We have a different type of question. Next month we are going to take my sister to Texas for 2 weeks. My sister had the same type of cancer as J. Edwards wife and has surpassed the 5 years. Needless to say when it reaches a certain point there is pain and she isn't moving or sitting like she would like to. We will be renting either an A or C class or a conversion van for her to be able to lay down while riding. We need opinions as to how the rear bed is comfort wise under the circumstances. She can't tolerate a lot of bumping around. This trip is something she really wants to do and we will make it happen we just want it the easiest on her. All comments will be appreciated. We think an airmattress in the conversion van will be easiest on her but don't really know. We are trying to take road conditions into consideration as well. Thanks for the help.
mcw50 said
07:47 PM Mar 26, 2007
I'd venture to guess that most of us haven't spent much time laying in the bed while "on the road." What little time I've spent in the bedroom while traveling I found that what bothered me most was the road noise...even in our gas RV, but mostly in the Diesel Pusher. And yes, the road condition will affect comfort. An air mattress and lots of soft bedding and pillows would help. If you're in a class A, laying on the sofa would likely be a smoother ride, but perhaps not as comfortable. How great that you are making your trip....best of luck to you all!
bago40 said
10:04 PM Mar 26, 2007
Hello galeanna, You mentioned that your sister won't be able to tolerate alot of bumping around. Keep in mind that a bigger coach could get pushed around by the wind and you'll need a comfortable suspension on the coach you rent. I know this is a long shot but, ask if the rental company has a coach with air-ride on any of their units. Some of the larger dealers have started renting units as well. You might talk to one and let them know your circumstances and they may assist you with a unit that has a comfortable suspension such as air-ride. Then there is the bed. Most factory mattresses are very uncomfortable for someone with circumstances such as your sister. Some countered this problem by going to Camping world or Wal-Mart and purchased a memory foam overlay mattress which they say made a great difference in comfort on the bed. I agree with mcw50 about the sofa, if you could find one that has a sofa bed or J-Knife sofa and use an overlay. That might be your best bet. I am not familiar with how the newer conversion Vans ride and their amenities. I hope that was helpful and your trip is enjoyable.
-- Edited by bago40 at 23:48, 2007-03-26
galeanna said
05:29 PM Mar 27, 2007
Thanks for the responses. She has been thinking it over and since we would have to rent she is thinking it will be just fine to rent the conversion van. We know there are ways to make the seat/bed more comfortable and she will get a bit of a change with hotel beds on the way down. The memory foam...may be an idea also...we know if needed we can stop on the way and get more cushioning. This trip is important to her and we will make it happen. At the time it will be sometime next month .. our 17 yr old is having shoulder surgery (she would do pole vaulting, swimming and color guard) this week and we have to get thru this to pick the date. Will let you know how it goes when we get back..since we are still house bound the desk top has to stay home. Anna
galeanna said
06:01 PM Apr 29, 2007
Well we made the trip. My father's surgery went well and my sister stood the trip well. We did the conversion van with 4 inch memory foam on the rear seat (down into a bed). Some of the hotel beds weren't the best but we accomplished every thing she wanted to do. Gale & I learned that when we are ready to go unless we really have a deadline to be somewhere we will not push long travel days. They take to much out of you (at least 3 in a row). Oh well thanks for all the info and we...at least I have to go back to the same old grind tomorrow. Anna
-- Edited by bago40 at 23:48, 2007-03-26
The memory foam...may be an idea also...we know if needed we can stop on the way and get more cushioning. This trip is important to her and we will make it happen. At the time it will be sometime next month .. our 17 yr old is having shoulder surgery (she would do pole vaulting, swimming and color guard) this week and we have to get thru this to pick the date. Will let you know how it goes when we get back..since we are still house bound the desk top has to stay home. Anna