176t mattress topper storage question
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3394
Printed Date: 28 May 2024 at 12:59pm
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Topic: 176t mattress topper storage question
Posted By: HappyCampers
Subject: 176t mattress topper storage question
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2013 at 8:45am
| We are awaiting delivery of our new 176T. From reading other posts, we are definitely planning on getting a mattress topper. Question for other "T" model owners: can you keep the topper on when you fold up the tent end, or does it have to come off each time? thanks! |
Replies:
Posted By: jjkd
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2013 at 10:20am
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I don't think it would be easy to try to keep the topper on when folding things up. The regular mattress is akward enough, two pieces would be tough. In our 172T, we have our topper in a duvet cover, roll it up and fasten with two luggage straps to keep it tightly rolled, then stow it on the opposite top bunk.
------------- -- Joe Kyle --jjkd-- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2013 at 9:33pm
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Welcome.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 02 May 2013 at 12:41pm
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We used a foam topper last year and had to remove it to fold up the tent. This year, new mattress alltogether. Going IKEA!!! The FR mattress is not the greatest and you will feel the steel hinge in your back at night.
Lovin the 176T
Todd ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: HappyCampers
Date Posted: 05 May 2013 at 9:16pm
| wow! I'm intrigued. I had assumed that since the tent bed mattress folded in half, you were kind of stuck with it. Is there really an IKEA mattress that is more comfortable than the one that comes with the 176T that fits the space and that folds as needed to fit? Would you mind sharing which mattress, and which size (full or queen)? Thanks so much! |
Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 07 May 2013 at 8:36am
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The mattress we got is the
LYCKSELE LÖVÅS sofa bed mattress. It measures:
width: 55 1/8 "
length: 74 " A bit narrow for the tent but it does fold and is more comfortable than the FR mattress with a topper. We find that the extra blanketing gathers between the tent and mattress anyhow and it all works out just fine. Also makes it easier to put the sheets on! ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: HappyCampers
Date Posted: 19 May 2013 at 8:02pm
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thanks so much for this information. I've written the mattress name down and will check it out next time we're art IKEA.
We actually picked our R-pod up on Friday - woo boo! I want to check with other tent model owners to make sure we're folding it up correctly, so that it stows as efficiently as possible. we leave the mattress on as is, and when folding, try to make sure that the frame closes up and the fabric is as smooth as possible. we saw a post that suggested using a bungee cord to wrangle the tent material in place. any other tips for minimizing the amount of space the tent takes up when the tent is not "deployed"? Thanks in advance! |
Posted By: waynemaw
Date Posted: 25 May 2013 at 11:53am
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So we were just out for our first full night in our new 176T and two things I could use help on. 1st is the fact that it poured and was in the low 50's. My guess is what was dripping on my head was condensation and not the tent leaking but I'm not 100% sure. The whole thing was closed up tight and we had 2 adults, 2 kids and 2 dogs, so that is why Im guessing condensation. Any other suggestions for this issue? The second was the moment I turned on the heater figuring I would try to dry things out in the pod the smoke alarm started going off. I had to turn the heat off to make it stop. This was the first time I had ever turned the heater on so my guess is was burning off whatever may have been on the coils. Let me know if anyone has any suggestions for this issue. Now to a more different topic. We went to Target and got the 3" Fieldcrest Luxury Memory Foam and its absolutely awesome. It still lets us fold the mattress and use the dinette during the day. It is the right width but 4 inches longer than the factory mattress. We put both the FR mattress and the new addition in the case that comes with the Target mattress and together it makes one great mattress. Hopefully the weather improves over the weekend! Everyone enjoy and be safe over this Memorial Day. Wayne |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 May 2013 at 11:30pm
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Yes, likely it was condensation. Inside most have found they need to keep the vent and a window or two cracked open to prevent condensation issues on the windows and walls. The same could happen in the Dome too. Yes, you were burning off construction residue on the furnace. Open up your windows and fire it up for 10-15 minutes and you'll be fine after that. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: HappyCampers
Date Posted: 26 May 2013 at 10:30pm
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Waynemaw, We just turned on the heater of our new 176T yesterday, and experienced the same thing you did - I was really surprised at how immediately the smoke alarm went on. Techntrek, thanks for letting us know that it is to be expected. We assumed so, but still, it was unsettling. Regardless, I'm pretty sure no actual smoke is getting through THAT alarm! Waynemaw, Are you saying that you are able to fold up the mattress that is there AND the topper you mention, and still have usable seating in the dining area with the tent closed? We don't have a topper and the tent seems to be overtaking the dining area, so any tips you have about reigning it in would be much appreciated. Specifically, do you un-do the velcro, zippers, etc. before you fold up the tent, or just fold the mattress in half and keep everything else as-is? Thanks so much.
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Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 29 May 2013 at 8:57pm
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Well, we actually use an electric heater and not the propane heater unless we absolutely have to. We had nights down to 31 degrees over the past weekend and the electric heater kept us all warm and dry. We did experience a bit of condensation but nothing that really bothered us. I highly suggest a small ceramic heater if you are at a campground with electric hook up! It will keep the 176T nice and warm and NOT use your propane! Keep that for cooking and hot water! Hope that the 176T is all that you think that it would be. It sure is for us! Todd and Beth ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 29 May 2013 at 9:13pm
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All, If you want to do something easy to help make the dinette a little more usable, check out the dinette mod that we did. It is on the forum as 176T dinette mod. It lets us use the dinette much better than without the mod. makes it so much easier to sit and eat, watch tv, play games, etc. We posted the pics in August/Sept 2012 right after we picked up the Pod. You will have to have the tent deployed in order for this to make sense though. We dont use the pod without the tent deployed so it makes sense for us! Also makes a lot of sense for those with more than 2 people! Todd and Beth ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: waynemaw
Date Posted: 29 May 2013 at 10:22pm
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We keep the tent down all the time. For me it would feel to confined without the tent out. We just fold the mattress up during the day to use the full dinette. |
Posted By: waynemaw
Date Posted: 29 May 2013 at 10:26pm
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Can you repost your mod? I tried searching it but had no luck finding it. |
Posted By: HappyCampers
Date Posted: 29 May 2013 at 11:23pm
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here is the link: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2980&title=pr-176t-dinette-mod . great mod!
although we are planning on using the tent, we would love it if our topper or replacement mattress could fold up into the existing space, rather than needing to be removed to fold the tent up. waynemaw and toddlatt, do yours fold up in the existing space? thanks so much for the info. |
Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 30 May 2013 at 9:42pm
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We removed the FR mattress and use an IKEA futon mattress with a 2 inch memory foam topper. We do fold up with it in place. it does not fit perfectly but it travels well and does not fall out of place. We do not add any extra straps to hold it up either. It does not look the best from inside but that is not important to us as we pop the tent as soon as we get squared up. If we need to get in while on the road, there is still enough room for two. We do not carry the FR table either so we have more room in there. That darn table is also heavy and too big for the area. We don't use the dinette as a bed so no need for that table anyhow ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 31 May 2013 at 11:02pm
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Hi fellow 176T'ers. I bought my 2010 176T used, privately and it came with and air mattress I NEVER USED. I bought a short Queen (60x75) foam mattress and have used that successfully. I just tried stowing tonight by folding it in half and it seems to work well. I also saw that backrest that swings up and I will DEFINITELY be putting that in - 176T shortcoming (IMO) is no seats facing TV in front entertainment area and no dinette area with foam mattress NOT folded. I got rid of the heavy table and use TWO pieces of 3/4(?) plywood to fill in where table was. I take out one piece when camping (mattress down) to create more room. I can show pictures if your interested. My 2010 model and dimensions may be different from yours. My tent is still in great shape and it's easy to setup. Warning! DO NOT FORGET to put down stabilizers before opening tent or you'll be surprised when the unhitched Pod begins to tilt from your weight in the tent!  Happy tenting! ------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |
Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 01 Jun 2013 at 11:00pm
ToddLat, Great mod for the backrest. What is the thickness of the backrest? 3/4 " plywood? Does the thickness effect the feel of the mattress when you sleep on it? Thanks, Bill ------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |
Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 02 Jun 2013 at 8:33pm
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Bill
We used 3/8 thick plywood. This actually helps to flatten the mattress out when it is down. We could feel the tent hinge at night before we did this mod. Now we do not feel the hinge and our mattress sit flat. The 3/8 is more than sturdy enough to hold all 3 of us if we are watching tv. The way we have the backrest supported makes the whole thing pretty sturdy. The full length piano hinge with the wings the catch the sides of the camper really strengthen it up. Not much flex even in the middle. I did sand the entire backrest and put several coats of poly on it to smooth and seal it. No worries about splinters if you rest your arm on the back. I can get you our dimensions if you like. Todd ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 02 Jun 2013 at 9:42pm
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Todd, "déjà vu"! I camped many a night in my Pod, but the last 3 nights last week at Lake Lanier, I felt the hinge as well and I was thinking/hoping the board would help. Thanks for the insight. Yes it would be nice to get the dimensions if you would post them - though I'm not sure if my 2010 has the same dim's as yours. I'm really looking forward to getting this mod installed. Thanks again. Bill
------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |
Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2013 at 12:13pm
Todd, If you could post the dimensions of the backrest that would be a great starting point for me. Thanks. Bill
------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |
Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 10 Jun 2013 at 11:59am
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Bill
Sorry I have not posted yet. I store my camper off site and will pick it up on Wednesday. I will get the dimensions then and post.
Todd ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2013 at 7:46pm
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Ok. Sorry for the delay Bill. Here you go:
3/8 thick plywood. 74 inches long by 15 3/4 inches tall The notches are 4 1/2 wide by 8 1/2 inches tall cut from the top as seen in the photos on my original post Let me know if you need anything else! Good luck. We love this mod Todd ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2013 at 10:56pm
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Todd, thanks very much. Bill ------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |
Posted By: HappyCampers
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 10:13pm
| Todlat - thanks for this info!! great mod! |
Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 6:46pm
Todd, I installed the backrest mod on my 176T today and it is GREAT! I used 1/2 inch plywood ( I'm a 250+ guy) and invited the wife in to try it out. She loves it. No more neck aches from sitting on the side seats and watching TV to the left/right. I let my imagination run wild and I was thinking of maybe two headrests with cushions and a coffee holder? ... My next version  Your measurements were spot on ... I installed hinge about 1 1/2" from back edge with slight tilt towards tent. Again, thanks for your help (and inspiration). Bill
------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |
Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2013 at 7:25am
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Bill,
Glad that it works for you. IMO it should be standard with the 176T from the factory! You have the wife to thank as it was her idea, I just made it happen! She deserves the credit!
We ordered 2 more of the long coushions from FR so that we have them around the entire U shape. Makes the mod look factory.
Keep Modin and Podin!
Todd and Beth ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 8:44pm
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Bill. Just wondering how this is working for you. Do you have any pics of your mod. Wondering if the slight angle may be better for us but wanted to see pics first.
Thanks. Todd ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: phil & sue & daisy
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2013 at 4:37pm
| We just use our self inflating camping mattresses under the stock foam pad and they work great, they also roll up real good if need be. |
Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2013 at 8:17pm
Todd,I just saw your request ... I was camping Aug/Sept so I probably missed it. My pod is in storage but I'll be taking it out to winterize soon ... I'll try to get you some pictures. Yes I decided to put it at a slight angle .. I used 1/2" plywood which is a bit firmer. Without planning for it, I have about a 1" gap between board and tent flooring in the middle of seat when it's tilted out ... This has turned out to be a perfect place for me to store (on edge) the two boards I use to fill I where my heavy table was. This has the effect of making the back even firmer. I'll get some pictures which will better show what I did. Bill ------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |