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How to sleep in your car

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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
Sleeping in less than ideal situations isn't out of the norm for most skiers -- whether it be on a couch, in your car, curled up in a closet or sprawled out on the floor.

Line Traveling Circus / Ethan Stone Photo.



Over the years I've read and heard some pretty awesome tips on making the most of the situations, and I figured I'd share a handful of them with you guys. Feel free to add your own to the mix though!



Rob Heule's Terry




Choosing your vehicle
Pimped out vans work best (see Line TC or Rob Heule for good examples ). Note that bigger options generally get colder because your body has more space to heat -- a big tarp draped over your sleeping can be a simple solution for this though. Obviously newish is better than old-as-shit, but if you do have an old car keep in mind it's bound to break down at some point if you don't stay on top of maintenance.

Bedding
This really depends on how easy you can be "comfortable". If you have the space, definitely bring something that will stay dry and keep your warm throughout the night. A quality cold-weather sleeping bag (or two) and pad are ideal. Check weather and plan accordingly. Do your best to keep your gear dry so that you can use it as well -- I use a rolled up Columbia liner for the perfect pillow wherever I go. Wear a hat!

Location
Make sure it allows extended or overnight parking, and ideally it is also far away from traffic. Parking lots, back roads, a friend's driveway are all options -- just do your best to make sure you aren't going to be getting surprised in the middle of the night. Check weather and plan accordingly.

Hygiene
Unscented baby wipes generally do the trick in terms of washing up. A change of boxers/socks and a fresh t-shirt always does wonders, and please, do everyone a favour and brush your teeth. Also, if you can find a way to poach a hot tub, do it.

Other tips
- Always attempt to find someone to go home with before resorting to your car
- Don't run the car with the windows up/when it's snowing. Stay warm
- Take a leak before you call it a night and have an empty bottle just in case
- Multiple pairs of warm, dry socks are a must. As are decent boots
- Get a flashlight, and a lighter, some hand warmers, and a couple of candles.
- Make sure you have water, a pee bottle, and enough fuel
- Lock your doors.
- Have fun.

Up next... How to couchsurf like a gentleman

**This thread was edited on Jul 15th 2014 at 5:14:28pm
Jul 15 2014 3:23PM
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Casey
Posts: 7778 - Karma: 23,379
last time I did it I fell asleep hunched over on my steering wheel and woke up every couple hours with a shit ton of air in my stomach. so don't do that...
Jul 28 2014 11:28PM
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Just_Send_It
Posts: 4758 - Karma: 971
threads
Jul 29 2014 1:54AM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,466
board2skis


Here's my short-bed (5 ft) Tacoma setup. I sleep in here just about every weekend, most of the time with my girlfriend.

Some tips/notes:

1. Buy a quality, well-insulated camper shell. For those of you with vans, hatchbacks, etc this isn't a problem. But for trucks, this is super clutch. I've slept in trucks with less quality shells that insulated about as well as a tent -- not so nice in the winter. I've slept under this shell in


My truck has a very similar set up, only its a full size truck with a 6 foot box instead. A little bit more roomy
Jul 29 2014 7:50AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
Caseywoke up every couple hours with a shit ton of air in my stomach. so don't do that...


What does that even mean?
Jul 29 2014 2:52PM
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S.J.W
Posts: 7609 - Karma: 31,182
My tips:
Stay inside after your days skiing for as long as possible. This will dry your gear. Also remove liners from boots.

A blowdrier is a perfect way to dry your boots.

Ensure before you set out, you know exactly where everything will go. I mean everything!

Don't sleep on a slope.

Remove all snow from any outerwear and equipment.

Rec centres are a perfect place to score cheap showers.
Jul 29 2014 3:29PM
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PimpHands
Posts: 97 - Karma: 142
After seeing this thread and spending most weekends of the aussie season in the back of my car we've decided to prototype some sort of mechanism to dry your gloves/mitts with.
Stay tuned...

Also, don't do this;
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/butane-gas-heater-may-have-caused-deaths-of-two-people-living-in-car/story-fni0fit3-1227002316828?nk=1b100768f0adc42a30725b87fd05a822
Jul 29 2014 8:46PM
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S.J.W
Posts: 7609 - Karma: 31,182
PimpHandsAfter seeing this thread and spending most weekends of the aussie season in the back of my car we've decided to prototype some sort of mechanism to dry your gloves/mitts with.
Stay tuned...

Also, don't do this;
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/butane-gas-heater-may-have-caused-deaths-of-two-people-living-in-car/story-fni0fit3-1227002316828?nk=1b100768f0adc42a30725b87fd05a822


How good is sleeping in the back of the car aye dude! All my rich little NB friends think my dad and I are crazy for doing it. I love it. I'm planning on spending a full season sleeping in the back of my car if I can work out all the kinks (drying boots, gloves, clothes etc). Jindabyne is the perfect distance. 30 minutes from the snow except not cold enough that your car will gather snow, skate park for downdays and fishing.

I think you could invest a blowdryer/heater thing that plugs into your cigarette lighter or usb port and conducts cool air into warm air to dry your boots and gloves and what not. I'm no inventor so I don't know how hard this would be but that would be pretty sick I think. Or what about a boot bag/glove bag that you plug into cigarette lighter,usb port and does the same thing just in a condensed space thus circling all warm around drying your gear. That's just my two cents anyways.
Jul 29 2014 10:24PM
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PimpHands
Posts: 97 - Karma: 142
ChubbyBoyHow good is sleeping in the back of the car aye dude! All my rich little NB friends think my dad and I are crazy for doing it. I love it. I'm planning on spending a full season sleeping in the back of my car if I can work out all the kinks (drying boots, gloves, clothes etc). Jindabyne is the perfect distance. 30 minutes from the snow except not cold enough that your car will gather snow, skate park for downdays and fishing.

I think you could invest a blowdryer/heater thing that plugs into your cigarette lighter or usb port and conducts cool air into warm air to dry your boots and gloves and what not. I'm no inventor so I don't know how hard this would be but that would be pretty sick I think. Or what about a boot bag/glove bag that you plug into cigarette lighter,usb port and does the same thing just in a condensed space thus circling all warm around drying your gear. That's just my two cents anyways.


Yeah Jindy is good, but there aren't many private spots. We tend to use the overnight parking at Thredbo- right down the back. But if you're riding peri then jindy is perfect.
Jul 29 2014 11:31PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
Buy a motor home. All problems solved.
Jul 29 2014 11:39PM
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rballs_
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This thread is life. Thanks guys
Jul 29 2014 11:56PM
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Casey
Posts: 7778 - Karma: 23,379
ThaLoraxWhat does that even mean?


When you breathe in sometimes if you are hunched over or in the right position because you are hammered, air doesn't go into your lungs only, it goes partially into your stomach and if you are asleep you don't realize it until it pretty much reaches a breaking point and it wakes you up and then you burp for like ten seconds and pass back out only to repeat the cycle because you are sleeping in a car.
Jul 30 2014 1:08AM
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perryhunter
Posts: 721 - Karma: -185
.MASSHOLE.Warner Nickerson has the BEST one



Nice one! This is very cool and comfortable! This is what I love about going on a ski trip by car. Perfectly affordable and worth it!
Jul 30 2014 1:26AM
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Z-PAULY.
Posts: 559 - Karma: 284
getting a car soon. pretty stoked and also glad it is a bigger more roomy hatchback/SUV so sleeping accommodations should be easy to make happen. thanks for all the tips to all who have posted!
Jul 31 2014 2:24AM
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NH_OPERATOR
Posts: 1070 - Karma: 2,883
CaseyWhen you breathe in sometimes if you are hunched over or in the right position because you are hammered, air doesn't go into your lungs only, it goes partially into your stomach and if you are asleep you don't realize it until it pretty much reaches a breaking point and it wakes you up and then you burp for like ten seconds and pass back out only to repeat the cycle because you are sleeping in a car.


Sounds like a personal problem, you may want to get that checked out lol.
Jul 31 2014 9:28AM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
Just bagged the first night in the car of the season at the Inspired stop in Quebec City!
Sep 14 2014 11:10AM
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Jibaholics
Posts: 227 - Karma: 56
I just got a Matrix. when you lay down the rear seats you got a 6 foot perfectly flat platform. Also got a roofbox to gain room inside and avoid throwing wet ski and stuff inside the car. Can't wait for this winter ! i plan on going on a few trip to jay peak and sugarbush do you know if these place have some overnight parking ?
Sep 14 2014 12:06PM
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Spiri7o
Posts: 2163 - Karma: 1,100
Sticky?
Sep 14 2014 12:11PM
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mehregan15
Posts: 779 - Karma: 741
My 2014 Explorer is fuggin' huge in the back, I've slept in it in Colorado, Montana, and Utah. One tip I'd recommend is always having some towels/rags with you. Whether it is for cleaning up you or your living space, drying shit off, whatever, they come in handy.
Sep 14 2014 2:04PM
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SwitchMisty540
Posts: 1862 - Karma: 630
I've lived out of a Subaru Legacy before and found it to be quite comfortable. Condensation was definitely the big issue I ran into. I ended up wrapping my sleeping bag with a shower curtain before I went to sleep to keep from getting wet and sleeping with the windows cracked when possible.

Almost equally important to the setup inside your car is the setup outside your car. Time in the car should really be limited to sleeping. Make sure you have some decent chairs so you can sit comfortably outside until it is time to retire. I also like to keep a charcoal grill. A lot of people might opt for propane because it is faster, easier, and takes up less room. I like charcoal because it doubles as a campfire when you're done cooking. Also, when you are living out of your car you tend to have a lot of time to kill anyway. A small backpacking hammock never hurts either.

The gym membership someone mentioned is a great idea if you plan to stay in one place for a couple weeks. I looked into the Silverthorne Rec Center when I was bumming in Summit and it was only about $50 bucks a month which gave you access to a pool, hot tub, sauna, and showers. Anything to do beats sitting in or around your car waiting for the mountain to reopen. After a few days the showers are well worth the money on their own.
Sep 14 2014 3:35PM
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crotchvent
Posts: 1527 - Karma: 2,182
Dog beds can be pretty comfortable and you can pick em up cheap. Also make sure to cover your windows with blankets or else your letting lots of heat in.
Sep 14 2014 3:42PM
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MitchT
Posts: 560 - Karma: 4,093
/threads

I personally have only slept in my car once and it wasn't the most comfortable situation.

some helpful tips in here!
Sep 14 2014 3:59PM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,000
MousseauJust bagged the first night in the car of the season at the Inspired stop in Quebec City!

Slept in my Toyota Camry next to their whip, it actually worked out quite nice. Sleeping pad, warm bag and a pillow (and alcohol) makes anything cozy.
Sep 14 2014 4:01PM
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That_One_Dude
Posts: 1050 - Karma: 760
Threads for some sick setups in here
Sep 14 2014 5:14PM
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DFJ
Posts: 707 - Karma: 1,337
Threads for more stories.

Also threads for that "How to couchsurf like a gentleman" thread :)
Sep 14 2014 10:02PM
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LAME.
Posts: 5795 - Karma: 2,448
Yea any word on a 12v boot dryer for the car?
Sep 14 2014 11:35PM
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Chubbs.
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Threads. If i cop a 4runner next summer this will be the bees knees
Sep 16 2014 5:10PM
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Mr.noodle
Posts: 1361 - Karma: 4,650
busses are pretty cheap
Sep 16 2014 5:33PM
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
The only way.

Sep 16 2014 5:39PM
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cheddafries
Posts: 1016 - Karma: 52
If you drink the night before, pop your hood and put your keys in there. Anyone asks; you just lost your keys and your phone died or something like that.

I always sleep in at the my "mountain" in Illinois called chestnut mountain. Very small place and no one really cares. I have a seasonal locker so I keep my skis, boots, and all gear in there. If you got have that option put a few quarters in a locker to keep your boots warm over night.
Sep 17 2014 10:46AM
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appa
Posts: 2249 - Karma: 1,739
if anyone knows, please feel free to pm me whichever overnight parking spots in summit colorado you feel like divulging!! thanks and beer shall be provided if rendezvous happen.
Oct 1 2014 1:40AM
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board2skis
Posts: 50 - Karma: 235
appaif anyone knows, please feel free to pm me whichever overnight parking spots in summit colorado you feel like divulging!! thanks and beer shall be provided if rendezvous happen.


Alpine Lots at Copper Mountain are legal overnight. 24 hr bathrooms. You just have to park up against the edge of the snowbank that is furthest from the resort. Just look for the RV's and trailers and park next to them. Be courteous and don't ruin it for everyone. I camped there a ton last season.
Oct 1 2014 2:58PM
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BlakeLively
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threads because college student
Oct 1 2014 3:49PM
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DFJ
Posts: 707 - Karma: 1,337
threads for more photos of peoples set-ups
Nov 18 2014 6:10PM
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EvanSamson.
Posts: 110 - Karma: 1,245
milk_manOP:



But that actually looks quite comfortable


i really want to try this
Nov 18 2014 8:37PM
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quixotic
Posts: 6937 - Karma: 2,978
lived in my car for a month to ski hood a few springs ago. i've got an SUV so i laid down the back seats and put some foam and a sleeping bag on one half and piled all my shit on the other. skis in the roof rack. here's a little video tour of my crib.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu05oewHYxo
Nov 18 2014 8:52PM
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corona
Posts: 12749 - Karma: 32,218
LUPTONYea any word on a 12v boot dryer for the car?


I bought one of these to try out:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/maxxdryvt-ventilator-portable-ac-dc-footwear-dryer-0875297p.html

It speeds things up if you're somewhere warm and dry. In a cold and damp car it won't do shit.

solution is to take some computer fans (which are conveniently 12 volts) and have them blow through a tube that goes to the toe of the boot so it's pushing a steady stream of air through the boot. so long as the boots stay above freezing they will dry.
Nov 18 2014 10:23PM
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deeznuts.
Posts: 173 - Karma: 429
it honestly looks like its more fun to sleep in your car than it is to just sleep in a hotel hahaha
Nov 19 2014 1:39AM
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S.J.W
Posts: 7609 - Karma: 31,182
deeznuts.it honestly looks like its more fun to sleep in your car than it is to just sleep in a hotel hahaha


sleeping in the back of the car is definitely an experience. I think doing it at such a young age (16) for me has allowed me to look at travelling at much cheaper than my friends.
Nov 19 2014 3:49AM
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NH_OPERATOR
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ChubbyBoysleeping in the back of the car is definitely an experience. I think doing it at such a young age (16) for me has allowed me to look at travelling at much cheaper than my friends.


I wouldn't go so far to say its 'Fun'. I would much prefer to sleep in a nice warm bed than my car. What it does allow you to do is to take the 75 dollars a night you would be spending on accommodations and instead by more lift tickets and beer. So although its not fun, it lets you have more fun.
Nov 19 2014 2:22PM
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S.J.W
Posts: 7609 - Karma: 31,182
NH_OPERATORI wouldn't go so far to say its 'Fun'. I would much prefer to sleep in a nice warm bed than my car. What it does allow you to do is to take the 75 dollars a night you would be spending on accommodations and instead by more lift tickets and beer. So although its not fun, it lets you have more fun.


Never said it was more fun, however summer nights by the beach in the back of a van is 10x better than a bed. Where I'm from (Australia) snow accommodation is super expensive due to short season, high demand, low supply so cost for accommodation is much more than just $75 a night. That being said sleeping in the back of the car the temps only drop down to minus 15 max so it's super bearable.
Nov 19 2014 11:03PM
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board2skis
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Slept in my truck last weekend in Summit, temp dropped to -10. Didn't die. AMA.
Nov 20 2014 12:34PM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,527

Like a motha Fuckin Champ.
I can fit a queen in the back of the excursion with all my gear
Nov 20 2014 12:47PM
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NH_OPERATOR
Posts: 1070 - Karma: 2,883
SVmike

Like a motha Fuckin Champ.
I can fit a queen in the back of the excursion with all my gear


Have fun getting like 10mpg lol.
Nov 22 2014 3:26PM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,356
Thermorest made an Army standard issue "self inflating" sleep pad in the 80's or 90's. Trying to find pics right now but i got one for maybe $10 and it's one of the greatest camping purchases i've ever made. Stow it flat and give it just a couple puffs of air and that thing is MINT. It's also clutch for sleeping in the back of a truck with the cap on because it's not uncomfortable when you have a weird bed liner or shit under you.
Nov 22 2014 9:11PM
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ghosthop
Posts: 631 - Karma: 1,027
JibaholicsI just got a Matrix. when you lay down the rear seats you got a 6 foot perfectly flat platform. Also got a roofbox to gain room inside and avoid throwing wet ski and stuff inside the car. Can't wait for this winter ! i plan on going on a few trip to jay peak and sugarbush do you know if these place have some overnight parking ?



I've poached the parking lots of both, stateside at jay was excellent. After skiing all day you could grab beers at the bar and then soak in the hot tub. At night I would chill in the lodge and use the wifi and enjoy the heat.

You might want to rethink throwing wet gear straight to the rocket box tho, frozen gear in the morning will put a damper on things.
Nov 22 2014 9:30PM
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steezy_doge
Posts: 781 - Karma: 1,718
this guys van.... i didn't see the whole video in a while so im wondering if its AWD or not

/thread
Nov 22 2014 9:41PM
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steezy_doge
Posts: 781 - Karma: 1,718
steezy_dogethis guys van.... i didn't see the whole video in a while so im wondering if its AWD or not

/thread


wtf y my inbed not work
Nov 22 2014 9:43PM
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steezy_doge
Posts: 781 - Karma: 1,718
steezy_dogewtf y my inbed not work


what the fuck it didnt work again!!!!
just click the fucking link then

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CArfaGmYuGM
Nov 22 2014 9:44PM
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,527
NH_OPERATORHave fun getting like 10mpg lol.


I get 10.5 MPG thank you very much. If you have a problem don't get one. The fact is, I can fit 9 people plus all the gear needed for everyone. Try doing that in a Prius.
Nov 24 2014 4:42PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,466
SVmikeI get 10.5 MPG thank you very much. If you have a problem don't get one. The fact is, I can fit 9 people plus all the gear needed for everyone. Try doing that in a Prius.


Thats a dope truck dude. Fuck the hippies!
Nov 24 2014 5:45PM
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