Anything new in upper bunks?

[debbiej]

I know a few years ago there was a lot of discussion here on making the upper bunk more comfortable. Well, we aren't getting younger and the matteress up there is still pretty thin. We wrestle a memory foam topper then a wide sleeping bag up there. It is very comfy and cozy and we sleep well. But I'm wondering if anyone has found an easier way yet.

If we are traveling it means moving the bedding every day when we close the top to move. I know we could get pop top shocks and close the top with the bed folded out (maybe?) but it is a bit of stress on the rear hinges, I think.

If we sleep below, our big old dog is inspired to join us and each night is interrupted by his efforts.

I'm going to start looking for better ways to be comfortable up there, and welcome ideas.

[campism]

We use memory foam toppers on the top bunk and down below and, as you point out, it's a hassle having to move them around. I considered redoing the upper bunk with thicker memory foam in place of the existing padding but that would require reupholstering due to the thicker foam and might also require reconstructing the upper bunk hinge so the whole thing would close up. Might not be an easy fix.
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'87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic

[rubbachicken]

using one of these cold keep puppy out of bed
tail gate net
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[danfromsyr]

do you have a dog bed for the puppy?
the floor can be quite cold and uncomfy for an old dog. he may be more inclined to stay down if given a nicer option..
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[MsTaboo]

I have a bad back (three surgeries & metal) and find the lower bunk more comfortable and easier to get in/out of, however, I still like sleeping upstairs in the summer!
What I use is a Thermorest self-inflating sleeping pad. It provides enough extra cush for a good nights sleep. It rolls up fairly easily and stores small.
There are several models, from super light weight to super cushy.
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[kourt]

I upgraded my foam in the cushions with new foam. The old foam smelled funny and was not very comfortable.

http://www.foambymail.com/conventional-seats-and-cushions.html

I ordered custom cut cushions, "Lux Foam - High Quality" with the following dimensions:

2" x 27.5" x 47.5"

2" x 44.0" x 47.5"

The total was $83. It arrived shortly thereafter, shrink wrapped. I let it air out for a day and then put the Westy upper bunk cushion covers on them. I also use a GW memory foam 1" topper. The combination of the new foam and the topper make the upper bunk very nice.

kourt

[nevadaesh]

Debbie we know what you speak. We have two dogs and they get the lower-all the time at night. We are also of that particular age where comfort is a high priority
.
A few years ago we bought a double size sleeping bag that had dual air mattresses that slipped into pockets under the bag. We use both of them under the upper pad and we sleep real comfy. My better half sewed a fitted lower sheet that once it's on, it stays nice and tight. We will also have a fitted upper sheet in the future. We use sheets as they don't get in the way like sleeping bags usually do during the night, tossing and turning during the night. They also give you that "at home in bed" feel. On top of the sheet we use light throw blankets for the warm nights and a down sleeping bag we've had for over 40 years so far for those really cold nights. The down compresses very nicely when closing the top.

All of that stays up there when folding the top in the morns. It's tight but the top shuts, really with no problem. We put our pillows in stuff sacks for the day. We do have the pop top struts and highly recommend them. 20 minute installation. Amazing how much they help.

About the air mattresses. At night they are inflated and then in the morn I open the filler valves and in just a few minutes they are flat. At night the top is, of course, open and when flipping the bed open, I pause to push the air mattresses up out of the way when the two halves of the bed come together. Also very easy.

I'm in charge of the bed duties and make sure the bedding is nice and flat before folding the front half of the bed back and closing the top for the day.

Hope this helps.

Gary

ps - after inflating the air mattresses make sure they are tight together. I wonder if someone makes an air mattress that would fit the width of the bed?
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'85 Westy
'07 FJC
'02 Camry

[newfisher]

I am not a westy owner, do not have an upper bunk, but understand lugging bedding around. I have used the Froli system in a tiny trailer with great results. It's lightweight, compacts easy and you custom build it to the size needed. I too have a wrecked back and this sytem really supported everything and made for a great sleep. We used the "Travel" system and it wasn't cheap. I will do it again in the next tiny trailer we restore.

http://www.nickleatlantic.com/products1.html

[PDXWesty]

[ThankYouJerry]

1. Can you leave the 1" GW topper in place when closing the Westy top, or do you have to remove it before closing the top?

2. Did the new 2" cushions fit into the OEM covers or did you have new covers made?

[kourt]

If you are folding the upper bed back, you'll have to roll the GW topper up and stow it in the rearmost portion of the upper bed. Once folded into four layers, the GW 1" topper fits there perfectly for storage.

My new 2" cushions fit perfectly into the OEM covers. I washed my old covers and reused them.

kourt

[ThankYouJerry]

Thanks! What do you feel made the biggest difference in terms of comfort (not smell )... the new 2" foam or the GW 1" memory foam topper? Also, do you think 3" foam with custom covers could be a viable option?
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[kourt]

I don't think 3" foam would work with the dimensions of the stock bed hinges in the upper bed. You would have to increase the dimensions of the hinges to accommodate that extra 2" when folded. If you never plan to fold your bed, this might not be a problem, but for many the option to have standing headroom is a major feature.

This new foam is hard to describe in terms of its quality. It actually feels slightly softer than the old foam, but it distributes mass more evenly. This may be a factor of the density of the new foam. It's a very subtle difference, but I noticed it.

kourt

[ThankYouJerry]

Thanks again. You put in 2" foam without any issues with the hinges or OEM mattress covers, correct? You mentioned that 3" foam would have to, "accommodate that extra 2" when folded."

[Jake de Villiers]

[kourt]

[JudoJeff]

I made an extension for the upper bed, 11x4 with a piece of 5/8 plywood, foam, and cloth. Drops into the opening after you climb in, and keeps your pillow from falling out, and any kids. It stows under the pop top when it's down, in the rear of the bed.

There are many new types of foam now, any good fabric store should have several types to try. You may have to go to a mattress factory to get the super gel type. (not inexpensive!)

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1986 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig Sold May 10, 2021
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[debbiej]

Lots of ideas! Froli and thermo rest look promising.
Yes, the big guy has a nice bed. He is a 12 yr old rottie. He is in great shape for his age, and kind of spoiled. In all fairness, the area behind the back seat is usually his, so he can't see why we're down there at all. The soft gate would work, a definite option. We are both short, so an extension isn't needed for comfort. Getting up and down easily is a consideration, so I think we want to leave that space open..

It is hard for me to get the leverage to pop the top when the bed is extended and the top is down, but husband can, so leaving bedding up there is definitely an option. I would cut the memory topper to be a little narrower though, it presses against the canvas of the tent.

The original foam is in good shape, but I'm sure 30 yr old foam can't be that supportive!

I like the look of the cushy self inflating matteress too....

[MarkWard]

We have a GW upper cushion and I slipped some carpet foam under the stock upper mattress pads. The more nights we camp, the more comfortable I get. Anyhow, to save having to remake the bed when on the road, as mentioned we stow our pillows in a bag, but leave the bed folded out. You loose head room when the top is down.

For camping I have a piece of PVC pipe cut so that when I pop the top, I raise the bed up and wedge in my pipe. This gains the headroom back over the kitchen. Time for bed, pull the pipe and a made bed folds out.

We have a coleman air mattress for when we tent camp. It is quite comfortable and I can't help wondering if a smaller one might not work in the top area. I also like the idea of replacing the foam in the stock covers.
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[msinabottle]

Have a look here:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=315208

That pad's been lovely every time I've used it.

Best!
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