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Best cars to sleep in for camping
Here are nine good options for vehicles that provide plenty of space and comfort for sleeping during your camping excursions:
🌐 This post forms part of my comprehensive Road trip Guide , helps you with Road trip Car Selection & essentials and choosing best cars to rent for Road trips, CAR camping essentials & Explore RVing with pets . Also check out my comprehensive Australia Road Trip Guide.
What Should You Look For in a Sleeper Car?
There are various variables to consider while looking for the best sleeper car for your camping experiences. The following are some crucial elements to look for in a sleeping car:
Interior space: A decent sleeper vehicle should have adequate internal space for you to stretch out and sleep comfortably. Look for vehicles with fold-flat rear seats or removable seats that can be removed to provide a large sleeping area.
Cargo space: You’ll need enough cargo room to hold your camping equipment, clothing, and other necessities. Check to see if the vehicle has enough storage options, such as roof racks, storage compartments, or underfloor storage.
Fuel economy: Having a fuel-efficient car will save you money on gas during your camping vacations, making your outings more affordable.
Off-road capabilities: If you intend to camp in isolated places or on uneven terrain, look for a vehicle with all-wheel or four-wheel drive and enough ground clearance to traverse bad roads.
Reliability: For worry-free camping outings, a dependable vehicle is vital. Examine the reputation and reliability ratings of the vehicles you’re considering, and select one with a proven track record of dependability.
Comfort: Because you’ll be spending a lot of time inside the car during your camping vacations, make sure it has a pleasant ride and high-quality inside materials.
Ventilation and climate control: Proper ventilation is essential for a restful night’s sleep. Look for vehicles that have windows that can be cracked open or a sunroof to allow for more air circulation. Consider the vehicle’s climate control system as well, since it can assist in maintaining a comfortable temperature in hot or cold weather.
Consider how simple it is to establish seclusion in the automobile for sleeping, such as through the use of window shades, curtains, or tinted windows.
Security: Feeling safe when sleeping in your automobile is critical. Look for vehicles that have strong security measures such as central locking, an alarm system, and immobilisers.
Conversion ease: Choose a vehicle that can be readily changed into a sleeping area without requiring major changes or alterations.
Choose a vehicle with a high resale value, since it will be easier to sell or trade-in if you desire to update or replace your camping vehicle in the future.
By taking these elements into consideration, you can select a sleeper car that will give a comfortable and delightful camping experience, letting you to concentrate on enjoying the great outdoors and creating memorable memories.
9 Best cars to sleep in for camping
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a flexible crossover that provides ample capacity, standard all-wheel drive, and a smooth ride, making it a popular choice among campers.
The Subaru Outback is the ideal vehicle for car camping. The rear of the car is not only wide enough for two people and a medium-sized pet to sleep in, but it is also long enough for a 6’7″ person to fit comfortably.
The seats are flat with the cargo box, so you’re not inclined, and the tyre wells take up little space. A very useful storage room beneath the cargo area is also available for essentials such as an extra set of clothes, toiletries, a first aid kit, and blankets or towels.
This was an unexpected bonus function that will significantly improve your convenience.
The Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a great vehicle that can be converted into an RV by removing the back and middle rows of seats. This gives you enough room to fit a full mattress. This may be a nice alternative if you expect to use your “RV” frequently.
Furthermore, if this is a one-time incident, you can recline the back seats and leave the middle seats alone for a tranquil night. You also don’t have to be concerned about your height because you can sleep comfortably in a Ford Explorer even if you’re over 6 feet tall.
Sienna, Toyota
The Toyota Sienna minivan has a roomy interior that can be easily turned into a sleeping space. It has removable or fold-flat second-row seats as well as fold-flat third-row seats, so there’s plenty of room for a comfy sleeping arrangement.
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is one of the market’s most popular and well-received full-size SUVs, and the new 2022 model is no exception.
The 2022 Ford Expedition was been named the Best Buy/Best Full-Size SUV by Kelley Blue Book. It also earned the KBB’s Best Family Vehicles category for the second year in a row, owing to its excellent safety, versatility, connectivity, technology, driver-assist systems, and overall value.
You do not need to be concerned if you have a large family. The 2022 Expedition can comfortably seat 8 people.
Thus, if you’re going on a family road trip, you’ll have enough of space for everyone. There is also plenty of storage room, including cargo space that expands significantly when the third-row seats are folded down.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
As long as you have the proper materials, a Jeep Cherokee is suitable for sleeping in. The automobile has very little interior space. People under the height of six feet should sleep in a Jeep Cherokee. A single person will be most comfortable, while two people will be packed.
Versions produced prior to 2000 include an additional layer of padding at the bottom of the seats that must be removed in order for the seats to fold completely flat. You might also try exchanging the front seats. You may finish in 10 minutes by removing a couple of bolts from each seat and flipping them backwards.
The Subaru Forester
One or two people can easily sleep in the back of a Subaru Forester. Depending on the size of the group, how close they are ready to be, and how much extra gear you will need to store, you can sleep comfortably in the back of your Subaru Forester on your next camping trip.
One of the first things to consider is size. Is there enough space in the Subaru Forester to sleep? The answer is yes, it is large enough. What size is it? Amazingly, the Forester can seat two people of ordinary size. It could also sleep one adult and two youngsters.
California Camper Van by VW
The Volkswagen California is a purpose-made camper van with a pop-up roof and sleeping facilities built in. It’s an all-in-one camping option, with a small kitchenette and seating that changes into a bed.
Sprinter Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a versatile van that comes in a variety of sizes and configurations, making it popular among campers searching for a vehicle that can be customised to become a camper. With the proper configuration, a Sprinter may provide a comfortable sleeping area as well as additional conveniences like as a kitchenette and restroom.
These cars provide a good balance of space, comfort, and off-road capability, making them ideal for car camping aficionados. For a successful and happy camping vacation, choose the one that best meets your needs, budget, and tastes.
Cars for Camping Sleepovers- FAQs
Q: What characteristics make a car ideal for sleeping during camping trips?
A: A car appropriate for camping should have plenty of internal room, a flat or readily convertible sleeping area, decent ventilation, privacy options, and off-road capability (if required).
Q At what temperature does it become too cold to sleep in your car?
You should not try to sleep in your car if the temperature is below -30. This could result in serious injury and illness.
Q: Is it possible to camp and sleep in any car?
A: While camping and sleeping in most automobiles is doable, some vehicles are better suited for the task, providing more comfort, space, and convenience features that make the experience more enjoyable.
Q: Do I need a special vehicle for camping?
A: While SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and vans are often better suited for camping due to their bigger interior room and off-road capabilities, any car can be utilised for camping if it satisfies your space, comfort, and reliability needs.
Q Why not sleep in a tent instead of in a car?
A tent is a good option for sleeping, especially when camping, but it may not be able to withstand harsh weather or keep mosquitoes at bay. Individuals may also feel safer in their cars rather than under a tent from predators such as wolves and reptiles.
Q: Is there anything I can do to increase the camping capability of my car?
A: You can improve your car’s camping possibilities by installing a roof-top tent, adding a cargo carrier, utilising window shades or curtains for privacy, or adding a portable power converter to charge devices.
Q: Is sleeping in a car while camping safe?
A: Sleeping in a car while camping is generally safe, but some precautions must be taken, such as ensuring appropriate ventilation, parking in a safe and legal spot, and locking the doors to secure your goods and yourself.
Q: How can I keep my automobile at a suitable temperature while sleeping?
A: To keep a comfortable temperature, open the windows or utilise a sunroof for ventilation, operate the climate control system of the car as needed, and dress in appropriate layers of clothes or use a suitable sleeping bag for the weather conditions.
Q: Can I cook while camping in my car?
A: Cooking inside your automobile is generally not suggested due to safety considerations such as fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, and potential interior damage. Cook outside of your car, away from combustible things, with a portable camping stove.
Regardless of why you’re sleeping in your car, you should always be as comfortable as possible. There are numerous vehicles available, and all of the vehicles listed above are appropriate for sleeping.
Additionally, when shopping for sleeping vehicles, keep in mind all of your needs and select a vehicle that meets them.
About the Author:
Toby Salvanos
Toby Salvanos is a true travel enthusiast, traveller, and Road Trip Guide contributor. Toby is a luxury car salesman and a passionate blogger r at @PEP Travel & Road Trip