This section will cover installing the wall brackets.

Position wall brackets with threaded holes facing away from the center of the bed.

If uncertain, err on the side of placing brackets slightly closer together; the platform can overhang later.

Ensure there is enough space above the wall bracket mounting height to allow for the frame, platform, mattress, actuator stroke length, and additional space for sleeping when the bed is fully raised.

See notes in illustration for more details.

Secure all four wall brackets in the locations determined above with #8 wood screws into a solid furring strip (or equivalent solid structure).

Secure all four actuators to the wall brackets using 1/4-20 x 1" button head cap screws.

Fully tighten.

⏭️ If your kit included actuators 12" or longer, skip this step and proceed to the Linear Guides section.

Place a Bi-Directional Joint on top of each actuator with the pivot joint fins facing the other actuators. Secure with a 1/4-20 x 1/4" set screw.

The set screw should be installed in line with the motor as shown in the image below (otherwise the set screw will fall into the hole in the actuating shaft).

⏭️ If your kit included 8" actuators skip the next section and go straight to the Frame Assembly section.

⏭️ If your kit included 8" actuators skip this section and go straight to the Frame Assembly section.

Installing linear rails on just two adjacent actuators is sufficient to eliminate sway. Using only two reduces both cost and installation time.

It is highly recommended to install the linear rails on the actuators located either at the rear doors or at the front of the van, whichever is easiest to access.

Loosen the bottom two screws and completely remove the top two screws of all wall mounts.

Slide wall mount spacers behind the existing wall mounts. Retighten screws.

Remove the four machine screws from the top of the actuators.

Ensure you retain the rubber washers that are on each screw.

Place the rubber washers in the indents on the actuators where the machine screws were removed.

Install the linear rail mounts and secure with black M4 x 20mm flat head machine screws.

Install the linear guide rail in the linear rail mount using a M4 x 8mm button head machine screw with a 2.5mm hex key.

Slide the linear rail carriage in the guide rail from the top with the threaded hole at the bottom as shown in the image.

Place a Bi-Directional Joint on top of each actuator with the pivot joint fins facing the other actuators. Secure with a 1/4-20 x 1/4" set screw.

The set screw should be installed in line with the motor as shown in the image below (otherwise the set screw will fall into the hole in the actuating shaft).

Align the hole in the bi-directional joint with the threaded hole in the linear rail carriage. Secure with a M4 x 30mm button head cap screw using a 2.5mm hex key.

Don't forget to re-tighten the set screw on the bi-directional joint.

The final step will be completed later when the bed frame is powered on.

When the bed can be raised, raise the actuators with linear guides so the bi-directional joint is just below the top mounting hole. This aligns the linear guide rail with the actuator.

Secure with a #8 x 1" wood screw

This section will cover installing the frame assemblies.

Place noise dampeners on the ends of each of the tube members.

Insert the short-beam inner tubes into the short-beam outer tubes and the long-beam inner tubes into the long-beam outer tubes.

Ensure the pivot joints on the ends of each tube assembly are oriented in the same plane (not rotated by 90 degrees).

Attach the two long-beam tube assemblies along the sides of the frame to the bi-directional joints using SLIC pins in the orientation shown.

Note: the orientation of the long-beam tube assemblies is based on which side of the bed is the head (where your pillows go!)

The long-beam inner tube must point towards the head of the bed.

Next, attach the two short-beam tube assemblies across the frame using SLIC pins in the orientation shown.

Note: the orientation of the short-beam tube assemblies is based on where the 12VDC source will come from (usually the corner closest to the DC fuse panel).

The short-beam outer tube must point towards the side of the bed where the 12VDC source will come from.

Use a tape that leaves no residue (like blue painter's tape) to mark the locations where the inner tubes meet the outer tubes for all six tube assemblies.

Make sure to mark the location on the smaller inner tubes, not the outer tube.

If your kit includes a frame mount for the main controller or an auxiliary controller, decide where you want to install it on the frame and mark that location as well before proceeding.

Remove the tube assemblies and keep track of their installed locations.

Separate the inner tubes from the outer tubes.

The locations you marked earlier are where the large glide tape pieces will go.

Apply the large glide tape about 1/2" away from the mark, on the side opposite the inner tube's pivot joint (this is the side where the outer tube will slide back on).

This placement ensures the glide tape is fully covered by the outer tube once the frame is reassembled.

Wipe the area on the inner tube with isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt and grease for best adhesion.

Peel the backing from a piece of large glide tape.

• Align the short edge (4″) of the tape with the point where the rounded corner of the tube flattens out.
  
• The long edge (4 ¾″) will wrap around the tube.

Pull the tape taut and press firmly down the middle. Smooth outward from the center to each edge to push out air bubbles.

Repeat until all sides are secured.

The final corner should look like the image below. Press firmly all over the tape to ensure proper adhesion.

Repeat the same process with small glide tape, placing it on the very end of each inner tube.

If your kit includes a main controller frame mount or an auxiliary controller, slide the mount(s) onto the marked location(s).

Mounts fit directly on the outer tubes. To mount on an inner tube, use two frame mount spacers.

Secure each mount with two 1/4-20 x 1/4" set screws until snug.

Reinstall the tubes in the same orientation as before the glide tape was applied:

• Long-beam inner tubes -- point toward the HEAD of the bed
• Short-beam outer tubes -- point toward side of bed with the 12V power source

Slide the power board onto the short outer tube closest to the HEAD of the bed, with the board facing the HEAD.

Position the power board so it is flush with the edge of the outer tube (see diagram).

Secure in place with two 1/4-20 x 1/4" set screws until snug.

Install the adhesive-backed rubber spacers in the 14 red-marked locations. These strips prevent squeaking and protect the tubes from the wooden platform.

⚠️ Important: Some locations require extra care. Follow the placement rules below:

1. Ends of Inner Tubes – Place the strip so it covers the raised pivot joint. (See location 1)
2. Frame-Mounted Electronics (power board or controller) – Cut one spacer into two shorter pieces and place them on top of the frame mount. (See location 2)
3. Centers of Tube Assemblies – Place the strip only on the larger outer tube. (See location 3)

The wiring diagram shows one example. Your setup may differ depending on where your power supply and controller are located. Run cables to match your specific layout.

🔌When pulling cables through the frame, you will notice extra wire at each corner. This is expected and will be cleaned up in a later step.

Power Supply

1. Connect the large coiled cable to the long power supply cable at the actuator that will serve as your 12VDC input.

2. Run the long power supply cable through the frame to the power board.

3. Cut to length, leaving about 2″ of slack.

4. Strip the ends, crimp on the blue spade connectors, and plug into the power board (red = +12V, black = GND).

5. Connect the short power supply cable to the base of the large coiled cable and run to your 12VDC source - but leave de-energized.

⚠️ Do Not Connect to Power Yet

Y-Cables

1. Each Y-cable has a short leg and a long leg. Run each leg to the appropriate actuator.

• Short leg → closest actuator (near head of bed).
• Long leg → far actuator (toward foot of bed).

2. Repeat for both sides of the bed.

3. Connect the short legs and long legs to the actuators via the small coiled cables.

4. Plug the Y-cables into the power board 4-pin connectors.

Controller Cable

1. Connect the controller cable to the power board.

2. Run the controller cable to your controller location.

3. If your kit included an auxiliary controller, run the second controller cable to your auxiliary controller location.

Upper strain relief: Use zip-ties through the holes in each bi-directional joint to secure the top of every coiled cable.

It is important to place the zip-tie below the quick connect so the actuator can extend without stressing the connection.

Lower strain relief: Use zip-tie anchors to secure the lower ends of every coiled cable to the wall.

It is important to place the zip-tie above the lower quick connect so the actuator can extend without stressing the connection.

Ensure the coiled cable is FULLY RETRACTED when the lower end is secured in place.

Before securing the wiring, one side of the bed needs to be raised to its maximum height to maximize the wiring distance from the power board to the actuators.

Double check all the connections are secure before applying 12VDC to the short power supply cable.

⚡Connect 12VDC to the short power supply cable.

Press the reset button on the controller to establish a connection.

Ensure the area is clear and raise one side of the bed to it's maximum height.

The bed frame will widen as it lifts - this is what allows the Tilt Bed to work!

Gently bend extra cable (do not crease) and tuck it inside the frame.

Leave some excess controller cable for removing the controller from the mount.

1. Measure the distance from the edge of the power board to the nearest wire entry hole on the inner tube only (outer tube conduit will be installed later).

• Subtract 4″. This gives you a length that leaves a 2″ gap at both ends.

2. Cut the wire conduit to this length.

3. Clean the tube with isopropyl alcohol.

4. Peel off the backing and stick the conduit in place. Make sure the conduit latch faces up.

5. Enclose the cables in the conduit.

6. If the conduit won't stay closed due to cable bulk, secure with Velcro cable ties at each end.

If your system includes linear guide rails, you can now secure the top of the rail.

Raise the actuators with linear guides so the bi-directional joint is just below the top mounting hole. This aligns the linear guide rail with the actuator. Then install a single #8 x 1" wood screw to secure in place.

- Use ¾″ plywood for strength and rigidity.

- The platform may overhang the frame to:

• Support the mattress into flares.
• Maximize mattress area (e.g., extending all the way to rear doors).

- The platform must cover all frame tubes for proper support.

Two-piece platform (recommended)

- Leave a ½″ gap between the two panels.

- Install two U-brackets: one on each short-beam outer tube spanning the middle of the bed.

- The U-bracket nearest the power board must be at least 2″ away from the edge of the board, or wiring may be difficult to connect/disconnect.

Single piece platform

- Install only one U-bracket (on the short-beam outer tube with the power board).

⚠️ Installing two U-brackets on a single panel will cause the frame to bind when leveling.

- Keep the U-bracket at least 2″ from the power board edge for wiring clearance.

1. With the platforms and U-bracket(s) in place, mark the hole locations.

2. Remove platforms and drill 5/16" holes in the marked locations. Clamp a piece of scrap wood on the opposite side to prevent tear-out when drilling.

3. Hammer or press in 1/4-20 x 9/16" pronged tee-nuts with the flange on the mattress side.

4. Replace the platforms onto the frame.

4. Secure platform(s) to the U-brackets with 1/4-20 x 3/4" button head cap screws.

1. Measure the distance from the edge of the U-bracket to the nearest wire entry hole.

• Subtract 4″. This gives you a length that leaves a 2″ gap at both ends.

2. Cut the wire conduit to length.

3. Clean the tube with isopropyl alcohol.

4. Peel off the backing and stick the conduit in place. Make sure the conduit latch faces up.

5. Enclose the cables in the conduit.

6. If the conduit won't stay closed due to cable bulk, secure with Velcro cable ties at each end.

For instructions on how to use the controller and how to adjust settings like collision detection sensitivity and auto-level set point, check out the User Manual webpage.

If you have any questions, issues, concerns, or feedback - please send us an email at support@tiltbedsystems.com!