Survivalist Pro
Photo by Leeloo Thefirst Pexels Logo Photo: Leeloo Thefirst

What should you not do when sleeping in your car?

Sleeping in a Car Safety Tips Text somebody your location before going to sleep. ... Never park on the side of the road. Try to create a sleeping surface that is as flat and long as possible. ... Do not leave the car running or leave the key in the “on” position overnight to use the climate control. More items... •

thedrive.com - Sleeping In The Car: Ultimate Guide 2020 - The Drive
How much cash should I keep in the bank?
How much cash should I keep in the bank?

Most financial experts end up suggesting you need a cash stash equal to six months of expenses: If you need $5,000 to survive every month, save...

Read More »
Last updated Sep 25, 2019
Does honey expire?
Does honey expire?

In general, honey doesn't spoil. However, it can go bad if it's contaminated or incorrectly stored. If your honey has visible mold, or if it smells...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 5, 2018

The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Read more. So you’re planning your great American road trip and want to know how to sleep in a car? Perfect! Whether traveling with or without a destination, an automobile is a great multifaceted tool that can double as a reliable form of shelter. So long as you find a legal and safe place to park, the possibilities for planting a flag are virtually endless. Depending on the vehicle and the preparations taken, an overnight stay inside a car can feel as luxurious as an Airstream or as low-rent as a Craigslist hostel—shudders. But it doesn’t have to be a roll of the dice to determine your comfort level. Here at The Drive, our informational team has spent more than a few nights in the confines of our automobiles and have suffered the pains, aches, and early morning jostling from the local constabulary. All done in an effort to save you from similar hassles and misadventures. So let’s dive in and help you choose the right setup for your needs.

Blankies at the ready!

Sleeping in a Car Basics

Estimated Time Needed: Eight hours

Skill Level: Beginner

Vehicle System: Interior

Why Sleep in a Car?

There are a million reasons people end up sleeping in a car, but there are a few in particular that justify our experiences.

Cheap or free

Time-efficient

Opens the world to simplistic exploring

Guaranteed protection from the elements and viral outbreaks

Sleeping in a Car Safety Tips

You won’t have a fulfilling night’s sleep if you’re too busy worrying about your safety. These tips will help you create the safest and most secure night possible. Text somebody your location before going to sleep. We know this is an alarming statement, but we like to ensure your safety is priority number one.

Never park on the side of the road.

Try to create a sleeping surface that is as flat and long as possible. Sleeping crunched up or on uneven seats can create conditions that are poor for your blood circulation. Do not leave the car running or leave the key in the “on” position overnight to use the climate control. You risk breathing in harmful car emissions, running out of gas, or killing the car battery. Never leave your car window open more than a crack. Although ventilation is important, an open window is an invitation to thieves or other or other ill-willed miscreants.

Everything You’ll Need To Sleep in a Car

Technically, the vehicle is all a person needs to sleep in a car, but there are several ways to make the night (or nights) significantly more enjoyable. Here’s what to bring if you want or need to sleep in your car.

Gear List

Do you pay bills living off grid?
Do you pay bills living off grid?

How much does it cost to live off the grid? It's true that living off the grid will set you free from monthly utility bills. However, there are a...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 18, 2022
How much does SEAL Team 6 get paid?
How much does SEAL Team 6 get paid?

Pay Charts Rank <2 4 E-7 2339.10 2780.70 E-6 2023.20 2419.80 E-5 1854.00 2171.40 E-4 1699.50 1978.50 6 more rows

Read More »
Last updated Jul 15, 2021

Two pillows

Sleeping bag

Sleeping pad

Blanket and/or sheet

Teddy bear

2021 Ford F-150, Ford

Here’s How To Comfortably Sleep in a Car

Sleeping in a car is a fairly simple task, but there are ways to make it more comfortable. This is how The Drive turns its automobiles into auto motels.

Where to Park your Car

We don’t know where you are, what you’re doing, or where you’re going, but we can tell you where to stop. These locations are typically reliable waypoints, many of which have restrooms, to sleep overnight. Just be sure to check local signs and laws to confirm you’re legally allowed to do so.

Walmarts

24-Hour gyms

Hotels

Hospitals

Truck stops

Rest stops

Bureau of Land Management and National Forest land

Campsite

Orient the Bed

Different vehicles call for different types of setups. Each ride will be different, but these are good, if not somewhat obvious, general guidelines for creating a cozy place to sleep.

Truck : In the truck bed

: In the truck bed SUV/Crossover : Fold down the rear seats and use the flat space. : Fold down the rear seats and use the flat space. Minivan : Many minivans have rear seats that fold completely flat to create a massive open area of flat space. Welcome to the Waldorf Pacifica of sleeping in your car. : Many minivans have rear seats that fold completely flat to create a massive open area of flat space. Welcome to the Waldorf Pacifica of sleeping in your car. Wagon : Fold down the rear seats and use the flat space. : Fold down the rear seats and use the flat space. Hatchback : Fold down the rear seats and use the flat space. : Fold down the rear seats and use the flat space. Sedan : If the seats do not fold down to create a long surface, use the back seat. : If the seats do not fold down to create a long surface, use the back seat. Coupe: If it’s dry outside, maybe just sleep in the grass.

Making the Bed

Check for any protrusions. You don’t want uneven bumps or anything prodding your side. Inflate the air mattress or sleeping pad and lay it in the desired position. If you do not have a pad, use your blankets, sleeping bag, and/or clothes to create some cushion between you and the surface. Set up the sleeping bag. We recommend bringing two pillows. Cars interiors are built in awkward shapes, and there are several things that could make sleeping uncomfortable. Gaps between surfaces, door armrests, wheel wells, or seats that don’t fold flat are all issues that could, at the least, be somewhat covered by an extra pillow for cushion. Crack the window or sunroof for ventilation. Count beached Walmart carts until you fall asleep.

2021 Ford F-150, Ford

Why is my PS4 a black screen?
Why is my PS4 a black screen?

This issue is most likely to occur when you plug your PS4 into a new TV or display that differs from the display you used when setting up your PS4....

Read More »
Last updated Feb 26, 2021
Why do Chinese drink hot water?
Why do Chinese drink hot water?

Under the precepts of Chinese medicine, balance is key, and hot or warm water is considered essential to balance cold and humidity; in addition, it...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 12, 2022

Pro Tips for Sleeping in a Car

Sleeping in a car can be an unpleasant experience without the proper preparations and precautions. Here are The Drive’s Pro Tips for creating a restful sleep. Park near a bathroom and use it before you go to sleep. You never know when that emergency will interrupt your slumber. If this is more than a one-time thing, stick-on vinyl or a legal window tint could reduce light intrusion. If it’s not, use a piece of clothing as a sleep mask. Roll-up sun shades are cheap and will help keep parking lot lights from ruining sleep. Sleep with your head toward the front of the car. This allows for more upper-body space and your sleeping bag won’t slide into the trunk as easily. Find shade, if possible. Cars quickly turn into air fryers, and sleeping hot is the worst. If bugs are a problem in the area, bring netting to put over the slightly cracked window. Some people use magnets to keep the netting in place.

Buy a portable and rechargeable battery-operated fan for hot climates.

Don’t use your car’s dome lights. You will forget to turn them off, and you will kill your car battery.

If noise is an issue for light sleepers, bring earplugs.

Air mattresses designed specifically for the rear seats of cars are available and will create a flat and cushioned sleeping space using the awkward footwells.

Life Hacks For Sleeping in a Car

Use these small tricks for more comfortable and efficient experience while sleeping in a car. Stuff clothes in the sleeve from a sleeping bag or sleeping pad to create a pillow. Extremities are the first parts of the body to get cold, and sleeping with cold feet can ruin the night. If a blanket is not available, throw some clothes at the bottom of the bag to keep things dry and warm. For added warmth, heat up water, put it in a water bottle, wrap it in a shirt, and put it in the sleeping bag. It won’t last long, but it could help with falling asleep.

Bungee cords and a cut-up old sheet can make for useful curtains.

Stay Asleep and On the Trail With Garmin

Over the last 31 years, Garmin has become the go-to name for keeping you on the trail and not lost in the woods, surrounded by bears, and crying for your mama with the world's best navigation technologies. From nav computers to smartwatches, Garmin's line of outdoor technology is ready for your next adventure. Click here to explore Garmin's awesome lineup.

Featured Products for Sleeping in a Car

thedrive.com - Sleeping In The Car: Ultimate Guide 2020 - The Drive
Which gaming console is best for 8 year old?
Which gaming console is best for 8 year old?

The Best Game Consoles for Kids: Reviews and Recommendations Best Overall: Nintendo Switch OLED. Best Portable: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition....

Read More »
Last updated Aug 21, 2022
What food lasts a week in the fridge?
What food lasts a week in the fridge?

Avoid food waste—and trips to the grocery store—with hearty vegetables, long-lasting dairy, and, of course, bacon. ... 11 Fresh Groceries That Will...

Read More »
Last updated Sep 16, 2021
How long does COVID linger in the air?
How long does COVID linger in the air?

Transmission of COVID-19 from inhalation of virus in the air can occur at distances greater than six feet. Particles from an infected person can...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 9, 2018
Will PS5 have a pro version?
Will PS5 have a pro version?

We have seen some reports that suggests a PS5 Pro may hit shelves around 2023 or late 2024. That's a long time to wait, but before that we may see...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 12, 2022