Condensation under beds

[TedP]

We have a Roller Team 7 and have noticed that when we move the cushion on the bunk beds or make-up beds we have a lot of condensation under the cushion. - does anyone know a cure for this problem

[stantheman]

.....remove the chamber pot!!!

[colin]

I don't know the make up of the bed on your particuler model but I guess from problem they have solid base, if possible I would fit slatted base to let bed breath other option would be plastic under sheets over mattress to stop moisture going into and throu mattress

[michele]

Didn't I read somewhere that someone fitted a fan under the bed ? I think I did . In the end your bedding starts to stink not funny really .

[Ranger]

I assume you have a solid plywood base, and not slatted??? If so try putting rush mats under the matress on top of the plywood.

[MandyAndy]

Hi,

Tried that one Ranger but the rush mats go mouldy too, been a problem for years on caravans . Not heard of a perfect solution, we have the problem on our overhead in the nose section, where slatting is just not an option.

 

I wondered about the non slip flooring stuff you can buy off the roll at many camping/caravaning shops, don't know if this would mould too.

 

Mandy

[chas]

Hi Ted- We cured this happening in our old van which had ply bases, by laying down a woolen blanket under the cushions. It must be remembered though that some folk do create more heat than others while sleeping.

 

It might also help if you laid a thin memory foam topper on top of the cushions, which would not only give you a better sleep, but help stop the body heat process from getting through the cushions to the plywood base. chas

[docted]

Docted has used camping mats to overcome this problem.

[Mel E]

It's a common problem with solid bases, caused by body moisture travelling through the matress. Ikea sell slatted bases that can be trimmed to fit on top of the solid base (or replace it altogether) and are probably your best bet.

 

Otherwise, whenever you park up for more that a few days raise the matress onto 4 or 76mm x 25mm edge mounted strips of wood to provide vetilation.

 

Mel E

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[Syd]

If there is a space below the bed base wouldnt simply drilling holes in the solid base help let it breathe

[TedP]

Thanks for your input, but one of the beds is a seat/table - will think about plastic

[TedP]

thank you for your input - we had tried a towel, will give a blanket a go as it will be thicker

[TedP]

Thank you for all your replies

 

Happy camping to you all

[Derek Uzzell]

There are several products commercially available intended to combat under-mattress condensation and (for obvious reasons) aimed primarily at the marine marketplace. These are links to two suppliers:

 

http://www.shipshapebedding.co.uk/dry-mat.html

 

http://www.airflowsprings.com/acatalog/index.html

 

When I GOOGLE-ed using "marine bed condensation" as the search-term I also retrieved the following entry from the MHF forum and I note that the matting marketed via the airflowsprings website was said to be very effective.

 

http://www.motorhomefacts.com/ftopicp-199920.html

 

Condensation is a perennial problem with motorhome/caravan beds that use a solid bed-base. There's a short piece on it in John Wickersham's "Build your own Motorcaravan" book and I know it's been discussed more than once before on this forum.

[gedger]

Condensation forms on cold surfaces, therefore the solid base must be cooler than the surroundings i.e. the mattress. One effective treatment is to insulate the other side of the solid base i.e. the other side to where the mattress lays. Often this is in a cold cupboard or even an outside locker. Allowing warm air into that void or insulating the base from that side with celotex or similar will help.

 

Richard

 

 

[Derek Uzzell]

The matting I mentioned in my last posting has an 'open' structure intended to allow air to pass through it: however, it's not cheap to buy.

 

While I was mowing the lawn this afternoon, I wondered if artificial grass of the AstroTurf type would do much the same job but might be more easily available and less expensive. Anyway, it's a thought!

[trigrem]

Like Chas we always put a wool blanket under the sleeping bags. learnt this trick many years ago when tent camping and using air beds, condensation was terrible. Since using wool blanket underlay have not had any problems.

[Basil]

We used to use 'Bubble Wrap' in our older caravans, that worked for us even on the lowered table base. Easy to store and light.

 

Bas