Why We Ditched Our Beddy’s

April 25, 2023

If you have watched many YouTubers or started researching RV life, you have probably heard of Beddy’s. If you have not, they are a bedding set that has the bottom section that fits like a fitted sheet and the top zips onto it, similar to a sleeping bag, that has a flip out section for a drop sheet when sleeping.

They are amazingly convenient for making beds, especially in the awkward spaces of an RV. They are also a minimalist’s dream due to their simplicity and ease. Because so many raved about it, we spent the big bucks to purchase them, only to regret it.

The convenience of making the bed was all that the hype said it was. They zip quickly and seamlessly and the bed looks nicely made all day. They are deep pockets, which work great if you have a large mattress or add a topper for extra comfort, or your RV mattress is an odd size. For us, though, that is where the positives ended.

TEMPERATURE They are extremely hot to sleep under–a negative since we only RV in Florida year round. We chose the minky, which is their heavier version, but liked the feel of the material better than cotton. From researching, the cotton is supposed to be lighter and better for warmer climates, but the comforter itself is heavier than I like to sleep with in summer, and since we aren’t always on 50A hookup to run our bedroom AC, it meant we had to have an additional light sheet to sleep under, or kick them off entirely.

WASHING Due to their bulkiness, even if you are lucky enough to have an RV washer, these won’t fit in them. In fact, when we try to use a regular household washer and dryer, we still have to split them into 2 loads per set. Which meant for our 2 beds, we needed 4 loads, or had to go to the laundry mat for the larger washer and dryer. Depending on the laundromat, they wouldn’t always get completely dry, so that meant finding a way to hang them out to dry or spending extra on another dry cycle.

MAKING THE BUNKS RV bunks are an odd size. Even with the elastic fitted bottom section, they were still too big, making the wall side completely unusable. We did get the sheet clips that work like suspenders to attach them from the underside, but this means taking the mattress off the bed and flipping it around every time the bed needs made or torn apart for washing.

While we do love the Beddy’s in terms of comfort and simplicity, they just weren’t a good fit for our RV lifestyle, so have found themselves sealed in a vacuum bag until we have a house again or to pass on to a family member.

Since they are a substantial financial investment, be sure to think about temperatures where you will use them and how you will wash them before making a purchase. In a house where I could do laundry every day, I would absolutely have these, but they just weren’t a good fit for our RV lifestyle, traveling full time in Florida. If they were to come out with a lighter version for warmer climates (more coverlet than comforter), we’d be tempted to give them another try.

Like or comment below, and share with others to support the blog. I post weekly about teaching, traveling and family. Until next time, you can find us on Facebook, TikTok & Instagram @barnesonmove or follow our adventures at BarnesOnMove.com

RVing with a Portable Dog Fence

April 22, 2023

We have been RVing for over a year now and have been “on the fence” about getting a portable dog fence.

Our pups loved having a yard to run around in and have missed that. But with Molly, our senior doxie, a reactor to some vaccines and cannot get them, it means we limit contact for both of them and avoid dog parks. That means they are on a leash if they are outside, or on their tie out if we are all out.

We have also had issues with some park resident’s pets either escaping or just being off leash, and wandering into our site. Since Luna and I were attacked a couple of years ago by a loose dog, we are very skittish. We like the idea of that additional barrier for when they, and we, are enjoying time outside.

On the other hand, it is extra money to spend and inventory to carry around. Some parks have limitations on height, or even if you can have them, so it is something else to think about. And since we move every week or two, it is an extra chore and time on set up and break down.

After going back and forth on it, we decided to give it a try, especially when we found an inexpensive option from Tractor supply (8 24″ panels with a gate were $39 at the time of this blog). We picked up two of them and set them up.

This particular set isn’t the sturdiest and doesn’t stake into the ground like some more expensive options, but it is extremely lightweight, folds up compactly, and works well for our little dogs. We opted to go around the back of our steps, so the two sets give them a good amount of space and they can go down the steps on their own if we leave the doors open on a nice day. The girls have enjoyed the freedom to be off leash. It is also light enough to be used indoors, a great option for when we travel and stay with friends or family and want to limit how far they can go or what they can get into.

We are currently at a park that doesn’t allow fencing, but, because it is lightweight and compact, it was easy to move them out of the way and set up. I’d love to get another set or two to give them more area and fence in our entire under awning area, but not sure we want to spend the money or have the cargo.

So, if you are like us and not sure, start with the less expensive option and only one set for a month or so. It will be a small investment and you can always add more panels or upgrade to another set once you have had a chance to try it.

Like or comment below, and share with others to support the blog. I post weekly about teaching, traveling and family. Until next time, you can find us on Facebook, TikTok & Instagram @barnesonmove or follow our adventures at BarnesOnMove.com

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