Duvet or sleeping bags to sleep and store?

[sweet caroline]

Hi Guys,

Just starting to embrace my new motorhome, and buying all kind of space and collapsable items, for dollie. Just wondering what is the best thing to sleep in, Duvets are far too large, and where do you store a 15 tog duvet in a motorhome for 2, without overhead sleeping to store them ? sleeping bags, far too restrictive for my irritable leg syndrome, so anyone out there with suggestions, on a new camper lady. Also, sleeping bags, need to be washed, and their huge, I like a bed linen twice a week at home ! hahaha thank you so much guy s

 

[sweet caroline]

You have to go some way to actually blow anything up! The much more normal thing is for stuff to stop working or not work as well as it should.

As far as beds are concerned, when you are in your motorhome, you are probably on some sort of break or holiday, unless you are a lifer. Holidays are supposed to be relaxing, and so every second you spend in your bed should be comfortable. The jigsaw of seat cushions is fine when you go to bed, but by the next morning, you wake stiff and achey. Every subsequent morning you wake up progressively stiffer and achey-er (sic), or so we found when we had a caravan. We got fixed beds in motorhome and so we bought three layer, orthopaedic memory foam mattresses. Double the weight, but we sleep well every night.

I've looked at the layout of a 2001 Stardream. As the bed isn't fixed, you may need a mattress topper. Duvalay as suggested by others is a very common choice, but in a small van you might have storage issues. Smaller vans have the blessing of being able to go anywhere, but the curse of making up the bed. I would advise finding a way round the storage issue rather then slum it with a seat cushion jigsaw, but you may find it fine for you.

For top cover, duvet, every time. That way you can change the duvet cover if you feel the need. Have two. A summer and a winter, but only pack the one you need!

AHH! What a well-thought-out reply, and very much appreciated, I quite agree with you about a topper, and that is something, that I will definitely buy. As the Stardream has no upper deck so to speak, and I am alone, I suspect the best place to store the Bulky mattress cover and then duvet, together with pillows and sheets, will have to be on my front seat and well. I see now why people prefer to have the upper deck now, if ONLY for the storage problem scenario hahah. I appreciate all your ADVISE though, thank you Sweet Caroline

You have to go some way to actually blow anything up! The much more normal thing is for stuff to stop working or not work as well as it should.

As far as beds are concerned, when you are in your motorhome, you are probably on some sort of break or holiday, unless you are a lifer. Holidays are supposed to be relaxing, and so every second you spend in your bed should be comfortable. The jigsaw of seat cushions is fine when you go to bed, but by the next morning, you wake stiff and achey. Every subsequent morning you wake up progressively stiffer and achey-er (sic), or so we found when we had a caravan. We got fixed beds in motorhome and so we bought three layer, orthopaedic memory foam mattresses. Double the weight, but we sleep well every night.

I've looked at the layout of a 2001 Stardream. As the bed isn't fixed, you may need a mattress topper. Duvalay as suggested by others is a very common choice, but in a small van you might have storage issues. Smaller vans have the blessing of being able to go anywhere, but the curse of making up the bed. I would advise finding a way round the storage issue rather then slum it with a seat cushion jigsaw, but you may find it fine for you.

For top cover, duvet, every time. That way you can change the duvet cover if you feel the need. Have two. A summer and a winter, but only pack the one you need!

your so kind and thoughtful to take the time and trouble to reply, and yes will take all your advise, and hope that my local stop in West Rowe next week, will be comfortable, with the toppers the duvets and pillows ive bought especially for this new venture. storage will have to be in the front seat I think, as there seems to be no other place, to take all these bulky items, as you are aware the Stardream doesn't have an upper deck ! mmm thankyou anyway for your kind reply

 

[Tea Bag]

Hi.
Two SINGLE duvets ( Togs unknown )...... Storage... We bought a set of two single duvet covers,they came with Two humungous Pillow cases.... These now have been used to store the duvets and pillows ( They are that big ) and act as Cushions,one each end of the settee, PVC..Still use the covers though with right sized pillow cases.
Single duvets ? When we set off c/vanning,we had a double duvet, the dog decided it was snug to sleep on the bed,in the middle........ This meant the outside edges where drawn into the middle and we were left....Exposed. Single duvets was the answer.
Tea Bag.

 

[StephandJohn]

Haven't read it all but if you're going for a duvet you'll need something to lie on as well for comfort and warmth.

 

[reckless]

Hope the topper you've bought is of the squishy variety rather than foam. When we had a moho with limited storage we always seemed to be moving the foam topper from place to place. We rolled it, secured in 3 places with ties but it was still a pain. However that was a double, maybe yours is single?

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[sweet caroline]

Hope the topper you've bought is of the squishy variety rather than foam. When we had a moho with limited storage we always seemed to be moving the foam topper from place to place. We rolled it, secured in 3 places with ties but it was still a pain. However that was a double, maybe yours is single?

no double, albeit, i am on my own, as I have restless leg syndrome, which needs a larger duvet. so bought a squishy bottom duvet, not a topper, so hopefully, that will be able to be stored much better thanks

 

[Phoney]

Hi Guys,

Just starting to embrace my new motorhome, and buying all kind of space and collapsable items, for dollie. Just wondering what is the best thing to sleep in, Duvets are far too large, and where do you store a 15 tog duvet in a motorhome for 2, without overhead sleeping to store them ? sleeping bags, far too restrictive for my irritable leg syndrome, so anyone out there with suggestions, on a new camper lady. Also, sleeping bags, need to be washed, and their huge, I like a bed linen twice a week at home ! hahaha thank you so much guy s

I got one of these for Christmas, folds up as a cushion during the day and a quilt at night, might need a couple if there are two of you as they are a large single size when unfolded.Amazon product ASIN B08MB6K6M8 Alternatively a 4.5 tog (king size) duvet (including a cover) can be folded in a similar way and fits in a pillowcase

 

[Downsie]

Just a couple of points to add.
Like you sweet caroline I cannot bear having stuff lying around, my van must be neat and tidy! I bought a 5m Wildax Pulsar a couple of years ago and sorting out where to put (hide!) stuff was a huge challenge. I found that if you take the largest item first and decide where to keep it, then keep going in decreasing size, it made the whole thing much easier. You don’t mention if you have a wardrobe. Mine is about 12” wide and will take a single Duvalay 3” topper if done up with straps, I really don’t need to hang up the ballgown!
Regarding where to stop for the night I’ve seen no mention of CLs and CSs. You don’t get the restrictions of a standard camp site but they feel very safe, even if you are the sole occupant. (And yes, years ago we were awoken in the middle of the night in a forest clearing in Ireland by a group of young men shouting obscenities. We left and were then chased down the road. Afraid it definitely put us off wild camping and I would never do it now I’m alone.)

 

[sweet caroline]

Just a couple of points to add.
Like you sweet caroline I cannot bear having stuff lying around, my van must be neat and tidy! I bought a 5m Wildax Pulsar a couple of years ago and sorting out where to put (hide!) stuff was a huge challenge. I found that if you take the largest item first and decide where to keep it, then keep going in decreasing size, it made the whole thing much easier. You don’t mention if you have a wardrobe. Mine is about 12” wide and will take a single Duvalay 3” topper if done up with straps, I really don’t need to hang up the ballgown!
Regarding where to stop for the night I’ve seen no mention of CLs and CSs. You don’t get the restrictions of a standard camp site but they feel very safe, even if you are the sole occupant. (And yes, years ago we were awoken in the middle of the night in a forest clearing in Ireland by a group of young men shouting obscenities. We left and were then chased down the road. Afraid it definitely put us off wild camping and I would never do it now I’m alone.)

AHHH Thanks for the above, yes Dollie, has a Wardrobe, but there are two not one tables in there, with padded coats and jackets there is not much room left to put anything in there ! hahah, i think like you mentioned, front seating, with being alone, that is the most probable place to store the toppers and duvet covers. as for the Wild camping, your experience, has really put the willies up me, and probably will NEVER do this now ! so appreciate your help withthe above

 

[Nanniemate]

AHHH Thanks for the above, yes Dollie, has a Wardrobe, but there are two not one tables in there, with padded coats and jackets there is not much room left to put anything in there ! hahah, i think like you mentioned, front seating, with being alone, that is the most probable place to store the toppers and duvet covers. as for the Wild camping, your experience, has really put the willies up me, and probably will NEVER do this now ! so appreciate your help withthe above

Me and many other wild camp regularly don't be put off by unfortunate experiences of others . Yes it may be scarey if it happens

But out of curiosity

Do you ou drive 1000s killed on the road daily

Do you walk? Loads of accidents ..daily

Do you use a knife how often do you cut yourself. Not often

You were more likely to be murdered as a backpacker than in a van

What ever you do don't read the threads about gas attacks, ferries sinking, stowaways, or alcohol poisoning (hangovers are common) DuxDeluxe say nothing

And don't forget breathing the wrong air and butter will also kill you

Shall I go on

Be excited mini meets are common to get your confidence I have met some very interesting people when off grid

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[Downsie]

My point was to suggest that there are alternatives to either wild camping or full blown camp sites. We all have to make our own decisions about what we consider to be risky in some way.
Going back to your wardrobe sweet caroline, do you really need two tables? Coats and jackets can be popped into any locker, the problem is remembering which one!

 

[StephandJohn]

I would be nervous wild camping on my own. Maybe try a few sites first until you get used to it and have people around that you would feel comfortable asking for advice (don't forget you can always ask on here - even iif you need a quick answer there'll probably always be somebody to give advice).
Maybe choose somewhere near to home for a night or two.
Our first campsite was only two miles from the dealers and we had to go back the next morning to get a few things fixed.

 

[sweet caroline]

My point was to suggest that there are alternatives to either wild camping or full blown camp sites. We all have to make our own decisions about what we consider to be risky in some way.
Going back to your wardrobe sweet caroline, do you really need two tables? Coats and jackets can be popped into any locker, the problem is remembering which one!

You are right, one table I suspect, is for outside in the summer, and the other table small round one, which is the one I will use for myself on my own, is for the passenger seat that turns around, and you pop it then into a hole in the floor, which I think is very convenient and not intrusive,. Yes, I agree with you, choices have to be made individually and to suss out the areas, before deciding whether it is for you or not. But like everyone on this site, who are being extremely helpful with my plight, I appreciate all the feedback on their own travels. thank you Downsie

 

[sweet caroline]

I would be nervous wild camping on my own. Maybe try a few sites first until you get used to it and have people around that you would feel comfortable asking for advice (don't forget you can always ask on here - even iif you need a quick answer there'll probably always be somebody to give advice).
Maybe choose somewhere near to home for a night or two.
Our first campsite was only two miles from the dealers and we had to go back the next morning to get a few things fixed.

thank you booked now in West Rowe, 10 miles from me, so taken your advise and will take my first vist at the end of January. My theory is if I can do MH ing in the Winter months, then the Summer time will be a Breeze haha

 

[Suenliam]

You mention "padded coats and jackets". Work out what you will wear and only take those items. A padded coat in the winter and a waterproof light weight jacket in the summer. Pack clothes as if you were packing for a severly restricted air line case - everthing else is a bonus. That should free up space in the wardrobe. If you intend to eat outside then take both tables, but if space is at a premium then a very small "drinks" table will do for the outside. you will be surprised how little you really need to use. Our basement is full of "essential" items no longer taken with us.
Sue

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[Nanniemate]

You mention "padded coats and jackets". Work out what you will wear and only take those items. A padded coat in the winter and a waterproof light weight jacket in the summer. Pack clothes as if you were packing for a severly restricted air line case - everthing else is a bonus. That should free up space in the wardrobe. If you intend to eat outside then take both tables, but if space is at a premium then a very small "drinks" table will do for the outside. you will be surprised how little you really need to use. Our basement is full of "essential" items no longer taken with us.
Sue

I always have too many coats wet weather, cold weather, light weight , water proof and one which is lovely and comfy but a glorified cardi and not fit for purpose. Completely emptied van before Christmas it will be interesting to see what goes back in .

 

[sweet caroline]

You mention "padded coats and jackets". Work out what you will wear and only take those items. A padded coat in the winter and a waterproof light weight jacket in the summer. Pack clothes as if you were packing for a severly restricted air line case - everthing else is a bonus. That should free up space in the wardrobe. If you intend to eat outside then take both tables, but if space is at a premium then a very small "drinks" table will do for the outside. you will be surprised how little you really need to use. Our basement is full of "essential" items no longer taken with us.
Sue

THAT is so helpful Sue, thank you, i travelled around the world 4 years ago, with onboard luggage, so know how little you really need to survive, but keeping warm, is essential for me, cold wet, damp weather makes me a little miserable. so hoping Dollie, will keep me nice an warm, when i go out on her, eventually/ roll on friday on the service. thank you for your kind advise though

 

[Tony50]

We bought 2 single "Spundown" Duvets , they are very light and easy to wash , but boy are they cosy, ? yes they are best we have ever had not at all heavy on you in bed which we think is great

 

[stuartholmes]

I love my Coleman sleeping bag. It is very cosy, has a brushed cotton lining, and is square ended NOT a mummy shape. The only disadvantage is that it says it is only hand washable, which is a bit of a performance. I actually emailed them to query this and got e really terse message back, saying ' if we say hand wash it, then you must hand wash it', but I am thinking of trying it in the machine.

Did anyone tell you modern washing machines often have a programme that mechanically replicates a 'hand wash' ?
Hand washing more than occasional underwear in extremis & overpriced catwalk stuff you won't be taking in campervan is strictly for the birds.
(imho!)

 

[Nanniemate]

Did anyone tell you modern washing machines often have a programme that mechanically replicates a 'hand wash' ?
Hand washing more than occasional underwear in extremis & overpriced catwalk stuff you won't be taking in campervan is strictly for the birds.
(imho!)

Could try the dishwasher I put my dishcloths in there

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[stuartholmes]

Could try the dishwasher I put my dishcloths in there

You have a dishwasher in the 'van & you're not married to it? Or are you saying you put the dishcloth in when less talking is required?

 

[Reallyretired]

Then where to store the vacuum a compression bag is much smaller.

You can get very compact suction things for vaccuum bags. Usb rechargeable and about the size of a C size torch battery.

 

[carolyn]

Did anyone tell you modern washing machines often have a programme that mechanically replicates a 'hand wash' ?
Hand washing more than occasional underwear in extremis & overpriced catwalk stuff you won't be taking in campervan is strictly for the birds.
(imho!)

Ah, what one of my work colleagues called recreational underwear rather than M&S although they do quite a range these days.

 

[The Old Man]

Duvet.

 

[stuartholmes]

Ah, what one of my work colleagues called recreational underwear rather than M&S although they do quite a range these days.

M&S have recreational underwear nowadays?!?

You sure you don't mean S&M??