Volks,

As my intent for a trip with the Westy is meant to be maximum relaxation, minimum work, I've been thinking of how I can possibly eliminate any extra chores each morning prior to departure.

Our 8 year old is sleeping in the upper bunk in a down sleeping bag.  I thought I could eliminate the daily stuffing in a stuff sack by not flipping the bed back, leaving the sleeping bag unrolled, and living with less headroom. 
Tried it last night and this morning I realized I stripped the rubber bumper off the elbow of the arm mechanism that holds the top up, as its 47.5 inches between bumpers and the width of the plywood for the upper bed is about the same size.  The sharp edge of the plywood sheared it right off.  I can fix it but it has now raised other concerns.  Here's the question:

Any reasons (other than what I've already learned)  why I shouldn't travel with the bed laid out  i.e. the poptop doesn't seal, etc.,etc.  Isn't it possible to do something like this?  It would be too much to fold it in with the bed.  The poptop wouldn't close for sure.

TIA
Jim in Iowa trying to eek maximum relaxation out of his Westy :-)
91 Passat Wagon GL
89 Westy
66 Beetle

P.S.  The "maiden voyage" is next week!!  Still haven't gotten the dang reefer working yet though :-(