Have you been planning a long ride and are wondering if you can sleep in a minivan? Well, the answer is yes! Sleeping in your car can be comfortable and save you money on hotels. The #vanlife concept has become popular as people seek creative ways to travel. People may be seen on social networks savoring the great outdoors and retreating to their little houses on wheels at the end of the night. And minivans? They are the perfect cars for road trips and can easily be turned into a comfortable bed. So, keep reading as this post will cover how to sleep in a minivan comfortably.
Can You Sleep in a Minivan?
Although sleeping in a minivan seems inconvenient for some people, it’s not against the law or illegal in many states or cities. In the United States, there are many public lands managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management, where you can camp for free or for a small fee. For example, in California, dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land for 14 days. As long as you follow Leave No Trace principles, you can camp almost anywhere on public lands.
While sleeping in a minivan is usually cozier than sleeping on the floor, in a tent, or beneath the stars, the idea might not be perfect. However, there are ways you can make the experience more comfortable and let your minivan become your home away from home.
The DO’S of Sleeping in a Minivan
Most minivans, such as the Kia Sedona, include reclining seats, mostly in the 2nd and 3rd rows of the vehicle. So if you’re feeling tired during your road trip, you can just recline the seat and take a nap. Here are the DO’S of sleeping in a minivan:
Most minivans, such as the Kia Sedona, include reclining seats, mostly in the 2nd and 3rd rows of the vehicle. So if you’re feeling tired during your road trip, you can just recline the seat and take a nap. Here are the DO’S of sleeping in a minivan:
▶Find a Safe and Legal Place to Park
The first thing you need to do is find a safe place to park your minivan for the night. You can search for “overnight parking” or “24-hour parking” on Google Maps to find some options near your location. It’s also essential to ensure that overnight parking is allowed in the area where you’re planning to stay.
There are also several camping websites and applications available today that may help you locate free campsites. The following are the most popular applications for finding free RV parking:
Simply input your location and desired amenities, and the application will show you a list of options in the area.
▶Check for No Trespassing Signs
Once you’ve found a safe place to park, the next step is to check for no trespassing signs. You don’t want to get towed or fined, so it’s important to ensure that you’re not parked somewhere you’re not supposed to be.
▶Park in a Well-Lit Area
It is safer and more comfortable to park in a well-lit area. It will deter any would-be thieves and make it easier for you to see when you’re getting in and out of your car. For some safety tips, since in most cases, riding a car can make you feel sleepy, before going to take a nap, text someone your location. It might be a frightening statement, but safety must be your top concern.
▶Remove All Valuables From Your Car
It is a crucial step to follow no matter where you’re parked overnight. You don’t want to leave any valuables in your car, as they could be stolen. If you can, bring them inside with you or hide them somewhere out of sight.
▶Close and Lock All the Doors
Make sure all the doors are closed and locked before going to sleep. It will deter any thief and keep you safe in case of an emergency.
▶Set the alarm or Use a Security System
If you have an alarm system in your car, make sure it’s turned on before taking a nap. You can also set the alarm on your phone to ensure you don’t oversleep.
▶Lay Your Back Car Seat Flat
As mentioned above, most minivans have seats that can be laid flat, making them more comfortable sleeping on. If your car doesn’t have this feature, you can always recline the seats as far back as possible.
▶Use Curtains or Blinds
If you’re worried about people seeing you sleep in your car, you can use curtains or blinds to cover the windows. It will also help keep the sun out in the morning so you can sleep for a little longer. You can also leave the front window cracked open for ventilation.
▶Create a Comfortable Sleeping Area
You can use pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags to make it feel more like home. And if you’re really looking for some extra comfort, you can even bring along a camping mat or an air mattress. You can sleep by layering these items on top of each other. Also, there are beds in the market which can be easily installed in the back of your car. These include camping cots, a bed frame, air mattress, and sleeping pads.
▶Convert Minivan Into a Bed
Converting your minivan into a bed can be done in different ways. The most common and simplest way is to fold down the back seats and layout a mattress or some blankets. This can easily be done with most vans, but it’s not as comfortable as it could be. You can also build a platform to sleep on top of the folded-down back seats. You just need to screw some boards together and attach them to the seatbacks. It’s a bit more work, but it’s worth it for a comfortable night’s sleep.
▶Wear Comfortable Clothes
Make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothes before trying to sleep in your car. You don’t want to be uncomfortable all night, so choosing the right outfit is important.
The DONT’S of Sleeping in a Minivan
Now that we’ve covered the DO’S of sleeping in a minivan, let’s look at the DONT’S. These are things you should avoid doing if you want to have a comfortable and safe experience:
❕Don’t Park in Front of a Business or Residence
You should never park in front of a business or residence, as this can block traffic and be considered rude. Many establishments offer overnight parking if you’re boondocking in the city. Among them are:
- IHOP
- Dennys
- Cracker Barrel
- Cabela’s
- Bass Pro Shops
- Target
- Walmart
If you’re not sure where to park, it’s always best to ask the business owner or residents for permission. You can’t just park wherever you want, and it’s not ideal. A tow truck waking you right in the middle of the night is the very last thing you want.
❕Don’t Park in a Handicap Spot
It is one of the most important DONTs on this list. You should never park in a handicapped spot, even if you’re just going to be there for a minute. It is not only illegal, but it’s also inconsiderate to those who actually need to use these spots.
❕Don’t Park in a No Parking Zone
Another important DONT is to avoid parking in a no-parking zone. It can result in you getting a ticket or even being towed. If you’re not sure if an area is a no parking zone, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and find another spot.
❕Don’t Run the Engine While You Sleep
You should also avoid leaving your car running, as this can be a safety hazard. If you need to leave your car running for any reason, make sure to turn it off before going to sleep.
❕Do Not Hide Your Head Beneath a Pile of Blankets
Hiding your head on layers of blankets can be dangerous, as it can block your ability to see and breathe. If you’re using blankets, make sure to leave a small opening so you can still see and breathe easily.
❕Don’t Use Electric Blankets or Space Heaters
Electric blankets and space heaters can be a fire hazard, so it’s best to avoid using them in your car. If you’re cold, try wearing extra layers of clothing or using a blanket.
❕Do Not Attempt to Sleep in the Back Seat
Don’t attempt it if you’re not tall enough to sleep in the back seat comfortably. It can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. If you do this, the seat belt might imprint on your skin, which can be very painful.
So there you have it! These are the DO and DONT of sleeping in a minivan. If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to have a comfortable and safe experience.
Things to Consider Before Deciding to Sleep in a Minivan
Now that we’ve gone over the DO and DONT of sleeping in a minivan, you should consider a few things before deciding to do so.
Are You Comfortable Sleeping in Close Quarters?
The first thing to consider is whether or not you’re comfortable sleeping in close quarters. If you’re claustrophobic or have trouble sleeping in small spaces, sleeping in a minivan might not be ideal.
Do You Get Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness is a condition that can be caused by any type of movement, such as car rides, boat rides, amusement park rides, and even flying. It can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sweating.
If you get motion sickness easily, sleeping in a moving car might not be the best idea. However, if you’re comfortable with the idea of sleeping in a moving car, then it might not be an issue.
Are You Prone to Carsickness?
Carsickness is similar to motion sickness, but car rides specifically cause it. If you get carsickness easily, sleeping in a car might not be ideal. However, if you can handle short car rides without getting sick, it might not be an issue.
Do You Get Cold Easily?
Weather conditions can also be a factor to consider before sleeping in a minivan. If you’re prone to getting cold easily, you might want to consider bringing extra blankets or layers of clothing.
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Minivans can be quite dark at night, so it might be better to find another place to sleep if you’re not comfortable with that.
Do You Need a Lot of Space to Sleep?
As the name implies, “Mini-van” these types of cars are smaller than the average car. If you need a lot of space to spread out and sleep comfortably, a minivan might not be the best option.
Do You Need to Be in a Quiet Environment to Sleep?
Minivans can be quite noisy, especially if you’re sleeping in the front seat. That’s why it is not recommended to sleep in the front seat. If you need a quiet environment to sleep in, you might consider finding another place to sleep.
Do You Need Privacy to Sleep?
If privacy is important to you when sleeping, a minivan might not be the best option. As we have mentioned earlier, it is best to leave your window open slightly for ventilation purposes. It can result in people being able to see you while you’re sleeping.
These are some of the most important factors to consider before deciding whether or not sleeping in a minivan is right for you. If you’re comfortable with the idea of sleeping in a small space, can handle short car rides without getting sick, and don’t mind the noise level, then sleeping in a minivan might be a good option for you.
Top Reasons to Choose a Minivan for Extended Travel
✔️Simplicity
Minivans are simple cars. They don’t have a lot of bells and whistles that can break down and cause problems. It is one of the reasons why they’re so popular for extended travel. If you have a vehicle that will give you minimal problems, a minivan is a good choice.
✔️Comfort
Minivans are also quite comfortable, especially for extended travel. They have plenty of room for passengers and luggage, and It’s usually equipped with features that make them more comfortable than other cars (such as air conditioning and cruise control).
✔️Flexibility
Minivans are also very flexible. They can be used for various purposes, such as transportation, sleeping, and storage. This makes them ideal for extended travel.
✔️Operating Cost
Minivans are relatively inexpensive to operate; they get good gas mileage and don’t require a lot of maintenance. You don’t have to worry about breaking the bank when operating a minivan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to sleep in a minivan?
Minivans are generally very safe vehicles to sleep in, designed with safety in mind. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you plan on sleeping in a minivan overnight:
- Ensure that the vehicle is parked in a safe location where it will not be disturbed or vandalized.
- Consider investing in a security system, such as an alarm, for potential thieves.
- Be sure to leave the windows open slightly for ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Overall, as long as you take these precautions into account, sleeping in a minivan should not pose any significant safety concerns.
Q: How can I make my minivan more comfortable for sleeping?
There are a few things you can do to make your minivan more comfortable for sleeping. For starters, try adding a memory foam mattress topper to the seats. It will help create a more comfortable surface to sleep on. You can also try adding blankets and pillows to make the space cozier. And finally, if there’s enough room, you may want to consider installing a small TV or DVD player so you can watch movies or listen to music while you sleep.
Q: Is it possible to fit a queen bed in a minivan?
In most passenger minivans, a queen-size mattress will not fit. However, in some larger minivans (such as the Honda Odyssey), you may be able to fit a queen-size mattress with some creative arranging. If you’re planning on sleeping in your minivan on a regular basis, it might be worth investing in a larger model that can accommodate a queen-size bed.
Q: What are some of the disadvantages of sleeping in a minivan?
The main disadvantage of sleeping in a minivan is the lack of privacy. If you’re sleeping in a minivan, there’s a good chance that people will be able to see you through the windows. Additionally, minivans can be quite loud, so if you’re trying to sleep during the day, the noise level can be a problem. Finally, minivans can get quite hot during the summer months, so if you’re planning on sleeping in one during the summer, be sure to have a good cooling system.
Q: Can I convert my minivan into a campervan?
Yes. You can convert your minivan into a campervan by adding some basic camping gear. Some of the basics you’ll need to include a tent, sleeping bags and pads, a cooking stove, and a cooler. You may also want to add additional features, such as racks to hold bicycles or kayaks, awnings for shade, or storage compartments for your gear.
Many companies sell campervan conversion kits if you’re not sure where to start. Or you can consult with a professional van builder to have your van explicitly converted for camping.
Final Thoughts
Sleeping in a minivan can be a great way to save money on accommodation costs while traveling. Minivans are relatively inexpensive to operate and can be outfitted with all the comforts of home. Just be sure to take some basic safety precautions into account, and you should have no problem sleeping soundly in your minivan.
