Does bedding have to be elevated?

[OneManWolfpack]

<p>Maybe I'm missing the post somewhere and I apologize if I did.<br><br>My original plan for my bedding was to buy a mattress and just toss it in the back of the van. I'm noticing a lot of people (if not all) have their bedding elevated and I think I remember reading a post about moisture on the bottom of the mattress.<br><br>Is having your mattress raised pretty much a must have?</p>

 

[James AKA Lynx]

No, But the extra space for me is. Also if you want your bed the short way, about 6 feet, you will need to raise above the fender wells.<br><br>I suggest that you sleep on the floor (with a mattress) for a few nights and decide. Having a piece of plywood or an exercise mat will help.<br><br>Mine has 16 inches clearance under. Enough for&nbsp; 7 gal water containers and big foot lockers. I have about 24 inches headroom. I can see level with the back windows when in bed. <br><br>For the people who do not want this much room, it is lower and they usually have a thicker mattress. <br><br>I can change mine from single to double easilly, buy cutting another piece of plywood and adding 2 more supports I can have a queen. (or just get a queen the length of a full.<br><br>You can put a twin against one side and have some walking room the long way and have a tiny kitchen on the side. <br><br>Always support for heavy breaking.<br><br>Best, your choice.<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[OneManWolfpack]

Thanks for the quick response!<br><br>I'm drawing out my master plan as we speak &gt;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[James AKA Lynx]

Great, use pencil. It changes easier.<br><br>I suggest that you include turning the passenger seat around. <br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[OneManWolfpack]

If I get a van without&nbsp;the&nbsp;metal divider I'll&nbsp;do&nbsp;it but so far all of the vans I've been looking at have the metal divider with a middle door&nbsp;between the front seats and the back area. I guess I could take it down if it wouldn't be too bad doing it.

 

[caseyc]

When I first started outfitting my van, I had a make-shift mattress on the floor. &nbsp;Later I got a 9" platform bedframe with headrest and a real mattress. &nbsp;That 9" of space underneath the bedframe allows me to store all kinds of items in large plastic containers from The Container Store. &nbsp;I positively like a raised bed better, plus you can sit on the bed as a sofa/chair. &nbsp;

 

[MrNoodly]

The main reason for elevating the bed is that it allows storage underneath. And for the less spry among us, it makes it easier to get in and out of bed. But do whatever works for you.

 

[gymrat]

most of the storage in my van is under my bed. portapotty, fan, heater, couple of extra gals of water, three medium size duffle bags.

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;If you life in an area with cold and/or damp winters, then REALLY consider maintaining airflow underneath the WHOLE bed.. or get ready to frequently flip your mattress and dry stuff out in order to mitigate mold buildup. ..Willy.

 

[RV-Kitty]

I would rather elevate the bed to avoid the mold problems and have the space for storage. They have those low flat plastic storage totes at K-Mart and WalMart and other such stores.&nbsp; You can fit a lot of stuff under a bed.&nbsp; <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="bbc_img">&nbsp; Think of DVDs, books, CDs, magazines, canned food, extra blankets and more depending how high you make the frame and elevate the bed.

 

[Pikachu711]

<p>I'm still in the planning stage of van dwelling. When I start I'm going to start using the&nbsp;"KISS" formula. I plan on putting some plastic milk crates on the floor of the van. I'll then put a piece of&nbsp;measured plywood on the milk crates the size of a twin mattress. I don't know how well it will work with a twin mattress on top of the plywood but I'll make changes as needed along the way. If I don't like it, I'll make the changes a little at a time.</p>

 

[James AKA Lynx]

Pikachu711 - your system will move when driving. If you have the milk cartons then go for it. <br><br>Plywood should be solid, no voids. Bugs like to live in the voids. Also better support.<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[Pikachu711]

<span style="font-size: small;">James AKA Lynx, I've already done some research on the issue of creating my platform bed on plastic milk crates.</span><br><span style="font-size: small;"><br>A square&nbsp;plastic milk crate measures&nbsp;13 inches width&nbsp;and a 12 inches height. A twin mattress measures 75 inches by 39 inches wide. I can fit 15 plastic milk crates (3x5) under the sheet of plywood.&nbsp;Once I place the milk crates are positioned I'll be fastening them to the&nbsp;wood floor of the van so they won't shift while the van is moving<em>.&nbsp;</em><br><br>I'm still in the process of drafting a type&nbsp;of hinged setup&nbsp;for a&nbsp;(at&nbsp;least)&nbsp;3/4 inch plywood&nbsp;bed surface. I'm not certain how&nbsp;this will look when I'm through the final version of my bed but it's a work in progress.</span>

 

[toupalumma]

I use a $40 camping cot that I bought from Walmart. On top of that is the thin foam pad that came with the cot and on top of that is a memory foam mattress topper. It's verrrrrryyyy comfy. Under the bed, I store plastic containers, extra sleeping bags, duffel bags, you name it. The air space under the bed also provides insulation that keeps you cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

 

[James AKA Lynx]

<span id="post_message_1278317009">Pikachu711 - I know of people doing what you plan.<br><br> I thought a long time about my bed frame and decided to go all the way across with 4 X 4's and support the ends with 4 x 4's. I put 1/4&nbsp; Lag bolt or through bolt. Takes 3 - 8'&nbsp;&nbsp; 4x4's and 2 3/4 - 4x8' plywood without voids Plywood screwed down with #12 - 1 1/2 wood screws counter sunk. This is very strong and 16 inches height under for lots of storage. There is no supports so it is open all the way. I have mine set up with hooks to secure everything from moving. <br><br>I put a 2 X 4 on the floor to keep things from moving forward. <br><br>James AKA Lynx<br><br><br></span>