I have put my sleeping quarters together today. After trying the recommended Truck-bedz mattress option from the pre-mentioned blog, I decided that route was a real PITA.
I did not like that:
1) The mattress inflates to 8in high and pushes the sleeper up to the level of the passenger window. This takes away the use of the cargo shield so people can see you easier if one looks in.
2) The mattress feels like your sleeping on a balloon. When you roll over you can feel the air under you get redistributed to different parts of the mattress, with all those rubbing sounds that come along with it against the different areas of the interior.
3) The area by the front streets is also not very well supported. I tried using the headrests from the back seat positioned like the poster said, except the support bars are not long enough to extend the needed length of the mattress.
4) Also, when doing overnighters, you will definitely have all kinds of other crap with you that need to be out of the way. Having much of the stuff there on the mattress is just not stable , or clumsy shall I say.
So I thought about it and I went out to REI. I bought the best camping mattress they had. Luckily on sale too! It is slightly long but will still do nicely. It has a R9 rating, the best of anything available. (There are no insulating properties via the Truck-bedz). It set me back $150 after 30% discount, and cheaper than the Truck-bedz. After inflation, the mattress is 4in high which I think is great. I should be able to sleep with the cargo shield on. If you are a big boy though you may be out of luck though.
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To compensate for the headrests, I went to Target and bought two plastic storage bins. The dimensions are 18H x 18L x 14W. - $20 for both. Perfect for storing spare clothes other crap and, my playmate fits perfect in there too. Seats must me moved all the way forward.
Somebody questioned the supporting capacity of the cargo compartment accessory. Mine says 150lbs, and just so you know, that part supports you only from the shins down when sleeping so you should be good to go. Just be careful if you plan getting in and out from the back of the car instead of the doors.
My Leaf is an SL, with the Bose stereo amplifier that sits between the back seat and cargo area. As you can see below, the Cargo Accessory and Amp get along quite well. You will only need to fill the void to better support the mattress in that area.
Thought I would add a few pics just for giggles and grins.
If anybody thinks they can use the Truck-bedz matterss, I will sell it to somebody here at a nice discount, else I will ebay it for as much as I can get for it. I Paid $200, and I will sell it to you for $150 including shipping.
