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
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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.
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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 .
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.
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.
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Be nice... if I wanted my school teacher here I would have invited him...
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
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Jenny and Barry
2009 Roma Elegance / 2013 Colorado. Permanent travellers 2011-2015 now just travel for 4-6 mths
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.
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.
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.
Thanks again guys.
Jim
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