Existing frame is a metal, angle iron thing.....plan is to use that, but add a 2 x frame around it. Have the 4 boards sitting IN the van....Thunderstorms in the area means they will stay there.

Corner joints? Needs to be where the bed can be disassemble, IF need be ( like during a move...), but, right now there is no plans for a corner post. Rails will get attached to the metal frame, maybe lag screwed in place. This won't be some fancy-schmancy project. Pine for the 2 x 12 lumber...went through 1/2 a rack, searching for 4 decent planks.

May try a sliding dovetail joint, to connect all the sides. No glue, as they can be slid apart when needed. The Boss is still debating on what headboard she wants made....

May "soften" the top edges, may add a bead or two.

IF this rain ever stops long enough, I can haul a few boards to the shop....we'll see.

I have a box of self-drilling screws handy...used them a lot, before. Adding angle iron items to concrete form work...Some even threaded the hole as they drilled.

Soooo, that be the next build thread....stay tuned.