22FB mattress warning

[keweenawbee]

I was doing some cleaning this morning and lifted the mattress to do some vacuuming under it. I noticed that some sap or whatever has leached into the bottom of the mattress from some exposed open grain in the plywood bed base. I think a quick inspection for broken surfaces is in order for anyone concerned.

Would this be a warranty issue in anyone’s opinion?

See attached gross photo.

[Mollysdad]

Did the wood get wet?

[waninae39]

it looks like the wood got wet
IMHO, it looks like mould

there should be no sap from plywood

[keweenawbee]

I don't know how it would have gotten wet. It was sheltered in the shop all winter. And the spots match that area of open plywood grain exactly, and only above that area where you can see the open grain, that's why I included it in the photo. It should have been sealed or painted or both before laying the mattress on there. Maybe it's a one off and everybody has a nice solid uninterrupted plywood surface there like the rest of what I have. I would advise folks to check though it looks terrible like its 10 years old now.

It may be related to condensation too when I am laying there. I think it will keep doing it unless we put a coat of Kilz over it at a minimum. No real harm done just a shame on a new trailer.

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by keweenawbee

It may be related to condensation too when I am laying there. I think it will keep doing it unless we put a coat of Kilz over it at a minimum. No real harm done just a shame on a new trailer.

Is there an exterior storage compartment under that area, and was/is trailer used in cooler climates? If so, the temperature differential between the inside and outside (under the bed in the compartment) causes condensation. Many cases of this. Kilz won't solve the problem, you need airflow. It also helps to insulate the walls/ceiling of the storage compartment with foam board or reflectix. There are products such as hypervent that you put under the mattress to provided airflow to avoid this. Quite a few discussions about his issue.


http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...re-127669.html

[keweenawbee]

Originally Posted by pcskier

Is there an exterior storage compartment under that area, and was/is trailer used in cooler climates? If so, the temperature differential between the inside and outside (under the bed in the compartment) causes condensation. Many cases of this. Kilz won't solve the problem, you need airflow. It also helps to insulate the walls/ceiling of the storage compartment with foam board or reflectix. There are products such as hypervent that you put under the mattress to provided airflow to avoid this. Quite a few discussions about his issue.


http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...re-127669.html

Thanks guys I think you’re right. Last October I used it before putting it away and running the furnace caused a lot of visible condensation in the storage area below the bed until I removed the storage door and equalized the temperature. Upon closer examination, it is mold. I am looking for ways to minimize it further. I think I am also the cause of it laying there I get very hot if I try to use the same covers as my wife.

[waninae39]

we place 10+ plastic pots around the trailer. they contain a water absorbing Crystal.

This keeps the As nice and dry in the winter

[keweenawbee]

30 minutes later......

Just for the record it looks a lot better now. I first used what I had around which was a generic mold mildew remover that has a little froth to it, then I fould some white vinegar I was using as a component to deoxidize my copper landscaping wires. I pinched held the cover away from the foam inside and did circular scrubbing (sponge) motions repeatedly.

If airflow is the solution I may try one of those ziggy zaggy non-inflatable camp sleep pads like the thermarest z-lite line below it on top of the plywood.


Is this a mattress cover that can be replaced BTW?

[keweenawbee]

That was a close one. Gonna try my Thermarest LE’s from my motorcycle setup before spending any more money.

[pcskier]

Looks good.

Try the pad. Might not work as I think they are more about insulating than air-flow, but I don't know for sure. If your pad idea doesn't work out, people have good luck with this stuff.

https://www.hyperventonline.com/

[Shads Shack]

In light of the large amount of respiration and perspiration that happens in a trailer, we stand the mattress up after each trip so that the two large sides are exposed to airflow (similar to the last photo posted by keweenawbee). We are hoping that this limits the mold and mildew that may form on the lower side of the mattress.

[overlander63]

Maybe the most inexpensive fix is to use an old double non-fitted sheet between the plywood base and the mattress. Then, if it becomes mildewed or moldy, throw away the sheet, instead of the $800 mattress.

[A W Warn]

In my Safari with the corner bed, I cut an opening in the base of the bed frame and installed a metal grille over it. Similar to > https://www.lowes.com/pd/Accord-Vent...-12-in/3142255
A little air flowing beneath the bed makes that space warmer/dryer and stops the condensation beneath the mattress.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by pcskier

Looks good.

Try the pad. Might not work as I think they are more about insulating than air-flow, but I don't know for sure. If your pad idea doesn't work out, people have good luck with this stuff.

https://www.hyperventonline.com/

We use the Hypervent and it makes a difference with the airflow around the mattress.

[waninae39]

adequate and frequent ventilation and air air replacement is key in any environment

if worried about moisture under the bed, add a sheet of plastic mesh. this allows air to flow between the bed and plywood

[keweenawbee]

The two 20" x full length Thermarest LE's seem to being doing the job. I noticed the extra comfort and like the slight increase in height. There is an air channel running their length between them. They inflate to about an inch thick and raise the FB's mattress off the plywood with an air-filled thermal barrier. So at least my body heat is out of the equation at the plywood.

This morning there were no damp spots between any of the layers but I will keep checking. Thanks guys!