S40: **Safely** transporting a bed

[StatusRed]

Good morning,

This may seem a bit bizarre but basically I need to pick up a new double bed and mattress. I have a 2009 S40 and don't think they'll be any problems with the disassembled bed itself but the mattress is another matter.

I doubt it's going to get in the boot without folding it (which apparently will permanently ruin the mattress) so.. is it safe (and legal) to carry it on the car roof and if so how should it be secured etc? I would only be driving on town roads, no dual carriageways etc..

If it's not going to be safe I'll hire a small van for an hour but I'd rather save £30.

Cheers!

[wimorrison]

You can put it on the roof BUT you will need to put something on top of the mattress to provide rigidity - e.g. a sheet of ply that covers the mattress (possibly 2 x 20mm chipboard flooring panels) - you then ensure that the mattress is tied securely to this board everywhere.

The wind when driving WILL blow the mattress up at the front if you don't do something like this - the air is forced up over the bonnet and has to gop somewhere and even at 30 mph is very strong and a mattress (designed to be soft and bendy) will - bend

Personally I would either get a van, trailer or find someone that has a big enough car e.g. v70

[cheshired5]

It's entirely possible to safely transport a mattress on a car but if you're starting from scratch equipment wise, this is definitely one of those jobs where any saving will be minimal so you may as well bite the bullet and hire a van.
I don't know your exact location or journey details but B&Q do van hire for something like £20 an hour.
I needed to transport a motorbike a couple of years ago and negotiated a dirt cheap £10/hour with my local van rental place.

[Beetnik]

buy a bed with castors and tow it?

[Rossi-fan]

Just make sure when you tie it down, you have the ropes crossed at the front to keep the front from blowing up.

[StatusRed]

Thanks for your responses guys. Yeah.. this is where a saloon isn't so practical (but I like the professional look ;P). I have no tools or bits of wood laying around as I only live in a studio flat at the moment, so looks like I may as well hire a van; I'll check out the B&Q suggestion!

My only problem with the van idea is that I'm only 22 and most van rentals will not let you have a van unless you're 25+ or even 30+. However it looks like Europcar would rent a VAUXHALL COMBO 3M3 out to me for £22, will that do the job?

- SCRATCH THAT from Europcar they charge £35 extra (on top of the £22) for being under 25 -.-

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by StatusRed

a VAUXHALL COMBO 3M3 out to me for £22, will that do the job?

Maybe but the only way to be certain is with a tape measure.

[AndyJudge]

Look for a local Man with a Van service.

[StatusRed]

Originally Posted by AndyJudge

Look for a local Man with a Van service.

I'll check that out cheers, seeing some prices from £19!

[DaveNP]

I couldn't get a double mattress in my V70 without bending it. I have roof rails so I threw it on the roof and used plenty of straps, as wim and rossi suggest even at 30mph the wind effect on the front edge of the mattress is significant, also if you're proud of your shiny roof even something as innocent as a mattress can leave scuffs. A van seems the best option, if you're buying it from a shop they may be able to deliver, or suggest a 'man and van' to help.