Twin bed support and airflow mod

[keneramirez]

Built raised twin bed platforms to add support to the “ledges” and to increase airflow between the mattresses and the colder storage areas.

We’ve slept on the them the past two weeks and the difference is significant. No more condensation under the mattresses (several nights we got into the 20s) and we slept so much better with the extra support.

Highly recommend this modification.

[jlandreth]

Can you supply some material sizes and measurements please?

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by keneramirez

Built raised twin bed platforms to add support to the “ledges” and to increase airflow between the mattresses and the colder storage areas.

We’ve slept on the them the past two weeks and the difference is significant. No more condensation under the mattresses (several nights we got into the 20s) and we slept so much better with the extra support.

Highly recommend this modification.

Attachment 358596Attachment 358597Attachment 358598Attachment 358599

guess I am wondering what the issue is with condensation under the matress?? We have twins also on last 3 AS's and no issues, even camping in FL...we use a dehumidifier which takes all the moisture out of the air... Please enlighten as to what is happening with your AS...what size, etc..

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

guess I am wondering what the issue is with condensation under the matress?? We have twins also on last 3 AS's and no issues, even camping in FL...we use a dehumidifier which takes all the moisture out of the air... Please enlighten as to what is happening with your AS...what size, etc..

He wasn’t talking about humidity in a warm climate. Water vapour condenses on cold surfaces such as the platform under the twin mattress over the outside storage compartments. Does it get in to the 20s F in Florida?

[SteveSueMac]

Very smart mod. I’ve never had the experience you and others have talked about (mine’s a FB with the mattress over the outside storage) but your mod is so good - the factory ought to consider that on every model! Well done!

[GOUSC]

A product that serves the same purpose and might be a little easier project is called Hypervent. It provides air flow under the mattress. You can add extensions under your mattress and set the Hypervent on top and get the same result. See my post “Recent Globetrotter Modifications” in the Globetrotter forum for additional info. It would probably save you some time and effort.

[jeffmc306]

GOUSC - We hit “Save” at the same time! I got this idea from you...

OP, Nice job with fitting the plywood and cleats - very professional job! This is a worthwhile upgrade.

Moisture under the mattresses is a common problem in the marine applications as well as RV’s. There’s a product called Hypervent that goes between the base and mattress to allow airflow eliminating the chance of mold and mildew.

I installed some under our Globetrotter twins and added a piece of 1/2” plywood to extend the support for the mattress.

Here’s where I got the Hypervent: https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=1818021

[keneramirez]

Originally Posted by jlandreth

Can you supply some material sizes and measurements please?

I bought two sheets of thin plywood (top grade) and a handful of 1/4”x2” pieces to make it. I used a cutout of rigid insulation I’d tried to use before to eliminate the condensation (helped but didn’t completely solve it and didn’t add any additional support) as a template.

The part that most pleasantly surprised us was how much the extra support makes a difference. Makes the bed feel bigger and keeps the sheet from slipping off the mattress as much. It’s also nice to be able to sit on the edge of the bed to put on shoes and such.

[keneramirez]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

guess I am wondering what the issue is with condensation under the matress?? We have twins also on last 3 AS's and no issues, even camping in FL...we use a dehumidifier which takes all the moisture out of the air... Please enlighten as to what is happening with your AS...what size, etc..

We have a 2017 25’ RB (Twins) Flying Cloud. We also use a dehumidifier but when camping in freezing temps the mattresses kept getting wet under them due to the cold storage underneath creating condensation when up against the warm mattress. I spent a month in NC last winter and it was a constant struggle. Ended up installing 3/4” rigid insulation board as a way to help, but it still didn’t completely resolve the issue.

[keneramirez]

Originally Posted by GOUSC

A product that serves the same purpose and might be a little easier project is called Hypervent. It provides air flow under the mattress. You can add extensions under your mattress and set the Hypervent on top and get the same result. See my post “Recent Globetrotter Modifications” in the Globetrotter forum for additional info. It would probably save you some time and effort.

Yeah, I saw that but wanted to get the extra support while I was at it.

[Kyet]

I see many posts about the cold storage underneath the twins. Has anyone tried insulating the "ceiling" of the storage area itself. I wonder if that could help. The air under my Queen seemed to be conditioned with both heat and cold (Classic w/ the ALDE). Thanks for all of the info as I embark on another trailer with twins this time.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by keneramirez

We have a 2017 25’ RB (Twins) Flying Cloud. We also use a dehumidifier but when camping in freezing temps the mattresses kept getting wet under them due to the cold storage underneath creating condensation when up against the warm mattress. I spent a month in NC last winter and it was a constant struggle. Ended up installing 3/4” rigid insulation board as a way to help, but it still didn’t completely resolve the issue.

Thanks for the "education" on this...we have camped "occasionally" in 20' weather in Tetons on way from MT, but not often. As you may know, it can get into the 20's here in TX for a few days, and we do keep our AS furnace on as we store on our property; just not sleeping in it during those cold spells. Never looked or noticed an issue with mold or mildew, "yet"!

I think your platform support or the Hypervent material seem to solve the problem, and look like good solutions. Doesn't seem to be an issue during storage thankfully. Thanks again, for bringing this to our attention!

[Atwebs]

We extended the twins bed platform as well (took out the original boards and created new ones that were full mattress width with a finished L oak edge. Then we added some thin antimicrobial padding underneath the mattresses. Much more comfortable, the beds stay made, the cabinets underneath are easier to open and close and there is no mold or moisture either. Overall, well worth the effort.

[guskmg]

I'm not sure this will work 100% of the time, but my friend and I use heated mattress pads. I took and old pair of suspenders, cut them apart and hooked them to the bottom of the pad crossways under the mattress to keep it in place. The pad uses very little AC and there may be some DC ones on the market. That and my CPAP last all night on my set up. I have not noticed moisture below. But, if i did, I would add a layer of insulation board on the bottom above the storage space. My electrical equipment is under there and it may be providing enough warmth to keep thing dry. If EMS is a problem you could ground (bond) the aluminum foil surface to the electrical system.
guskmg

[majorairhead]

I installed the hypervent, but will likely do this elevated platform, it allows for a sorely needed width extension

[dmbecke]

Following

[pjshier]

I added some width by attaching some relatively thin (less than 1/2 inch) strips of high grade plywood with rounded corners. The strips are about 8 inches wide, and do not extend all the way from the foot to the night stand. Thicker material would produce a lengthwise bump along the edge of the mattress without replacing the entire bunk top. The thinner material is imperceptible and entirely adequate for the purpose.

Not craftsman-like but supremely functional and easily removed. Solved all the aforementioned utility issues. I can see where the venting would be very useful and will look further into the hypervent.

[gypsydad]

We are still monitoring this and have not done anything yet. NC in November, Texas coast January for 5 days, then again in March for 3 days on the beach. No issues. Just did 10 days in Tetons last couple weeks; checked and again no issues. Is there really a problem or am I just lucky??

[Garfish]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

We are still monitoring this and have not done anything yet. NC in November, Texas coast January for 5 days, then again in March for 3 days on the beach. No issues. Just did 10 days in Tetons last couple weeks; checked and again no issues. Is there really a problem or am I just lucky??

I added 1/2 inch cabinet grade plywood extended 4 inches out and on top of stock ones just for the support. No more pushing the mattress back in and easier to make bed, change sheets. I did not have moisture problems before but that is for another day if I do.