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31 IB or TB
Does anyone have experience with owning/using both a 31 Island Bed and the 31 Twin Bed? My wife and I have always shared a bed at home and in our RVs, but I'm leaning towards the twin beds, it looks like a good floor plan. I'm concerned the design of the Island Bed might have a closed in feeling with the way the closest are at the head of the bed.

As much as my wife opposes the Twin Bed idea, she may end up loving it because it will eliminate me keeping her up at night (sorry TMI).
Have an awesome day!
Dan - on list for a 31' IB White/Sliver

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #1
I feel the twin is  a more practical, liveable design over all but it would be best to get what she wants.   Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #2
We all have opinions on what is the perfect floorplan.
Only you know what will be right for you, check out both floorplans in person before ordering or searching.
You will be a lot happier if your wife approves.

BTW, the IB has lots of windows and does not feel claustrophobic a bit to me.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #3
I strongly suggest you go lay in the bed (Hang out there a bit) for both models to see how they feel to you.

Check out these recent discussions that have info on 31 IB vs TB.

On The List - 31 Island or Twin

27 MB - Storage & Sleeping

We are planning on buying a 31 TB and making it into an U bed (to make a larger king size bed but able to get into and out of reasonably well).  We did that with our current 22’ TK and have been playing with different size openings for the U.

Jane

.
 
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #4
Thank you all for the input. I definitely want to be on the same page as my wife. My hope is we have an opportunity to see both at the factory before we get the call to order our LD.

Dan
Have an awesome day!
Dan - on list for a 31' IB White/Sliver

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #5
For what it is worth..................

We own a TB and it seems more like a stretched out MB model, having the two twins in the rear.  It is true that you can't pull them together into a king like a MB, but it does afford you better viewing with a big window in the rear.  I have no owner experience with the IB, but I would get what your wife wants.  Wives build the nest.............

Gary & Karen
2007 30' TB

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #6
Own a 2007  IB and we have no regrets!  Love the closet and under bed drawers on both sides.  Also access to
to  water pump and  55 gal. water tank is very accessible if needed.   We went thur 3 water pumps in the first  1 1/2
years ownership, sure glad to have  had  easy replacement access.

Good luck on having an  31 foot  TB and OB on display at MS.

Bob W
2007 31 IB

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #7
"Also access to water pump and  55 gal. water tank is very accessible if needed."

One persons easy access is another persons nightmare! But then perhaps you are more limber than I was the last time I had to make that exchange. Even Vince at the factory filled the air blue with mumbled comments when I asked him to tweak the pressure adjustment.   :o    >:(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #8
The closets at the head of the bed do make it feel more claustrophobic.  The new models at least cut a hole into the closet so you can put stuff on the dinky nightstand.  I may do that after I get past my current 893 projects left to do.  (Have to stop reading LarryW and RonB posts). 

I tried sleeping backwards last time when I was by myself and it worked very well. But.... you have to build some sort of a folding headboard, otherwise your pillow keeps falling on the floor.  Also would need a rolling nightstand or ??

Sleeping by yourself isnt a problem because you can spread out on the bed, but when there are two of you, and you are used to a CA king bed, it is confining. 

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #9
My 2⍧ worth,

My wife and I chose the 31' TB for two reasons, 1. we loved the unencumbered rear windows and 2.  The combined sleeping space is is slightly wider.  I whole heartily agree with those who suggest that you experience both the TB and IB models.  I think you will be really happy with either choice.  We have enjoyed our rig (Makana) more than we ever imagined.

Randy D.
2018 31' TB

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #10
Dan - don't count on 31' models at the factory.  I have only been by a couple times, but they tend to have only 1-2 around that are finished and they are MB or TK typically.  When we went by the factory on the way to a CA visit (earlier this month) and wanted to talk about 31 TB vs IB.  I was told - we don't make a lot of 31' - and go check out a caravan instead.  When I asked about changes over the years for that bedroom area, so seeing an older one vs a newer one might be different, I was told it had not changed in ... [forever, a very long time, something to that effect].  Newer appliances and components, but not layout.

Instead hit up a Caravan as they having meetings again, or one of the regional gettogethers (see those in the bottom of the forum list).
You can also put out a post saying what area you are in and ask if you can see someone's, we have had a lot of success with this.
Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #11
My 2⍧ worth,

My wife and I chose the 31' TB for two reasons, 1. we loved the unencumbered rear windows and 2.  The combined sleeping space is is slightly wider.  I whole heartily agree with those who suggest that you experience both the TB and IB models.  I think you will be really happy with either choice.  We have enjoyed our rig (Makana) more than we ever imagined.

Randy D.

Thank you Randy, I appreciate the input. So looking forward to getting our LD, hopefully no more than a year out.
Have an awesome day!
Dan - on list for a 31' IB White/Sliver

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #12
Dan - don't count on 31' models at the factory.  I have only been by a couple times, but they tend to have only 1-2 around that are finished and they are MB or TK typically.  When we went by the factory on the way to a CA visit (earlier this month) and wanted to talk about 31 TB vs IB.  I was told - we don't make a lot of 31' - and go check out a caravan instead.  When I asked about changes over the years for that bedroom area, so seeing an older one vs a newer one might be different, I was told it had not changed in ... [forever, a very long time, something to that effect].  Newer appliances and components, but not layout.

Instead hit up a Caravan as they having meetings again, or one of the regional gettogethers (see those in the bottom of the forum list).
You can also put out a post saying what area you are in and ask if you can see someone's, we have had a lot of success with this.
Jane
Thank you Jane. We were fortunate to have an LD Caravan near us a couple of weeks back, we did get to see the inside of a 31 IB, I didn't have the nerve to ask to lay on the bed, that would be asking too much. I live about 15 miles from the factory, I'll keep checking in with Todd to see if a 31 is in the final stage of being built and hopefully when he has one the covid panic is over so I can actually visit the factory.

Dan
Have an awesome day!
Dan - on list for a 31' IB White/Sliver

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #13
We have a 31 foot 2007 IB with LD's queen bed.  We added a 2inch topper which made it very comfortable.  At home
our Calif King sleep number bed has a 3 inch topper- we sleep like babies.

Bob W
2007 31 IB

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #14
We have a 31 foot 2007 IB with LD's queen bed.  We added a 2inch topper which made it very comfortable.  At home
our Calif King sleep number bed has a 3 inch topper- we sleep like babies.

Bob W
Bob, what kind/brand of toppers? Latex? Memory foam?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #15
My experience with toppers...

1. Foam comes in difference densities.   You pay more for density, of course.
2. Memory foam and latex are your choices although some toppers may combine them.
3. Memory foam is more common in the stores.
4. You need to be comfortable with the "feel" of memory foam.  I'm not - many people are.  I prefer latex.
5. Much depends on how fussy you are about the right feel.  You are picking from type, density, and thickness for something that is comfortable for you.
6. You could buy from a store that accepts returns.  Buy and try...  return and try...   as long as it takes.
7. I bought online from "sleep on latex".   Do a search for it.  I bought a 2" medium density in a cover.  It was not quite enough so I put 1" of cheap foam under it. 
8. Some stores like Kohl's have a good selection of covered toppers (not cheap and size could be an issue).  
9. Size is a factor so the ultimate topper could be a custom one.  Find a store where you can pick out your foam and then have it cut to size and a cover, with a zipper, made up for it. ($$$)
10.  Zip on covers are nice but not necessary.        Frank



plan B - 2023 Travato

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #16
Chris:
I do not recall what type, purchased in early 2008 at Costco.  Foam is still in good condition  on both beds.  If I had to guess,
it might be latex.  When you get up the foam returns to its  original shape,  best buy we ever made.

Bob
2007 31 IB

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #17
My experience with toppers...

1. Foam comes in difference densities.  You pay more for density, of course.
2. Memory foam and latex are your choices although some toppers may combine them.
3. Memory foam is more common in the stores.
4. You need to be comfortable with the "feel" of memory foam.  I'm not - many people are.  I prefer latex.
5. Much depends on how fussy you are about the right feel.  You are picking from type, density, and thickness for something that is comfortable for you.
6. You could buy from a store that accepts returns.  Buy and try...  return and try...  as long as it takes.
7. I bought online from "sleep on latex".  Do a search for it.  I bought a 2" medium density in a cover.  It was not quite enough so I put 1" of cheap foam under it. 
8. Some stores like Kohl's have a good selection of covered toppers (not cheap and size could be an issue). 
9. Size is a factor so the ultimate topper could be a custom one.  Find a store where you can pick out your foam and then have it cut to size and a cover, with a zipper, made up for it. ($$$)
10.  Zip on covers are nice but not necessary.        Frank




Great tips. Thanks, Frank.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #18
We use latex toppers (2") from sleeponlatex.com for the couches made into beds in the rear of our MB.  We purchased these in 2017 and they are still like new.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB

 
Re: 31 IB or TB
Reply #19
Why mess with toppers, when you can have the mattresses stuffed with the foam you want. Pick the density and thickness that works for you.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy