In your camping experiences, what have you found to be the best air mattress to buy? I want to get one for the E. There seem to be a lot on the store shelves with little way to compare one with another except for the photos on the boxes. I remember sleeping on these things years ago and having to get up during the night to pump them up, or freezing to death because they were so cold. I imagine the newer ones are of better quality. Anyone have experience they can share or recommendations about what to buy?
music&dogs
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2 story!
We sleep 4 comfortably with a 2 story approach.
Inside the E, we lay all the seats flat, and inflate a queen air mattress in-location. It kind of "molds" itself to the contours, and fits nice and snug once inflated. Up top, we have a Front Runner RTT, about the same width as a queen, but much longer, good for my long legs. I've also made screens for the front windows, and rear upper hatch for better ventilation down below, with no bug problems.
It's a quick, easy, comfortable way to sleep 4, or 6 in a pinch, with a very small footprint beyond the length and width of the E.
I'll try to post some pix when I get a chance.
We sleep 4 comfortably with a 2 story approach.
Inside the E, we lay all the seats flat, and inflate a queen air mattress in-location. It kind of "molds" itself to the contours, and fits nice and snug once inflated. Up top, we have a Front Runner RTT, about the same width as a queen, but much longer, good for my long legs. I've also made screens for the front windows, and rear upper hatch for better ventilation down below, with no bug problems.
It's a quick, easy, comfortable way to sleep 4, or 6 in a pinch, with a very small footprint beyond the length and width of the E.
I'll try to post some pix when I get a chance.
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Ty!
Thanks ramblerdan!
I see how this bunch likes pix, so I'm attempting a get a whole passel of 'em for ya! Then of course, I'll need to read the tutorial of how to post pix on here.
Hopefully, it will be worth the wait!
Thanks ramblerdan!
I see how this bunch likes pix, so I'm attempting a get a whole passel of 'em for ya! Then of course, I'll need to read the tutorial of how to post pix on here.
Hopefully, it will be worth the wait!
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2 Story w/guest suite!
Ok, finally found some pix to post. This particular arrangement has my son using the "Guest Suite" vs. 1st floor in the E. Having his own tent makes him feel like a big boy! (He is 7) Plus, it's a bit cooler in warm weather. My wife & I use the Feather Lite RTT up top. With this arrangement, you can really sleep a lot of people very comfortably in a small foot print. Plus, I don't miss the ground one bit! ;-)
Ok, finally found some pix to post. This particular arrangement has my son using the "Guest Suite" vs. 1st floor in the E. Having his own tent makes him feel like a big boy! (He is 7) Plus, it's a bit cooler in warm weather. My wife & I use the Feather Lite RTT up top. With this arrangement, you can really sleep a lot of people very comfortably in a small foot print. Plus, I don't miss the ground one bit! ;-)
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...a couple more...
(The "wolf dog" is Quito, our long hair GS. I didn't realize she got in the pic until I uploaded! She scared the bee-jesus out of a couple fishermen the other day. She was running ahead of us along side the creek in a remote area, and happened upon a couple fishermen in kayaks. Boy were they happy to see us come along....they thought she was a wolf! Now, we all know, short of the zoo, there are no wolves in Ohio. But, it was still pretty funny!)
(The "wolf dog" is Quito, our long hair GS. I didn't realize she got in the pic until I uploaded! She scared the bee-jesus out of a couple fishermen the other day. She was running ahead of us along side the creek in a remote area, and happened upon a couple fishermen in kayaks. Boy were they happy to see us come along....they thought she was a wolf! Now, we all know, short of the zoo, there are no wolves in Ohio. But, it was still pretty funny!)
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Awesome setup! does the ladder provide some stability? Where did you pick that up?
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Wow, im very interested in that Feather Lite RTT. never seen this before. I would like some more information about it too. Where to get it, Do you drive with it attached. Whats the weight capacity and how careful should you be in it if things get a rocking?
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rare element, yes, the ladder is also a support for the fold out half of the tent. The tent will support itself without the ladder, but when the people start piling in, you need the ladder for full support. We tested it with the 3 of us in there, about 350lbs, and it was very stable.
The tent manufacturer is from South Africa, although I think the tents are made in China, and the distributor is in Arizona. I purchased mine from Scott at Compact Camping Concepts, in Oregon. Everyone involved with our process was great to work with. I can provide contact info if anyone is interested. I am very happy with the quality of the tent. For the casual camper, it's more than enough. Aside from the lower price, I liked the lighter weight, since we only camp in warmer weather, and the lower profile when mounted to the E. They say it's the lightest, lowest RTT out there.
Slobadon, no worries, it's very solid in all conditions! ;-)
The tent manufacturer is from South Africa, although I think the tents are made in China, and the distributor is in Arizona. I purchased mine from Scott at Compact Camping Concepts, in Oregon. Everyone involved with our process was great to work with. I can provide contact info if anyone is interested. I am very happy with the quality of the tent. For the casual camper, it's more than enough. Aside from the lower price, I liked the lighter weight, since we only camp in warmer weather, and the lower profile when mounted to the E. They say it's the lightest, lowest RTT out there.
Slobadon, no worries, it's very solid in all conditions! ;-)
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223 Posts
There is basically just about 72 (possibly 73-74) inches available in the back area with the back seats removed, and with the front seats pushed up. (I tested this out recently -- I'm just over 6', and was able to lay back there with the front seats all the way up.)
A 72 inch mattress should therefore fit fine in the back of the Element. However, you can get away with using a larger inflatable mattress that has a separately-inflated head-pillow, because you can just under-inflate the head-pillow, and thereby shave off 6-10 inches.
You can also use the Cabela deluxe camping mat in the following way: the mat comes in a removable zippered cloth liner/cover. If you remove the liner, cut the top foot or so (perhaps removing a couple inches), and then put the cover back on, you end up with a foldable mat, such that the head portion can be folded over inside the Prius, serving as a thicker pillow area.
Finally -- if you check the photos in this thread, you'll see how one guy put an elevated platform in the back area, bringing the mattress level to the rear window opening. That also allows him to place the mattress over the top of the front seats, with those seats reclined all the way back. Such that the mattress goes all the way to the dashboard, creating enough sleeping area for a 7-foot person.
So you can pretty much use any mattress length, depending on how you configure it. I would personally prefer sleeping closer to the ground in the back, because it offers more privacy, and more headroom above you. But this is a matter of personal preference, and the benefit of an elevated platform is that it allow for storage underneath the platform on extended trips.
(A guy on this board from California has threads about how he's done up his Element and lived in it for extended periods. He's the one who camp up with the idea of cutting up the Cabela mat inside the cover.)
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My Thoughts
I'm still looking to buy my first Element (hopefully soon), but I've done a lot of car camping. Here's my thoughts on the best mattresses, and why.
1. You want to maximize comfort.
2. You want to minimize space, when not in use.
3. You want to minimize *weight*. Messes with your gas mileage, not to mention packing effort.
4. You want to maximize versatility of any sleeping surface.
For these reasons, it would appear to me that the best overall option would be a combination of an inflatable mattress (as the lower layer) with a foam mat (as the upper layer.) With the Coleman SUV mattress probably the best option for the bottom layer, and the Cabela Deluxe camping mat probably best for the top. Below is my thinking:
1. Foam is more comfortable than any vinyl air mattress, and blocks the cold better. It can also serve double-duty as a chair when folded up. However, air mattresses are far more light, and can pack out of the way easier when not in use.
By using a combination, you maximize your comfort and versatility, while minimizing your weight. At times, you can simply use one or the other on short trips, but you can use both when you want to do some serious travelling, or take a companion who prefers a softer overall sleeping area.
With the Cabela (or Trifold) foam mattress, you can also use it as a seating area if you have any extra passengers. (I would always remove the rear seats entirely for any serious road-tripping or car-camping, to reduce weight and maximize space.) And I would probably transform the Cabela into a tri-fold by cutting the foam into three pieces, so I could turn it into a thickly cushioned chair in the back when not laid flat for sleeping or lounging.
Getting a larger inflatable mattress with a foam top would give you the comfort, but not the same versatility. Ditto with a futon, which would also weigh much more.
I'm still looking to buy my first Element (hopefully soon), but I've done a lot of car camping. Here's my thoughts on the best mattresses, and why.
1. You want to maximize comfort.
2. You want to minimize space, when not in use.
3. You want to minimize *weight*. Messes with your gas mileage, not to mention packing effort.
4. You want to maximize versatility of any sleeping surface.
For these reasons, it would appear to me that the best overall option would be a combination of an inflatable mattress (as the lower layer) with a foam mat (as the upper layer.) With the Coleman SUV mattress probably the best option for the bottom layer, and the Cabela Deluxe camping mat probably best for the top. Below is my thinking:
1. Foam is more comfortable than any vinyl air mattress, and blocks the cold better. It can also serve double-duty as a chair when folded up. However, air mattresses are far more light, and can pack out of the way easier when not in use.
By using a combination, you maximize your comfort and versatility, while minimizing your weight. At times, you can simply use one or the other on short trips, but you can use both when you want to do some serious travelling, or take a companion who prefers a softer overall sleeping area.
With the Cabela (or Trifold) foam mattress, you can also use it as a seating area if you have any extra passengers. (I would always remove the rear seats entirely for any serious road-tripping or car-camping, to reduce weight and maximize space.) And I would probably transform the Cabela into a tri-fold by cutting the foam into three pieces, so I could turn it into a thickly cushioned chair in the back when not laid flat for sleeping or lounging.
Getting a larger inflatable mattress with a foam top would give you the comfort, but not the same versatility. Ditto with a futon, which would also weigh much more.
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Mattress Update:
I have a Cabela Deluxe camp bed on order, but for now, I purchased a Versamat Tri-fold sleeping mat from Costco (about $45).
The Versamat is 75 x 35 x 3 inches. With the front seats pushed back for driving, I was able to fold over a portion of the third panel, and still fit it in the back. When I was ready to sleep, with the front seats pushed forward, the Versamat fit fine (if snugly) fully unfolded in the back. (It goes over the rear of the cupholder module, with the module helping to keep the mat level, since the floor dips in that area.)
My plan is to put the Cabela camp-bed on top of the Versamat, producing nearly 6 inches of lightweight foam. I may still try out an inflatable bottom layer under the Cabela, though, as that's more adjustable and lightweight. And possibly even more comfortable. (Basically, the inflated rubber would act like the bedsprings -- which don't have to be soft as long as they have flex.)
I have a Cabela Deluxe camp bed on order, but for now, I purchased a Versamat Tri-fold sleeping mat from Costco (about $45).
The Versamat is 75 x 35 x 3 inches. With the front seats pushed back for driving, I was able to fold over a portion of the third panel, and still fit it in the back. When I was ready to sleep, with the front seats pushed forward, the Versamat fit fine (if snugly) fully unfolded in the back. (It goes over the rear of the cupholder module, with the module helping to keep the mat level, since the floor dips in that area.)
My plan is to put the Cabela camp-bed on top of the Versamat, producing nearly 6 inches of lightweight foam. I may still try out an inflatable bottom layer under the Cabela, though, as that's more adjustable and lightweight. And possibly even more comfortable. (Basically, the inflated rubber would act like the bedsprings -- which don't have to be soft as long as they have flex.)
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New update:
I now have both the Cabela Deluxe Camp Bed and the Costco bed. Combined, they're fairly comfortable, especially with my thick cloth sleeping bag placed over them as a comforter, and jersey sheets on top of that.
However, I'm probably going to get a mattress topper to make them even more comfortable. Walmart has a number of cheap options that include memory foam if desired. (1-3 inches thick, and a variety of sizes).
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstay...943811304a07&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n
Between the three layers, should end up being pretty comfy. Will report back once it's all put together.
(Looking to do some extended, multi-week road-tripping, so long-term bed comfort will be important.)
I now have both the Cabela Deluxe Camp Bed and the Costco bed. Combined, they're fairly comfortable, especially with my thick cloth sleeping bag placed over them as a comforter, and jersey sheets on top of that.
However, I'm probably going to get a mattress topper to make them even more comfortable. Walmart has a number of cheap options that include memory foam if desired. (1-3 inches thick, and a variety of sizes).
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstay...943811304a07&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n
Between the three layers, should end up being pretty comfy. Will report back once it's all put together.
(Looking to do some extended, multi-week road-tripping, so long-term bed comfort will be important.)
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I normally just use my sleep pad on the floor of the car with seats out or up. I recently stumbled on an old camp cot we've had in the basement for about 10 years and never use.
I'm working on building a camper system (storage to bed) but in the meantime this might be a fun addition. The head of the cot is even angled up and fits nicely with the front seats pitched forward which I normally do to create a headboard. I hope to give it a test run soon.
I'm working on building a camper system (storage to bed) but in the meantime this might be a fun addition. The head of the cot is even angled up and fits nicely with the front seats pitched forward which I normally do to create a headboard. I hope to give it a test run soon.
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Just bought the cabela deluxe camp bed and I have a question.
What do you guys do near the front seats? Theres a big gap between bed and the seat of the front seat. You guys put some kind of cushion. Or did I not fold front seats down correctly.
Everything else seems great besides that
What do you guys do near the front seats? Theres a big gap between bed and the seat of the front seat. You guys put some kind of cushion. Or did I not fold front seats down correctly.
Everything else seems great besides that
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223 Posts
Are you folding the front and rear seats down, towards the back, and putting the matress on top of them?
In that case, I guess I'd put pillows on the front seats.
What I do is remove the rear seats, and then push the front seats all the way forward, leaning forward.
This allows me to *just* fit the camp bed behind the front seats, on the floor of the Element.
P.S.: I'm using the full-size Cabela camp bed. If you're using something their smaller size, that may explain the gap. But you could always fill that in with pillows or something.
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223 Posts
Pic of my bed with 1.5 inch memory foam topper (about 7 inches of foam altogether) -- pretty comfortable, slept on it for several weeks last November/December in Florida:
Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe cot
Version 1 of my Element CaRV was to just fold the passenger side seats flat, jam throw pillows in the uneven spots, and put a thick inflatable camping pad on top. Some nights, this worked great, others, not so much. After lots of research here and looking at other solutions in many other vehicles via YouTube, I decided to give the cot approach a try.
At 6'2", I opted for the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, at 30"x80" it's slightly longer and wider than the standard model, 25"x69". It just arrived the other day, and man is it a close fit on the width! The standard ComfortSmart cot would probably fit here perfectly.
Note that this cot also comes with a mattress which is not in the photos.
Due to the wheel hub, the cot is at a slight angle. I think the narrower standard model would fit here more ideally. I am tempted to order that one as well, and see which one works best. But it's nice to have a full-length bed. As @Michiganman said, comfort is a requirement here. I've found as he has that it makes a massive difference as far as how much I'd sleep in the Element when it comes to how comfortable the sleep was.
Next step is to create some sturdy elevation props for the bar legs, to get the middle and rear legs to a height level with the front legs, which are sitting on the passenger seat.
Anyways, photos below. This is step 1. My much-handier-than-me cousin is going to help me build the leg props and maybe some storage on the left side.
I need to haul specific stuff with me, as I'll be working on the road as part of many of these trips. The folding table and plastic bins will fit perfectly under the propped cot. The canopy will fit to the left, but eats up all that vertical space sitting on the floor. Need something over top of it.
Going to invest in a heavy duty cooler, so need room for that. As well as food and cooking gear. But those shouldn't be much of an issue.
I'm just glad the cot worked out to my rough interior measurements. Now the fun begins.
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Version 1 of my Element CaRV was to just fold the passenger side seats flat, jam throw pillows in the uneven spots, and put a thick inflatable camping pad on top. Some nights, this worked great, others, not so much. After lots of research here and looking at other solutions in many other vehicles via YouTube, I decided to give the cot approach a try.
At 6'2", I opted for the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, at 30"x80" it's slightly longer and wider than the standard model, 25"x69". It just arrived the other day, and man is it a close fit on the width! The standard ComfortSmart cot would probably fit here perfectly.
Note that this cot also comes with a mattress which is not in the photos.
Due to the wheel hub, the cot is at a slight angle. I think the narrower standard model would fit here more ideally. I am tempted to order that one as well, and see which one works best. But it's nice to have a full-length bed. As @Michiganman said, comfort is a requirement here. I've found as he has that it makes a massive difference as far as how much I'd sleep in the Element when it comes to how comfortable the sleep was.
Next step is to create some sturdy elevation props for the bar legs, to get the middle and rear legs to a height level with the front legs, which are sitting on the passenger seat.
Anyways, photos below. This is step 1. My much-handier-than-me cousin is going to help me build the leg props and maybe some storage on the left side.
I need to haul specific stuff with me, as I'll be working on the road as part of many of these trips. The folding table and plastic bins will fit perfectly under the propped cot. The canopy will fit to the left, but eats up all that vertical space sitting on the floor. Need something over top of it.
Going to invest in a heavy duty cooler, so need room for that. As well as food and cooking gear. But those shouldn't be much of an issue.
I'm just glad the cot worked out to my rough interior measurements. Now the fun begins.
I picked up the Alps Mountaineering Lightweight Series double set. The individual pads are about triple the thickness of my old milsurp Thermarest, with a dense foam that self inflates quickly and is a pain to roll up tightly. Not particularly lightweight, either.
A single pad (or both stacked and Velcroed together for a six-inch-thick luxo-bed) fits flawlessly in the floor space created with one rear seat raised and one (pre-2007) front seat ALL the way forward.
Side by side, the Velcro leaves a gap in the middle, but on the Element floor the pads are forced together into a flat surface. It's a little too wide for the lumps by the wheelwells, but still worked fine for a night with company.
The Exped MegaMat Duo 10 M looks like it might drop in perfectly, but it's triple the price and lacks "single mode" versatility.
A single pad (or both stacked and Velcroed together for a six-inch-thick luxo-bed) fits flawlessly in the floor space created with one rear seat raised and one (pre-2007) front seat ALL the way forward.
Side by side, the Velcro leaves a gap in the middle, but on the Element floor the pads are forced together into a flat surface. It's a little too wide for the lumps by the wheelwells, but still worked fine for a night with company.
The Exped MegaMat Duo 10 M looks like it might drop in perfectly, but it's triple the price and lacks "single mode" versatility.
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