Sleeping with air mattress in a JKU?

Moab

Moab

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I'm 6'3" 250. But sleep on my back. Taking a 1-2 week trip. Not off road. Considering an air mattress in the back. But really just for this trip. And maybe a couple weekend trips. So I don't really feel like I need an expensive long lasting one.

Has anyone ever used one? How flat is the bottom of the Jeep with the seats down? Should I consider additional support? Like something flat (plywood?) To go under my torso? I'm also going to have quite a bit of cargo as I will be moving - would a single mattress maybe be a better option? I already have a single backpacking mattress that is 3 to 4 inches thick. Considering that with a stiff board under my torso(?).

I'm finding two basic types one is 10" thick with a built in pump for around $100. The other is "4 thick with an external pump for around $70. These are both full size for two people that covers the entire back area if the Jeep. There is a cheap model where bith sides inflate separately. So you could use ine side as a single. And have the option of using the full width later.

WEY&FLY SUV Air Mattress Thickened and Double-Sided Flocking Travel Camping Bed Dedicated Mobile Cushion Extended Outdoor for Back Seat 4 Bags https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYDXD43/?tag=jkforum-20

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MIROZO Air Mattress Camping Bed 10inch Ultra Thick for SUV, Air Mattress for Jeep JK JL JKU JLU Unlimited 4 Door Ford Bronco 2021 2022 Subaru Forester 1998-2023 Toyota 4runner（Grey） https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CF1YD2V5/?tag=jkforum-20

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I’ve done a couple trips in the back of the Jeep with an air mattress.
First try was with a typical camping pad, 2” thick. It sucked. Your concern with a flat surface is legit.

I made the move to a thicker (8”) inflatable mattress for the next try. I bought the cheep dual zone and it worked much better. Being similar size, 6’1”, I do max out the room but I’m a side sleeper so not a huge issue. And with the separate zones I can keep the fridge and other items in the rig. With the 8” it evens out the back so no need add a backboard of sorts.

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The distance from the tailgate to the front seat can be a problem if you're tall and want to close the tailgate when you turn in. You have an inch on me, and I find it too tight. I'm in a 2016 JKU. You might have to get creative and move the front seats as far forward as you can.
 
Duster said:
The distance from the tailgate to the front seat can be a problem if you're tall and want to close the tailgate when you turn in. You have an inch on me, and I find it too tight. I'm in a 2016 JKU. You might have to get creative and move the front seats as far forward as you can.
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What if you slept sideways? Although that limits storage space.

I'll have to get the tape measure or just crawl in.
 
JeepJeezy said:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNNJTTK1/?tag=jkforum-20 I have this 1. I'm not as tall but found that putting both seats all the way front and tilted front helps gain room.
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Ya. That's on my list. Its thicker and has a pump inside of it. I'm thinking that might be one where the pump comes on automatically if it loses pressure(?). I seem to recal the normal air mattress we had - had that function.

I'm seriously considering the models that have separate chambers though. As you can choose between one half that is wider and one that is thinner. For storage beside you. And also switch between one person and two. There is an 8 inch thick midel like this.

I'm basically doing this because my first trip is a move. So I'll have alot if belongings. And alot of hotels don't have secured parking. It's to much stuff to take out every night and move into a hotel room. Left outside I'm afraid of it being broken into and stolen.

But I don't know. It might be easier to have everything shipped. So I could for sure stay in the Jeep. Or if I wanted to stop at a cheap hotel without secure parking. I would only have travel bags to move into my hotel room. And I'd have the option of a good nights sleep and a shower. I think having both options is necessary. It's CA to FL.
 
Duster said:
The distance from the tailgate to the front seat can be a problem if you're tall and want to close the tailgate when you turn in. You have an inch on me, and I find it too tight. I'm in a 2016 JKU. You might have to get creative and move the front seats as far forward as you can.
Click to expand...
Moving the seats forward works for me.
 
Moab said:
Ya. That's on my list. Its thicker and has a pump inside of it. I'm thinking that might be one where the pump comes on automatically if it loses pressure(?). I seem to recal the normal air mattress we had - had that function.

I'm seriously considering the models that have separate chambers though. As you can choose between one half that is wider and one that is thinner. For storage beside you. And also switch between one person and two. There is an 8 inch thick midel like this.

I'm basically doing this because my first trip is a move. So I'll have alot if belongings. And alot of hotels don't have secured parking. It's to much stuff to take out every night and move into a hotel room. Left outside I'm afraid of it being broken into and stolen.

But I don't know. It might be easier to have everything shipped. So I could for sure stay in the Jeep. Or if I wanted to stop at a cheap hotel without secure parking. I would only have travel bags to move into my hotel room. And I'd have the option of a good nights sleep and a shower. I think having both options is necessary. It's CA to FL.
Click to expand...
An air mattress is a good idea. You can complement it with a sleeping platform which can provide you more storage space underneath for your belongings and increase your sleeping place. We also make it with a locker for more safety.

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