Perfect Cot for a No-Build Van Build While Living in a Van, Car or Tent! | No-Build Van Life
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- A cheap cot for a "No Build" van or tent living combined with a Therm-a-Rest makes this a wonderful bed! A cot eliminates the discomfort of sleeping on rough or cold ground.
It supports up to 300 lb. Has a max hieght of 6 foot 2 inches. Easily portable.
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Thanks for watching!
I have one of these in my cargo trailer and have experimented with making it more comfortable for years now ... one thing that helped me was putting "Split Foam Pipe Insulation" over the side bars to make them softer .. the kind you use to stop pipes from freezing ... this makes sitting on the edge or resting your elbows and arms on those hard bars more comfortable .... this is a very cheap fix and if you can find the better higher grade softer insulation tubing it works best and worth the extra couple of dollars ... you can just pop them and secure with "Zip Ties" if you choose this will also help to keep the sleeping pad in place ..
Pool noodles?
Great idea, thanks!
Lpk is
@@aikanae1 I thought of that early on but decided that the other option was better for me because the Pool Noodles are thicker harder foam .... and wasn't to keen on the circus colours being a Middle Aged Heterosexual Male ...
This is an awesome tip for those edges!
From South Africa. The cheapest, and the most level bed is 3/4 ply on milk crates. Cut the ply in 2/3 sections crosswise, cut one side of the crate out for storage crates 2x2 longways down the length, gap between. Board can be wider than the usual 700mm .thermorest on the top. And here is the trick, With some extra strips, on the ground you can level the bed. This takes no space, the board is flat, on top the crates provide storage. The crates under the bed also provide organized storage, (the one side that is cut out faces outward. Position bed in middle of tent if possible, to keep bedding away from tent side, causing "moisture "wicking" Crates are usually free, the board, most board suppliers will cut for you. Shy about milk crates ? Assemble wood on crates use a sheet to hide, then put thermalrest on top.... Cheap, comfortable, level takes up minimal space.... try it... RGDS Warren
“Only as a horrible last resort will we look at the instructions.” Lol😂😂😂 You have just described the Unofficial Family Motto of many of my beloved uncles. Thank you for great information and your outstanding wit!
Growing up we had that style of cots but they were army surplus and the frame and stretcher bars were made of wood. In order to keep the legs from poking holes through the bottom of the tent, we had a bag of metal jar lids and put one lid upside-down under each leg.
I have a World War II army cot. It is wood and still works perfectly.
I compare you to Bob Ross. So pleasant and enjoyable. I could enjoy listening to you talk about pretty much anything. 😅. Thanks for keeping the videos going. Always informative and worth watching.
Suggestion if you have a tent with a floor, use tennis balls like they do for walkers to avoid putting holes in the floor.
Hi Bob! I have been sleeping on a Coleman cot found at Walmart for $54 and it comes with a one inch thick soft foam pad bed cushion. I added a three inch thick base mat for comfort. Initially this was to be a temporary bed in my van. Two years have passed an d I am still sleeping on the same cot and absolutely love it for the comfort. The underside is enough room for plastic bins that store my pots, pans, eating plates, bowls, utensils, canned goods, spices, extra back up stoves, miscellaneous gear and paper products. That freed up lots of space for my dining table and stove and storage unit. Ikea is a great store to buy inexpensive bedding and kitchen needs. My duvet was only $30 and keeps me warm on 40 degree nights; additional blanket works on those super cold nights. Thank you for providing a wealth of information a useful tips for us new van lifers.
My last Thermorest pad popped several internal baffles when I drove from 4500' to 9000'. So that taught me to let some of the air out before going to higher altitudes.
Last summer after a 2 month car camping trip in my 1997 RAV4 the one thing I needed a was a tent. After seeing the video regarding the SpringBar tent I purchased one with free shipping. I was up early this morning looking for a cot on the internet and look who shows up….
Bob 😂….thanks Bob 👍👍👍😎.
P.S
Ive decided to travel all this summer car camping. If the house sells I’m on the road for good.😎
My x-husband and I used to sleep together on this cot when we were in my early 20s! Brings back crazy memories! We were much Skinnier back then! 😂
I slept on one of those cots for 6 months in the desert during Desert Storm. They work.
Hi Bob, I got a really good chuckle when you were working with the last bar. I have a Coleman cot. That is the worst part, getting the last bar connected. I had to sit on the ground, brace the legs with my feet and pull the bar with my hands. Not a pretty sight...lol I am not a small woman, 5'8" and 200 lbs. I put a 4" foam pad on top and I sleep like a baby. I have room underneath for my clothes, food and cooking utensils, and my toilet. Even have room for a tote for Alice's dog food. I have had this cot over 10 years. I would certainly recommend it.
Over 60 night over four years camping review from a 220 pound guy four out of five stars. One side of the support bar sticks out farther than the other, use this for leverage well setting up Wrap the part that sticks out with a towel or a pipe insulation/a noodle your shin will thank you for it. If you want the product to last level it (and if the leg/legs are not making contact with the ground they should be supported). 2’ x 2’ Standard Rubber backed carpet squares cut up work well as shims (no saw required).
Intex makes a 29.92 inch or 76 cm wide 10 inch thick inflatable air mattresses ,you can find them at Amazon for 28.99 currently not ideal ,noisy, and they move around. But for me I get a good nights sleep👍
The cot offers great storage for bags or totes in small tents /vans. Pro tip take a picture or /pay attention on how it’s wrapped when you’re taking it out of the bag it’s a tight fit to put it back in if you don’t. There are tips and tricks on the Internet on how to put this up if you lack upper body strength. My senior girlfriend was able to figure out a technique that works for her.
My grandfather kept his World War One cot till he passed in 1971. Heavy duty.
I bought surplus military cots for tent glamping because I'm getting too old to sleep on uneven hard ground, a great investment!
Me too! I have a Teton cot.
LOL...and we thank you for those sacrifices! 😊
Granted it was several yrs ago, but I slept on a cot through some rough yrs. Got it from ebay for $12 (was made in the 60's). A friend installed some brackets on it to make it very stable. The mattress it came with was crap, so I had to get creative. And this I think would be better and cheaper than that pad. Memory foam mattress topper. Full size. Fold it and you have 6 inches of wonderful softness. Was like sleeping on a cloud. I just now googled and found one at home depot for $74. It's 74" x 52.5. You do the math, lol ;-) Three inches thick; folded, 6 inches thick and about 26.2 inches wide (still 74" long). I also put about an inch or so thick board under it (length/width of the cot). I loved it, very comfy.
My wife and I purchased cots for tent camping to get us off the ground. The ones we bought allow you to raise the head portion so we can read at night and it helps with my wife's acid reflux. We really enjoy them. Much more comfortable than sleeping on the ground.
I'm in the camp with your wife... pun included... what's the brand?
Hi Bob! Love your channel. I was thrilled to see this video recommendation. I bought this same cot for myself as a Christmas gift after many years of camping on the hard ground. The way I get around getting the tricky last bar on the cot is to stand it up, step on the bar, and shimmy it into place. Your foot works as the lever. Much less strength needed. I discovered this watching You Tube videos recommending that. Thanks for all your great advice!!
Funny…I was actually thinking of different ways to get that bar on as bob was doing it and thought that idea …glad to see someone has already figured it out 👍🏼
Yes -- "foot work" -- that looks like a way to do it.
I bought one for my condo renovation and hated putting it together- that bar pissed me off everytime- but with my foam topper it was comfortable enough to sleep on as a 5'9 woman. I might try the foot thing next time I set it up instead of sending it to goodwill.
@@mmmsunshine5367 😂😂😂😂. I feel ya. And I have a very short “patience span.”
That is a great idea!
I couldn't help but notice that folding table in the background. Looks like a great size.
I have been sleeping on the Dis-co bed for 5 years and it’s like sleeping in a womb. Used by the US military. Cured my back issues
I am not a nomad nor a traveler but a soccer Dad. I put a cot with PVC pipe to level it in a minivan ( which I learned from this channel.) Man ! That is a game changer in the waiting time.
I've got the same cot. I can store 4 large Rubbermaid bins underneath. I put a 4inch foam mattress with another couple inches of memory foam on it, along with a few layers of comforters that I had. I sleep with a weighted blanket (15 lbs) and sleep like a baby. It was very easy for me to set up. I've been sleeping on it for almost two years and love it. The way the legs are placed allows lots of storage space underneath. The only downside is there's only one place it can sit in my Savanna cargo van because of the wheel wells.
Check out the Roll-a-Cot from Camp Time. It has no center legs so it fits over the wheel wells of a truck bed or van interior. Apologies for the double post.
😂 “The sacrifices I make for the community.” 🤣
"That's all it takes" he said 😆😆😆
Love you, Bob!!
Bob, Coleman seems to know what works and their products tend to be quite functional for nomads.
Things that seem easy sometimes are concussions waiting to happen. I just bought a nice mattress on amazon and didn't read the instructions (it is just a mattress right?) and as i sat on the floor trying to cut through the plastic keeping it rolled up i got to the point where all of a sudden that thing gave way and expanded in a second and i went flying lol. Luckily i was already sitting on the floor and not standing and leaning over it. I never take anything requiring set up or even opening a plastic wrap for granted anymore lol
Ha ha ha, so funny! I had a similar experience with that same plastic wrap on a small kid's couch. Was not expecting how quickly the deflated flat couch morphed into a couch. I had a good laugh but I know what you mean, you don't expect anything apparently seemingly so straight forward and simple to actually explode in your face literally, lol. Glad you were ok!
😅🤣
Stand the cot up, stand on end bar, goes together easy with no struggle or pain. Several videos on UA-cam about it. THANKS BOB 👍
I'm still not a 1/2 timer yet (that's my plan), but use a cot regularly on shorter trips. I think they provide two benefits to me: one is they're quite portable, and the other is they're pretty comfortable. To me cots get you off the floor which also makes it easier to get up when you need to (if you catch my drift).
I bought an old Coleman crawdad boat, twenty something years ago. I didn't take as good of care of it as I should have, and I used it every chance I got. I let it go last summer, still in good condition. You are right, Coleman builds gear to last.
Thanks, Bob, for the Great review. Just a little trick I do for any that wish it. I use a fitted sheeted to keep my pad on my cot. I literally put of over the bars ends that stick out. It helps so much to keep the Pad on and not slip.
Great tip, thank you! 🙂
Wow, never thought of that! I've been wrapping mine in my hammock, using the hammock like a sheet. I like your solution better!
Best comedy act I have seen in a long time. I sit down and push with my feet to do mine. Thanks Bob.
I have a "HUGE" Thermarest, like 4" thick on a Field & Stream version on this. Very comfy!..
This video will help a lot of people Bob. Thank you for showing us this cot system.
very good for sleep health... use a memory foam pad and cut a sheet of plywood... better than "regular" bed... fun watching... and reading comments... in1980s old military cots were hardwood and really hard to stretch, the new ones were aluminum and still hard to stretch... this channel is fantastic... you all are beautiful... peace and love
I purchased a Coleman “camper cot”. It’s got a thin foam mattress with it. It’s light weight aluminum and so easy to manage. I’m 72 and not really able to assemble some stuff. But this Coleman cot works great for me. It’s more like $80 but i love it and use it very comfortably.
I got an actual army cot in the back of my mini cargo van. With the thermorest pads. Works great.
I have found the Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot very comfortable right from the start, no alterations needed, Amazon $80. 🤗
I took a test run road trip last year and it was no build and I've decided that I will be doing a no build setup moving forward. I had just about everything I needed and didn't have to do anything extra to my van. Had a 293 Wh battery station, my phone for entertainment, a couple of USB fans, and a cooler full of frozen bottled waters.
Lasted fine for 3 days. Only thing I have to look into is a cot or mattress so this video is right on time.
To prevent bumping on the ends: cut a pool noodle to size, cut lengthwise if it doesn't fit, and slide it on.
Bob is all about RV living in a wonderful way. His heart is kind (and joyous). I’d like to hear all his videos cause there’s an excellent of (common ) sense here… in all his stuff (channel). Good job Bro, I know you got our backs. May blessings find you and assure you of an easy road. (That’s what you’d do for us!!!!!)
BTW, if you leave the cross bar off at the feet it fits larger folks just fine.
Good morning everyone
I have an Ozark Trail folding cot from Walmart and I love it! I use it to stage stuff during camp setup and tear down, sleep on it inside and outside the tent, take it to the creek for an afternoon nap, and more.
I have the same exact one. Actually most of my stuff is Ozark Trail I like their products
My cheap sleep hack is a hammock. I've been sleeping in one for years. Beds hurt my back now.
I hang it in my full size van. But you can rig up a hammock stand with a few 6' pieces of 2x2 lumber, rope and tent stakes
I have a Kathmandu cot, topped with a Kathmandu 3" self inflating mattress, topped with a full length sheepskin ( for moisture control to keep the feathered quilt dry and to resist mold) .the legs cope with the uneven van floor (Nissan Serena). It's so comfortable, and feels like a bed
Over a period of many many years I've had a total of to Coleman cots that are quite comfortable to sleep on and have lasted forever. Can't say enough good about Coleman based on my experience. I have the aluminum frame fold-up cots. One was well over 30 years old when it gave up. I also had an army type that has some age on it, but still in great condition and my grandson is now using it
Perfect and plenty of room to slide bins underneath for storage. Thanks so much for the idea, Bob!
Yes!
In my Sienna 2 ozark trail walmart cots fit side by side.
They work just fine for my wife and I with a couple of trifold mattresses.
We sleep so well at night 🍻
Well Bob about the "sacrifices you make for the community" sure provide you with a generous income not to mention life's comforts.
I've slept on these with and without the self-inflating mattress pad. If I'm exhausted, I can fall asleep without the pad, but I'll wake up throughout the night, and be achy in the morning. The pad (2-3 inches) is very comfortable and restful.
BTW, that last bar is tough even for young, athletic types (when I was 😄).
I bought this cot for suv/car camping, I sit on the ground and push on the cot to put the last bar on, I did buy those yellow and black storage containers from home depot and realized that I had hard spots underneath and realized where the canvas sagged when laying on it hit the containers so just make sure the containers are no higher than about 15" or just use soft ones or you will feel it. I ended up buying a shorter cot because I couldn't sit up all the way on the cot and when it's raining outside and spending all day sitting on the floor of the suv realized I needed a better solution, I haven't tried the new cot yet hoping it will allow me to sit up in it.
We have had this same cot for years! Our daughter even took it to college. The trick is leveraging with a long stick to get it to go together. Thanks Bob!
SOme places, Walmart included, have a version of the military style cott with a foot pedal on each side toadd the stretchers. I slept on many of these for years in the military, and I use one in my van for camping. Even in the military, we kept our gear under the cot in our tents as well. There's plenty of rooms, and they make a decent seat.
Nice video and once again, keep up the good job and thankyou for doing all this for the community! Wish you a great year 2023!
I have one of those cots I purchased from Aldi a few years ago. I also have a Coleman cot, which is comfortable I got from Walmart in 2021 for $74.00. So good buys😀
I have this cot. It's the same as another big brand that costs much more. It's solid and easy to set up and break down. I never use both cross bars. I leave the one at my feet off and with a pad it's as comfy as my bed at home, with the added feature of being under the stars. Don't make it complicated, you'll enjoy life more.
I have a Trailhead 2 (5inches wider) for years now. Actually put a memory foam twin mattress on it. Lightweight and two footlockers fit under it perfectly... Very comfy night's rest always...Thanks Bob for the review!
Last summer I slept outdoors for over 90 nights on a very similar cot, with USFS branding on it, purchased at Costco. I topped it with a Zempire Monstamat that was on sale at REI. The Monstamat is a 4" thick insulated (R-value 9.5) air mat. I was very comfortable and loved my outdoor sleeps! I had my cot set up in a Coleman screenhouse gazebo in our backyard, with a tarp added for when it rained. I'm hoping to build a little summerhouse this spring in but I will still use the cot and Monstamat.
I’ve had a cot from Coleman for over 30 years. It is still taunt-which you need to be comfortable. It is still functional and in decent shape
17 1/2 years Combat Engineer I slept on Army cots only sleeping bag for mattress on it, very good nights sleep. I plan on using one in my build.
How about a stand-up hammock Bob? Oh yeah by the way Bob your rocking that side part
In my sticks n bricks I had one for grandkids. They would fight over who got to sleep on it, lol. Well worth the money.
I’m glad Bob laid down on it. People often forget that pillows take up quite a bit of space, so you really need to deduct at about 6 inches for pillow space
Use a camping pillow, they’re smaller, Teton has some very comfortable ones I even use them at home, they’re so comfortable and they fit exactly inside your mummy bag.
Very entertaining. Reminds me of my national guard trips.
Lol love your attitude. You are encouraging.
Ive had one for years. Paid $15 for it and slept on it for years. I put a big fluffy blanket on it. I hurt my back, put a plywood board on it amd topped it with a twin bed topper for under $40. Worked well.
Experienced traveler✅
General nice guy✅
Common sense ✅
Comedian ✅
Slept on one for years. You can also put a pad on top the cot. I even put a narrow twin memory foam mattress on top. Used it for years.
I have 3 of those cots now but the original 2 cots were Army cots. OMG add a mattress pad and it was the most comfortable sleep ever.
Thank you Bob for all your sacrifices to help the community 😁 I’ve actually been looking at a 6M or 7M 4-season canvas tent for living in when I get some property or in the event of a bugout situation. They are a bit more than the tent you’ve got in the video (what size is that anyway? And you didn’t mention why it was horrible) but I want something with plenty of room and storage space to be comfortable long term. I’m going to look into getting a couple of those cots too because you’re right, the useful space underneath for maybe a couple of clothes storage bags/boxes would be amazing space savers and very convenient. Much appreciated.
It gets easier to set up after a few tries. I have been using mine for over two years. I have used it in my van primarily. Last year I used it in a tent for the first time. It worked well. There is plenty of room for my containers underneath. I use an exercise mat for padding. I like the firm feel.
I’ve used this cot for years. It’s comfortable with a sleeping pad, and very durable!
I have one for over 10 years and love it
👍👍👍👍👍😀, I have the next step up coleman cot with a similar self inflating mattress and sleep like a baby (being able to adjust the firmness is great!)
Camping with Steve has struggled with these. I got a cheep fold out last year thats like a camp chair. Less weight and easy carry.
I use a low cost and sleep pad with foam and air in it for my setup in my minivan.
Nice item for car camping ! I took the back seat out and I made a flat surface over the humps using cardboard stacked in several layers, then packed clothing , extra linens and blankets in vacuum sealed bags all same sized to make a bed. and then put foam on top of that. Cardboard or then paneling could be used over the bags of clothing if a firmer surface is needed for support. Extra items in the back are moved to the front passenger seat at night. I keep the drivers seat clear in case I need to leave in a hurry as well as space in between the seats so I can climb over without having to move things or get hung up on something climbing over. Also in a bigger vehicle storage totes with a piece of plywood on top can be made into a bed as well. Then any mattress type air , foam or traditional spring style can go on top. Totes come in all different depths for desired height.also a rubberized non skid material under the plywood and on top helps prevent it from sliding off too much. All cheap ways to have storage and a bed. Great way to store extra food or anything .so rubber non skid carpet padding , yoga mats , rugs with rubber backing all will work.
I love it when you do this type of video. Thanks so much Bob 😊
I wonder if a person could just put a piece of thick plywood on top and put a regular foam mattress (maybe 6 inch) on top. Using it like a kind of foundational frame. Only thing I don't like about these is the sagging. I've slept on one (different brand) and it was difficult to turn over and knew it would not be good for my back long term.
same thought for same reason
Lol. A guy thing! "When all else fails, read directions!" You are so real! I love it!
Hi Bob, you could use pool noodles on the bars. Great video, Ty ❤️❤️❤️💯✌️🙏❤️🕯️🎈🌻☺️
Looks like an army cot my dad bought for us (my parents & 4 kids) that we used every vacation when we aided up our station wagon, pulling our ski boat & headed for our favorite Vacation spot at Lake Shasta every year.
Still have a few army cots from the 60’s😊 cabalas has a line as well might get lucky and find one in bargain cave
I slept on one like this for several months. No issues with it at all except getting the end bars in.
😂😆🤣😅😂😆🤣😅🙃😉
We have had these tents for many years for tent camping. Also, my grandsons sleep on them when they visit. I definitely recommend. I get on the floor in front of the end of cot and pull the bar towards me.
I bought 2 of these from the army surplus store. This was at least 25 years ago. finally bought 2 new ones on Amazon. For me….I didn’t want to go tent camping without 1. It’s been a game changer for me!!! I used it when it was my night to care for my mom.
Good advice Bob. I liked your comment about reading instructions!
I’ve slept on a similar cot for years in a tent. Only problem I have had is the middle leg tended to bend out of shape if you sit on the edge and had to protect the tent floor from the legs tearing through. However experienced a wonderful nights sleep.
I see this being great with a camping pad or two and a sleeping bag or down quilt of choice 👍
Nice affordable bed Bob….. thanks for the video
I Bought Two Of These Total . One For A Spare. The Other one I used for about 60 days inside my WeeRoll Ten Foot Trailer. Camping in Capitan NM. And Kingman Area AZ .. Put A Cheap Walmart Blue Sleeping Pad And An Old Blowup Therma Rest Pad . Also Put A Wool Blanket overtop of the pads. So 60 Days And 60 Nites Plus Another few weekend trips and the Coleman Cot Is Sturdy With No Signs Of Wear. Very Comfortable Camping Bed. IMO.. Thanks For Another Great Review. Also, The Video You Did With Tom Cafaro some Years Back inspired me to purchase my WeeRoll Trailer. Ten Thousand Miles On My Trailer So Far with Zero Problems .
That looks exactly like the ones I used when I was in the National Guard. And they are fairly forgiving for uneven surfaces.
Great Job Bob ! Thank You for showing us 😁
EZ way to install that cross beam: stand the cot upright...place your foot on the cross beam...manipulate the cot to fit the beam. Very easy.
I’ve got hand issues so I use a rubber mallet in between bars and use it to wedge and push into place. I use a folding exercise mat and 3” HD foam roll. I use it for tent camping. If I had a vehicle to set up permanently I’d get wider foam. I love it and don’t have to worry about deflation of an air mattress.
JMHO. Centering the canvas center holes over the hinges means you only pull half the canvas on the last end. My experience with a military cot. Just another possible solution.
My father (he's deceased now) but was a big western watcher and I noticed a lot of actor's and actress's who started their career's in western's...so as soon as you said "Have cot will travel" that song "Have Gun will travel" has been running through my head lol
I dislike the challenge of assembly too. It usually works, but there is this moment of, "oh, shoot" where you feel some confusion.