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Keeping the Mattresses Warm.
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2545 Posts
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October 5, 2011 - 8:02 pm
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I have been thinking about what to do to keep my bunks and mattresses warm.  I have seen people debate about putting reflectix -vs- foam under the mattresses and it seems that foam wins.  My question is.....How thick of foam?  Where do you get it?

I saw 4 x 8 sheets of 1 inch foam at Home Depot for $15.  I would need about 3 to take care of the King and Queen bunk.  I was thinking 1/4 inch would work.  I don't want to have issues closing my roof. 

This past weekend camping someone mentioned putting an electric blanket under the mattress.  How does that work?  Is it under the mattress or on top of the mattress but below your sleeping bag/sheets?

DW, DS, and I are going to the fall foliage rally and I want to make sure they stay warm. 

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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Eastern Pennsylvania
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October 6, 2011 - 7:56 am
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We use reflectix, memory foam and electric blanket but for 3 different reasons. 

I installed reflectix in my bunk windows to limit the cold air blowing through the canvas during the winter months.  There was enough that I also installed a layer under my mattress as a barrier for the wind that blows under the bunk end.  I did not install any on the plastic windows in the main area of the camper because the plastic stops the wind and not being able to see out of let light in would definite the purpose of being outdoors.  I could just sit in my basement in a sardine can and get the same effect.

I added a 4" piece of memory foam under the mattress on our side only. (Bought it from overstock.com)  This adds some insulation but is mainly for comfort.  Never being told that I am a small guy, I could feel the wood through the mattress while sleeping and I found myself rolling around at night because I could feel my hip bone.

We carry and electric blanket in the camper which is cheaper than a heated mattress pad.  If it a cold night, we plug it in and warm up the bed before going to sleep.  Feels like putting on a warm pair of jeans that just came out of the dryer. I only keep it on overnight it the temps are very low, like the teens.  The electric blanket is a big hit with my daughter when she's climbing in bed.

All three of these make a big difference in a campering experience, it depends on your goal?

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357 Posts
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October 6, 2011 - 9:08 pm
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I use one of those radiant heaters, it's called a menopausal wife!  ;D

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2545 Posts
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October 7, 2011 - 8:28 pm
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I have the reflectix in all of my windows.  I cut ports out in the big picture windows so I can see out.  I have the factory 4 inch mattresses.  I want to use foam under the bunks because supposedly reflectix loses its insulation value when one at least one side is not exposed to the air.  I was in Lowes today and I found 1/2 inch sheets of foam board for $10 each.  The stuff I saw in Home Depot was just like a styrofoam cup.  This stuff shouldn't break apart.  I had DS with me so I didn't pick it up.  I will have to go back tomorrow morning without the 2 year old  :baseballhat:

I thought I heard of people putting the electric blanket under the mattress to essentially make it a heated mattress.  I don't know how Lori feels about using an electric blanket with Nathan.  We will have to discuss that.

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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October 7, 2011 - 10:49 pm
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We have Cabelas emergency blankets under each mattress. We also have a 2 inch memory foam topper on DW bunk.

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October 9, 2011 - 7:15 am
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I have pop up gizmos as well as heated mattress pads (requires 120 v. electric), and the bunks are very comfortable.

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October 9, 2011 - 10:14 pm
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DW would LOVE a heated mattress.  That will be in the next camper.  I have held off on getting gizmos because I don't want to spend the money only to get another camper in a year or two.  Maybe sooner..... I opened it up and found the roof had leaked.  Don't know where but I can tell you there will be a tarp over it when not camping in the future and I think I will be getting my caulk gun out.

I bought the foam boards and put them in this weekend.  1/2 inch thick and the roof closed fine.

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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October 9, 2011 - 10:16 pm
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For some reason the pics didn't work in the previous post.

[Image Can Not Be Found]

[Image Can Not Be Found]

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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