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Many years back I slept in my car when my first wife and I were on the outs. Fortunately it was a 65 Ford with quite a big back seat. I slept in a parking lot near where I worked so I could got to work the next day. After that, I always kept a "go bag" in my car trunk with a change of clothes, toiletries, and a blanket. I was prepared but fortunately we got divorced and I never had to use it.
I have, many times. I am 63 now so I rarely do it these days, but I often did it even into my 40s and 50s. And now in my 60s I still might do it, in a pinch.
Sleeping in the driver’s seat, even fully reclined, is not optimal but you do get some rest. On my domestic USA business trips I would often extend the travel days with some PTO to see the sights. I’ve hit every MLB team’s stadium this way, except for the Atlanta Braves. I had a folding blanket that zipped up into a 16”x16” pack, and I had a small, foldable travel cooler.
I’ve slept in a corn field in Iowa, Walmart parking lots in many places, the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, and off the road in other various places. To be safe you have to be far off of the road. The shoulder of a highway is a dangerous place to stop and sleep. A drowsy driver could easily slam into you. Stay far from the roadway.
And then for more ‘luxury’ (it’s a relative term), being able to lie flat with your legs and feet up, provides for much better rest. I used to have a 2001 Honda CR-V, the last year of the first generation, and its seats would fold flat to make a bed that was about the size of a twin bed. That was very comfortable!
As you can see it is quite comfortable. 15 years ago my wife, our dog, and I did a 6 week road trip through the southwestern US this way, and we spent about 12 nights in the CR-V. That’s a savings of about $1,000. Not bad. Even in sub-freezing temps we were warm and comfortable with a down comforter on us, and a down feather bed beneath us for extra insulation. It’s interesting to wake up to frost covering the inside of your windows.
Yay! Finally... Fellow car campers -- or do you prefer another term? Some on my other thread strenuously object to it (although they don't personally do it). My motto has always been "save it here to spend it there," and I particularly like to apply that to travel. THIS strategy makes it painless and easy.
I have, many times. I am 63 now so I rarely do it these days, but I often did it even into my 40s and 50s. And now in my 60s I still might do it, in a pinch.
Sleeping in the driver’s seat, even fully reclined, is not optimal but you do get some rest. On my domestic USA business trips I would often extend the travel days with some PTO to see the sights. I’ve hit every MLB team’s stadium this way, except for the Atlanta Braves. I had a folding blanket that zipped up into a 16”x16” pack, and I had a small, foldable travel cooler.
I’ve slept in a corn field in Iowa, Walmart parking lots in many places, the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, and off the road in other various places. To be safe you have to be far off of the road. The shoulder of a highway is a dangerous place to stop and sleep. A drowsy driver could easily slam into you. Stay far from the roadway.
And then for more ‘luxury’ (it’s a relative term), being able to lie flat with your legs and feet up, provides for much better rest. I used to have a 2001 Honda CR-V, the last year of the first generation, and its seats would fold flat to make a bed that was about the size of a twin bed. That was very comfortable!
As you can see it is quite comfortable. 15 years ago my wife, our dog, and I did a 6 week road trip through the southwestern US this way, and we spent about 12 nights in the CR-V. That’s a savings of about $1,000. Not bad. Even in sub-freezing temps we were warm and comfortable with a down comforter on us, and a down feather bed beneath us for extra insulation. It’s interesting to wake up to frost covering the inside of your windows.
You can try adding an air mattress but a foam mattress topper works well also (just doesn't collapse as much when not in use)
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