How I Built My Sleeper, the Stainless Bentz Crawl-Through

From start to finish, this project was a act of love. I spotted the bunk laying on it’s side while getting a load at a scrap yard. IT WAS ROUGH. After living a hard life on an old International Harvester truck, this relic was laying on its side destined for the shredder.

I immediately fell in love with it. I hopped out of my semi and took photos of it to share with Brian. Little did I know he had gone back to the scrap yard & bought it to give to me as a Christmas present.

I immediately started dreaming, planning, disassembling, & scheming. In my research I found out I have an “early Bentz” made by Brighton Metal Services. Being a crawl-through style it just happened to be the perfect match to the back window of my truck. So… we commissioned Sanson Enterprises in Dodge Center, MN to order, cut & bend the metal for the rear panel & door pieces.

I leaned how to polish Stainless steel and we began re-assembly with fresh insulation & weatherstripping. Painted bead board interior panels, watermelon lights, pinstriping, and a few other custom touches would set this functional piece of art apart from the crowd.

We made an aluminum frame to set it on the ‘97 Kenworth W900L that I drive daily. I’ve slept in the heated bunk for over 25 nights and I absolutely love it! It perfectly suits my style & my needs. I’d love to build more someday. We’ll see…

#sleeper #bunk #bentz #stainless #custom

filmed & edited by Philip West

additional editing & technical by Noah West

Music used with permission by Epidemic Sound