Yes, we only include the base mattress to keep the tent slim. You can layer different hybrid mattresses on top to store inside the cap. Right now we love the Hest Dually on top of the Big Agnes Comfort Deluxe 5” Long Wide Double, stacked over our base mattress. It feels like heaven, I don’t know if I’d ever wake up. The Tesla mattress on top would also be a great option.
For the ladder mount, we’re probably going to use the existing passenger side rear awning mount and build something off it to hold a ladder. We’ll keep the front two awning mounts open for our upcoming hardshell shower awning.