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Old 07-03-2007, 04:41 PM   #1
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Making penthouse bed

We opted not to get the penthouse bed. Now are thinking about making one up that we can use when the grandkids come with us. We bought some 3/4 in plywood and had it cut into three pieces as it will be easier to put in when needed for a total of 5 1/2 feet. Now the question is how much padding is need? Also what type of material is best for covering the padding and wood with?

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Old 07-03-2007, 06:49 PM   #2
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There isn't alot of room up there for a mattress. Since the SMB padding isn't very good, you can just add 2-3" of good memory foam. If you keep it to 2" you may be able to leave the sheets and a blanket on the bed when you put the top down.

We (like alot of others) added 2" of memory over the SMB PH bed. We can leave the sheets up there, but not even a thin summer blanket. It would nice if more would fit.

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Old 07-04-2007, 08:47 AM   #3
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Mike - are you able to leave the 2" of memory foam on the bed when you lower the penthouse? I find I can leave our bedding on the front part of the bed, but the rear is so tight that the penthouse won't seat to the roof of the van with anything on top of the SMB mattress. No way can I leave any extra padding up there. You got a neat secret???
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Old 07-04-2007, 10:58 AM   #4
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Maybe it is the difference between an EB and an RB?

The memory foam is squished a little in the front and the back by the covers over the top support arms. Less than 1/2".

Without the vans side by side, it is hard to say what the issue might be.

Mike
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Old 07-05-2007, 08:47 PM   #5
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Hummmm, I'll have to take a closer look. The support arm covers on my RB come all the way down to the rear part of the bed as it is. I have some 2" egg crate foam I tried putting up there. It makes the bed more comfortable, but I can't leave it in place when lowering the top. When I do, it pushes the back of the penthouse about 1-1/4" off the roof and I can't latch the back down. As you say, might be the difference between the EB & RB.
Anyway, thanks for the info.
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Old 07-11-2007, 07:59 PM   #6
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It seems like you can put the bed pieces anywhere, at least with the top up. I tried putting the pieces all the way forward so the back PH windows would cool the lower bed and it worked great. I've had the cables that will lift the front SMB bed smashed into the bed when it wasn't in the right place. It didn't do any damage but it sure seems like it would. If you're playing with alternative positions when the PH is down (I'm thinking if the back is tight can you slide them 12" forward and close the top?) watch for the support cables when you close it. Also when closed neither piece can be move at all on my van. They're clamped pretty tight by the top.
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Old 07-23-2007, 03:31 PM   #7
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I have two of these that I use when I camp http://www.backcountry.com/store/CAS024 ... g-Pad.html

Seems it may be an option for those that use sleeping bags in their penthouse.
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