How To Make An RV Dinette Bed More Comfortable

Above, the dinette bed in the Minnie Winnie 22R that converts to a bed. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The dinette bed in my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R has been used during a couple of camping trips. I've heard no complaints about it from those who have used it.

There are some RVs that have uncomfortable dinette beds and RV Life has an article on how to make them more comfortable.

The begin with:

Dinettes are standard features in most RVs. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some models can even be converted into an additional bed when necessary. However, these beds are not always the most luxurious options available. Many people wake up with a sore back and a crick in their neck and wonder how to make an RV dinette bed more comfortable.  

Converting a dinette into a bed is fairly easy. Usually, all you need to do is remove/lower the table portion and place the bedding over the surface. It works well enough in a pinch but has much less support and comfort compared to a traditional mattress. To help you out (and give everyone a better night’s sleep), we’ve found a few tips to make your RV dinette bed more comfortable. 

To see what they are, go here. 

How To Make An RV Bed Comfortable

Above, my simple bed set-up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With all the griping some people with RVs do, my experience is quite the opposite with my Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R.

Yes, the mattress is firm, but I actually sleep better in the motorhome than I do in my bed in the house. I have a mattress pad on the mattress with my TravalSak on top. The TravaSak (the company is no longer in business) is essentially a double sleeping bag with a sheet insert held by Velcro. On top of the TravaSak is a John Wayne blanket. I am quite comfortable with this set-up.

But, as I mentioned, some people aren't comfortable in their RV beds. So, RV Life posted an article on making an RV bed more comfortable.

They begin with:

RVs are quite expensive and even the most high-quality models find ways to save money in the build process. Unfortunately, one area that often takes a hit in the comfort department is the RV bed!

The standard mattresses that come in most RVs are suitable, but not really built for long-lasting comfort. They are sometimes a bit thin and tend to lead to sore backs after you sleep on them for a while.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential, especially when you plan on traveling quite a bit. So to help make your RV bed a bit more comfortable, check out some of the tips below. Some are quick fixes while others might require more time and money to implement. But when it comes to getting great sleep, it’s best to know what your options are!

To read more, go here. 

Minnie Winnie Queen Bed

Above, my RV queen bed with a Travasak and a
Yellowstone throw blanket on top. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I received a comment on another blog post:

Hi Armand, I saw your response in this month’s issue of Motorhome (January 2019) as it refers to the corner bed. Any chance you could advise a bit more detail about who makes the queen bed pad, etc. A photo would be great if you have one and are willing. It really is one of the few things I dislike about our 2015 Itasca. Every time I make the bed I tell myself there must be a better way. It just looks messy no matter what I do. It sounds like you have it figured out but I seem to have a mental block on this. Thank you! Jinny

Above, the January 2019 issue of Motorhome.

My reply:

 Jinny: 

I have no idea who makes the queen bed pad. Probably your best bet in finding out is to contact Winnebago and they should have the information. As far as a photo, I will post one in another blog. It is nothing too terribly exciting since all I use is a Travasak, as mentioned in my Motorhome response. - A.

Accordingly, I am posting a photo (at top) of what I use in my 2015 Minnie Winnie 22R. Itasca, Jinny's RV, is a division of Winnebago Industries.  

RV Corner Beds

Above, my bed with the Travasak. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is funny to read letters and forum posts by some RVers complaining how hard it is to make a corner bed in their motorhomes. 

Many especially complain that there are no fitted sheets that have one "chopped-off" corner like some corner motorhome bedmattresses have.

Above, the bed pad before being tucked in at the chopped-off corner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This is the topic of Motorhome magazine's next Question of the Month. I felt compelled to respond to the topic.

It is as follow:

On the subject of corner beds, especially ones with a "chopped-off" corner, I have one of those in my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R Class C. 

As far as I know, nobody makes fitted sheets with a "chopped-off" corner. But I have no problem in making my corner bed. I have a queen size bed pad with elastic straps to hold onto the corners (for the "chopped-off" corner, I just tuck it in underneath). On top of that, I have a queen size Travasak that has sheets that are held in with Velcro. It is easy to make the bed, I just zip up the sides, straighten it out a little and I'm done. 

I have a throw blanket that I put on top of the Travasak to "dress up" the bed and cover the mattress and bed pad. For me, making the bed is painless!

Travasak is out-of-business, but I managed to have two of them. Is a "sleep system" of a sleeping bag (of various sizes) with a sheet insert that is held inside with Velcro. Mine, as my response states, is a queen size one.

Travasaks can still be found online. There may be similar "sleep systems" made by other companies.

Making RV Beds Easier

Above, my bed in The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping isn't always like it used to be.

In the early days, people would just set up a tent, throw in a sleeping bag (with or without a pad underneath) and that's it.

Nowadays, people are seeking more comfort as they travel around. One of the things modern RVers look for is a comfortable bed and one that is easy to make.

Do It Yourself RV has an article with six tips on making a RV bed a whole lot easier. I went with number 6 on the list.

They begin with:

Nobody likes doing chores in an RV. After all, it’s much more fun to hang out around the campfire and shoot the breeze or head out on an epic hiking adventure. Unfortunately, the chores won’t do themselves, meaning you will have to take care of them eventually. 

One of the worst RV chores is making the beds.  Tiny spaces aren’t exactly easy to navigate, especially when doing something as cumbersome as making a bed. Add to that the dreaded corner bed situation or one of those darn RV bunks, and you have a situation that could frustrate the gentlest of saints. 

Luckily there are ways to make this chore a little less difficult. Obviously, you will want to take advantage of as many tips as you can, so we have included a whole list of ideas for making your RV bed-making adventures a tad easier.

To read more, go here. 

New Bed

Above, Sierra inspecting the new bed, making sure everything was done right. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At long last, I've finally bought myself a new bed.

The one I've been using was given to me by my daughter Amber a few years ago. Unfortunately, it wasn't well made (but it served its purpose) and broke while I was putting on some shoes.

Above, a better view of the headboard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I headed down to Living Spaces in Van Nuys yesterday and saw what I wanted (a storage bed) and bought it. I almost didn't get over there as the gate to the apartment's parking lot went on the fritz and wouldn't open with the clicker. 2 other tenants could get it to with theirs either.

Luckily, someone knew how to open it manually and I immediately headed off to Living Spaces.

It was delivered about a couple of hours ago. That's speedy service!

I am pleased with my purchase.