Bed in Bed...?

Looking for ideas on a mattress that will fit in the bed of a short bed Chevy 2500 under a camper shell, anyone have any ideas?

For just one person or two? If just one, back in my duck hunting days I bought a cot and a pad for it. A good sleeping bag and I was set. If the weather was really cold, I would camp close to an electric outlet and take my electric blanket. Stayed toasted warm on the coldest nights.

For one, years ago a buddy in a bass club i was in had the entire bed get up as a...bed, but I can't find anything like that except air up beds and that's not what I want

Ken have you thought about buying a Lance camper? They have everything you need and remove fairly easy, also you can pull a boat at the same time.
Just a thought.

Most of the ones I've seen have used egg crate foam. I think it's available up to about 4 inches thick. I'm sure a couple of quick searches will turn up a thread or two on a forum somewhere.

Cabelas has a couple of good car camping mattresses that would work. Look for Cabelas Deluxe Camp Bed. It is a 3" mattress. You could also buy a twin bed mattress off Craigslist for dirt cheap. It just won't roll up for storage like the Cabelas model will.

get on pintrest and search truck camping I saw one made out of PVC pipe, I will see if I can get a link from it

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/38144-sleeping-platform-designs.html scroll down to #19

Big fish I do plan on buying a camper next year as I plan to fish the tour again in 2016, however I don't really need it yet nor have I worked out a place to store it yet. Mr Lizard I did look at the stuff on Cabelas, that's as close to what I'm looking for as I've seen. Thanks for the thoughts on that.

I created one the width of a shortbed Dodge. Used 3/4 plywood and a couple legs resting on the wheel well. Had some storage under, and still some in front of the small bed. Used a futon mattress on top of the plywood. If you don't mind bending your legs a little to sleep. Used a cheap office heater and was very toasty in the winter. Worked out pretty well.

Check this out.

http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/truck-camper-buyers-guide/camplite-pop-up-camper

Pretty cool

I had a futon custom made for the bed of my Avalanche. It was by far the most comfortable option for sleeping I have found yet. No hassle with an air matress, much larger than a cot, and as comfortable as most bed mattresses. I can't remember the name of the company that made it...but they specialized in Futons. I selected the size and dimensions including the depth of the futon. I used it for 7 years until I sold my Avalanche. You could probably find a futon that would work without having to have a custom one made.

I've yet to find an air mattress that's worth a hoot. Anyone have a recommendation? The ones I've owned started out fine, but eventually wound up loosing air.

This is what I did:
http://www.foamorder.com/upholstery-foam.html

Buy the size & thickness you want - I have 2 layers of 4" thick (total 8"'s), cut out the wheel wheels with a good pair of scissors. WAY better than an air mattress. I sleep better on it than I do in a regular bed, LOL

hobby lobby carries a 4" foam that's good and sturdy. It's either came in 6 or 7 ft. length. just throw a cover over it.
Roll it backup when done.

An electric knife will cut the foam pads quickly and save your fingers from working a pair of scissors.