
Camper cushions can lose their comfort over time, but there are several ways to make them cosier. One option is to reupholster the cushions with new fabric. This can be done by sewing new covers or using staples, glue, or safety pins to secure the fabric. Another way to improve comfort is to add extra foam to the cushions, which can be purchased from specialist websites and cut to size. For a quick fix, some camper owners suggest putting egg crate foam or a mattress topper under existing cushions for added support.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Camper type | Truck camper, campervan, motorhome |
Cushion type | Dinette, bed, seat, bench |
Fabric type | Canvas, decorator's upholstery fabric, blackout curtains, outdoor fabric, anti-slip/non-skid fabric, velvet, cotton, ultra-leather, midweight denim, microsuede |
Cushion filling | Foam, memory foam, egg crate foam, batting |
Cushion cover fastenings | Zippers, press-studs, Velcro |
Cushion thickness | 3", 6", 8", 10" |
Other additions | Valance, plywood base, mattress topper |
What You'll Learn
Re-foam dinette cushions
Re-foaming dinette cushions is a great way to make your camper a more comfortable space. If your camper cushions are old and tired, you can replace the foam to give them a new lease of life.
Step 1: Measure and Source Foam
Firstly, you will need to measure your dinette cushions. Measure the length, width, and depth of the cushion and then source a foam replacement. There are specialist companies that can cut foam to your exact measurements, and you can select the density and thickness of the foam. A higher density foam will be firmer and more supportive. You can also use egg crate foam as a cheap alternative to give your cushions a boost.
Step 2: Prepare the Cushion Cover
Once you have your new foam, you will need to get it into the cushion cover. This may be a tight fit, so take your time and ensure the foam is inserted evenly and securely. Zippers or press studs can be used to help with this process and to make future foam changes easier.
Step 3: Test and Adjust
With the new foam in place, test the comfort of the cushion. The foam should be soft enough to be comfortable but firm enough to provide support. If you are happy with the comfort level, great! If not, you may need to add another layer of foam or consider getting thicker cushion covers to accommodate a deeper foam insert.
Step 4: Maintenance
To keep your new cushions in good condition, consider using a cushion cover that can be removed and washed. This will protect the fabric and keep your dinette looking and feeling fresh. Regularly rotating and fluffing the cushions will also help to maintain their shape and comfort.
Re-foaming dinette cushions is a straightforward and cost-effective way to improve the comfort of your camper. It is a simple process that will make a big difference to your camping experience.
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Upgrade your mattress
Upgrading your mattress is a great way to improve your comfort when camping in a truck. A few decades ago, it was challenging to find a mattress that would fit a truck camper cabover. Thankfully, it's now much easier to find mattresses that fit. You can buy memory foam mattresses from online stores like Amazon, which are shipped vacuum-compressed and expand to full size once unboxed.
When selecting a mattress, it's important to consider the height of your camper ceiling. If you have low ceilings, opt for a thinner mattress, such as a 6" or 8" mattress, to avoid any discomfort or restricted movement. Additionally, be mindful of the climate conditions your camper will be exposed to. Some mattresses, especially foam mattresses, are not designed to withstand freezing temperatures and may not be suitable for very cold environments.
If you're looking for an affordable option, foam mattresses from online brands like Casper, Purple, Nectar, Bear, Tuft & Needle, and Leesa are excellent choices, offering exceptional comfort and affordability. These mattresses typically range from $175 and rarely surpass $5000, making them a much more cost-effective option than traditional mattress stores.
When you receive your new mattress, remember to allow it to air out for at least a day before use. This will help dissipate any odours and ensure a pleasant sleeping experience.
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Add extra layers to your bed
Adding extra layers to your bed is a great way to enhance comfort and versatility when camping in a truck camper. Here are some tips to help you achieve a cosy and practical sleeping setup:
Choose the Right Materials
Select materials that are durable, comfortable, and easy to clean. Canvas, decorator's upholstery fabric, blackout curtains, and outdoor fabric are all great options. If you have children or pets, consider waterproof and stain-resistant fabrics. Additionally, opt for lighter colours like white, grey, and yellow to avoid watermarks and stains.
Measure and Cut the Fabric
Before cutting your fabric, accurately measure your camper bed. Add an extra half to one inch to your measurements to allow for adjustments. Cut your fabric accordingly, leaving some extra fabric to wrap around the bed and secure it in place. If you're using a pattern, don't forget to include seam allowances.
Prepare the Foam
If you're happy with the condition of your existing foam, you can give it a quick upgrade by wrapping it in high-loft batting. This will make it softer and fuller. Alternatively, you can add a thin layer of extra foam for a more luxurious feel.
Attach the Fabric
Place your bed on top of the fabric, then put a piece of plywood on top of the bed. Pull the fabric up and over the long edges of the bed, securing it to the plywood with a staple gun. Make sure to pull the fabric tight to avoid wrinkles and creases. Repeat this process for the opposite long edge, and then move on to the short sides, pulling the fabric taut before stapling.
Finish the Corners
To achieve neat and tidy corners, start by flattening one side of the fabric and stapling it in place. Then, fold the excess fabric on the other side, creating a straight crease, and staple again. Repeat this process for each corner, ensuring a smooth and secure finish.
Trim and Secure
Once you've stapled the fabric in place, carefully trim away any excess material. Go over your work and add extra staples as needed to ensure the fabric is securely attached. Don't be afraid to use extra staples for a durable finish.
Additional Tips:
- Consider prewashing your fabric to prevent shrinkage or changes in texture.
- If you plan on washing your bed covers, install a zipper or Velcro for easy removal.
- For an even more comfortable setup, add multiple thin comforters to your bed. This allows for easy adjustment, depending on the temperature.
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Sew your own campervan seat covers
Sewing your own campervan seat covers is a great way to personalise your camper and make it more comfortable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Measuring and Materials:
First, you'll need to measure your seat and backrest. Measure twice to ensure accuracy and avoid mistakes. For the VW California Beach, the seat measures 118cm x 55cm, and the backrest is 118cm x 75cm.
Next, select a suitable fabric. Choose a hard-wearing yet soft material, such as canvas, decorator's upholstery fabric, blackout curtains, or outdoor fabric. You'll need around 4m of 150cm wide fabric, and consider adding extra if you want to match patterns.
Additionally, you'll need two sheets of wadding or light foam for padding. You can use memory foam or egg crate foam for added comfort. If you opt for two separate pads instead of one large one, ensure you leave room for seatbelt clips.
Cutting Out and Shaping:
Work directly in your campervan to ensure precise measurements. Cut your wadding or foam to the size of the seat, creating a basic rectangle with a cut-out for the seatbelts.
For the backrest, cut the wadding pad to fit, making two cutaway sections at the top left and right for the seatbelt slots.
Now, cut two pieces of fabric to the same size and shape as your pads, leaving 2cm all around for the seams.
Sewing the Seat Covers:
If you're using zips, sew them into the short ends of the covers. Alternatively, you can use press studs. For zips, hem the edge that will hold the zipper, then iron the hem open. Place the zip (wrong side up) along the sewn line and sew it in place. Snip open the hem between the teeth for a neat finish.
Sew up the other three sides of the covers, remembering to leave the zip open.
Extra Finesse:
You can add a valance to the seat for a neater look and extra protection. Cut another seat-size piece of fabric and additional pieces for the front and side of the seat. Hem these pieces and pin them together in the van for a precise fit.
You can also add loose cushions and a storage box cushion using the same technique as the main seat cushions.
Attaching the Seat Back Cushion:
You can secure the seat back cushion by placing the seatbelts over it or by making loops to tie it down if you're using heavier foam.
By following these steps, you can create comfortable and stylish campervan seat covers that are sure to enhance your travels.
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Reupholster your cushions
Reupholstering your camper cushions is a great way to give your camper a new look. It can be challenging, especially if you don't know how to sew, but it is achievable and can be done on a budget. Here are the steps to reupholster your camper cushions:
Choosing the Right Fabric
Select a durable fabric that can withstand wear and tear, stains, and frequent use. Consider factors such as ease of cleaning, sunlight exposure, and potential for stains when choosing the fabric. Some recommended fabrics include canvas, decorator's upholstery fabric, blackout curtains, outdoor fabric, ultra-leather, midweight denim, or microsuede. If you have children or pets, opt for waterproof and stain-resistant fabrics.
Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
Before cutting your fabric, take accurate measurements of your camper cushions. Measure the length and width of each cushion, adding an extra 1/2 to 1 inch to allow for wiggle room. Cut your fabric accordingly, leaving some extra inches, especially if you are new to reupholstering. If you're creating a prototype or pattern, add seam allowances to your measurements.
Reusing the Existing Foam
If you are satisfied with the shape and comfort of your existing foam, you can skip buying new foam. Wrap the foam in high-loft batting to give it a fuller and softer look, and to help the cover slide on more smoothly. Alternatively, you can add a thin layer of extra foam for a fuller appearance.
Attaching the Fabric
Place your cushion on top of the fabric, then place a piece of plywood on top of the cushion. Starting with one long edge, pull the fabric up and secure it to the plywood with a staple gun, pulling it tight to avoid wrinkles. Repeat this for the opposite long edge, then move on to the short sides, pulling the fabric taut before stapling.
Finishing the Corners
Flatten out one side of the fabric and fold the excess fabric to create a straight crease. Staple it in place, then fold and tuck the fabric from the other side, creating a tidy, straight pleat. Secure it with staples and repeat for the remaining corners.
Trimming and Securing
Once you've stapled the fabric in place, trim off any excess fabric. Go over the entire cushion and add extra staples as needed to ensure the fabric is secure. Use a heavy-duty staple gun and have plenty of staples on hand.
No-Sew Methods
If you don't want to sew, there are several no-sew methods you can use. One option is to wrap the fabric around the cushion and secure it with staples to a thin hardboard. Another technique is to cut plywood the same size as the cushion, wrap the fabric around it, and staple the fabric to the plywood. You can also use fabric glue, hot glue, safety pins, or mattress clips to attach new fabric to old cushions.
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Frequently asked questions
If your camper cushions are old, consider re-foaming them. Measure your cushions and order new foam of the same size. You can also add an extra layer of foam underneath the cushion for added comfort.
It is recommended to use firm-grade foam for your camper cushions as it provides comfortable support and is less likely to sag over time.
You can add a layer of egg crate foam under your existing cushions to improve comfort. Alternatively, you can use a combination of thinner comforters or blankets to adjust to changing weather conditions.
Yes, you can make your own camper cushions by sewing your own covers and inserting foam. This allows you to customise the size, shape, and fabric of your cushions.
It is recommended to use durable and easy-to-clean fabric such as canvas, decorator's upholstery fabric, outdoor fabric, or anti-slip/non-skid fabric. Consider the climate conditions your camper will be exposed to and opt for fabric that is suitable for those temperatures.