Creative Solution for Tall College Student: How One Family Built a Bed Extender for Their 6’7" Son

The Ingenious Bed Solution for Tall College Students: Hank’s Story

As college students across the nation prepare to embark on their new adventures, one family’s creative solution to a common problem has captured the hearts of many online. Meet Hank Stamper, a 6’7" freshman baseball player at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. His journey to find a comfortable bed in his college dorm has not only gone viral on TikTok but also sparked a conversation about the challenges faced by taller students in a world designed for the average height.

The Dorm Dilemma

When Lyndsey Stamper and her son Hank visited colleges, one of the first things they did was test out the dorm beds. For Hank, who weighs 230 lbs and towers over most of his peers, this was no small feat. Unfortunately, every time he climbed onto a standard twin XL bed—measuring just 80 inches long—it was clear that he simply didn’t fit.

Fast forward to freshman orientation this past summer, and the reality hit home. After Hank committed to playing baseball at Fort Hays, he climbed onto the dorm bed, and it was immediately apparent that it wouldn’t work. The family filmed a humorous TikTok video capturing Hank’s struggle to fit into the bed, at the desk, and even through the dormitory doors. The caption read, "When you learn nothing in your dorm is big enough!"—a sentiment that resonated with many viewers.

The Search for a Solution

After the orientation, Lyndsey and her husband James reached out to the university for help. While the school was sympathetic, they informed the family that Hank had already been assigned the largest bed available. Faced with this challenge, the Stamper family decided to take matters into their own hands.

"I looked online to see if there was anything we could purchase to extend the bed," Lyndsey explained. However, they found no solutions that would make the bed longer. Instead, they brainstormed a creative way to add an extra foot to the bed without damaging the school-provided frame.

DIY Bed Extender

With move-in day approaching, the family got to work. They gathered materials from the hardware store, including wood and supports, and set out to design a bed extender. The plan was simple yet effective: two boards cut to fit the bed’s width, held together by L-braces and supported by triangle brackets. The extender was secured with zip ties, ensuring that the original bed frame remained intact.

On move-in day, the family brought their tools and materials to the dorm. They worked diligently to create the extender, which added an impressive 12 inches to the bed’s length. Once completed, they filmed a follow-up TikTok video showcasing their ingenious solution, which quickly went viral, amassing over 1.5 million views.

A Comfortable Night’s Sleep

The response to their videos was overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers expressed support and shared their own experiences with similar challenges. "It has worked perfectly! He is a month in and has zero complaints," Lyndsey shared. "I added an extra cushion onto the extender, and it sleeps very comfortably."

The Stamper family’s story highlights an important issue: the world often overlooks the needs of taller individuals. As Hank settles into college life, he serves as a reminder that with a little creativity and determination, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

Conclusion

Hank’s journey is not just about finding a comfortable bed; it’s a testament to the power of family, creativity, and community support. As college students everywhere prepare for their new chapters, let Hank’s story inspire us to think outside the box and tackle challenges head-on. After all, whether you’re 5’5" or 6’7", everyone deserves a good night’s sleep!

If you want to see the Stamper family’s viral TikTok videos, check them out here. Who knows? You might just find the inspiration you need for your own college journey!