Airbeds ok?

**Captain_Rightfoot** · 12th June 2008, 08:25 PM

Well thanks all for your feedback!

We started with a coleman self inflating. Unfortunately it had issues. Mainly it was slow to pack up, and if they get a hole in them (as ours did) then you're in real trouble as they don't compact down anymore. I think it's a fine solution if you're staying somewhere for a few days.

Then last year we made up a foam mattress. It was supremely comfortable. We wrapped all our bedding in it and just rolled it up like a swag. So it was comfy and fast. The only downside is it's huuuge.

So, we're now at the stage where the kids are getting bigger. We used to run the fridge in the back seat. However this isn't our first choice as it makes it much harder to get the second child in (especially now he's bigger). Also the two kids are wedged together which is not always a good thing. Lastly, even though it's tied down as well as it can be I'm just a tad uncomfortable with it being in the cabin with us.

So, if we went with an airbed I reckon the saved space will allow us to move the fridge behind the cargo barrier into the back, and for the kids to have more room.

I'm tempted to give an airbed a go and see how we like it. This next trip is northward bound into warmer climes so that should be a positive for it. I might just ruminate on it for a bit but there isn't much time left...

If we go ahead I'll be sure to post back on our experiences.

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 12th June 2008, 08:47 PM

individual air beds are the go,,
take a look at who said foam,, the victorians,,

half the time up here you need the air to get rid of the body heat,,
a bottom sheet and a pair of stubbies (they're shorts to you long panted vics

) is about it most times,, its only around dawn the sea breeze tends to get a bit cool,,,

**zulu Delta 534** · 12th June 2008, 09:43 PM

When we camp we use an air bed and quite enjoy it, but I must add that it is one of those doubles with two separate chambers, so that when I get into bed the missus doesnt pop up into the air, as she would on a single chamber mattress. As for temperature control, a couple of golden rules when sleeping on an air bed or a stretcher are, 'one blanket under is worth two on top', 'wear as little clothing as modesty allows', and 'one blanket inside a sleeping bag is equivalent to about three on top'.
Regards
Glen

**hiline** · 12th June 2008, 10:04 PM

i put the thin silver builders insulation under my kids airbeds
even have it under the beds in the campervan to stop the cold

stops the cold a treat and easy to carry and pack

**Vinnie** · 12th June 2008, 10:44 PM

I have got an air bed and it's fantastic. Used it over Easter weekend at Omeo (Vic High Country) and had no issues with cold (and yes it was very cold). As previously said don't buy a cheap one, buy a good one and a little 12V pump and you can't go wrong. Like others have said put a blanket underneath it if you're really worried and it'll be fine. Mine has the velour top on it.

Cheers

Vinnie

**Panda** · 13th June 2008, 04:11 AM

We used airbeds for a number of years, but found them very cold & prone to puncture. Admittedly, if you got a really good quality one, you probably wouldn't have as many problems with punctures, but we went for the cheapies. Then went to a foam mattress, really comfortable but bulky, & a pain if they get wet!!!

Now use the self-inflating mattresses, which are really comfortable & easy to pack.

Highly recommend them. (You can get them different thicknesses too.)

**loanrangie** · 13th June 2008, 12:52 PM

Who sells a good quality air bed ?

**loanrangie** · 13th June 2008, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by Numpty's Missus

I think age has something to do with how you feel about airbeds too

Obviously a younger person does not usually feel the cold in their bones like an older person

Or those with bone injuries

.

**carjunkieanon** · 13th June 2008, 01:32 PM

Does anyone every use hammocks?

**Panda** · 13th June 2008, 05:44 PM

Very good suggestion. I thought about that a few months ago. Wanted to string a hammock up in the back of the SIII. Found it very difficult to find any round here, so had a look on the internet. The Americans have them really well laid out, but they're not cheap.

Originally Posted by carjunkieanon

Does anyone every use hammocks?

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