's chair (which
uses the same principle). Measure the distance between the inside seams
with the chair slack, and with the chair taut. divide the former by the
latter and that will give you the ratio of taut to slack that you want to
reproduce on your cot. Don't try to guess this. Get canvas of the same
weight as the directors chair and sew it, or have someone sew it. Slip on
the rods and use or roll up for storage.

Good luck.

Mark Hineline