Sleeping in our SWIFT Carrera Campervan

[@SharonMcMillan]

😂 Mike and Tricia between the “piles”, the “voulez coocoo chez” stuff and Tricia’s comments I had a lovely laugh this afternoon. We are 2 years from retirement and I think you and most of us in this generation are the most entertaining but absolutely thoughtful folks oot and aboot in this world. Thank you 😊 Sharon in Canada

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Sharon, bet you are looking forward to retirement. So glad you are enjoying the videos and thank you for your lovely comment😀

[@Glenonica1]

4 mos down the road and I believe if you want more comfort, you can keep the cushion side up, only put the part the has a little bump up on it, place it facing the outside of the van. You'd still have the flatness for the bed, but the cushy side facing up.

[@stephengraham8629]

Hi Mike and Tricia and Keira, love the new van and I wish you many happy miles and smiles. Now the bed issue....lol, If you look back at your vid at the two small infills in the middle, it's just were your hip lyes, over time your going to lose support there, not good for the back. So it's better to put the small infills at either end or to one end so that your hips and shoulders are on the big infills so you are not lying on the joint. Learnt this through experience as an X caravaner now. Good luck and many happy nights in the van.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Stephen, the large cushions have a corner cut out of them to match the base so wouldn't be able to put the smaller infills at the end. Thanks for your lovely wishes.😀

[@vansforthememories]

The most important thing is you’re both comfortable 😁 We don’t need a mattress topper, but we still use duvalays, it saves having to put a fixed sheet on & I get too hot & G gets cold, so I don’t affect him when I kick the covers off ☺️ Good video, Em & G 💜

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Em & G we are really comfortable in this van.😀

[@charliegould5865]

If you do find the pole for the table is a little high for outdoor use, you could get another pole for it and cut it to whatever height you’re happy with. I made a smaller table for our MoHo because the supplied table was far too big for just two of us, I bought a suitable sized table top off the internet. Then I bought the same tripod foot you’ve got plus an aluminium leg which I cut down to a height we were happy with. Both the tripod and leg are Fiamma parts. A second leg would tuck in almost anywhere to store it. Just a suggestion. The van looks great by the way, I bet it seems a lot easier with all the extra room compared with the old van.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Charlie, we have been speaking about that very thing, it's either that or buy another compact table, probably the extra leg is the way to go and cut it down with the angle grinder, taking care not to make it suitable for Ronnie Corbett😂

[@adogtooandyjenny9628]

Hi Mike n Trisha what we do is we put a little blanket on the wooden slates before the cushions go down to stop the fabric on the cushions getting marked from the slats 😊

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks for the tip! think we will give that a try

[@adogtooandyjenny9628]

Just protects the leatherette on the seats 😊 happy travels ❤❤

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

@@adogtooandyjenny9628 thanks, we are doing that now👍💕🐾

[@janeconnors1807]

Was a little worried as to where this video was heading with the "voulez vous ......etc 😅🙈. Still think you have the perfect bed set up and van layout. Once you've got used to how it operates, like Trisha says, it's done in a minute and you have the added bonus of another seating area. "Her indoors" and Trisha's reaction nearly had me spraying my mouthful of coffee across the room. Happy travels

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Jane, the caption on the thumbnail could have been "How was it for you?" but I would have got into serious trouble from Tricia for that. I didn't think she could hear me with the her indoors comment.

[@jilltrickey6521]

We have found that instead of using a topper and fitted sheets, just use a light weight duvet with duvet cover and a top duvet. You can always change them around if you are somewhere warm.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

That's a really good idea👍

[@gamallier1]

I think your van is lovely, I like the layout…. To be honest it really doesn’t matter if you pile your bedding on one of the sofas as you’ve other places to sit. Love the colour too!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

@@gamallier1 Thanks, yes that's what we think👍🐾💕

[@ccgirl1210]

Fantastic Mike and Trisha from Australia 🐨🌻🕊️💖

[@georgesmart5673]

Another good episode.I'm like you Mike, I wear the trousers in my house, AND the wife tells me what colour!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

🤣

[@stellam8157]

Another great video ! We've always turned the cushions as it's not only much flatter, but it's supposed to protect the cushions too

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, yep that's what we're doing now, have noticed lines on the cushions from the slats but others have suggested putting a blanket on first to prevent that.

[@AndyAndDee]

Hi Mike and Tricia. We use a Panda topper in our camper. It’s a bit narrower, but instead of a fitted sheet, we stick it in a white duvet cover. Ours fits in a single duvet cover (~135cm wide). Yours might fit in a double (200cm). It’s far easier than faffing with a fitted sheet every time! Thanks for the videos!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, that's what we did in the Wee Broon Van but in this one we are washing the bedding every week and finding it easier with a fitted sheet.

[@Wheres_wanda_wandering]

We had a Majestic 135 6m van and it has a similar layout to your Swift. Our solution was to have a travel topper which we then put in a duvet cover. This stopped us having to struggle with the bottom sheet. Then the duvet in top. We stored ours in bags under one of the seats. Like you we did end up leaving the bed made up. Hope this helps. Take care Gill

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Gill, we did that in our last van but this time preferring a fitted sheet as it's easier for washing and we are washing the bedding once per week.

[@kenandersson7268]

Hi Mike and Tricia, great video again and really informative, it’s nice to know that the bed is comfortable. We were shown by the Swift salesman that the cushions go face down making a flatter bed so it’s nice to know that when we get our 144 that that system works well. I think we will also put a thin square of felt on the slats when we make the bed up. Like you, we will leave the bed made up most of the time and use the front dinette, that’s the beauty of the layout, it’s so changeable depending on weather, etc. thanks again and look forward to your travels.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Ken, somebody else suggested that we use a blanket or something on top of the slats so we may well give that a try, best regards.

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Just for info. On our old motorhome you could turn the small table upside down on the floor. Put the metal pole in and fit big table on other end of metal pole and use it outside. So table both ends od metal rod. Small one at bottom so no tripod needed. Happy Adventures from old George and Jane 🤠👧👫

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Jane and I am sure not so old George, our big table attaches to the wall and is used for the base of the front single bed so we wouldn't be able to use your idea but it is a good one👍

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

​@@MikeandTriciaOotnAbootargh just an idea. Our old motor home had lots of things with double purposes. I miss our old Talbot. But don't miss fixing it. Mechanical stuff I mean. Yes we are very old. But think like teenagers sometimes and our bodies remind us with aches and pains. ❤ George and Jane

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

@@MakeDoAndMend1 stay young at heart 👍💕🐾

[@bethlowell7336]

I don’t have a camper van, but I sure enjoyed your demonstration on the bed. Had a few chuckles as well. Enjoy your bed, whichever way you set it up. Safe travels, Cheers🥰

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Beth, if we gave you a chuckle then that makes it worthwhile for us x

[@joancowley6501]

Excellent and fun video guys, your van is really lovely and Trish is an excellent seeker of storage solutions! Regarding the bed cushions, we had a similar set up in our caravan and I put the narrower infill cushions on the outside under your head and feet with the larger ones were in the middle, less ridges. Just a thought. Enjoying your French adventures, look forward to the next instalment 😊

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Joan, glad you liked it. We can't do that because of the shape of the cushions, the larger ones have angled edges to fit into the corners.👍💕🐾

[@mike142sl]

Hi you two. Thanks for the suggestions in this vid, particularly the storage bags. We have the 184 and are also experimenting in the bedroom 😮 and have made the same conclusions. But Mike, I'm 5'9" and find my toes are tilted back by the fixed seat cushion, so I ended up sleeping at an angle. Solution is to unscrew those top cushions (four little screws underneath each one) so that they can be un hooked, giving you the full 6'1" of bed length. If that's an issue for you hopefully you can adopt the same solution.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

I suppose we all sleep differently Mike, I curl up a bit and so I don't have a problem but I was aware that you can take off the wall mounted bits. It's always best to try different things in the bed to find out what's best for you 😳

[@keithweybury5212]

Hi Mike & Tricia. Love the van. We own a 2023 Renault Master 6.23M Locally built Motorhome since April last year. We are also ironing out some issues with the build and material used plus our leisure battery needs an upgrade and Inverter installed. Good luck at your end

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Keith, there's always going to be stuff to do with vans I suppose, just chip away at them over time.

[@jameswarnock3125]

Hi from Coatbridge! Thought we were getting the next 50 shade’s episode 😂 great video as always. Looking forward to the next chapter (not the book!!) safe journey.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Ours would have been far too steamy for KZbin, talk about steamy windows😂

[@RolyHough]

Tricia, try the 2 infills at the bottom under your legs & the big ones under your body, we used to do it in our old van and found it more comfortable for us. Xx

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi, the bigger cushions have a corner cut out to match the shape of the base so wouldn't be able to use the infills at our feet. Thanks for your comment.👍

[@welshieonwheels]

Great video thank you , so I have a Rib bed not a rock and roll bed , and as you probably know , it’s designed so when it folds out ,you sleep on the back of the seat . This is softer than the harder supported seat itself, so you are probably onto something in your setup experiment.Well done and good luck both 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🇨🇦🦢

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, yep I think we have nailed it now, trial and error but we got there 👍

[@dannymoranz1589]

Hello From South Carolina , USA ! Love Your Channel. We purchased a Travel Van a year and a half ago. Started Watching back when you Had Wee Broon Van.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hey there Danny, thanks for watching us all this time, hope you are getting oot 'n' aboot yourself👍

[@susiesam3012]

We have our Panda topper inside a duvet cover so we dont have to put on a fitted sheet. Also keeps the topper clean when it's rolled and stored.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

We did that with our last van, but we are finding a fitted sheet better for washing when away for this length of time and we are washing the bedding weekly.

[@levt7651]

Hi Mike, Tricia, and Kira! Okay...you three are just too cute! I'm glad you got your bed sorted out 😂!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

We did thanks, not sure about cute but wouldn't disagree about that for Keira 👍💕🐾

[@levt7651]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot Adorable, then! :-)

[@ohioclassCcamper]

I would take the topper every trip even short over nights. We even use a topper on the 8 invh rv mattress. The topper you have looks great. 😊😊

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Dave, the topper is very comfortable but can be cumbersome if we want to use the back lounge. Thanks for watching😀

[@lindahodge9670]

Ha ha Mike. Did laugh at the piles. Guys whatever works for you and you are enjoying your van thats what matters. Love your videos. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Linda, thanks for your kind comments and so glad you are enjoying the videos.😀

[@philipcook5574]

Another great vid guys 👍 only comment to make and we have Carrera 144(which we love), is you have to really watch out for damage on those cushions when you flip them over, the slats will mark the cushion material after a while! We now put a large blanket down first to cover the slats before flipping the cushions and it’s really helped..

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Philip, glad you're loving your 144 we certainly do. Will definitely use your idea of putting a blanket down don't want to damage the cushions. So glad you enjoyed the video.👍

[@susangreenwell1431]

We bought a shortened leg at one of the shows when we bought the tripod stand 👋👋👋

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

I think we've found the shorter one online so will get onto that when we get home.

[@katiewilson1795]

Looks like you’re having so much fun in France and we love the van! We’re heading over in September 😊 excited but a little nervous, so much bureaucracy when travelling with a pet, but we’ve loved watching your journey. Can I please ask what you’ve done to protect your wee Kira from sandflies and Leish? I’m freaking out about that! Looking forward to the next instalment ❤

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, we are not aware of these and the vet didn't mention anything, we just got her protected from ticks and fleas.

[@katiewilson1795]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot thank you. I think where you are maybe less of an issue. Continue to enjoy your travels. Loving the content. 👍🏻

[@getawaygeese]

Well that’s a good old test and like you say you have to find what works … definitely looked flatter upside down so that would be better for the back Hope you guys are getting a tan

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Its much better upside down. Weather has been mixed but eventually getting a tan.

[@carolburton5983]

Great video as always . We have an Autotrail 2022 670 so same length and layout . We leave our beds made up but we don’t have a dog to consider so have room at the dinette area. We also use a topper but I bought a cheap double duvet cover and cut it to size of the topper and stitched the side on the sewing machine . We tried the cushions upside down but noticed when we put them back to bench configuration the slats had left indentations on the cushions which haven’t completely disappeared. Also we use our table outside but bought a spare pole and husband has shortened it to suite the height of the chairs so it’s not too high. Looking forward to the next video. Happy travels x

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Carol, we used a duvet cover in our last van so might do that again. Another subscriber has suggested using a blanket to cushion against the slats marking. Going to look into the idea of getting another table leg and shortening it. Glad you are enjoying the videos.👍

[@susangreenwell1431]

We bought a shortened leg at one of the shows when we bought the tripod feet

[@vanessagardiner7663]

You're just great you two! Love the new van and the bed, however it's made up!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Vanessa, thanks for you lovely comment.❤️

[@mikepowell9326]

Hello guys loved the video hope you're all well and enjoying van life ❤

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Mike, yes we sure are, living the dream at the moment so we are 👍

[@stephenswanton2748]

an observation Trish and Mike at 13:00 minutes when Trish flips the large base cushion which is wedged, when Trish pushed in the thin wedge under the flipped base she is putting it under the thick part of the base not the thin edge. forgive me if i am wrong but would both sides be flatter with the thin infills under the thin part of the bases. If you know what i’m getting at.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Stephen, I wasn't sure where to put the thin wedge as doesn't show you in the manual, only that you turn the cushions upside down, but have since discovered that it goes on top of the end cushions to act as a buffer against the wall of the van.

[@ianmonk4871]

Thing with beds, when you’ve owned a camper van, beds where you make them up from bench seats with a topper is luxury. When we went from a T6 to an Elddis where the lounge seats made into beds, we were in heaven. Now moved on to a Rapido with a fixed island bed which is a luxury convenience, but everything is a compromise based on wants and needs! Nothing wrong with a make up bed and something you manage when you have a smaller van. You’ve got what you want and that’s all that matters

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Ian and well said, we certainly feel like it's luxury compared to what we had before.

[@ianmonk4871]

The end for us with the T6 was the morning I woke up, slid to the end of the bed to get up and put my foot straight into the dogs water bowl!

[@wanderingwaspiwoman]

Great video. Your organisationsl skills are fabulous. What are the names of your Ikea storage boxes for your extra clothes?

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, they are called Hemmafixare, we find them very good, light weight and sturdy.

[@jangould4321]

The van and your Bed looks great. Our bedstead mattress at home can only be on one way because of the slats. I think over time the slats may leave indentations in your sofa cushions.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Jan, one of our subscribers has suggested putting a blanket between the cushions and the slats so will try that. So glad you like the van and bed is very comfortable.👍

[@johnallan5821]

great video pals I think ur bed looks better flat we all need comfort at our age lol love ur channel 💕

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks John, you are right there, comfort is all important 👍💕🐾

[@jeanettesmart9990]

You have such a lovely van…as you know I have a VW Ocean which is great however I love the space and onboard facilities you have and a fixed bed if you want it . Win win 🎉

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Jeanette, we do love the van and versatility of being able to have a fixed bed or second lounge.😀

[@michaelpilling9659]

Hello You Three - greetings from Poland Lovely video. Very interesting. I'm pleased for you that the bedding in of the new van is going well. Sleep is very important. However, your own sleeping arrangement is your affair. Many different people have their own opinions. Some opinions are useful, some are not.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Michael, thanks for your comments. We are really enjoying our new van.😀

[@sandyrollo2245]

Love our fixed bed but I could easily sleep in yours, that being said I worked for Network Rail so I could sleep anywhere. 😉 I’ve seen it where make up beds cushions are turned upside down as the bottoms are flat. Happy Travels 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@sandyrollo2245]

Should have watched your lovely wife trying this before commenting 😅

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Sandy, I had to travel a lot to London on the sleeper when I was working so like you I can sleep anywhere, so long as I had a wee dram to see me over.

[@jeanettesmart9990]

Think you said it …best of both worlds . I like it ❤

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

👍

[@alannorman1773]

Perfect set up guys ❤❤

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Alan, hope the weather back home is being kind to you.

[@Remi116]

Could you get one of those hammock holders and install above the rear lounge & store some of the bedding or clothes

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks that might be something to consider but we might have more space once we get a underslung LPG tank fitted would be able to put bedding in the old gas locker.

[@tylerstravels0610]

Bed looks comfy tbh 🙂 great van 🙂 Take care , Trev Debz and Tyler x x

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks! 😊

[@000caro555]

Loved the video, sleep tight every night. 😂. Safe travels. X

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks and fingers crossed we will🤞

[@mminc4026]

Tricia!!!! Often makes the bed up 😢

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Of course I do Mikes rubbish at it😂

[@BKMediaham]

Hi Both Great video as usual. You both looked very relaxed in bed!! We have a swift 122 and wondered what camping chairs you have and where do you store them? Enjoy your travels.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi, we have outwell Goya Chairs and store them on the floor of the back lounge. Thanks for your comment😀

[@Ivanho-go]

You don't have to flip the mattress, just turn them. The large cushion with the thicker knee roll needs to be turned so the thicker bit is either at your head or feet.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Can't do that because of the cut out shapes on the corners so we are doing it as described in the manual 👍

[@yaminthegrey]

Hari OM Heheeh... good experimentation! YAM xx

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks YAM we are happy with it now👍💕🐾

[@stephenswanton2748]

love youse guys ❤You are both so thorough and democratic. mwah.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Awe thanks Stephen, we really appreciate your comment.😘 back at ya

[@Clearforapproach]

Hi, funny video thanks for the smiles. When you travel where does Kira sit and what type of harness do you use to make her safe? If I can also ask I have a Carrera 194 and the rear heating vents are great but the front 2 and bathroom ones have hardly any airflow do you find the same issue?

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

She goes on the belted seats behind us. We have a harness that clips onto the seat belts, it's an RAC one, had it for yonks so can't remember where we got it.

[@mminc4026]

Yes- It’s Tricia- !!! The boss - don’t forget that Mike

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi of course I'm the boss, glad someone noticed. Thanks for watching.👍

[@ianmonk4871]

Mike, could we ask, what is the size of your table top please? We currently have a fixed table in our MoHo and like the idea of removing it and getting a leg kit and table top. Your help would be much appreciated

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Ian, we are still in France, and just been hunting through stuff in the van but don't have a measuring tape. It's roughly 75cm x 50cm, that's a best estimate I'm afraid which is probably not much use. Our table may have been custom made for the Carerra.

[@ianmonk4871]

Many thanks for looking Mike

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks guys excellent video 😊

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi James, so glad you are enjoying the videos😀

[@mminc4026]

Who is nearest the loo , Mike ?

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

you got it in your next comment.👍

[@williamclark3572]

Where did you get the straps for wrapping round your topper?? Mine doesn’t have them

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

They are just thick elastic straps that we got from Hobbeycraft, may have been waist band elastic and then sewn on to the panda topper cover.

[@lindawilson239]

You two are a pair of comedians. 😅

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks we do try👍

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

YAY!!!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Yo

[@kleaspop]

Why not try sleeping north/south instead of east/west? Doesn’t Mike have to crawl over Trish to go to the bathroom?

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi, the bed is only 4ft 4inches wide I could squeeze in but would need to cut Mike's legs off🤣. I get up when he needs the toilet not ideal but its the compromise we have for our size of van.😀

[@Sammo-w2y]

I thought that with those beds you flip the cushions over to even out the bumps. Aha should have waited to the end 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

So glad you waited until the end.😂😂

[@Kermit-Si]

It must be nice when doing a long journey to leave the bed down, straight out from behind the wheel and into bed 😴😴 👍🐸

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

That was the idea when we were looking at vans👍

[@MegaBreadvan]

Piles... pron... peeeels... So peel your piles... LOL Noticed you had a nice Leffe Ruby with your whiskey. 👍 Bonne route à tous les 3...

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Merci, really enjoying the Leffe beer here👍

[@MegaBreadvan]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot Onto the Chimay next. 🍻👍🏻

[@garyfrew1330]

That was helpful but we slept On the ribbed part

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Gary, we might try that so see if it is more comfortable but Tricia likes to have the shelves at her side for her inhaler and fan😀

[@robertstevenson3126]

Just about you stood outside putting the bed cover on 😊 wasn't trying to be negative

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

No probs, we were outside purely for the filming and normally I do the bed with the barn doors closed.

[@margoleadbetter9698]

👍❤️🇦🇺

[@shannjess5223]

Oh I’m all for leaving the bed up, so easy for a avo nap lol

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

That's exactly what Mike said but I like to put the bed up so I have a bit of space at the back, also stops him napping😂

[@robertstevenson3126]

What would you do if it was raining 🤫

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Robert not sure what you mean if it was raining?

[@pcockburn2939]

Turn the cushions over then you don’t get the bumps

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi, we are now sleeping with the cushions turned upside down much more comfortable.😀

[@pcockburn2939]

That’s great! So pleased. Happy travels

[@SHalto142]

Loved it when you reached in and pulled out an insect from your drink. 😂

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Had to get in there quick before the wee beastie drank it all😂

[@janettegardner7144]

😂

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

👍

[@mminc4026]

😂

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

😉