Replacing rear twin beds with memory foam

[mcair]

Our new to us 88 excella had nasty old mattresses that had to be thrown out. We are in the process now of creating 2 new mattresses from memory foam. We had memory foam in the old camper and loved it but that one did not need to be cut. I got a quote on custom mattresses that was way off budget. So we are going to make our own. I decided to document this process for others who may be interested.

We are starting with a 10" memory foam mattress (king size) bought on ebay for $400. I have made a paper template of the beds. Our beds have the curved corners. Hopefully tonight when Roger gets home we are going to cut the mattress. Have been advised by a custom manufacturer that we can cut it with an electric turkey knife.

First I am going to cut the cover in half so it is out of the way and so I have pleny left to sew it back together where needed.

[BIGED52]

mcair, Memory foam is easily cut with an electric carving knife. Be gentle with it while cutting and let the knife do all the work. Your job will be to guide it thru the curved corners while making sure it remains straight up and down. You won't be very happy if your corners lean under when you roll over at night! LOL! Let us know how it works out for you. Happy Trails, Ed

[willyd]

At some point you will want to cut the memory foam slightly smaller because when you lay on it - you will find it extending over the edges which will become as issue.

[loudruff]

You will also be adding the bedding which will add some to the size.
Keep us posted on your progress.

[mcair]

One is done! Still have to sew up the cover on the other one. We opened the box last night and let the mattress expand overnight. Today we marked the mattress using the template and cut it. The first one is out in the trailer and fits perfectly. Now to get some sheets ready.

[mcair]

Here is a picture of the finished product. Plus a few pictures of my "helper".

[BIGED52]

Looks like your help was right at home on this project. Always nice to have an extra set of eyes and hands....uh... paws! LOL! Happy Trails, Ed

[Aage]

I laughed right out loud at the second photo of your cat under the cushion. That animal has a great sense of humour!

[mcair]

Yes Romeo was alot of "help". I had just put the paper template on the mattress and was getting ready to trace around it when he dive bombed it and it went sliding off the side!

Our girls bought him a cat harness and are determined to take him camping.

[BIGED52]

I believe he was "showing" a concern that you have yet to make a template (in an appropriate size) for a new memory foam mattress for his travel bed! He's thinking that one his size will look good in the trailer! If you want a happy family you better get busy. LOL!!!! Happy Trails, Ed

[ArtStream]

Thanks for posting. Great job

[mcair]

I have plenty of scraps to make him a bed. Not sure I want to take him camping.

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by mcair

I have plenty of scraps to make him a bed. Not sure I want to take him camping.

Get the electronic chip, tattoo him too, and start feeding him and entertaining him IN the Airstream. Once he feels that the Airstream is home base, he'll be pretty safe in the Airstream. Just make sure you rig the screen door slide so that he can't open it and escape. Do NOT assume that a chopstick in the track will stop him, use something like a cotter pin that is too heavy for the cat to remove. (I had a cat which could turn doorknobs!)

I'd carry a collapsible cage and a leash/halter for his outdoor time - period. I know some people who have been lucky to have their cats return to the trailer after escaping, but I'd just worry too much.

Paula