Trouble closing 2005 Jay Feather 23b Expandable beds

[Canoegirl1]

Just bought this rig and having trouble getting the tent material to lay flat enough when folding up the beds so the cushions don't bulge out so much inside behind the booth. Is there a secret to arranging the tent material before closing?

[JFlightRisk]

Having had three pop ups, it's not so much a secret, but folding the material as flat as you can as it gets pushed in. Make sure nothing will stick out past the roof edge, and "arrange" it a couple of times as you lower it. Our last Fleetwood Arcadia was almost 27 feet opened up, so LOTS of material. We almost always had to push down on the ends, to get the latches to catch. Go SLOWLY, and you'll get the knack of it after a few times. I realize yours is a hybrid, but the basics apply. OH, and welcome to the forum!

[Isaacs]

Originally Posted by Canoegirl1

Just bought this rig and having trouble getting the tent material to lay flat enough when folding up the beds so the cushions don't bulge out so much inside behind the booth. Is there a secret to arranging the tent material before closing?

As was mentioned, you have to keep stuffing the canvas in as you close the door. It helps to have an assistant 'till you get the hang of it. Make sure you don't have any extra stuff on the mattresses like foam pads that make them too thick to allow for the tent material to find a home.

You will also find that it's a lot easier to fold up when the weather is warm.

[bankr63]

The mattresses should be pulled up and folded before closing the doors. Drop the shepherd poles, and bring the hoop down free from the fabric, so it lies flat on the bed platform.
From the outside, fold the corners in neatly, kind of like wrapping a present. These will lay on top of the hoop. Lift the skirts and flip up over the fabric. Lift the door and inspect carefully to ensure no fabric flipped back out and is preventing a seal. Secure the bunk latches.
Go back inside, and position the mattress in front of the door, and secure with the straps. Tighten the straps as much as you like to pull things tight - I keep ours fairly loose so that air will circulate. But if you plan on turtling, cinch them tight to keep the mattress flat on the wall.
I have never had a problem closing the bunks on our 19H this way, and don't find that the mattresses intrude much into the interior space. Sometimes a bit of fabric will try to "escape" but it is pretty easy to pull the door open enough to tuck it in before closing. Don't strap the mattresses until the latches are done.