Compact plain bearings for innovative lifting mechanism in camping trailers

Profile

• What was needed: iglidur plastic plain bearings
• Requirements: A solution that optimally transmits the force to the retraction system while remaining very compact
• Industry: Automotive, private customer
• Success for the customer: iglidur bearings offer a simple, effective solution that saves space and works for the customer without lubrication or maintenance

Problem

In this VW camper, a private customer was looking for a solution to create a sleeping space for an additional person. The problem was that the space in the vehicle was already so limited that the solution required a special idea. In the end, the customer's idea was to install a fold-down bed in the ceiling space directly above the driver's cab. The retraction system for raising and lowering the bed was a rope guide. Since a pulley system always requires a winch, the customer asked us for plain bearings to absorb the tractive force, enabling easy raising and lowering while remaining compact enough to fit into the tight installation space..

Solution

After researching, the customer came across iglidur plain bearings, which he used to make the idea of the third bed in the VW Caddy a reality.
In addition to the space the solution saved, the customer was able to create a simple, effective solution that suited his project. In addition, the space for the fold-down bed was planned in such a way that it is flush with the centre console in the driver's cab when it is lowered, darkening the front area of the Caddy 
iglidur plain bearings not only cost 40% less than metallic bearings, but plastic variants are also quick to deliver and require no lubrication or maintenance.