*Just what the doctor ordered! It is heavy duty **MyseIf.Furniture** returns to form well, and stays put on my mattress. Great way to add some firmness with give too. Better sleep and less back pain. Best birthday gift in a long time.*
I went to the link: Myself.Furniture but it didn't take me to a specific item that you might be referring to. Could you direct me to the specific item you recommend? Thank you!
Great video, I have had my Casita for 5 years and have been through many iterations of bedding including the backpack inflatable camp pads along with a tri-fold mattress from Costco which really worked for awhile. Now I have a 3" Gel Memory Foam topper with a 2" portable foam bed, all from Costco and I am sleeping in luxury. Didn't even have to cut anything 👍🌞🌞🌞🌞
@@PlayingwithSticks I'll have to check the packaging. I don't have access right now because I had a catastrophic axel failure last week so it's in the shop across town. But Costco has them in stock right now & it seems typically every Spring. You're supposed to be able to roll it back up & move it around say for sleepovers and such. Has a nice durable cover kind of like outdoor cushions.
Do you leave the memory foam topper in your trailer for the winter? I got mine from Costco too trying to figure out how to safely store it for the winter when I can't use my trailer regularly
We bought two matching 6” tri-fold foam mattresses. They are surprisingly comfortable, and trimming them down with an old electric bread knife was easier than I ever imagined.
I really enjoy your Chanel and the comments .......and watching you both interact with your kids . You are giving them a great foundation . The mattress thing is something I’m struggling with at this time. My memory foam has grown tired. My self inflators worked well with memory foam initially. I appreciate Thayer you too always want to ‘tweak ‘ for that next improvement. On another of your contributions on water saving I learned a lot. I’m old now on my own and family away so I now dish wash only once a day , yesterdays rinse water becomes today’s dish and pot wash water which works well as I created a very deep sink with two compartments and I use bi carb for sterilising .....I’ll be trialing the bi carb for washing and the hot water and bicarbonate in spray for rinsing. Thankyou for your energy and family experience.
Glad you are enjoying the videos Douglas. Let us know what you find that works for you in terms of bedding. We find a lot of folks on here purchase a Futon cover/mattress. There is another name for it, sounds a bit more fancy, but when I ask them what it is they say it is basically a futon mat. Another great thing we have found is firm foam and then over it place a lot of thicker layers of blankets like fleece , down comforters, and unzipped sleeping bags. This is also a solution many people do. Great idea on recycling the rinse water. Going to have to try the bicarbonate. This would eliminate the vinegar smell for those who don't like it.
I got the 1 inch foam blocks 24 x 24 that you put under your weight equiptment in your house. You cN get it at lowes, acadamy sports dicks ect. Add a 4 inch memory foam pad and holy crap. Best sleep ever. Like a cloud. Yet firm and no preasure points on your hip or shoulder. Love your videos. Just got into teardrop camping. You rock sir!
In my square drop adventure trailer I have a 6 inch memory foam mattress, and I love it. I am 6'1, and weight 220lbs, and I don't sink to the subfloor. I also have plenty of room for my feet in the foot box. My wife is also very happy with the comfort level too. I can't fold mine up and out of the way though to use the subfloor as a a gear hauler though. I just put a tarp over the bedding if I want to throw something on top for storage during traveling.
You sound like us with the tarp. Would love the fold up option for a quick roadside picnic every now and then, but the tarp does just fine for storing gear.
Check out Froli System for the base layer and what the RV upholstery shops around here call a travel bed on top. Actual real mattress, not just a slab of foam. The Froli allows air circulation...no black bits in the corner under the mattress.
Thank you for this tip. We have been looking into the FROLI system since we heard comments on here. Seems like a great investment, especially if you ever decided to swap out your trailer for a different one the interchangeable pieces can just go with you. I wonder if we have any RV upholstery shops up here. WE will have to look for a travel bed.
I'm 75 and two things I've learned about inflatable matresses!! #1. They deflate!! Always when you least expect or want it -- like in the middle of the night? #2. They remain at room temperature so if youre in a tent and it's freezing -- you freeze! I have never in my lifetime been able to depend on anything inflatable for very long! Except tires🤞
Great insight you have there Toni. Thanks for sharing. Our newest thought is a firm foam on the bottom with a memory foam on top. We are still using the inflatable, which has worked, but like I said in the video still think we can take it up one notch in comfort.
Nice hacks you found there. Personally, I can sleep on just about anything. Still and all, we’ll probably upgrade the mattresses in our new Casita. Happy Camping
The beauty of the Casita is that you have all that headroom. So you’re not concerned about mattress height like a teardrop. As long as you can find the correct mattress, size or be able to cut your mattress to size, it will work in a Casita.
Put a harder , firmer foam under the memory foam.....You also have to watch it if you go from a warm day to a cold front day, since the mattress will appear to have lost weight......Worse is a day that you go from a ultra cold light to a warm afternoon.....the mattress may firm up to the point of bursting
Now that would be nice. And 1-2 hundred sounds like something we could do. We just stumbled across the most amazing mattress on the newest trailer we just bought. It is some sort of foam from Ikea. I will have to look up the name some day. It feels incredible!
I also use a thin inflatable in my bus conversion, but this one looks thicker and a little more luxurious. I never thought about memory foam on top. I think I'll try it. I learned the carving knife thing in upholstery class - it's the best, isn't it?
We truly love the inflatable/memory foam combo. Our inflatable doesn't have foam in it like a thermarest. Our guess is if you combine a thermarest style mattress with memory foam you will be in schoolie heaven!
I'm about to take the plunge using your magic formula of the Klymit mattress plus memory foam, but want to confirm that the memory foam is 1.5" thick. I ask because in the video it really looks like you are using 3" foam. Thanks!
We like your cautious approach and your keen eye. Just measured the memory foam. It is 2.5". Also ours is gel memory foam, which we love because it doesn't really get hot in the summer for us and in the winter it is more pliable, not stiff like regular memory foam. As for the air mattress we chose Klymit because it fit. Many brands would work just as well and maybe even better. Klymit now also makes an insulated version as well.
I have an old popup and the mattresses are so thin that I can feel the platform underneath. I cut eggshell foam to size, cover with a padded mattress cover and presto! I sleep much more comfortably. I still need to do the other end for my son...poor kid.
Wonder how those interlocking foam tiles would work as a base. Don't they sell them for the kids play area still? We used the 1/2 inch roll out pads under the pop-up camper mattress then rolled both our sleeping bags on top of that. I think a 2inch memory foam on top of all that would have been the sweet spot. It's just a lot of pieces to keep up with. It was an April trip and the pop-up had heat, but the cold still worked its way up through all the layers. The interlocking foam tiles might help insulate things too.
Funny you mentioned the interlocking foam tiles. We had a few people suggest them from this video. We actually ended up purchasing them. We talk a little bit about it our spring teardrop maintenance video th-cam.com/video/OndSrGEwDYg/w-d-xo.html In future videos we will talk about if it made an impact or not on our sleep. I think you are onto something with the interlocking pieces adding some insulation. Our setup is similar to yours in that there is a lot of pieces/layers. However, we have found so far that layers seem to be the most comfortable.
I have and am currently using a "Relic" which is a 1987 Teardrop Trailer, with a custom bed of 6" memory foam cut down to 4 1/2'is inches, with fitted quilted sheets, and you sleep in dreamland with utter relaxation, it's the best that I have found to date, of course I have been sleeping on my creation for the better part of 4 years now :D
sure wish i can upload this DIY progressive build so others anticipate and urn to see the finished result. as i said before, i do slow motion, rethink and maximize every inch space available and keep the weight within 900 to 1000 lbs towing limit for safety and efficiency.. this is a 13" jet ski trailer with only small square steel frame and the wheel well takes up the width space which i will think of some design to widen the width. i try not to have to weld in case i want to sell the jet ski and get a larger trailer. as i said before i want something i can manhandle to back into tight space/turn around since i'm not good at backing up a trailer and i'm 74 yrs old 130 lbs retiree veteran, aircraft technician. try to take it easy in no rush. maybe three months if o push it. still gotta get my scout 80 functions for the long haul and safely bring me back home.
That is a great idea to find a way to trade out the trailer if needed. You may find keeping under 1,000 lbs to be your biggest challenge. When using plywood the weight adds up pretty fast, especially if part of your trailer will be standing height. Not that you can't do it, you will just have to be very thoughtful. But, obviously based on your comment you are very patient and thoughtful. Also like you said at 1,000 lbs anybody at any campground can easily help you turn it around by hand if you needed to.
@@PlayingwithSticksSticks that was a good suggestion less plywood. i'm using more diamond plate for siding and roof with .045 24" x 48" on area require strength. the .100 24" x 48" for front and back siding. mainly as aircraft tech, wind force must be dealt with during driving and driving on the rough road surface, that can result in vibration and losing joints. that's why diamond plate will take some of that weight equation out. i will use the adhesive auto sound/thermo insulation on the roof, siding and the flooring. i will take photos as i progress and load onto youtube for the public. as i mentioned before, design may change for better fit and efficiency. the underside will be sprayed with thick undercoating uses on truck bedding on the 11/8 thick plywood
We're getting a used truck camper...and, of course, changing an existing mattress....thanks for ALL the information. Where in the world does your child sleep ?????
Glad the info helped. We will admit it is pretty tight. My wife is pretty pint sized and I am not too broad so it works for now. Add another kid to the mix and we would have to remove the cabinets to install 2 bunks or upgrade to a larger teardrop.
Good thought. Now you have us thinking. We are wondering if you could cut a king mattress in half and double it up to save some money. Off to find out how large a king mattress is! Thanks Pam.
Nice tips. We use the 4" foam mattress that came with our camper and a thin topper. It's ok. I may have missed this on another video, but did you build your teardrop?
So your bed is a 4" memory foam with another piece of memory foam on top of that? Our teardrop was a homemade teardrop built on the east coast, made its way up to Alaska, sat in the Alaskan elements for quite some time and then came to us through Craigslist. We had to make some modifications and upgrades to get her back up to speed, but truly the original builder did a great job! Some day we are going to have to set aside time to build our own, especially with a growing family.
Wow, what a story behind that trailer. We have a pop up camper that we bought new 4 years ago. It has been dragged behind our van for more than 60k miles and great for our family of 4.
@@PlayingwithSticks my wife and I are both educators, so we spend our summers traveling around. it's seen to several national parks, hauled up mountains, dragged through muddy roads and has seen 3 Great Lakes. We wouldn't have been able to do all of that without the little camper. In a couple of months it will see the largest canyon.
Love your lifestyle. We are both educators as well. but, with the little guy we definitely are not able to travel the distances you are I don't know. Someday, someday...
It's nearly been 24hrs since I watched your video and I did some research about the Klymit mattresses and watched a couple of youtube reviews, and I ordered 2. online.
We realize it is probably too late, but did you see they had insulated versions of the same mattress? We didn't see them when we first made this video.
Good thought Carla. The memory foam would be quite a bit higher than using the thin air mattresses. But, we didn't even think about taking into account the sinking of the foam. So yes, with our weight it probably would all even out height wise.
Great suggestion. That is basically what we ended up doing. We used the largest diameter foam pipe insulation we could find. Issue solved! Because Alaska doesn't have a whole lot of swimming it was actually quite hard finding a pool noodle the time we went out searching.
Good eye. That was my script. And unfortunately I did that scene at the beginning of a video. So I ended up walking around the woods with a crumpled up script that was hard to read. Haha 😆
Thanks for pointing that out Robert. Unfortunately we shot that scene at the very beginning of the video. It was our video script,so we ended up walking around with a crumpled script in the woods to create the video. Once we got home we either forgot to add the clip, which was supposed to be a bit of humor of Drew running to pick up the paper. Unfortunately you can't edit a video in TH-cam anymore once it is posted. Thanks again for being a good steward of our planet and pointing this out.
Memory Foam...having sold mattress for quite a while maybe I can pass on some information. First memory foam is temperature sensitive. As the temperature in your trailer gets lower, your mattress gets firmer. Summer vs. Winter provides a different comfort level. Memory Foam Topper vs a Memory Foam Mattress. A memory foam mattress is not. pure memory foam. It is composed of a supportive foam base with a memory foam top. A six inch memory mattress has on average one inch of memory foam, and five inches of a supportive foam base. Pore memory foam was not meant to sleep on. If you put a six inch piece of pure memory foam in your trailer you would slowly compress it almost down to the floor when sleeping on it. A piece of one to two inch of pure memory foam is meant to used as a "topper". The purpose is to go on top of a spring mattress, the spring mattress acts as a supportive base. That is why when using a memory foam mattress the comfort level is much different than just using a memory foam topper. Best way to cut a piece of memory foam...you have the best enviroment for this task. Being that memory foam is temperature sensitive jus put your memory foam outside durring the Alaskan winter. In the morning it should be almost as stiff a Styrofoam when you cut it with your electric carving knife. I really enjoy your Utube Videos.. Thank you again.
Love this information Mark! Thank you for sharing this. Have you ever come across the memory foam that has blue dots in it? I think it may be called gel foam? That is what our foam is. Like you said it is meant to be a topper, not a mattress. What we like about this memory foam is in all temps it feels pretty much the same. In winter it does get a little more stiff, but not near as noticeable as regular memory foam. I don't know if this style of foam is still common or not. We got it from Costco about 10 years ago.
This is amazing, especially! The comment section, read half of the entire thing and then quqly scrolled down to the buttom when I found out exactly how an insane amount of replies you are doing to all your comments. Your replies are also well thought and often you research or look something that is mentioned. Truly appreciate it. I think you made many subscribers that will stay with you for a while thanks to that
Thank you Leo. I think on our end we are a bit selfish in that we love doing these videos because we learn so much from the comments. The videos are fun to make, but it is the comment section where our family really learns and grows. Thanks again Leo for the very positive comment. We don't get a whole lot of these :)
For a week now, as a trial, I've been sleeping on a Coleman Ridgeline 3 cot topped with the accompanying 2" pad and topped on that with the Klymit Static V, that you are using, but for one person. Without the Klymit, the cot was fairly comfortable, but just needed a tad more cushion. The Klymit solved the problem and I've been really comfortable and getting a good night's sleep. But, unlike your setup, I've got it on top of the pad. I believe I tried it under the pad but found it worked for me better on top. (I think the "V" keeps me more centered on the cot and away from the side rails.) I had already had the Klymit but didn't use it much because it did not provide sufficient cushion on a hard ground or bed of a van. The cot will be part of my temporary minivan conversion for road trips this summer, and I'm now looking forward to a better setup in the van because it will allow storage under the cot, thus more floor space and ability to move about more easily, as opposed to what I had been doing, which was using an airbed that took up most of the floor which made it necessary each night to move gear to the front seats and then to the back in the morning, a very great time-consumer and strain on my bad back. I'm now really looking forward to lots of road trips this summer and being a part-time nomad!
Awesome to hear you found a great setup and you are on your way to part-time nomad status! We are going to have to try putting the Klymit on top. If you saw in our video I love the setup, but it still needs just a little tweak, maybe flipping the mats around will be the ticket! Thank you for the great info.
That is a great idea. You are the first person to mention pool noodles as an underbed. One of our fellow camper enthusiasts mentioned pool noodles, but that was for filling the gaps on the sides.
Inflatables are never permanent solutions for full time sleeping, though they are comfortable. My successful cheap solution has worked for the past three years (full time every night)- I sleep on 3 large dog pillows under a thrift store queen sized cotton quilt that was tripled up for extra padding. The dog beds are easy to shake out, portable, easy to conform to whatever narrow small environments you are in and can quite inexpensive compared to comparable human mattresses.They have the same thick cushioning as any camping mattresses. Very cost effective and they come in huge sizes.
@@occipitalneuralgia2339 Love the dog pillow/cotton quilt combo. The more we tinker with a perfect bedding situation the more we lean towards something like yours. Thank you M.A. Enriquez.
Reminds me of the 1960's when we all used "Carving Knives" to cut the foam underlay for the walls and floors ... over time what was old, becomes new again. :-)
@@PlayingwithSticks I went into my art supply storage room and found my old electric knife in the box... sadly I bought it in the USA (110 volt) and now I live in Australia (240 volt) ... retired teacher.
Retired teacher, hopefully that will be us some day. Glad you made it over to that side of the world. Much of our past summers were spent on Java and Bali. We can smell the air now just thinking about it.
I've always used a serrated (full blade length) steak or bread knife. Works for me. Don't need electricity. Don't need to store an extra gadget in small places. Over the years I've made a number of cushions and mattresses for campers and/or tent cots.
Hey guys great video, we use outdoor 5 inch furniture cushions for their durability and a memory foam pillow on top this way we get the dual functionality that we need out of it.
At home we have 6” foam (custom one side firm, other side medium firm) with 2” latex topper…best sleep ever! I no longer wake up with a sore back. And the chipped latex pillow fill means no more neck tension/spasms. Our CTC has 5” firm foam - and because it’s trifold I’d love to put our topper in there.
Haha. Next time we use our script as a prop we are going to do it at the end of the filming day. After that shot, which took 3 shots of crumpling and throwing to get it right, Drew had to walk around trying to read a crumpled up script.
I have the T@G. I see a some T@G owners reporting they are using 8 inch bed, but truth be told, your feet will not fit comfortably under the air conditioner with 8in. The AC is located in the the middle of the cabinets, drops a few inch's below the cabinets, and the toes will be touching the bottom of the AC with 8 inch bed. I'm 6'1", and have to sleep at angle with feet under AC in order to not reach the back of the camper. The 2015 model is 76 inch bed. So what I do is I'm using the original 4inch foam mattress that came with camper, then 2 inch memory foam over that. From my head down to knees is an additional 2 inch foam which I got at hobby lobby, then I tapper down foam to feet so under AC is only 6inches. So for about 2/3 of bed is 8in, then tapper to 6in at feet. I did this mod last summer, seems to be working in the last couple trips. I really like this video, as I can relate. I have tried some other experiments similar to you.
That is a great idea! We know having your feet touching the air conditioner or the cabinets doesn't sound like much, but it can be the difference between a decent night sleep and a great night's sleep!
I had the exact same issues with my memory foam mattress, shoulder hitting hard floor surface. I did the two Klymit 3/4 length and used larger diameter pool noodles for the edges. So far after two years, so good. I do have to re-inflate the Klymit mattresses whenever changing altitudes, not a big deal.
That is us too! In the end we just added foam insulation (pipe insulated sleeves) to the edges and this setup has been the best for us. Thanks for sharing!
I used this trick to firm up a well loved sofa! Who says electric knives are just for meat, right?! As for putting foam back into the case: put/squeeze the foam into a large large LARGE trash bag with the opening of the bag going into the case. Then just pull the trash bag out. Voila! No catching fabric on fabric to wrestle with. Then just squeeze the zipper shut. P.S. I know I'm years late, but we're starting out on our camping journey (again) and reliving our Eagle & Cadette scout days. Saving for a camper, but until then, camping it is! We're starting out w an air mattress that has the pump built in. Elevated on folding cots, popup stand up tent, sleeping mummy bags. I'm so excited! Love the Channel!
I'm a huge proponent of foam mattresses...and I strongly suggest skipping the 'big box' store and instead google foam factories/suppliers near you. We have one about 40 minutes away and it's always worth the visit. For the same price as the big box stores you get better foam and selection. They can cut it to fit as well.
You are the second person to mention that. It didn't even cross our mind. Definitely a great idea. Love the username. We have a volcano that goes off here quite often called "Mt. Redoubt."
Fantastic! I was pre-thinking in pre-solving this potential problem in my mind - thank you so much! I am preparing to go nomadic; it's going to be a while but I have decided, and am going to get my health together, downsize and go nomad before I die! Life IS too short !
The door stopper things -- such a great idea to fill in any gaps! Our T@Gxl came with two 4-5" twins - side by side. Then we added a 4" memory foam mattress. It's very, very comfy - but it makes getting into our under bed storage really difficult. Someone did a special hydraulic lift hack that we might try someday. As always, thanks for the great videos! ~ Maria
Thanks Maria for the feedback on your bedding situation. Your bed mattress plus memory foam sounds very similar to our home bed setup. I bet you sleep real well in that T@G. I am gathering from most people that the have roughly 8" thick beds. When we took out the scamp we had the same issue as you with the memory foam. It makes a great night's sleep but it definitely makes it more difficult to move things around.
I like the draft dodger idea as well. As far as the air mat and memory foam combo-I've been doing that for years. works great in the short to mid term but found it needs periodic removal and rotating to maintain the desired support level. Also, the air mat conducts cold, so, brrr if not factored.
@@micahmitchell517 You are right on about the cold. We find the Klymit one we use has no insulation so it doesn't stop any of the cold. We think a thermarest style would probably be better, but the Klymit was the exact size of our floor.
Yep, and at times they are very affordable as well. Seems the price tends to bounce around a bit from month to month. We didn't realize they were lifetime warranties. Thanks for sharing Spencer.
I’m a tent-er and LOVE my Klymit pad so much I’ll keep it for my trailer when I (finally) choose one, along with my custom Enlightened Equipment down quilt. It took me a while to find the right stuff as an insomniac, so not going to give it up. 😆
What are the chances, I tried almost the same things that you did, and today I received a piece of memory foam to put over a sleeping pad xD, it works great, plus I have a sierra design Front country double sleeping bag, which's really comfy.
Jeez...how about that good ole water bed option???!!!! bahahah I'm laughing actually...I would get myself a fabulous REAL mattress...how much sitting in there are you doing? How much space do you need when all it is , is a BED??? TOY HAULER??? Strap that shit to the top!!
Hmmm...Well at least he chose to mix with an Asian instead of Homo erectus. Initially the presentation of the video struck me as a rambling display of giddy neurosis. “Why doesn’t he speak like a self-respecting proud White man who knows himself, and knows what he wants to convey?” I asked myself. I detected man-child plasticized new-liberal mania vibes from this guy’s energy, and now I know why, another wayward (though-well meaning no doubt) dewy-eyed sentimentalist w/ glitter and kittens inside his cerebral cortex. Your son will likely face cultural and existential uncertainties as a result of your choice to create him, but at least he can be proud to say he comes from the Cro-magnon\Neanderthal admixture someday when he’s a man full grown. And Asians do possess the highest test scores, and highly developed temporal lobes surpassing that of other groups. My best friend of 15years is half Cambodian Half Norwegian, whereby inevitable self-identity confusion arises. On the one hand there is distinctiveness and solidarity, on the other hand there is diluting and smearing. Metaphorically your son will have conflicting roots to the proverbial tree, conflicting roots of allegiance and belonging. I cannot foresee his life path, as it may fully manifest in coming years. And of course, you’ve already made your choice. If I’ve upset your feelings please know that is not my intention, and ultimately it does seem you’re a good man and a good father.
My favorite mattress of all time ever is the tempurpidic clowr. I want to put it in but it is 9 inches thick. I hay have to cut some thickness off. If you have never tried it well iits called the cloud for a reason. I got ot for free on Craigslist. People give them away all the time I have gotten all 4 of my tempurpidic mattresses for free. They sleep hot and that's why people give them away for free. In a tear drop trailer hot is good. Especially in the winter.
(2) $15 self inflatable camp sleeping pads from ALDI , layed side by side, covered by about 5 synthetic rectangular sleeping bags. Incredibly comfortable and snuggy warm.
We have never heard of the ALDI pads. $15 you can't beat that! May loves sleeping bags as toppers. Unfortunately ours are all mummy bags so they get bunched up. Looks like it might be time to get rectangular bags.
Good advice. We often forget to hit record or hit record when we think we are turning the camera off. Even thought I didn't have the video of me picking it up, I at least should have wrote a disclaimer on the video that I did. Back in the day you could update videos on TH-cam. Not anymore. What you post is what you get.
wild idea, super late, dunno if it's dumb What about a thicker mattress that you cut just below where your knees press and then slope it down to like a thinner mattress where your calves and feet are? I feel like the height difference wouldn't be that much of an issue for the lower legs maybe.
8 inch foam mattress from Walmart. Fantastic bargain at $139 for a twin and about $169 for the queen in October of 2021. Cuts easy with a hot knife/electric knife if needed but I didn't need to cut mine. Easily the most comfortable mattress set up. I've slept on it for more than a year now living full time in a 17 foot Coleman Lantern travel trailer and I have zero complaints. I'll be using the same product for the teardrop I'm currently building.
Great suggestion. Originally the Exped Mats were what we wanted as well. You are absolutely right, they are so comfortable! When we looked up the dimensions they weren't going to fit our teardrop well. However, it has been three years now since we looked them up. They probably have different sizes now. Thanks again for the reminder to check them out.
I use the exped 10 in my cargo van with built in twin size wooden frame which has under bed storage. That mattress is so comfortable. I have not had to reinflate or adjust the air since I got it. That was about 4 or 5 years ago.
We have a 17ft Casita SD and it had a custom made mattress and we put a 3" memory foam from Costco. It works great! We live in it and have for 18 months. We love having a toilet for the middle of the night. Our grand daughters go with us (9 & 11yo). One sleeps on the floor and the other the table/bed.
Sounds like a great setup. Our memory foam is from Costco as well, but about half the thickness of yours. Living in a Casita for 18 months sounds like a blast! I bet the granddaughters love hanging out in there.
The silver shadows are perfect little teardrops. We really love that style. Great suggestion on the carpet padding. We never would have thought about that.
We agree regular mattress with memory are no good. But we have found these memory foam mattresses are surprisingly supportive. They kind of cradle you firmly. Now, we haven't ever tried a regular memory foam mattress. Our is the gel memory foam. Not sure if the comfort level is different between gel and regular, but they work well for us.
bigmac memory foam comes in different support level depending on how to sleep. It is meant to support and primarily relieve pressure points. I have a sterns and foster reserve #2 and it is a hybrid bed is small micro coils and a foam topper. It’s amazing.
The memory is not about it forming to your body and then getting a memory. The memory is that is able to conform to your body at night then it springs back to shape in the morning.
I tried this air & foam mattress tip, as well as, your winter camping trick of adding down and wool blankets. And you’re right, GAME CHANGER, I slept so much better. Thanks so much for the tips & tricks videos they have helped a lot! I plan on having a camping gear yard sale in the spring for all the “stuff” I bought that just didn’t work out for us. It’s accumulated over the years.
I'm a bit late to the show, but we got a Exped MegaWatt Duo 10 sleeping pad for car/tent camping, but we also use it in our small slide in camper now because it's as comfortable (possibly more comfortable) than our at home bed. The other nice thing is it has an R value of 10, so you stay warm even on winter nights. 🤠
When I first read this comment, I thought, was someone out in the woods with me, but I didn't realize they were there? Then I watched the video. How funny! That little tree/stump literally looked like our boy when he is in his snow gear.
Dave you are going to have to let us know where you purchased that product. Most of our products up here in Alaska only operate within the laws of physics. Your comment made our day!
@@PlayingwithSticks For you and your wife a 6" memory foam should do you fine. My wife and I are a little larger than y'all. We installed an 8" memory foam mattress in our Runaway Camper. We sleep like a baby. In fact, we liked it so much we installed one on our bed in the house. Like anything, nothing is perfect and sometimes you have to make a trade-off but, I would rather sacrifice a little headroom for a good night's sleep. If your sleeping in the fetal position your cabinets will not be an issue for your feets. Also, we store tables, chairs, 10x10 canopy, fishing rods, etc on the mattress during travel. Thanks, for doing the video and contributing.
We find air mattresses that have insulation in them can be very comfortable. The ones we used were the cheaper mattresses, so it wasn't really a fair testimony in comparison to higher end brands. Thanks for the feedback Tom.
I’ve had my teardrop for 8 years and have used a cot for most of those years. I took the foam off the home bed and cut it to cot size. Works great for me. I’m a single camper, so I know it wouldn’t work for y’all, but I wanted to post in case there are other single campers looking for something. PS I’m 5 ft 3 in tall.
I reused a old leather couch,to line the side walls,foam naturally behind leather.I find the feeling and looks big improvement. i used the cushions and foam to make mattress ,covered with thick blanket.must rise those cabinets .The back of couch leather was like new,no sun light i used for head board,
by the way, i have design my DIY camper with kitchen and shower with a porta potty, the one you showed. the height on the rear end has the 46" x 22" skylight that will prop up on one side and a split curtain around the opening for privacy. still got some refinement to do. will be using diamond plates to the top roof, front and rear area for added strength. I'm also using car sound/thermo adhesive blanket for inside insulation, just peel off the paperback and press it on the surface. i use it on inside my scout full cab. stays on very good.
Great design Robert. The sound insulation for the camper insulation is a great idea! A skylight would be a fun addition to a camper. After using the teardrop and the Scamp quite a bit we would definitely suggest one larger window that allows you to take in the beautiful views around you.
So we would put the 2" dense foam on the bottom, then wool, then memory foam? We have had other people mention the wool. How does the wool help. We would love to try this out, but wanted to understand the principles behind it a bit before trying it.
@@PlayingwithSticks Playing with Sticks A wool blanket "breathes" and moderates the body heat that notoriously cause memory foam to break down. Like a heat sink. Antibacterial & water repellent properties of wool and cold water washable. The dense foam is going to last you ten years. Also bed bugs hate foam, btw.
@@PlayingwithSticks Also check out military surplus but be sure to read the content label as US Army blankets are rarely all wool these days. (you can do a burn test to be sure) Anyway, I found a thick Italian military blanket years ago, never wash it, just hang it out in the sun a few times a year. It’ll last a lifetime!
Having built a couple campers, we're absolutely in love with the tri-fold mattress concept. You can get them in any standard mattress size including the peculiar RV "short queen" size. They can be found with dual layer construction, fairly high density on the bottom with gel memory on the top. The part we find fascinating is how when folded a particular way, they convert to a super comfortable couch . A folded 4 inch mattress will have an 8 inch thick seat cushion with a tall (24 inch) back cushion 4 inches thick. Lots of upper back support and a couch that can be unfolded back to a bed in about 10 seconds. Unfortunately, they aren't found thicker than 4 inches. We had a dual layer 5 inch mattress (non folding) in our previous truck camper and it was an absolute glorious experience. I never wanted to get out of bed. For our current truck camper we needed a folding mattress because of the slide out bed extension so we used a 4 inch and I added an additional 1.5 inch memory foam topper to the bottom after cutting it in into three sections for the tri-fold. I use a large pair of tin snips to cut thinner pieces of foam and a hand held hacksaw blade (blade only) to cut thicker pieces of foam. Not as nice as the electric carving knife but usually can be found on hand :-) I've also used a large bread knife before.
@@PlayingwithSticks We always have a rear panel that supports the back at a 20 degree angle so it's a natural sofa position. In our Runaway Range Runner we'd just lay the panel flat against the wall when deployed as a queen mattress. The one in our current truck camper is absolutely luxurious with an 8 inch thick seat (2 - 4 inch thick sections one on top of the other ) and the third section rising up as the backrest. Most expensive travel trailers have very inexpensive 3 inch foam cushions by comparison. We've found that of the 3 brands that we've used Milliard is the best quality. As I mentioned, the thickest tri-fold we found was 4 inches but a 1 inch topper above or below makes it very comfy.
In the van I took the foam mattress off our spare room bed along with the board (plywood). When the seats were folded down the board and mattress made a perfect bed. I was able to sleep well while my wife drove on I 4 and when we arrived in Daytona area I was rested up and took over driving my wife reclined on the front seat. 73
great vids! we are new to the teardrop world and just purchased a 2024 mod bug. he's quite a chunky little dude. We have noticed one rather painful situation which affects primarily my husband as he is a bigger guy (around 260). the metal lip around the doorframe is somewhat painful on his hamstrings and butt when he exits the camper as the camper itself sits higher off the ground. Anyone have a work-around to soften up that edge? thus preventing bruises.
I am using the bedding cushions that came with my nucamp tag xl. Not the best and they move around. I have a cot that I use when I tent camp and overnights. It will fit in there and sits up about 8 inches but like you said about feet space under the cabinets on the back side. Even tho they are about 24 inches high from floor and you take the 8 inches from it you still have 16 inches which may work but I also have a 4 inch memory tri fold mattress that I bought off of Amazon that can go on it then I’m down to 12 inches of feet space. But I am going to try that on my next camping trip. Will let you know how it was for me. I camp alone so I know it will be hard for 2 people or a family. Like 90% of things in this life, you do what’s best or works for you.
My four inch mattress was not comfy. I tried a couple things under it that didn't work, back when. I purchased a somewhat spendy, thin, self-inflating mattress for under my side because the dog's side didn't need it. But it moved some under there and left me feeling downhill. So I got the narrower, matching air mattress for the dog's side, and it stays in place. At first, it was too squishy, couldn't crawl around on it. Let out a bit of air, and it's just right. I figured this out before seeing the video, so I did good. I once tried the foam puzzle piece blocks under there, but for whatever reason, it sweat underneath those. I had looked at the Froli system, but I'm now happy with the air.
On a related issue, the bed in our T@G trailer isn't long enough for me. It has a storage compartment/shelf that spans the top of the bed. If it were removed, I'd have another 5" of headroom. I see that your tear drop doesn't have that shelf. Did you remove it? I'm wondering if I'd be opening a can of worms if I removed mine.
We got the Mega Mat Duo 10 by Exped to sleep in the tent up at Mt St Helen’s early this spring and it’s an amazing bed! Yes, it’s a bit spendy but it’s so comfortable, easy to inflate or adjust and has an R value of 9, so it never felt like the ground. I would definitely recommend this bed. There is the medium and double size but we got the medium so it will also fit perfect in the Honda Pilot. I don’t know what size your hauling car is but it may fit in that too.
Great suggestion Marlene. Quite a few years ago we tried out the Mega Mat Duo. It truly is probably the most comfortable mat out there. We weren't able to find one that fit our teardrop. But, I bet it will be a great fit for a lot of the others who watch this channel. Thanks again Marlene for reminding us about this great mattress.
We used an 6" walmart memory foam mattress in our little guy teardrop for a few years. Best sleep I've had. I'm heavy and I never hit bottom. And, cold doesn't bother it. Also, the notices of it being hot in warm weather are overrated. It was great. I cut mine with a razor knife. Just put a heavy board or slice of plywood over it, sqeeze it to the ground and cut in layers. Saves the cost of a power carving knife. The same mattress now resides in my cargo conversion. And, we have a 12" in the house.
What you may want to add is a full size cut to fit ; blotter , these are useful to draw moisture into them and out of your layers of foam, air mattress. Put it under all the items and closest to the floor. Installed these under mattress in my boat and they really help reduce moisture from respiration and humidity that invades the different layers. I purchased at a west marine store, available at hobby lobby type retailers. They are what used to go on desks when ink would spill, yeah long time ago. Should last quite a while depending on your camp climate and where you live . RLH
Oh, great tip -- I've not heard of this blotter material! Another under-mattress product, which I didn't see mentioned yet in this forum, is Aire-Flow Hypervent [$10/lin. ft. x 39"W]. It is a sheet of looped plastic mesh, laid under mattresses for air flow. It can also be purchased as Enkadrain by Colbond [as a landscaping material for drainage -- possibly cheaper this way??]. Here is one link to start with: www.mattressinsider.com/mattress-condensation-prevention.html
Just now seeing your YT bedding video, I’d love to see if you can do a review on the FROLI SLEEP SYSTEM! Looks cool & a ton of good reviews! Interested in your opinion.
I use a 3” tempurpedic topper on top of a 4” Thermarest Mondoking xxl with a 1” memory foam on top of everything. When it is cold I use a Biddeford Sherpa quilted ac power heated mattress cover. Spoiled😍
I found a local place that makes mattresses like they used to back in the day. On top of that they made it to our specifications. Wasn't real expensive iether.
you point is well taken, better ventilation too. i love your ideas to improve my DIY half teardrop and a half ??? with toilet and shower for convenience. thanks, bob
Can't wait to see your finished trailer. For us these type of projects tend to take much longer than we anticipated. We will be sending you good vibes that doesn't happen for you.
I'm thinking of lining the floor of my trailer build with Eva foam antifatigue mat from harbor freight, would that be a good pair with a mattress topper?
We use it on ours and it works great. However, it does introduce the chance of trapping humidity. The more air you can get under the mattress the better.
Off topic....that little tree stump over "your right shoulder" looks like a little kid with a beanie cap touching the tree with an extended arm. Great tips on the bedding BTW!
So funny! You are maybe the 3rd person to mention that. I didn't even notice it all through the edit. But, once someone pointed it out, it was crazy. The figure is the exact size and build of my son. But, I knew I was the only one out that day. Crazy!
*Just what the doctor ordered! It is heavy duty **MyseIf.Furniture** returns to form well, and stays put on my mattress. Great way to add some firmness with give too. Better sleep and less back pain. Best birthday gift in a long time.*
I went to the link: Myself.Furniture but it didn't take me to a specific item that you might be referring to. Could you direct me to the specific item you recommend? Thank you!
Great video, I have had my Casita for 5 years and have been through many iterations of bedding including the backpack inflatable camp pads along with a tri-fold mattress from Costco which really worked for awhile. Now I have a 3" Gel Memory Foam topper with a 2" portable foam bed, all from Costco and I am sleeping in luxury. Didn't even have to cut anything 👍🌞🌞🌞🌞
Thanks for commenting Christina. The 2" portable foam bed you are referring to, is that just the regular white foam?
@@PlayingwithSticks I'll have to check the packaging. I don't have access right now because I had a catastrophic axel failure last week so it's in the shop across town. But Costco has them in stock right now & it seems typically every Spring. You're supposed to be able to roll it back up & move it around say for sleepovers and such. Has a nice durable cover kind of like outdoor cushions.
@@PlayingwithSticks No, it is memory foam. Sorry for delay in answering 🌞
@@ChristinaColoradoan Thanks Christina for getting back to us. Much appreciated!
Do you leave the memory foam topper in your trailer for the winter? I got mine from Costco too trying to figure out how to safely store it for the winter when I can't use my trailer regularly
We bought two matching 6” tri-fold foam mattresses. They are surprisingly comfortable, and trimming them down with an old electric bread knife was easier than I ever imagined.
I really enjoy your Chanel and the comments .......and watching you both interact with your kids . You are giving them a great foundation .
The mattress thing is something I’m struggling with at this time. My memory foam has grown tired. My self inflators worked well with memory foam initially. I appreciate Thayer you too always want to ‘tweak ‘ for that next improvement. On another of your contributions on water saving I learned a lot.
I’m old now on my own and family away so I now dish wash only once a day , yesterdays rinse water becomes today’s dish and pot wash water which works well as I created a very deep sink with two compartments and I use bi carb for sterilising .....I’ll be trialing the bi carb for washing and the hot water and bicarbonate in spray for rinsing. Thankyou for your energy and family experience.
Glad you are enjoying the videos Douglas. Let us know what you find that works for you in terms of bedding. We find a lot of folks on here purchase a Futon cover/mattress. There is another name for it, sounds a bit more fancy, but when I ask them what it is they say it is basically a futon mat. Another great thing we have found is firm foam and then over it place a lot of thicker layers of blankets like fleece , down comforters, and unzipped sleeping bags. This is also a solution many people do. Great idea on recycling the rinse water. Going to have to try the bicarbonate. This would eliminate the vinegar smell for those who don't like it.
I got the 1 inch foam blocks 24 x 24 that you put under your weight equiptment in your house. You cN get it at lowes, acadamy sports dicks ect. Add a 4 inch memory foam pad and holy crap. Best sleep ever. Like a cloud. Yet firm and no preasure points on your hip or shoulder. Love your videos. Just got into teardrop camping. You rock sir!
Another idea about the slight space on each side of the bed is a pool noodle, if that is too bulky you can slice it long way so it will lie flat .
Great idea. That is exactly what we ended up with. Well, close. We used foam pipe insulation.
In my square drop adventure trailer I have a 6 inch memory foam mattress, and I love it. I am 6'1, and weight 220lbs, and I don't sink to the subfloor. I also have plenty of room for my feet in the foot box. My wife is also very happy with the comfort level too. I can't fold mine up and out of the way though to use the subfloor as a a gear hauler though. I just put a tarp over the bedding if I want to throw something on top for storage during traveling.
You sound like us with the tarp. Would love the fold up option for a quick roadside picnic every now and then, but the tarp does just fine for storing gear.
Try putting those foam, interlocking, pieces (like you find in kids play areas). They are not very thick, but cushioned, easy to cut to fit...
this is the ticket, double or tripple lair if wanted
Thank you for this info. You are the second person to mention this. We actually have some in the house, so we will be trying it out.
This is wonderfully edited! Great job bud. Loved every minute of your video and very handy tips too 😍🎨🍷
Thank you. What a nice comment. We are really glad you enjoyed the video.
Check out Froli System for the base layer and what the RV upholstery shops around here call a travel bed on top. Actual real mattress, not just a slab of foam. The Froli allows air circulation...no black bits in the corner under the mattress.
Thank you for this tip. We have been looking into the FROLI system since we heard comments on here. Seems like a great investment, especially if you ever decided to swap out your trailer for a different one the interchangeable pieces can just go with you. I wonder if we have any RV upholstery shops up here. WE will have to look for a travel bed.
I'm 75 and two things I've learned about inflatable matresses!!
#1. They deflate!! Always when you least expect or want it -- like in the middle of the night?
#2. They remain at room temperature so if youre in a tent and it's freezing -- you freeze!
I have never in my lifetime been able to depend on anything inflatable for very long! Except tires🤞
Great insight you have there Toni. Thanks for sharing. Our newest thought is a firm foam on the bottom with a memory foam on top. We are still using the inflatable, which has worked, but like I said in the video still think we can take it up one notch in comfort.
Nice hacks you found there.
Personally, I can sleep on just about anything.
Still and all, we’ll probably upgrade the mattresses in our new Casita.
Happy Camping
The beauty of the Casita is that you have all that headroom. So you’re not concerned about mattress height like a teardrop. As long as you can find the correct mattress, size or be able to cut your mattress to size, it will work in a
Casita.
I already forgot Allen. When do you get to pick up your camper?
Put a harder , firmer foam under the memory foam.....You also have to watch it if you go from a warm day to a cold front day, since the mattress will appear to have lost weight......Worse is a day that you go from a ultra cold light to a warm afternoon.....the mattress may firm up to the point of bursting
Great idea. I wonder where we would find these? I am assuming online. Seems like all the memory foam at box stores are on the soft end.
Pool noodle for the side of the bed. If they are too tall, cut them in half and place the cut side down.
Thank you! Perfect idea.
Looks good setup my self if I went with a treardrop style camper I would use a 2 Tatami Mats with 3 inch Shikibuton on top
I use a queen size high end futon mattress in my teardrop. Blowup mattresses will fail you at some point and memory foam is to hot in the summer.
Beings we are up here in Alaska I didn't even think about memory foam being hot. Thank you for that suggestion
A real branded temperpedic will run you around 2k, but is also available of FB Marketplace for 1-2 hundred
Now that would be nice. And 1-2 hundred sounds like something we could do. We just stumbled across the most amazing mattress on the newest trailer we just bought. It is some sort of foam from Ikea. I will have to look up the name some day. It feels incredible!
I also use a thin inflatable in my bus conversion, but this one looks thicker and a little more luxurious. I never thought about memory foam on top. I think I'll try it. I learned the carving knife thing in upholstery class - it's the best, isn't it?
We truly love the inflatable/memory foam combo. Our inflatable doesn't have foam in it like a thermarest. Our guess is if you combine a thermarest style mattress with memory foam you will be in schoolie heaven!
I'm about to take the plunge using your magic formula of the Klymit mattress plus memory foam, but want to confirm that the memory foam is 1.5" thick. I ask because in the video it really looks like you are using 3" foam. Thanks!
We like your cautious approach and your keen eye. Just measured the memory foam. It is 2.5". Also ours is gel memory foam, which we love because it doesn't really get hot in the summer for us and in the winter it is more pliable, not stiff like regular memory foam. As for the air mattress we chose Klymit because it fit. Many brands would work just as well and maybe even better. Klymit now also makes an insulated version as well.
I have an old popup and the mattresses are so thin that I can feel the platform underneath. I cut eggshell foam to size, cover with a padded mattress cover and presto! I sleep much more comfortably. I still need to do the other end for my son...poor kid.
I love that sometimes it just takes a very simple fix. Thank you for sharing!
I was thinking about trying bunky boards under the mattress
Let us know Patrick how it works if you end up trying it.
Wonder how those interlocking foam tiles would work as a base. Don't they sell them for the kids play area still? We used the 1/2 inch roll out pads under the pop-up camper mattress then rolled both our sleeping bags on top of that. I think a 2inch memory foam on top of all that would have been the sweet spot. It's just a lot of pieces to keep up with. It was an April trip and the pop-up had heat, but the cold still worked its way up through all the layers. The interlocking foam tiles might help insulate things too.
Funny you mentioned the interlocking foam tiles. We had a few people suggest them from this video. We actually ended up purchasing them. We talk a little bit about it our spring teardrop maintenance video th-cam.com/video/OndSrGEwDYg/w-d-xo.html In future videos we will talk about if it made an impact or not on our sleep. I think you are onto something with the interlocking pieces adding some insulation. Our setup is similar to yours in that there is a lot of pieces/layers. However, we have found so far that layers seem to be the most comfortable.
I have and am currently using a "Relic" which is a 1987 Teardrop Trailer, with a custom bed of 6" memory foam cut down to 4 1/2'is inches, with fitted quilted sheets, and you sleep in dreamland with utter relaxation, it's the best that I have found to date, of course I have been sleeping on my creation for the better part of 4 years now :D
4 Years. Sounds like your 4'1/2 " pad has passed the test of time. Thanks for the comment Thomas.
sure wish i can upload this DIY progressive build so others anticipate and urn to see the finished result. as i said before, i do slow motion, rethink and maximize every inch space available and keep the weight within 900 to 1000 lbs towing limit for safety and efficiency.. this is a 13" jet ski trailer with only small square steel frame and the wheel well takes up the width space which i will think of some design to widen the width. i try not to have to weld in case i want to sell the jet ski and get a larger trailer. as i said before i want something i can manhandle to back into tight space/turn around since i'm not good at backing up a trailer and i'm 74 yrs old 130 lbs retiree veteran, aircraft technician. try to take it easy in no rush. maybe three months if o push it. still gotta get my scout 80 functions for the long haul and safely bring me back home.
That is a great idea to find a way to trade out the trailer if needed. You may find keeping under 1,000 lbs to be your biggest challenge. When using plywood the weight adds up pretty fast, especially if part of your trailer will be standing height. Not that you can't do it, you will just have to be very thoughtful. But, obviously based on your comment you are very patient and thoughtful. Also like you said at 1,000 lbs anybody at any campground can easily help you turn it around by hand if you needed to.
@@PlayingwithSticksSticks that was a good suggestion less plywood. i'm using more diamond plate for siding and roof with .045 24" x 48" on area require strength. the .100 24" x 48" for front and back siding. mainly as aircraft tech, wind force must be dealt with during driving and driving on the rough road surface, that can result in vibration and losing joints. that's why diamond plate will take some of that weight equation out. i will use the adhesive auto sound/thermo insulation on the roof, siding and the flooring. i will take photos as i progress and load onto youtube for the public. as i mentioned before, design may change for better fit and efficiency. the underside will be sprayed with thick undercoating uses on truck bedding on the 11/8 thick plywood
We can't wait to see your videos! Sounds like you have a good plan in place.
We're getting a used truck camper...and, of course, changing an existing mattress....thanks for ALL the information. Where in the world does your child sleep ?????
Glad the info helped. We will admit it is pretty tight. My wife is pretty pint sized and I am not too broad so it works for now. Add another kid to the mix and we would have to remove the cabinets to install 2 bunks or upgrade to a larger teardrop.
U can also double the memory foam mattress
Good thought. Now you have us thinking. We are wondering if you could cut a king mattress in half and double it up to save some money. Off to find out how large a king mattress is! Thanks Pam.
Nice tips. We use the 4" foam mattress that came with our camper and a thin topper. It's ok.
I may have missed this on another video, but did you build your teardrop?
So your bed is a 4" memory foam with another piece of memory foam on top of that? Our teardrop was a homemade teardrop built on the east coast, made its way up to Alaska, sat in the Alaskan elements for quite some time and then came to us through Craigslist. We had to make some modifications and upgrades to get her back up to speed, but truly the original builder did a great job! Some day we are going to have to set aside time to build our own, especially with a growing family.
Wow, what a story behind that trailer. We have a pop up camper that we bought new 4 years ago. It has been dragged behind our van for more than 60k miles and great for our family of 4.
60000 miles that's incredible!
@@PlayingwithSticks my wife and I are both educators, so we spend our summers traveling around. it's seen to several national parks, hauled up mountains, dragged through muddy roads and has seen 3 Great Lakes. We wouldn't have been able to do all of that without the little camper. In a couple of months it will see the largest canyon.
Love your lifestyle. We are both educators as well. but, with the little guy we definitely are not able to travel the distances you are I don't know. Someday, someday...
It's nearly been 24hrs since I watched your video and I did some research about the Klymit mattresses and watched a couple of youtube reviews, and I ordered 2. online.
We realize it is probably too late, but did you see they had insulated versions of the same mattress? We didn't see them when we first made this video.
There's a whole range of the matresses. Yes, there are insulated ones at different insulation ratings
Couldn't u have just doubled the gel memory foam and left out the air mattress? It wouldn't have been much if any thicker than with the air
Good thought Carla. The memory foam would be quite a bit higher than using the thin air mattresses. But, we didn't even think about taking into account the sinking of the foam. So yes, with our weight it probably would all even out height wise.
What about pool noodles along the side? This is coming from a teardrop wannabe. Still looking.
Great suggestion. That is basically what we ended up doing. We used the largest diameter foam pipe insulation we could find. Issue solved! Because Alaska doesn't have a whole lot of swimming it was actually quite hard finding a pool noodle the time we went out searching.
Yo what was on that piece of paper you threw over your shoulder?
Good eye. That was my script. And unfortunately I did that scene at the beginning of a video. So I ended up walking around the woods with a crumpled up script that was hard to read. Haha 😆
@@PlayingwithSticks jokes aside, I love your content. Good work!
Hey! Don't throw paper on the ground!
Thanks for pointing that out Robert. Unfortunately we shot that scene at the very beginning of the video. It was our video script,so we ended up walking around with a crumpled script in the woods to create the video. Once we got home we either forgot to add the clip, which was supposed to be a bit of humor of Drew running to pick up the paper. Unfortunately you can't edit a video in TH-cam anymore once it is posted. Thanks again for being a good steward of our planet and pointing this out.
Memory Foam...having sold mattress for quite a while maybe I can pass on some information. First memory foam is temperature sensitive. As the temperature in your trailer gets lower, your mattress gets firmer. Summer vs. Winter provides a different comfort level. Memory Foam Topper vs a Memory Foam Mattress. A memory foam mattress is not. pure memory foam. It is composed of a supportive foam base with a memory foam top. A six inch memory mattress has on average one inch of memory foam, and five inches of a supportive foam base. Pore memory foam was not meant to sleep on. If you put a six inch piece of pure memory foam in your trailer you would slowly compress it almost down to the floor when sleeping on it. A piece of one to two inch of pure memory foam is meant to used as a "topper". The purpose is to go on top of a spring mattress, the spring mattress acts as a supportive base. That is why when using a memory foam mattress the comfort level is much different than just using a memory foam topper.
Best way to cut a piece of memory foam...you have the best enviroment for this task. Being that memory foam is temperature sensitive jus put your memory foam outside durring the Alaskan winter. In the morning it should be almost as stiff a Styrofoam when you cut it with your electric carving knife. I really enjoy your Utube Videos.. Thank you again.
Love this information Mark! Thank you for sharing this. Have you ever come across the memory foam that has blue dots in it? I think it may be called gel foam? That is what our foam is. Like you said it is meant to be a topper, not a mattress. What we like about this memory foam is in all temps it feels pretty much the same. In winter it does get a little more stiff, but not near as noticeable as regular memory foam. I don't know if this style of foam is still common or not. We got it from Costco about 10 years ago.
Patio furniture cushions work great and you don't have to worry about mold build up..just wipe them down every week
That is a great idea! Especially beings you can get them at such a great price in the fall when box stores are getting rid of their excess inventory.
I used these in my van camper bed and then transferred it to my new 2019 Runaway trailer.Also put a 2” memory foam pad on top..very comfortable for me
This will make a home pull out couch bed better too!
This is amazing, especially! The comment section, read half of the entire thing and then quqly scrolled down to the buttom when I found out exactly how an insane amount of replies you are doing to all your comments. Your replies are also well thought and often you research or look something that is mentioned. Truly appreciate it. I think you made many subscribers that will stay with you for a while thanks to that
Thank you Leo. I think on our end we are a bit selfish in that we love doing these videos because we learn so much from the comments. The videos are fun to make, but it is the comment section where our family really learns and grows. Thanks again Leo for the very positive comment. We don't get a whole lot of these :)
For a week now, as a trial, I've been sleeping on a Coleman Ridgeline 3 cot topped with the accompanying 2" pad and topped on that with the Klymit Static V, that you are using, but for one person. Without the Klymit, the cot was fairly comfortable, but just needed a tad more cushion. The Klymit solved the problem and I've been really comfortable and getting a good night's sleep. But, unlike your setup, I've got it on top of the pad. I believe I tried it under the pad but found it worked for me better on top. (I think the "V" keeps me more centered on the cot and away from the side rails.) I had already had the Klymit but didn't use it much because it did not provide sufficient cushion on a hard ground or bed of a van. The cot will be part of my temporary minivan conversion for road trips this summer, and I'm now looking forward to a better setup in the van because it will allow storage under the cot, thus more floor space and ability to move about more easily, as opposed to what I had been doing, which was using an airbed that took up most of the floor which made it necessary each night to move gear to the front seats and then to the back in the morning, a very great time-consumer and strain on my bad back. I'm now really looking forward to lots of road trips this summer and being a part-time nomad!
Awesome to hear you found a great setup and you are on your way to part-time nomad status! We are going to have to try putting the Klymit on top. If you saw in our video I love the setup, but it still needs just a little tweak, maybe flipping the mats around will be the ticket! Thank you for the great info.
I'm a cheap kinda guy.. I bought pool noodles on sale (end-of-season) and cut them to size.. as an "underbed"
That is a great idea. You are the first person to mention pool noodles as an underbed. One of our fellow camper enthusiasts mentioned pool noodles, but that was for filling the gaps on the sides.
What is the benefit of pool noodles over a standard foam matress?
My guess is there wasn't a benefit, more of a cost savings for Mr Smith. But again, that's just a guess.
Inflatables are never permanent solutions for full time sleeping, though they are comfortable. My successful cheap solution has worked for the past three years (full time every night)- I sleep on 3 large dog pillows under a thrift store queen sized cotton quilt that was tripled up for extra padding. The dog beds are easy to shake out, portable, easy to conform to whatever narrow small environments you are in and can quite inexpensive compared to comparable human mattresses.They have the same thick cushioning as any camping mattresses. Very cost effective and they come in huge sizes.
@@occipitalneuralgia2339 Love the dog pillow/cotton quilt combo. The more we tinker with a perfect bedding situation the more we lean towards something like yours. Thank you M.A. Enriquez.
Reminds me of the 1960's when we all used "Carving Knives" to cut the foam underlay for the walls and floors ... over time what was old, becomes new again. :-)
That is funny to hear. Yep, we came a bit after the 60's so it is all new to us :)
brilliant. I am amazed I didn't think of that.
@@PlayingwithSticks I went into my art supply storage room and found my old electric knife in the box... sadly I bought it in the USA (110 volt) and now I live in Australia (240 volt) ... retired teacher.
Retired teacher, hopefully that will be us some day. Glad you made it over to that side of the world. Much of our past summers were spent on Java and Bali. We can smell the air now just thinking about it.
I've always used a serrated (full blade length) steak or bread knife. Works for me. Don't need electricity. Don't need to store an extra gadget in small places. Over the years I've made a number of cushions and mattresses for campers and/or tent cots.
Hey guys great video, we use outdoor 5 inch furniture cushions for their durability and a memory foam pillow on top this way we get the dual functionality that we need out of it.
That is a great idea. I bet you can get those outdoor pillows at a pretty affordable cost in the fall. Glad to hear you enjoyed the video!
Playing with Sticks we did get a great price at $10 each at IKEA.
At home we have 6” foam (custom one side firm, other side medium firm) with 2” latex topper…best sleep ever! I no longer wake up with a sore back. And the chipped latex pillow fill means no more neck tension/spasms.
Our CTC has 5” firm foam - and because it’s trifold I’d love to put our topper in there.
Mem foam... too hot for me
Air bed... too cold for wife.
She has mem foam on top of air & I have visa versa.
Love it!
Now pick up that paper threw over your shoulder! lol
Haha. Next time we use our script as a prop we are going to do it at the end of the filming day. After that shot, which took 3 shots of crumpling and throwing to get it right, Drew had to walk around trying to read a crumpled up script.
LOL!!
To be fair, paper is biodegradable...I aint mad at that. Lol
I have the T@G. I see a some T@G owners reporting they are using 8 inch bed, but truth be told, your feet will not fit comfortably under the air conditioner with 8in. The AC is located in the the middle of the cabinets, drops a few inch's below the cabinets, and the toes will be touching the bottom of the AC with 8 inch bed. I'm 6'1", and have to sleep at angle with feet under AC in order to not reach the back of the camper. The 2015 model is 76 inch bed. So what I do is I'm using the original 4inch foam mattress that came with camper, then 2 inch memory foam over that. From my head down to knees is an additional 2 inch foam which I got at hobby lobby, then I tapper down foam to feet so under AC is only 6inches. So for about 2/3 of bed is 8in, then tapper to 6in at feet. I did this mod last summer, seems to be working in the last couple trips. I really like this video, as I can relate. I have tried some other experiments similar to you.
That is a great idea! We know having your feet touching the air conditioner or the cabinets doesn't sound like much, but it can be the difference between a decent night sleep and a great night's sleep!
I had the exact same issues with my memory foam mattress, shoulder hitting hard floor surface. I did the two Klymit 3/4 length and used larger diameter pool noodles for the edges. So far after two years, so good. I do have to re-inflate the Klymit mattresses whenever changing altitudes, not a big deal.
That is us too! In the end we just added foam insulation (pipe insulated sleeves) to the edges and this setup has been the best for us. Thanks for sharing!
I used this trick to firm up a well loved sofa! Who says electric knives are just for meat, right?!
As for putting foam back into the case: put/squeeze the foam into a large large LARGE trash bag with the opening of the bag going into the case. Then just pull the trash bag out. Voila! No catching fabric on fabric to wrestle with. Then just squeeze the zipper shut.
P.S. I know I'm years late, but we're starting out on our camping journey (again) and reliving our Eagle & Cadette scout days. Saving for a camper, but until then, camping it is!
We're starting out w an air mattress that has the pump built in. Elevated on folding cots, popup stand up tent, sleeping mummy bags.
I'm so excited!
Love the Channel!
I'm a huge proponent of foam mattresses...and I strongly suggest skipping the 'big box' store and instead google foam factories/suppliers near you. We have one about 40 minutes away and it's always worth the visit. For the same price as the big box stores you get better foam and selection. They can cut it to fit as well.
Thank you for this. Wonder if we have any up here?
How about pool noodles or foam pipe lagging for down the sides of the thin mattress. All the best - Rab from Scotland
You are the second person to mention that. It didn't even cross our mind. Definitely a great idea. Love the username. We have a volcano that goes off here quite often called "Mt. Redoubt."
Fantastic! I was pre-thinking in pre-solving this potential problem in my mind - thank you so much!
I am preparing to go nomadic; it's going to be a while but I have decided, and am going to get my health together, downsize and go nomad before I die! Life IS too short !
Do it! We always say the same thing. What we have learned is you just have to do it. There never will be a perfect time to go nomadic!
The door stopper things -- such a great idea to fill in any gaps!
Our T@Gxl came with two 4-5" twins - side by side. Then we added a 4" memory foam mattress. It's very, very comfy - but it makes getting into our under bed storage really difficult. Someone did a special hydraulic lift hack that we might try someday. As always, thanks for the great videos! ~ Maria
Thanks Maria for the feedback on your bedding situation. Your bed mattress plus memory foam sounds very similar to our home bed setup. I bet you sleep real well in that T@G. I am gathering from most people that the have roughly 8" thick beds. When we took out the scamp we had the same issue as you with the memory foam. It makes a great night's sleep but it definitely makes it more difficult to move things around.
I like the draft dodger idea as well. As far as the air mat and memory foam combo-I've been doing that for years. works great in the short to mid term but found it needs periodic removal and rotating to maintain the desired support level. Also, the air mat conducts cold, so, brrr if not factored.
@@micahmitchell517 You are right on about the cold. We find the Klymit one we use has no insulation so it doesn't stop any of the cold. We think a thermarest style would probably be better, but the Klymit was the exact size of our floor.
@@PlayingwithSticks I use a carpet remnant under the air mat for its insulative quality plus it's a a padded floor when not being bedding.
@@micahmitchell517 Thank you for the carpet idea!
I have the klymit system. Its amazing!!! If youre looking for a comfy sleep pad, that is definately it. Lifetime warranty as well!
Yep, and at times they are very affordable as well. Seems the price tends to bounce around a bit from month to month. We didn't realize they were lifetime warranties. Thanks for sharing Spencer.
I’m a tent-er and LOVE my Klymit pad so much I’ll keep it for my trailer when I (finally) choose one, along with my custom Enlightened Equipment down quilt. It took me a while to find the right stuff as an insomniac, so not going to give it up. 😆
What are the chances, I tried almost the same things that you did, and today I received a piece of memory foam to put over a sleeping pad xD, it works great, plus I have a sierra design Front country double sleeping bag, which's really comfy.
I love random coincidences.
Jeez...how about that good ole water bed option???!!!! bahahah I'm laughing actually...I would get myself a fabulous REAL mattress...how much sitting in there are you doing? How much space do you need when all it is , is a BED??? TOY HAULER??? Strap that shit to the top!!
Someone just shared with us yesterday that they used a real mattress. What they did was opened it up and trimmed off the excess. Great idea!
I have an awesome REAL mattress in my teardrop. We have a mattress manufacturer in our city and made one the correct size.
That sounds great building a perfect mattress for your teardrop.
Hmmm...Well at least he chose to mix with an Asian instead of Homo erectus.
Initially the presentation of the video struck me as a rambling display of giddy neurosis. “Why doesn’t he speak like a self-respecting proud White man who knows himself, and knows what he wants to convey?” I asked myself. I detected man-child plasticized new-liberal mania vibes from this guy’s energy, and now I know why, another wayward (though-well meaning no doubt) dewy-eyed sentimentalist w/ glitter and kittens inside his cerebral cortex.
Your son will likely face cultural and existential uncertainties as a result of your choice to create him, but at least he can be proud to say he comes from the Cro-magnon\Neanderthal admixture someday when he’s a man full grown. And Asians do possess the highest test scores, and highly developed temporal lobes surpassing that of other groups. My best friend of 15years is half Cambodian Half Norwegian, whereby inevitable self-identity confusion arises. On the one hand there is distinctiveness and solidarity, on the other hand there is diluting and smearing. Metaphorically your son will have conflicting roots to the proverbial tree, conflicting roots of allegiance and belonging. I cannot foresee his life path, as it may fully manifest in coming years. And of course, you’ve already made your choice. If I’ve upset your feelings please know that is not my intention, and ultimately it does seem you’re a good man and a good father.
Nope, no upset feelings here. It is always interesting to hear other's perspectives who are far from our own.
My favorite mattress of all time ever is the tempurpidic clowr. I want to put it in but it is 9 inches thick. I hay have to cut some thickness off. If you have never tried it well iits called the cloud for a reason. I got ot for free on Craigslist. People give them away all the time I have gotten all 4 of my tempurpidic mattresses for free. They sleep hot and that's why people give them away for free. In a tear drop trailer hot is good. Especially in the winter.
(2) $15 self inflatable camp sleeping pads from ALDI , layed side by side, covered by about 5 synthetic rectangular sleeping bags. Incredibly comfortable and snuggy warm.
We have never heard of the ALDI pads. $15 you can't beat that! May loves sleeping bags as toppers. Unfortunately ours are all mummy bags so they get bunched up. Looks like it might be time to get rectangular bags.
Please don't litter :) Even if you picked it up afterwards, you give idiots the wrong idea. Leave no trace is the only way to boondock/camp
Good advice. We often forget to hit record or hit record when we think we are turning the camera off. Even thought I didn't have the video of me picking it up, I at least should have wrote a disclaimer on the video that I did. Back in the day you could update videos on TH-cam. Not anymore. What you post is what you get.
Love the unique feel of this video! The way you did it I think adds a “storytelling” aspect, and I think it really adds a lot to it.
Thanks Jake much appreciated!
wild idea, super late, dunno if it's dumb
What about a thicker mattress that you cut just below where your knees press and then slope it down to like a thinner mattress where your calves and feet are? I feel like the height difference wouldn't be that much of an issue for the lower legs maybe.
I think you are onto something. And no, you aren't too late. Great idea Ann.
8 inch foam mattress from Walmart. Fantastic bargain at $139 for a twin and about $169 for the queen in October of 2021. Cuts easy with a hot knife/electric knife if needed but I didn't need to cut mine. Easily the most comfortable mattress set up. I've slept on it for more than a year now living full time in a 17 foot Coleman Lantern travel trailer and I have zero complaints. I'll be using the same product for the teardrop I'm currently building.
Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad is very comfortable and might work for you.
Great suggestion. Originally the Exped Mats were what we wanted as well. You are absolutely right, they are so comfortable! When we looked up the dimensions they weren't going to fit our teardrop well. However, it has been three years now since we looked them up. They probably have different sizes now. Thanks again for the reminder to check them out.
I use the exped 10 in my cargo van with built in twin size wooden frame which has under bed storage. That mattress is so comfortable. I have not had to reinflate or adjust the air since I got it. That was about 4 or 5 years ago.
We have a 17ft Casita SD and it had a custom made mattress and we put a 3" memory foam from Costco. It works great! We live in it and have for 18 months. We love having a toilet for the middle of the night. Our grand daughters go with us (9 & 11yo). One sleeps on the floor and the other the table/bed.
Sounds like a great setup. Our memory foam is from Costco as well, but about half the thickness of yours. Living in a Casita for 18 months sounds like a blast! I bet the granddaughters love hanging out in there.
What I used is carpet padding material under my mattress. I have a 4 x 8 foot 2008 silver shadow teardrop.
The silver shadows are perfect little teardrops. We really love that style. Great suggestion on the carpet padding. We never would have thought about that.
MrDennisLB that’s a good idea too!
If you're still tossing and turning with air mattress and memory foam mattress.. . try Tequila?
Sounds like a much cheaper solution than a new mattress :)
That made me laugh out loud , thanks for the giggle!
Memory foam confuses me. When my mattress starts getting a memory I throw it out. Why pay for a mattress that won't hold you up? I dont get it.
We agree regular mattress with memory are no good. But we have found these memory foam mattresses are surprisingly supportive. They kind of cradle you firmly. Now, we haven't ever tried a regular memory foam mattress. Our is the gel memory foam. Not sure if the comfort level is different between gel and regular, but they work well for us.
bigmac memory foam comes in different support level depending on how to sleep. It is meant to support and primarily relieve pressure points. I have a sterns and foster reserve #2 and it is a hybrid bed is small micro coils and a foam topper. It’s amazing.
The memory is not about it forming to your body and then getting a memory. The memory is that is able to conform to your body at night then it springs back to shape in the morning.
I tried this air & foam mattress tip, as well as, your winter camping trick of adding down and wool blankets. And you’re right,
GAME CHANGER, I slept so much better.
Thanks so much for the tips & tricks videos they have helped a lot!
I plan on having a camping gear yard sale in the spring for all the “stuff” I bought that just didn’t work out for us. It’s accumulated over the years.
The thing we found with inflatable mattresses, was that it was COLD! We actually purchased a heated mattress pad, and that did the trick!
I'm a bit late to the show, but we got a Exped MegaWatt Duo 10 sleeping pad for car/tent camping, but we also use it in our small slide in camper now because it's as comfortable (possibly more comfortable) than our at home bed. The other nice thing is it has an R value of 10, so you stay warm even on winter nights. 🤠
overstock .com. 4 in. Memory foam mattress topper that are not gel with a higher density foam love my topper.
Thanks Robin! We have forgot about this site. We just took a look and they have quite a few different models. Do you know what one you have?
It appears your child is frozen to a tree behind you through out this video. Hope he's alright.
:-)
When I first read this comment, I thought, was someone out in the woods with me, but I didn't realize they were there? Then I watched the video. How funny! That little tree/stump literally looked like our boy when he is in his snow gear.
I installed "Anti Grav" plating in mine... Now I just float
Dave you are going to have to let us know where you purchased that product. Most of our products up here in Alaska only operate within the laws of physics. Your comment made our day!
@@PlayingwithSticks I collected it from the end of a Borg Trans-warp Conduit
Zinus Memory Foam 6 Inch Green Tea Mattress, Full
Fantastic
We have heard this from a few posters now. We have also heard that 6" is the way to go. Thank you Raf for letting everyone know!
@@PlayingwithSticks For you and your wife a 6" memory foam should do you fine. My wife and I are a little larger than y'all. We installed an 8" memory foam mattress in our Runaway Camper. We sleep like a baby. In fact, we liked it so much we installed one on our bed in the house. Like anything, nothing is perfect and sometimes you have to make a trade-off but, I would rather sacrifice a little headroom for a good night's sleep. If your sleeping in the fetal position your cabinets will not be an issue for your feets. Also, we store tables, chairs, 10x10 canopy, fishing rods, etc on the mattress during travel. Thanks, for doing the video and contributing.
I prefer an air mattress. Gives the trailer more space and configuration flexibility IMHO
We find air mattresses that have insulation in them can be very comfortable. The ones we used were the cheaper mattresses, so it wasn't really a fair testimony in comparison to higher end brands. Thanks for the feedback Tom.
Totally disagree. But nice that we are lucky enough to worry about these preferences.
I’ve had my teardrop for 8 years and have used a cot for most of those years. I took the foam off the home bed and cut it to cot size. Works great for me. I’m a single camper, so I know it wouldn’t work for y’all, but I wanted to post in case there are other single campers looking for something. PS I’m 5 ft 3 in tall.
Thanks for sharing Sandee!
"draft dodgers" door air draft inhibitors. 😉
Thank you for the term we were missing. Also love your play on words with the "draft dodgers"
I reused a old leather couch,to line the side walls,foam naturally behind leather.I find the feeling and looks big improvement.
i used the cushions and foam to make mattress ,covered with thick blanket.must rise those cabinets .The back of couch leather was like new,no sun light i used for head board,
Leather sounds much better than our ugly carpet. Great idea John.
My dad did this.... but he cut holes... for our beers... for the coolers. So they wouldn’t get shaken up when off-roading 🤣♥️
Your dad sounds awesome!
Playing with Sticks Thanks. He is! ☺️
I"m off to buy an electric knife. Thanks for the tip!
Glad you liked it. We are interested to see what else it will come in handy for in the future.
by the way, i have design my DIY camper with kitchen and shower with a porta potty, the one you showed. the height on the rear end has the 46" x 22" skylight that will prop up on one side and a split curtain around the opening for privacy. still got some refinement to do. will be using diamond plates to the top roof, front and rear area for added strength. I'm also using car sound/thermo adhesive blanket for inside insulation, just peel off the paperback and press it on the surface. i use it on inside my scout full cab. stays on very good.
Great design Robert. The sound insulation for the camper insulation is a great idea! A skylight would be a fun addition to a camper. After using the teardrop and the Scamp quite a bit we would definitely suggest one larger window that allows you to take in the beautiful views around you.
Get a 2" dense firm foam cut to size at a furniture supply store and a wool blanket with memory foam on top.
So we would put the 2" dense foam on the bottom, then wool, then memory foam? We have had other people mention the wool. How does the wool help. We would love to try this out, but wanted to understand the principles behind it a bit before trying it.
@@PlayingwithSticks Playing with Sticks A wool blanket "breathes" and moderates the body heat that notoriously cause memory foam to break down. Like a heat sink. Antibacterial & water repellent properties of wool and cold water washable. The dense foam is going to last you ten years. Also bed bugs hate foam, btw.
@@rossclark9155 Oh that is really good to know. Thank you! We have a knock off pendleton blanket that will be perfect for this.
@@PlayingwithSticks Make sure it is 100% wool. Happy trails!
@@PlayingwithSticks Also check out military surplus but be sure to read the content label as US Army blankets are rarely all wool these days. (you can do a burn test to be sure) Anyway, I found a thick Italian military blanket years ago, never wash it, just hang it out in the sun a few times a year. It’ll last a lifetime!
Having built a couple campers, we're absolutely in love with the tri-fold mattress concept. You can get them in any standard mattress size including the peculiar RV "short queen" size. They can be found with dual layer construction, fairly high density on the bottom with gel memory on the top. The part we find fascinating is how when folded a particular way, they convert to a super comfortable couch . A folded 4 inch mattress will have an 8 inch thick seat cushion with a tall (24 inch) back cushion 4 inches thick. Lots of upper back support and a couch that can be unfolded back to a bed in about 10 seconds. Unfortunately, they aren't found thicker than 4 inches. We had a dual layer 5 inch mattress (non folding) in our previous truck camper and it was an absolute glorious experience. I never wanted to get out of bed. For our current truck camper we needed a folding mattress because of the slide out bed extension so we used a 4 inch and I added an additional 1.5 inch memory foam topper to the bottom after cutting it in into three sections for the tri-fold. I use a large pair of tin snips to cut thinner pieces of foam and a hand held hacksaw blade (blade only) to cut thicker pieces of foam. Not as nice as the electric carving knife but usually can be found on hand :-) I've also used a large bread knife before.
We always wondered if the couch position of the tri-folds were actually comfortable. Love your resourcefullness Travels with Yoly!
@@PlayingwithSticks We always have a rear panel that supports the back at a 20 degree angle so it's a natural sofa position. In our Runaway Range Runner we'd just lay the panel flat against the wall when deployed as a queen mattress. The one in our current truck camper is absolutely luxurious with an 8 inch thick seat (2 - 4 inch thick sections one on top of the other ) and the third section rising up as the backrest. Most expensive travel trailers have very inexpensive 3 inch foam cushions by comparison. We've found that of the 3 brands that we've used Milliard is the best quality. As I mentioned, the thickest tri-fold we found was 4 inches but a 1 inch topper above or below makes it very comfy.
In the van I took the foam mattress off our spare room bed along with the board (plywood). When the seats were folded down the board and mattress made a perfect bed. I was able to sleep well while my wife drove on I 4 and when we arrived in Daytona area I was rested up and took over driving my wife reclined on the front seat. 73
great vids! we are new to the teardrop world and just purchased a 2024 mod bug. he's quite a chunky little dude. We have noticed one rather painful situation which affects primarily my husband as he is a bigger guy (around 260). the metal lip around the doorframe is somewhat painful on his hamstrings and butt when he exits the camper as the camper itself sits higher off the ground. Anyone have a work-around to soften up that edge? thus preventing bruises.
I am using the bedding cushions that came with my nucamp tag xl. Not the best and they move around. I have a cot that I use when I tent camp and overnights. It will fit in there and sits up about 8 inches but like you said about feet space under the cabinets on the back side. Even tho they are about 24 inches high from floor and you take the 8 inches from it you still have 16 inches which may work but I also have a 4 inch memory tri fold mattress that I bought off of Amazon that can go on it then I’m down to 12 inches of feet space. But I am going to try that on my next camping trip. Will let you know how it was for me. I camp alone so I know it will be hard for 2 people or a family. Like 90% of things in this life, you do what’s best or works for you.
My four inch mattress was not comfy. I tried a couple things under it that didn't work, back when. I purchased a somewhat spendy, thin, self-inflating mattress for under my side because the dog's side didn't need it. But it moved some under there and left me feeling downhill. So I got the narrower, matching air mattress for the dog's side, and it stays in place. At first, it was too squishy, couldn't crawl around on it. Let out a bit of air, and it's just right. I figured this out before seeing the video, so I did good. I once tried the foam puzzle piece blocks under there, but for whatever reason, it sweat underneath those. I had looked at the Froli system, but I'm now happy with the air.
On a related issue, the bed in our T@G trailer isn't long enough for me. It has a storage compartment/shelf that spans the top of the bed. If it were removed, I'd have another 5" of headroom. I see that your tear drop doesn't have that shelf. Did you remove it? I'm wondering if I'd be opening a can of worms if I removed mine.
Thanks for figuring this out for us! I can't wait to try it!
anyway you could tell me where you filmed your video? It's beautiful!
You are most welcome. If you are referring to the snowy woods in the background. It is a random section of the Chugach National Forest.
looks like a young child doing something by the tree behind your right shoulder ! (of course it's not, BUT-)
That is funny! You are the second person to have noticed that.
We got the Mega Mat Duo 10 by Exped to sleep in the tent up at Mt St Helen’s early this spring and it’s an amazing bed! Yes, it’s a bit spendy but it’s so comfortable, easy to inflate or adjust and has an R value of 9, so it never felt like the ground. I would definitely recommend this bed. There is the medium and double size but we got the medium so it will also fit perfect in the Honda Pilot. I don’t know what size your hauling car is but it may fit in that too.
Great suggestion Marlene. Quite a few years ago we tried out the Mega Mat Duo. It truly is probably the most comfortable mat out there. We weren't able to find one that fit our teardrop. But, I bet it will be a great fit for a lot of the others who watch this channel. Thanks again Marlene for reminding us about this great mattress.
Heck yeah. Can confirm! Partner and I literally just did this in our tent and loved it
We used an 6" walmart memory foam mattress in our little guy teardrop for a few years. Best sleep I've had. I'm heavy and I never hit bottom. And, cold doesn't bother it. Also, the notices of it being hot in warm weather are overrated. It was great. I cut mine with a razor knife. Just put a heavy board or slice of plywood over it, sqeeze it to the ground and cut in layers. Saves the cost of a power carving knife.
The same mattress now resides in my cargo conversion. And, we have a 12" in the house.
That is nice to hear that a 6 inch mattress works well. We were shooting for 6, but a lot of comments on here state that they have 8".
You can find electric carving knives at goodwill, value village or most any used item thrift stores for under 10.00, most are around 2.99.
What you may want to add is a full size cut to fit ; blotter , these are useful to draw moisture into them and out of your layers of foam, air mattress. Put it under all the items and closest to the floor. Installed these under mattress in my boat and they really help reduce moisture from respiration and humidity that invades the different layers. I purchased at a west marine store, available at hobby lobby type retailers. They are what used to go on desks when ink would spill, yeah long time ago. Should last quite a while depending on your camp climate and where you live . RLH
Great advice R Horn. We haven't heard this yet from anyone. A lot of folks have mentioned moisture issues. Thanks for posting!
Oh, great tip -- I've not heard of this blotter material! Another under-mattress product, which I didn't see mentioned yet in this forum, is Aire-Flow Hypervent [$10/lin. ft. x 39"W]. It is a sheet of looped plastic mesh, laid under mattresses for air flow. It can also be purchased as Enkadrain by Colbond [as a landscaping material for drainage -- possibly cheaper this way??]. Here is one link to start with: www.mattressinsider.com/mattress-condensation-prevention.html
Does this still apply? Back issues over here. Looking for the best mattress for camping . I wanna do this all the time! Camp I mean .
Just now seeing your YT bedding video, I’d love to see if you can do a review on the FROLI SLEEP SYSTEM! Looks cool & a ton of good reviews! Interested in your opinion.
Every year I say I am going to make that video. And I still don't own a Froli system. Haha. One of these days.
I use a 3” tempurpedic topper on top of a 4” Thermarest Mondoking xxl with a 1” memory foam on top of everything. When it is cold I use a Biddeford Sherpa quilted ac power heated mattress cover. Spoiled😍
Spoiled is where we want to get to as well. Thanks for sharing your setup. It actually sounds quite perfect.
I found a local place that makes mattresses like they used to back in the day. On top of that they made it to our specifications. Wasn't real expensive iether.
you point is well taken, better ventilation too. i love your ideas to improve my DIY half teardrop and a half ??? with toilet and shower for convenience. thanks, bob
Can't wait to see your finished trailer. For us these type of projects tend to take much longer than we anticipated. We will be sending you good vibes that doesn't happen for you.
I'm thinking of lining the floor of my trailer build with Eva foam antifatigue mat from harbor freight, would that be a good pair with a mattress topper?
We use it on ours and it works great. However, it does introduce the chance of trapping humidity. The more air you can get under the mattress the better.
Off topic....that little tree stump over "your right shoulder" looks like a little kid with a beanie cap touching the tree with an extended arm. Great tips on the bedding BTW!
So funny! You are maybe the 3rd person to mention that. I didn't even notice it all through the edit. But, once someone pointed it out, it was crazy. The figure is the exact size and build of my son. But, I knew I was the only one out that day. Crazy!
Drew, Any changes (upgrade) to your bedding in 3 yrs? Love your videos! Thank you for doing them.