Sometimes, with the challenges of the full-time RV lifestyle, renovating the RV bedroom becomes necessary. One challenge in the bedroom is handling moisture buildup beneath the bed. That's right, your unassuming bed platform could become a hidden mold factory if left unchecked. Pro tip: promote airflow under your mattress to keep dampness at bay.
Well, I have to confess, despite knowing this, my action was delayed (hello, overthinkers club!). By the time I ordered the underlayment, months into our full-time living journey, enough time had passed that lo and behold, it was too late. Our snug hybrid mattress had turned into a mold party, and the OSB platform was an uninvited guest.
Undeterred, we chose to protect ourselves while sleeping by wrapping the mattress in sheet plastic, tucking it neatly under, forming a barrier against the mold until spring sprung and the great bed makeover could begin.
Replacement options abounded, but after some thoughtful considerations, we decided to downsize from a queen to a full bed. This decision was prompted by our love of steel, foldable platform bed frames. I've trusted these sturdy marvels for years and loved knowing they'd offer 100% breathability to our new mattress. Plus, they're super simple to assemble!
Our selection led us to the Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame. A dream to set up, we only had to trim the legs at the head and center points, and raise up the foot of the bed legs with blocks to accommodate our 5th wheel's charming multilevel floor.
We bid farewell to our RV queen size in favor of a full because the bedroom could only accommodate up to 75” in length. Steel frames come in standard sizes, which meant we were getting a full-sized frame (54” x 75”). Bonus points: making the full-sized bed is a breeze, with no more wrestling the mattress squeezed between our large nightstands. The height elevation made mornings brighter, as it was easier to roll out of bed, and we gained precious extra inches on either side of the bed.
Worried about underbed storage? Fear not, as we still had room to slide in bins from the sides. The old lift storage, a tad heavy to manage, was barely used except for stowing a bag of bedding and sweatshirts. Our linens and fabric now rest comfortably in soft clothing storage bags that have proven to be quite durable.
The great bed makeover began with the Herculean task of getting the moldy mattress out without turning the RV into a mold fest. All went smoother than we expected.
After dealing with the mattress, the gas shock cylinders that would lift the platform were the next to go, with plans to repurpose them for the dinette storage benches. Following this, the rust-kissed screws that once held the OSB platform were unscrewed, and the platform was disassembled.
The final touches included removing the last piece of wood at the bed's head, pulling up the plastic trim strips, and prying off the luan sheets. This unveiled the screws that bound the base to the 5th wheel floor.
After all the unscrewing, lifting, and cleaning, we finally had a clean slate to work with! A wipe of the walls with diluted white vinegar and a good vacuum later, we were ready for the new setup.
The magic of steel platform frames lies in their fold-open-and-out design, making them compact for transport and straightforward to set up. To ensure the frame was level, we had to trim the legs at the head and the center of the frame and add a little lift to the foot using our handy 2” x 3” boards. With the supports solidly screwed in place, our bed frame was perfectly level and more stable than ever.
The complete transformation of our bedroom space turned out to be quite an adventure, but each step was worth the effort. Now, not only do we have a new, mold-free, breathable setup that's friendlier to our backs, but we also have more space to move around. Plus, it's so much easier to get out of bed in the mornings!
And guess what? The change from queen to full didn't diminish our underbed storage space. We can still slide items in from the sides, and without the heavy lifting mechanism, accessing stored items has become a breeze. Our soft clothing storage bags are a perfect fit, keeping our linens and fabrics neatly tucked away.
Embarking on this bed makeover journey taught us that when it comes to full-time RV living, keeping an eye on moisture and being proactive with potential issues like mold is crucial. Now we know that sometimes the trick to solving a problem is not just about dealing with it, but also about redesigning and improving your space for a healthier, happier living environment.
This journey, while filled with unscrewing, lifting, and cleaning, has led us to a more comfortable, healthier, and happier living space. It's more than just a renovation; it's a rejuvenation, a fresh start that has filled us with renewed energy and optimism. Now, as we slide into our easy-to-make bed each night, we know we've created a space that's truly ours.
So, are you ready to take on your RV renovation project? We're here cheering you on, ready to offer tips, advice, and good vibes along the way. Happy RVing, friends!