I have a 2001 hawk shell with the regular over cab bed. It has the 2 inch mattresses that are not all that comfortable. I have been using some older (heavier) thermarest mattresses under these and I do sleep pretty good. Nice to be able to sleep on the back or sides with no hip pain!
I have looked at many replacement ideas and have read the ones on this forum. I usually use a flannel car camping bag for the base over the mattresses, then use a down comforter with sheets for the cover. In cold weather, down mummy bags do the trick.
Was wondering if anyone has just replaced the two mattresses with the newer, thicker self inflating mattresses. Thermarest and others make some really nice ones and I figure that two of the larger "luxury" models at about 3 inches inflated could probably fit where the existing ones are. Deflated, they must be less than 2 inches each. Side by side for sleeping, stacked for storage and transport. This way, I would not have to store the inflatable mattresses elsewhere. That means more storage for other stuff. I tried keeping them deflated on top of the mattresses, but the top did not close too well, and seemed to get more water inside during travel.
I also figure, with the retractable bed piece, this would hold the two together and I won't have to physically join two air mattresses. Turns out, the standard sizes almost fit the space perfectly.
Once company, Exped, makes one with a "pump"built into the mattress so you don't have to blow them up to get more loft. I worry that moisture from breath may ruin the mattresses and could freeze in cold weather.....just more maintenance that I don't want to do.
Of course, these are not cheap. But a good night of sleep is always so much nicer. Especially as these bones get older. I might have to get the old sewing machine out and makes a washable microfiber case that could hold some cheaper air matts and maybe an inch of memory foam or something. I have seen some "end of summer" sales already on these air mattresses......
Your thoughts?
dave in Seattle
I have looked at many replacement ideas and have read the ones on this forum. I usually use a flannel car camping bag for the base over the mattresses, then use a down comforter with sheets for the cover. In cold weather, down mummy bags do the trick.
Was wondering if anyone has just replaced the two mattresses with the newer, thicker self inflating mattresses. Thermarest and others make some really nice ones and I figure that two of the larger "luxury" models at about 3 inches inflated could probably fit where the existing ones are. Deflated, they must be less than 2 inches each. Side by side for sleeping, stacked for storage and transport. This way, I would not have to store the inflatable mattresses elsewhere. That means more storage for other stuff. I tried keeping them deflated on top of the mattresses, but the top did not close too well, and seemed to get more water inside during travel.
I also figure, with the retractable bed piece, this would hold the two together and I won't have to physically join two air mattresses. Turns out, the standard sizes almost fit the space perfectly.
Once company, Exped, makes one with a "pump"built into the mattress so you don't have to blow them up to get more loft. I worry that moisture from breath may ruin the mattresses and could freeze in cold weather.....just more maintenance that I don't want to do.
Of course, these are not cheap. But a good night of sleep is always so much nicer. Especially as these bones get older. I might have to get the old sewing machine out and makes a washable microfiber case that could hold some cheaper air matts and maybe an inch of memory foam or something. I have seen some "end of summer" sales already on these air mattresses......
Your thoughts?
dave in Seattle