It is a little on the loud side when on full power. However, I let it self inflate for a few minutes while I arrange other stuff around camp and then it takes just a minute on low power that you could still easily have a conversation over the noise. If I’m not worried about noise it only takes just several seconds on full power to top off.
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I’ll be following this thread.
I assume I have the 2" mattress (build date Mar 2020), and am looking to replace their foam with something softer (I do not want to add any cushion on top). I’ve been flirting with the 2" Purple brand gel seat cushions, but maybe this 1.7" thick knockoff can accomplish a similar goal for a lot less money:
(ummm… pardon the gratuitous image)
Haven’t compared dimensions yet to see if 16.5" x 13.4" is a good fit or not…
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I’d be concerned about bottoming out with softer foam in the cushions. Also, you’d need about 20 of those things to cover the full area of the mattress.
Finally went ahead and replaced the foam inside the factory bed cushions with some nice latex foam. At the advice of the folks over at Sleep on Latex, I decided on 2" of the firm density foam. I haven’t spent a full night on it but there’s a noticeable improvement in comfort. I’d say its not too much softer overall, but it feels much more supportive and doesn’t pinpoint pressure on the shoulders and hips when you’re on your side. I’m going to try out just the 2" for a few nights, but also have 1" of the medium density that I’m planning to add on top if we decide we need more plushness.
The only obvious downside that I can see right now is that its way heavier than the stock foam. Moving individual pieces around in the camper isn’t any more difficult but if you’re very concerned about adding weight up high on your rig it could be a turn off.
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(Posted in another category that was talking mattress also. Thought I’d post here too so all can see.)
Exped Duo huge success!
I’ve had my V2 on my 2015 Tundra for a month now and slept a couple nights, well tried to sleep but didn’t do so very successfully. I tried a 1.5 inch memory foam on top of the stock mattress but that didn’t help much and it was tuff to close the tent but it was possible.
My wife and I bought the ExPed duo through REI, threw it up there and we love it!!! It fits so well. I read all the reviews about it pushing out on the tent fabric and being 2” to wide etc… nope, it fits perfect and when I deflated it the tent closes perfectly. Couldn’t be more excited about the difference it make.
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Is that in addition to or replacing the mattress that came with the GFC?
I had to remove the GFC foam. I stored the foam, but left the fabric covers on the 2 front square panels to make them easier to grab, move or remove when entering the tent. I went back and checked my camper yesterday and IF you completely deflate and close the mattress outlets, the camper closes easily whether you fold the mattress lengthwise or not. I do fold mine so there is less messing with the side fabric when closing. Thx
I left the original foam and panels in. Just fully deflate the ExPed and squish the air out but then leave it laid flat inside when closing.
I’m sure if you took the GFC foam out you could probably leave the ExPed inflated while closing but I have not tried that one.
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Has anyone tried a reverse air pump to deflate faster?
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I use my 18v Makita leaf blower. Super quick (~60 seconds) to inflate and deflate and the existing nozzle fits perfectly over the openings on the Exped.
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Those of you with the exped, have you given up on entering the tent from the bottom and use the exterior entry 100% now? Have you found a clever way to still be able to stand up in your truck bed?
With the exped duo going down into the bed is not an easy option. I tried it a couple times but its easier to go out the ladder. Someone on this thread suggested using a rope or something to lift the mattress out of the way and basically pin it to the ceiling so you can then remove panels and have access to the bed and be able to stand. I have two single big Angus pads and used them for a while. This makes it a little easier to climb down compared to one big 2 person mattress.
@owennoll Great question. I thought of this when I elected to just use a foam pad on top of the existing GFC padding instead of the exped inflatable mattress. I was initially attracted by the ability to deflate and store the mattress inside the tent, but that didn’t address other necessary bedding whether one prefers bags or blankets. I also love bunk mode, so a full size mattress doesn’t work for me. I love being able to stand when needed. In bunk mode, no bed changes are needed, of course. If the floor panels need to be moved while in tent mode, the foam mattress that I have can be rolled to one side fairly easily. It has worked out better for me to just have a bedding bag where all bedding is stored, including the memory foam pad.
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I tried it once but I can deflate it in about 2 minutes so its not much different.
Good to know. I read some reviews of people saying it’s kind of a pain doing it in the tent.
I went with an Exped MW being I camp solo most of the time. But if that ever changes, I think I would still rather have two of these than one duo. Should make it easier to access the top and move panels and stuff around.
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@Squeaks, so you have no paddling on the side of your megamat. Good idea… Are you able to close the tent by just opening the release valve?
Not sure why the company chose to use a thong’d ass for it’s advertising, but it sure made me crack up.
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Yes and yes.
I pulled the biggest cushion out, and the foam from one of the smallest cushions. The remaining two fit in nicely, and I have some room up front for pillows and stuff. Probably not the best setup for tall people, but works for me.