Newby question on Trakshak

Michael, you don't necessarily need a thicker mattress. We recently had a 125mm thick inner spring mattress made for our roof topper. Far betterthan a high density foam one. Cost about $400 made to size. It's reasonably firm and "hotel quality" whatever that means LOL

Hi Michael

we have a Trakshak about the same age, we've replaced one of the mattress' with a high density foam one, we got it cut to size so it fits the entire area, a bit of a squeeze but heaps better than the other, and quite a bit thicker. Not sure about putting the metal over the ply, we were told about the ply being able to breath as well.

Does yours have a winch on it?, ours lowers with a winch part of the way, then when it's almost closed al gets on top to squash it all down, [one day this will be one of the kids' jobs]

we have the extra room, but not sure where it is, if you're prepared to wait a few days I can get the measurements for you...Al is perth this week...

cheers

Lyn

Michael

We got our TrakShak in late 96, best thing we have ever bought for camping.

Your questions; 1, While our mattress is still the original, it is in need of replacement, we carry an extra mattress which goes on the floor for our third child. It is 2.5" high density foam and is carried on top of our bed, the one above the trailer. It has not caused any problems. We have had all the bedding for 5 people for a winter camp stored in there at the same time. We also carry extra shadecloth and a big 26'x 32' tarp closed up in the camper.

2, When opening the camper I allways catch and lower it to the horizontal. I know one of the gas struts on mine is faulty but it is not a major drama. When packing up I simply let it fall into the closed position. The faster it falls the less canvas spues out and the easier it is to get it stowed away.

3. We used to carry the clear plastic windows under the mattress and often found moisture under the mattress. We took the plastic out and solved the problem. I think if you put a metal lid in place you may well have the condensation problem. Mine is due for repainting now. I intend to scrape the silastic out of the corners and repaint it with some Wattyl Solagard. I have a few litres leftover from a house painting job so it should look nice in a heritage yellow or green.

4. Does yours have the press studs on the raised section that houses the ply? If it does and if yours is the midway then we may be able to help you out. The design of this little room has changed and the new one is heaps better. If you are getting one made get the new design which may require the addition of some velcro to the main TrakSHak canvass, but it would be worth it.

Send a member message and we can get in touch and discuss these and any other questions you have in more detail.

You have bought yourself and your family lots of good times camping in the bush. Make the most of it. The Trak Shak is as tough as they come, it is simple and strong and easy to use enjoy ot the max.

Duncs

Thanks guys, No winch on this model, I forgot about a mattress for third bed so I might just get 3 new mattresses they are about 65/75mm thick so I won’t push my luck about the height issue under the lid but I might just make them fit snugly – good idea Al & Mrs Al + measurements would be great - Thanks
As for the waterproofing of the lid I’m trying to wrap my head around the difference between sealing with paint and covering with metal - understand about it needing to breath might sit on this one for a bit longer, What are your thoughts about a cover made up to sit over the top of the trailer it’s mainly when the camper is sitting at home?? No more room in the garage until I finish some renovations on the house

Thanks again Michael

Hi Michael,

I too brought a second-hand 1996 Trak Shak a little while ago. It had the original mattresses that needed replacing - after a bit of research we decide to go with Coleman self inflating mattresses, from memory they are about 80mm thick. They have the advantage of being able to be compressed, have a plastic/PVC? base to help protect against condensation, and are just the right dimensions to allow the steel pole/frames to recess in to the "suitcase". They are also suitable for tent camping.

All the best with it - you have made a good choice.

Cheers,
Jezza.

Self inflating mattress's will be going into our Trak Shak,as soon as we can afford it.
This will allow us to leave the sleeping bags ( flat ) on top of the right side mattress,
At present there are foam mattress's in our Trakie.
The other thing is that we found was to fold the trackie up a slightly different way. It helps heaps, ,,,,instead of folding the flaps of the tent in flat , also pull the leading corners back to the centre. This means that there is not much to unfold (fall down), when flipping the top over, and its a whole lot easier to clip up
Cheers Bucky