2026-02-25
Now that we have a bolster to lengthen the bed, we decided to sleep in the van overnight to test it out and to test out the small caravan fan (Sirocco II) I installed on the TV bracket (we don't have and aren't taking a TV with us on the trip). So in the afternoon while it was still light outside, I popped down to the van, opened the windows, closed the flyscreens and made the bed. The mattress, as previously stated, is larger than a double, but smaller than a queen, so we have some suspender-type straps to pull the base sheet taught that are clipped on underneath the bed.
Later in the evening, we grabbed pillows, and my CPAP and relocated to the van. First impressions were that the bed was quite firm. These impressions didn't change. It is indeed very firm, and in the morning my back wasn't entirely happy about that. (I should state that our regular mattress is a Tempur with a quilt top, so we're kinda spoilt when it comes to mattresses.). The tension on the slats under the bed can be adjusted, so that will be my first port of call, but I'm thinking we will need some form of mattress topper as well. (Yes, ok, I did also look up Tempur caravan mattresses, but they are somewhat expensive).
I did spot a small wallaby outside when I woke though, so that was nice.