The Great Debate.... on beds!

[Almost There]

If I were single I would rig up a hammock like the above poster mentioned.
You mentioned hoping for an on the cheap bed solution so I hesitate mentioning we use a Froli Sleep System in our van conversion...amazing sleep with the added benefit of air circulation below the simple mattress topper (used as mattress).

We luv the idea of hammocks and might do so if there is a van2. We currently have an ENO Single nest, ENO double nest, Hennessy Asymetrical expedition, and War Bonnet Blackbird. Yup, its an addiction!

Cheers,
Thom

You mean you're not into DIY yet...

I only own 1 hammock because I spent months researching what I needed and wanted BEFORE I started! But then that's pretty much the way I operate with most things. The van has been 4 months in the planning now that I have it in the driveway, course that's been slowed down by snow banks...

 

[climbing coastie]

You mentioned hoping for an on the cheap bed solution so I hesitate mentioning we use a Froli Sleep System in our van conversion...amazing sleep with the added benefit of air circulation below the simple mattress topper (used as mattress).

Cheers,
Thom

Thom,

Does your Froli system eliminate the condensation issues under the mattress?

 

[accrete]

On DIY... My wife and I did 80% of our rig's interior (insulation, carpeted walls, bed platform, etc) then three years later had some ideas we took to Van Specialties and they really spruced up the rig.

On FROLI and condensation... There are zero issues. You can see from one end to the other under the mattress (gel foam topper). Best sleep for us ever. So good we installed one in our primary bed.

 

[Wanderer]

For my own comfort and due to medical issues I finally settled on a rocker recliner. I can recline no matter how the van is tilted and (about 1-2 am) I can pop out of it, pee and go back to sleep in 10 min (yes, have meds which I used to go every 2-3 hours) now usually go the entire night.

This beats air mattresses and a single unmovable surface for me. Lose space? Maybe, but gained comfort which is valuable!

 

[VanFan]

I love, love, love this thread! Thanks to everyone for sharing so much so far. We like to sleep at floor level in our low-top, so no storage underneath, and no open floor space after bed time. Our storage is in the back, with everything accessible from inside or out. We don't cook inside, so it works out okay.

A full size foam tri-fold futon fits perfectly between wheel wells and has served us pretty well. We did notice a dip in the middle after several consecutive nights and are considering upgrading from high density foam to latex. I've asked before, but suggestions are welcome! (Is latex a good choice?)

Occasionally, we don't fold the bed out and sleep separately. If it's really sloppy outside or we are exhausted, Tom curls up atop the folded futon, and I sleep across the front seats on two 4" foam cushions, with the cooler between the seats. I can even pull the cab curtains for privacy. (I got this idea from Bob and Judy's "lounge".) Very comfy!

During the day, there is lots of floor space--enough for a "bath", inside food prep, or a cozy visit with camp chairs and folding table.

Vickie