Regular full size matress...

[AlreadyGone]

I have a standard everyday full size mattress that I sleep on. I assume it's because of sizing, but is there a reason that -it seems- most people don't go the standard/regular mattress route?

Sure, a full size is big, but it's paid for and in a cargo van...I could make it work...then downsize later to an XL twin.

Is there something about the mattresses as to why more people don't use them: Size? Collect/hold moisture? Weight? ...?

 

[IGBT]

We use a regular queen size sleep number mattress.  Best bed ever.

 

[AlreadyGone]

We use a regular queen size sleep number mattress.  Best bed ever.

What kind of vehicle do you have it in?

 

[LeeRevell]

A "Full" matress will pretty much fill the body of a van. No floor space for storage, gear, fridge, stove, cabinets, etc.
You end up with a "rolling bed", little else.

 

[Thirsty Boots Nomad]

Is there something about the mattresses as to why more people don't use them: Size? Collect/hold moisture? Weight? ...?

From what I've read/heard it mostly has to do with size ---most/many mattresses used in vehicles are a couple inches shorter or narrower than standard to save space/ make the vehicle seem more "roomy".

 

[IGBT]

What kind of vehicle do you have it in?

Homebuilt truck camper

 

[TrainChaser]

AlreadyGone, it doesn't matter what other people do or want -- they aren't going to be living in your rig, you are.

If you can deal with the size, GREAT! Nothing wrong with that!

You could put it on a swing-up platform like this: See https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-another-bed-idea?highlight=folding+bed ... and go down to post #8

The mattress width (54" usually) might be taller than the ceiling of your rig, so you won't be able to stand it absolutely upright, but you could probably raise it to an angle and have storage underneath.

One thing about these rigs and how they differ: It IS all about YOU! Great, huh?

 

[Gary68]

size and will soak up moisture and mold up

 

[Vanholio]

I got a THICK memory foam twin mattress in a tiny van. I guess I do have a rolling bed. AND I LIKE IT THAT WAY!

 

[Ballenxj]

You end up with a "rolling bed", little else.

Hey, my first van was a 1967 GMC shorty, I had built a cabinet that was approximately 1 & 1/2 to 2 ft in from the back doors and probably 3 ft tall with a shelf that was just under the two back windows. I had a full sized mattress that fit perfect between the dog house and that cabinet. Also had room for a pretty good sized cooler right behind the drivers seat. The girlfriend and I did a bit of traveling in style in that rig. I miss the van, the GF not so much.

 

[WalkaboutTed]

We actually put in an IKEA wood full sized bed (now don't start snickering, we put many L-brackets and reinforcements throughout). We have a high top with the bed elevated. We have three huge drawers on four foot slides underneath. We have our two folding bicycles under the bed in one of the drawers. To prevent mold and mildew, we have the mattress on slats and there's plenty of ventilation all around.

Gotta have a good bed at our age.

 

[ArtW]

I could see a full size bed, do it like a TransVan I looked at, bed right behind the seats, facilities in the back (WC to the left, sink / stove the the right, it the TransVan I looked at) you wouldn't have much non bed room, but with six feet of bed, you still have four feet of space to fiddle in
storage could be a PITA though

 

[WalkaboutTed]

No, not a lot of room, but we consider the comfy front seats our office, living and dining room. Or we're outside, under the awning. We'll watch TV from outside or bed. We read or play scrabble in bed. We have upper cabinets both sides of the bed, but we're still able to sit up straight. I've got a great 16"x18" galley sink that I can put a cutting board over to make it a counter (and I can cook on a single burner stove in the 10" deep sink). And the must-have 4.2cu ft refrigerator. And of course, siestas.. Really, those are our priorities. What more could we want?
Ted

 

[ArtW]

I'd like to see that setup, do you have a thread on it?

 

[bLEEp]

size and will soak up moisture and mold up

Even with proper ventilation and holes in the platform? That's what we have in the shuttle bus, but we will have a lot of room and a lot of air moving as well.

 

[ArtW]

Use one of these for a base, plenty of circulation
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Spa-Sensations-Steel-Smart-Base-Bed-Frame-Black-Multiple-Sizes/15739163

 

[Ballenxj]

size and will soak up moisture and mold up

I had never found this to be a problem, and should be no worse than having a mattress in your overhead in a C class MH.
Of course I have always been careful to not spill any liquids on it either.

 

[Gary68]

Even with proper ventilation and holes in the platform?  That's what we have in the shuttle bus, but we will have a lot of room and a lot of air moving as well.

in general you shouldnt have much of a problem,but in high humidity areas and cold ones like the pnw using a buddy heater you will have issues,nothing a gentle bleach spray wont handle though

i'm in nw oregon,cold humid,cant stop the mold and i am going to put a real bed in my rig,a comfy bed is well worth it imho

 

[frater secessus]

Size, I figure. When I transition from sticks/bricks I will cut down my existing queen foam mattress to fit my sleeping platform.