Had the seat/bed cushions replaced?

[Touring1]

Our van is a 2008 model, bought new, a mainstream brand, with a 'make-up' bed layout, used about 4 weeks per year. We are sure the cushions are gradually collapsing and less comfortable to sleep on. Is this to be expected? The covers though are wearing well.
Are replacement foams as good as or hopefully better to sleep on, and longer lasting than the originals?
Can you suggest any companies to replace the foam because you have used them? And have you kept the knee-rolls or decided to get rid of them?
Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Joann]

I would not be happy with cushions collaping after so little use, do you still have some warrenty left?
Our current caravan is 11 years old and the cushions are still fine. do the cushions have foam in them or are they sprung, I have heard that springs can collapse if the cushions are of low depth, springs don't really work well if the cushion is too shallow, and you would be better off with good quality foam.

I changed the foams myself in my previous cheapie van, the ones I got were too firm and the bed was like a plank to sleep on but really nice to sit on. I cut the buttons off, washed the covers, and replaced the foams then rebuttoned with a bodkin and heavy twine it was a nightmare to do, but they looked really nice. I would never do it again though. Having them replaced professionally would have cost about twice the value of the caravan!

I had to get a memory foam topper to go over, so I would try out the different foams if you decide to replace them.
Companies like Tockfield do replacement foams and are reported to be really good, they are not cheap, sometimes they advertise special offers to practical caravan readers though.

Hope this helps

 

[mealsonwheels]

This is a known problem which several caravanners reported with new caravans in 2008, especially the backrests of the front seats taking on a banana-shape appearance. If your caravan is still in warranty, contact your dealer. The manufacturer of the cushions will arrange for collection and re-fill them with a higher density filling and return them to you.

 

[RayS]

I have replaced the seating cusions - not the fixed bed - and used foam bought from www.cbscc.co.uk . They have several grades to choose from and will refill existing covers, supply just the foam or make up the whole thing. I have no connection with them other than a s a satisfied repeat customer. While replacing the seat cusions I reduced the number such that the seat bottoms are each one piece rather than a long part and a shorter part either side of the central chest of drawers. This has removed the tendency for the cusions to sag at the join between the two cushions although it does mean having to remove the whole thing to get at the front underseat lockers. On balance though, well worth doing.