When I built my van I used 6mm ply for the base. Mattresses sit on top of the ply. Now the ply us damp, where we lie.
We have one 50mm and one 100mm mattress per single bed.
Should we have used slats so the us say 20mm gap every 100 mm or so allowing air circulation?
Any easy remedy? We are planning building another larger van so need to know what would work better.
Tony
Dougwe said
02:36 PM Jul 25, 2016
So far I haven't had that problem David, luckily. There is a product that you can get to go under the mattress to allow air to circulate and preventing the problem you mention. Sorry, I can't remember where I saw it but I'm sure if you do a search here or speak to Mr Google you will find it. Sorry I can't help any more than that.
jules47 said
02:44 PM Jul 25, 2016
What about drilling some ventilation holes in your ply? May help.
Aus-Kiwi said
03:49 PM Jul 25, 2016
Stop wetting the bed ! Lol Ventilation or seal better from floor ? If you suspect moisture coming up through floor ?? I've used under carpet with tinfoil backing . Thin works fine . Other than that ? How about one of those salt moisture boxes ? Prevention is better though .
lawrie said
04:09 PM Jul 25, 2016
I Had that same problem on a wooden trailer I made,Fixed on the next one I made,you need and air space under the plywood floor.
Lawrie
Weedpharma said
04:46 PM Jul 25, 2016
When you sleep, you perspire and the moisture passes through the mattress to the wood. Without ventilation, it condenses. This is why your bed at home has springs or slats.
Cut holes of say 50mm or so every 150mm or so. This will provide ventilation through the ply. You must also ventilate the area under the bed.
SLATS - 150mm wide running lengthways with 75mm gaps
Non ventilated bed box full of chairs tables etc.
Never had moisture issues
Eaglemax said
08:31 PM Jul 25, 2016
Thankyou all. Great responses. Under each single bed is storage open into the aisle between beds.
In this van I'll use a hole drill to make numerous holes.
The next van I'll use slatts.
The mesh is another option but a little expensive on our pockets .
Kind regards.
Aus-Kiwi said
11:18 PM Jul 25, 2016
Salt from body on mattress absorbs moisture from air also .,
Grandad5 said
10:01 AM Jul 26, 2016
I know it's too late for me to change anything but the issue of ventilation under the mattress was of concern to me when rebuilding my van. The slots you see in the photo were my uneducated quess at what might be needed.
Could some of you with actual practical experience please comment if I have covered the problem or should I plan to look into the air circulation mat that Bill B. linked to?
just put a waterproof mattress protector on each bed - target or bedding shops or chemists have them - had the same issue in our camper trailer - problem solved
millsy88 said
07:36 PM Jul 26, 2016
Grandad5 wrote:
I know it's too late for me to change anything but the issue of ventilation under the mattress was of concern to me when rebuilding my van. The slots you see in the photo were my uneducated quess at what might be needed.
Could some of you with actual practical experience please comment if I have covered the problem or should I plan to look into the air circulation mat that Bill B. linked to?
Cheers
Jim
I am a chippy and made a few caravan beds in my time. That looks pretty much all you need Grandad5.
Jaahn said
08:48 AM Jul 27, 2016
Hi
I have made a couple of beds including the one I sleep on at home for 25years now, as well as some in campers. I hate a soft bed. Just a good mattress on a hard base.
So all I do, as already suggested, is use a 50-70mm hole saw and put holes in the ply. That method of slots shown is too much work for me but looks effective. However you do not really need that much "hole". Say 4-6 across and say 6-8 rows would be enough. Never worried about the underspace being specifically ventilated.
Jaahn
Grandad5 said
09:47 AM Jul 27, 2016
A big thank you to Jaahn and Millsy. You've successfully put my mind to rest.
Millsy, I'm a self taught chippy. Cabinet maker by trade.
Jaahn. Slots were easy using a router. Once you've got and used one you'll wonder how you ever got along without one.
This part of the project was a case of how much is too much or how little is too little. I decided to err on the side of too much and then restore lost strength by reinforcing underneath. I am happy with the strength. Now I'm also happy with the ventilation aspect.
Lawrie
Cut holes of say 50mm or so every 150mm or so. This will provide ventilation through the ply. You must also ventilate the area under the bed.
The holes will also make the van lighter.
Weedpharma
Ours has ..
Fitted sheet
Good quality Mattress Protector
Egg crate foam -
Inner spring mattress
SLATS - 150mm wide running lengthways with 75mm gaps
Non ventilated bed box full of chairs tables etc.
Never had moisture issues
I know it's too late for me to change anything but the issue of ventilation under the mattress was of concern to me when rebuilding my van. The slots you see in the photo were my uneducated quess at what might be needed.
Could some of you with actual practical experience please comment if I have covered the problem or should I plan to look into the air circulation mat that Bill B. linked to?
Cheers
Jim
I am a chippy and made a few caravan beds in my time. That looks pretty much all you need Grandad5.
Hi
I have made a couple of beds including the one I sleep on at home for 25years now, as well as some in campers. I hate a soft bed. Just a good mattress on a hard base.
So all I do, as already suggested, is use a 50-70mm hole saw and put holes in the ply. That method of slots shown is too much work for me but looks effective. However you do not really need that much "hole". Say 4-6 across and say 6-8 rows would be enough. Never worried about the underspace being specifically ventilated.
Jaahn
Millsy, I'm a self taught chippy. Cabinet maker by trade.
Jaahn. Slots were easy using a router. Once you've got and used one you'll wonder how you ever got along without one.
This part of the project was a case of how much is too much or how little is too little. I decided to err on the side of too much and then restore lost strength by reinforcing underneath. I am happy with the strength. Now I'm also happy with the ventilation aspect.
Thanks again guys.
Jim