As featured in GoRV Digital Magazine, Issue #116
Our favourite kind of story is about a caravan that didn’t need replacing, just a little love.
In the latest issue of GoRV, writer David Šajfar shares how he and his wife came close to buying a new van worth around $120,000. They decided to refresh their Jayco Silverline instead. They met our team at Melbourne Leisurefest, and the first thing they changed was the bed.
[Read David’s full feature in GoRV → link to https://www.emag.gorv.com.au/0Whd/p64/p64]
Why household sheets don’t fit caravan beds
David admits he was once the caravanner who spent big on the van and grabbed whatever sheets looked close enough. Plenty of us have done the same.
The trouble is that caravan mattresses are rarely domestic sizes. They’re often shorter or narrower, many have rounded or angled corners, and most need a topper to be comfortable. Domestic sheets end up baggy, bunched at the foot or pulling off the corners.
Our sheets are cut to caravan mattress shapes, with a 40 cm skirt that fits most caravan mattresses, even with a topper.
What David used
David put together a full bed refresh:
- Wanderer Bamboo Waterproof Mattress Protector: soft, breathable and waterproof, with a stretchy skirt.
- Roaming Cotton Sateen Sheet Set: a fitted sheet and a flat sheet that zip together along the base, so the bed stays neat and nothing slips or overhangs.
- Into the Wild Linen Quilt Cover and pillowcases: 100% European flax linen and reversible, so you get two colourways in one.
The zip-together sheets
This was the part David enjoyed most. The flat sheet zips to the fitted sheet with a two-way zipper, so it can’t untuck or bunch at the foot. Making the bed in a tight caravan bedroom becomes a quick job instead of a wrestle.
How to use our zip-together sheets.
Why linen suits caravan travel
The couple travel in very different conditions, from cold alpine nights around Bright to milder evenings on the Bellarine Peninsula. Linen is naturally breathable and helps regulate temperature, so it’s comfortable in both. It also softens with every wash.
A fresh look without a new van
David found the biggest change was how the van looked. New colours, texture and a proper fit made the whole interior feel newer and more like their own. His closing advice is one we agree with:
“Your caravan doesn’t need to be new to feel new.” (David Šajfar, GoRV)
Finding the right fit for your van
Caravan, camper and RV beds come in many sizes and corner shapes, even within the same brand. The quickest way to get the right fit is to measure your mattress before you order:
- Width: measure across the widest point.
- Length: measure from the head to the foot.
- Foot end: check whether the corners are rounded, square, or rounded on one side only.
Then compare your measurements with our Size Guide to find your match. If you’re between sizes or your mattress shape is unusual contact us at notifications@meanderwild.com.au and we’ll help you choose.
Not sure about colour or fabric yet? Order our free fabric swatches, with free postage.