There are a number of combination bed, tent and carrying case outfits, some of them very cleverly designed and exceedingly complete, yet compact. One of these which comes in several sizes is a combination for use with any auto. It is equipped with clamps for instantly attaching to the running board. There are no holes to drill. The bed has sagless, non-stretchable springs which enable a heavy person [[62]]and a light person to lie comfortably without rolling together. The tent of waterproof, mildew-proof material is olive drab in color and is four feet wide by seven feet long. The tent fits close around the edge of the bed and reaches the ground on all sides, shutting out all draft under the bed. The storm-proof bobbinet insect windows, which operate from the inside of the tent, allow plenty of ventilation. The complete weight is sixty-three pounds. The carrying case has an extra flap to hold three or four double blankets. Three straps hold the tent securely to the auto top, and a rod through the tent top makes correct attachment for either roadster or touring car. The back wall is a continuation of the tent top. No rain can enter. No ropes or stakes are needed. The combination is priced at $47.50.
Inside Car Beds
Of beds that may be used inside the car there are many. One of these, called the “Utility,” is designed to serve many purposes, as it may be used in any wall tent, auto tent, sleeping porch, cabin, inside most touring cars, and as a spare bed in the home. The legs are adjustable for use inside touring cars, to pass over the seat backs. No ropes or fastenings are necessary. The bed is self-supporting, and the legs rest upon the seat standards after the cushions are removed. The frame is all steel, with an easy, quick-folding arrangement allowing a set-up in three minutes. When set up this bed is 45 inches [[63]]wide by 73 inches long, and when folded measures 5 inches in diameter by 45 inches long. It may be carried folded in the tonneau of most cars. The weight is forty-eight pounds and the listed cost $18.50.
Hammock-Type Beds
Then we have beds which are somewhat similar to hammocks suspended from end to end of the car. One of these hammock beds is called the “Tour-bed” and rolls into a bundle four feet four inches long and only four inches in diameter with a weight of twelve pounds. The bed is really an apron of heavy duck stretching from the back of the car to the front, over the wheel. It is said to be strong enough to carry two people weighing together over five hundred pounds. The Tour-bed is anchored to the axles, main springs or car frame, front and rear, so that there is no danger of pulling anything loose. The sleeper can adjust the bed to suit his own individual fancy as to rigidity, as the anchorage straps pull against the springs of the car itself. The front braces or legs rest on the floor and the rear braces on the floor under the rear cushion. The price of this appliance is $15.00.
Beds Using Cushions of the Car
There are also several kinds of auto-beds made that will fit any car and which make use of the [[64]]cushions of the car over which the auto-bed, made of heavy canvas, is stretched. The canvas is fastened to the four corners of the car, and upon the canvas the autoist lays down as many blankets as he can spare to put under him. Such a bed can be adjusted in a few minutes and to most people is quite satisfactory.