Need a recommendation

[Mike8623]

New to the forum and just got a 04 exped. from my brother in law. I will be driving it from montana to new York this summer and will be sleeping in the back of it. Can anyone offer an recommendation on a comfortable low riding cot that will fit well in the back with seats down.

 

[whtbronco]

Oh I have done this several times for 4-5 days each instance. Put the 2nd and 3rd row seats down flat. Fill the gap between the rows with some towels, I also use a 1/4x24x48" sheet of luan over that. Then grab a twin size blow up mattress. It fits perfect and is quiet comfortable.

I used to travel to fly R/C planes and the planes went in the truck over night and I went in a tent. Once day I realized this was stupid and we swapped. I could warm or cool the truck, shut it off and go to sleep in quiet and comfort. I used a power inverter to run the air pump, but now days you can get an air mattress with a built-in battery powered pump or a pump that runs on 12v.

Truly worked great and it was cheap and easy.

 

[whtbronco]

Oh I also made a shelf that went across the back from 1/2x24x48" plywood and 2x2's cut to fit between the windows. I then used sticky back velcro to hold the ply to the 2x2's, and 1 of the 2x2's went between the D pillar and seat belt to keep it from sliding forward. I had drinks, flashlight, eye drops etc there in easy reach.

 

[Mike8623]

Yah I'm thinking of driving all day then finding a truck stop to pull into....sitting outside a bit in a lawn chair having a beer or two then also grabbing a bite to eat and then into my vehicle, watch a little TV on my phone then go to sleep. I'm also taking a large female saint bernard.

I just can't do that airplane thing anymore and I enjoy driving and listening to my radio and I'm just not paying $100.00+ for a place to shower and sleep. I can shower at the truck stop if I wish to.

 

[whtbronco]

An inflatable mattress would work great with your plans. I'm too cheap for a hotel and don't like them anyway.

You might also consider shipping it. The prices I found last winter for shipping 1 of our Monte Carlos was $1000 San Antonio, TX to Winchester, VA and $500 Winchester, VA to Savannah, GA.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

Back seats down, firm gel foam sheet w/ air mattress with auto-powered pump on top, done, done & done

Been there, done that, many times, neveranottaproblemo...

And like Mike8623, I cannot & will not fly anywhere for any reason on any airline... not that I can't afford it, but I simply refuse to be stuck in a tin can @30k ft, with a bunch of screamin, undisciplined, uncontrolled rugrats, whining aggravating man/woman-childs that have absolutely ZERO manners, common sense or consideration for others....

 

[Mike8623]

Yep, I get the flying thing.....just won't do it anymore and it's not really the money....it is the stress, at 74 I've had it. Driving is a little more expensive but I'd rather pay a little more and enjoy the extra time it will take me with my dog. I don't really want to go to new York but my daughter wants me to visit so that is why I'm going out. The ironic part of obtaining the exped. Is that my brother in law is a retired airline pilot. I live in a very remote and secluded part of Montana. I see more animals than people, I can't begin to tell you how peacful it is here.

 

[whtbronco]

That is exactly the kind of place I want to live. I want no more neighbors.

 

[chuck s]

Between Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot, and DicksSporting you should easily find an inflatable mattresses that works. Air mattresses are often cold but you have a highly effective heating -- and security -- device (AKA St Bernard) with you so that won't be a factor. Crack a window or two or you'll be drenched in humidity. Done it several times with just a foam pad.

The forum didn't like *****. D I C K s.
-- Chuck

 

[Doug Reed]

New to the forum and just got a 04 exped. from my brother in law. I will be driving it from montana to new York this summer and will be sleeping in the back of it. Can anyone offer an recommendation on a comfortable low riding cot that will fit well in the back with seats down.

I too have an 04. It's been through a lot and has been a pretty good truck. It's only job now is to pull my camper and fill in when my other vehicle is in the shop. With the gas it will be gulping on your trip, you may re-think the flying thing......9mpg with camper. 14-15mpg on the highway.....

 

[BigOleFordFan]

With the gas it will be gulping on your trip, you may re-think the flying thing......9mpg with camper. 14-15mpg on the highway....

Time for a CBA (cost benefit analysis) ?

I think that's already been addressed here

Yep, I get the flying thing.....just won't do it anymore and it's not really the money....it is the stress, at 74 I've had it. Driving is a little more expensive but I'd rather pay a little more and enjoy the extra time it will take me with my dog.

 

[Mike8623]

Thanks for the recommendations folks. There is a story behind getting that exped and it is now my newest vehicle.

I had a 96 7.3 5 speed f250 with right at 400,000 miles on it and still also have a 03 4runner with almost 300,000 miles on it. I just keep changing the oil and filter every 3000 miles and getting it to the dealer at intervals.