Airflow around SIDES of mattress?

[Jordan]

Has anyone put a smaller-than-stock mattress into a 2nd gen E19? Apparently an “off the sheet” option is getting a slightly smaller mattress. This would increase airflow around the sides (and make it easier to lift the mattress to access the area underneath). Curious if anyone has done this or thinks it is a good/bad idea? Thanks.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Jordan

Has anyone put a smaller-than-stock mattress into a 2nd gen E19? Apparently an “off the sheet” option is getting a slightly smaller mattress. This would increase airflow around the sides (and make it easier to lift the mattress to access the area underneath). Curious if anyone has done this or thinks it is a good/bad idea? Thanks.

In my second E19 I requested for 4" smaller (2"on each side) mattress....they accommodated.

[Jordan]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

In my second E19 I requested for 4" smaller (2"on each side) mattress....they accommodated.

Thanks Jim - I think it was actually you that gave me this idea in the first instance. Was this a good move in your mind? Do you find the mattress a bit too small? It is an extra $50 they are asking to do a custom size.

[cpaharley2008]

If anything I found the uncut version too big, squeezed into the area. The smaller size allowed easier bed making and less condensation around the perimeter.

[Jordan]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

If anything I found the uncut version too big, squeezed into the area. The smaller size allowed easier bed making and less condensation around the perimeter.

Thanks! Another others with this experience?

[Hen]

Originally Posted by Jordan

Has anyone put a smaller-than-stock mattress into a 2nd gen E19? Apparently an “off the sheet” option is getting a slightly smaller mattress. This would increase airflow around the sides (and make it easier to lift the mattress to access the area underneath). Curious if anyone has done this or thinks it is a good/bad idea? Thanks.

We just ordered our first E19 and requested a custom mattress be cut 2” smaller (1” on each side) . We thought this was a good idea for all the above reasons. We probably will pick it up in April so will let you know how we like it.

[sclifrickson]

My understanding is that some years ago ETI switched the normal mattress sizes such that instead of perfectly filling the available space, they instead all come with a one inch gap around the perimeter as standard. Our stock 2017 mattress is so sized, leaving the perfect amount of room to insert a layer of Hypervent around the perimeter.

[Jordan]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

My understanding is that some years ago ETI switched the normal mattress sizes such that instead of perfectly filling the available space, they instead all come with a one inch gap around the perimeter as standard. Our stock 2017 mattress is so sized, leaving the perfect amount of room to insert a layer of Hypervent around the perimeter.

Thanks for this info. Hard to decide if an extra inch to make a 2" perimeter is needed then. Two questions for you: 1) do you wish you had a smaller mattress when you tilt it up to access the storage lid beneath it (ie: does it rub on the walls); and 2) do you wrap the Hypervent up the sides of mattress? If so, is there still room to make the bed? Many thanks!

[cpaharley2008]

The hypervent needs to be anywhere your can have condensation, sides particularly.

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by Jordan

Thanks for this info. Hard to decide if an extra inch to make a 2" perimeter is needed then. Two questions for you: 1) do you wish you had a smaller mattress when you tilt it up to access the storage lid beneath it (ie: does it rub on the walls); and 2) do you wrap the Hypervent up the sides of mattress? If so, is there still room to make the bed? Many thanks!

The weight of the mattress makes the topside storage lid impractical, so we never use it. Access is only via doors under the bed between oven and fridge, or via exterior hatch. That mattress is heavy! And a serious pain if you ever need to take out all the way, eg to install Hypervent or such under the whole thing.

I suppose if you were to cut some Hypervent just the right shape you could emplacement such that it would go up the sides, but we did it in separate pieces. Two pieces cover the platform under the mattress and two pieces wrap around sides. Sheets tuck in between Hypervent and mattress.

[Jordan]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

The weight of the mattress makes the topside storage lid impractical, so we never use it. Access is only via doors under the bed between oven and fridge, or via exterior hatch. That mattress is heavy! And a serious pain if you ever need to take out all the way, eg to install Hypervent or such under the whole thing.

I suppose if you were to cut some Hypervent just the right shape you could emplacement such that it would go up the sides, but we did it in separate pieces. Two pieces cover the platform under the mattress and two pieces wrap around sides. Sheets tuck in between Hypervent and mattress.

Thanks all - sounds like the slightly smaller mattress is not necessarily required.

[Farther]

What is the bed deck material thickness? Would it help to drill ventilation holes in the bed deck with a hole saw to increase ventilation? Maybe just a few strategically placed holes?

[StarvingHyena]

Something that really helps keep my bedding from getting "soaked" with condensation and/or freezing to the walls is to put 'snap on' pipe insulation ….( looks like a smaller pool noodle ) between the bedding and outside walls. I use pipe insulation made for 3/4" pipe along the front wall and foam made for 1/2" pipe at the head and foot. Its cheap, soft, easy to cut to length and creates just enough space to keep my bedding dry.
Hope this helps someone ...

Tom

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

The weight of the mattress makes the topside storage lid impractical, so we never use it. Access is only via doors under the bed between oven and fridge, or via exterior hatch. That mattress is heavy! And a serious pain if you ever need to take out all the way, eg to install Hypervent or such under the whole thing.

Ditto

Originally Posted by Farther

What is the bed deck material thickness? Would it help to drill ventilation holes in the bed deck with a hole saw to increase ventilation? Maybe just a few strategically placed holes?

The deck plywood is 1/2" but the area under the bed is isolated and with the zero R value hatch door, colder than the trailer interior. The cold area underneath could result in more condensation when it meets the warmer damper air above.

Ron

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

The weight of the mattress makes the topside storage lid impractical, so we never use it. Access is only via doors under the bed between oven and fridge, or via exterior hatch. That mattress is heavy!

Exactly why I made two drawers for under the bed. One is 36 inches long on the main aisle door, the 2nd pulls out next to the bathroom door - dividers hold our muddy hiking shoes out of the way, and being plastic we take it outside to hose it out for cleaning. They ride in a plastic sled; no heavy slides on them.