How can I sleep comfortably in my truck?

In this article, we will answer the following question: How can I sleep comfortably in my truck? We will give you advice on how to spend a good night in your vehicle and how to stay safe while parked overnight. 

How can I sleep comfortably in my truck?

To sleep comfortably in a truck it is best to sleep with your head towards the front of the car, parked in a shaded area and a safe space. The back of a van or pickup truck is known to be a restful place because it is more spacious. To arrange it, there are simple and effective solutions to apply yourself.

If the rear seat of the vehicle can be removed, then a wooden bed can be fitted. With a stand and a sturdy wooden plank, it’s easy to recreate a box spring. Everything must be well immobilized for foolproof safety. Then, a special inflatable car mattress or a sleeping bag is enough for the cozy side.

If the backseat cannot be moved, it just needs to be folded down. The installation of a foam to act as a bed can then be done. During the day, it can be simply covered with a tarp.

Nonetheless, sleeping in your truck can get really uncomfortable really fast. So a few criteria must be taken before spending the night in a vehicle:

1. Cleanliness: as a car is a small space, the cleanliness must be impeccable so as not to encumber it more. A clean and tidy space promotes a good night’s sleep;

2. Useful items to enjoy good privacy: sun shades, curtains, a tarpaulin , etc.

3. Night essentials: a pillow, a sleeping bag, a night mask;

4. Accessories: an alarm clock, a torch, a bottle of water, a thermos. 

Where to sleep comfortably in my truck?

There are a few places to park to rest in your truck to limit the risk of fines and avoid possible disturbances with passers-by or prowlers. For example, you can park:

• on a rest area if you are driving on a freeway;
• in a car park open without interruption;
• in a street located in a residential area.

When deciding where to park to sleep in your truck, make sure there isn’t a market the next day. Be aware, however, that you will hardly be able to find a place ensuring both security and calm. Try to deal with the noise: earplugs may prevent you from hearing a possible danger.

Note that if you park and obstruct traffic, you may be subject to law enforcement checks and penalties. Dangerous parking is sanctioned by a fixed fine of $ 35 or $ 135. The amount is defined according to the seriousness of the parking violation.

Recommendations for sleeping in a truck in summer or winter

To maximize the chances of resting and getting back on the road in good shape, make sure you adopt the right reflexes for sleeping in your car for a nap depending on the outside temperatures.

Recommendations for summer:

Before settling in for a nap in your car in the summer, consider opening your windows. On the motorway, be aware that you can find areas specially designed to rest with a nap area where cushions and deckchairs are available to you.

Recommendations for winter:

In winter, the cold can make you leave the heating on to sleep in order to maintain a pleasant temperature in the passenger compartment: beware of danger! This solution should be avoided because it involves running the engine of your vehicle while you are resting. Your battery will discharge and you risk carbon monoxide poisoning. Remember to always put a blanket in your car before you go on the road – it can be useful in a case like this.

Can you sleep in a parked car?

The quick answer is yes, it is totally possible to sleep in a stationary car, as long as it has been parked correctly and in compliance with the Highway rules.

Sleeping in your car is, in fact, highly recommended after driving for many hours. It is advisable to stop for a nap if fatigue takes over. Fatigue is one of the main accident risks and there are quite a few deaths from falling asleep at the wheel and getting off the road.

Still, no matter how tired you are, follow these simple tips before parking your car overnight:

• Rest in the car only if you are safe. During the day we can take into account many tips to avoid falling asleep while driving, but if we make a long trip and the night falls on us, we must rest in a hotel or, in its absence, in the same car. Still, if the truck stop gives you bad vibes, get out of there!

•  Don’t leave anything out of the car. To sleep peacefully and without fear, we will make sure to close the vehicle’s latches and not leave any belongings outside the vehicle.

• Take a correct position when sleeping. Remember to carry a pillow in the trunk (it can be inflatable) if you are going to start a very long trip. If you don’t have a pillow, you can pile a few sweaters, the main thing is to take care of your neck.

• Get sleep privacy. Getting some roller or suction cup curtains for the car windows would be ideal to rest without fear of passers-by, although if this is not the case, it would be enough to “pinch” a T-shirt with the width of the windows. Be smart looking for the place to spend the night, choose remote but safe places, ideally with bathrooms nearby.

• Park and sleep at truck stops. Nobody can fine a driver who uses his vehicle properly parked (never in motion) for eating or sleeping, since these are things we do of our own free will, for safety and on private property. 

The bottom line

While travelling in your car, you must know that some places do not allow sleeping in your parked car. There are some areas, such as national parks, that expressly prohibit sleeping in the car. 

In this case, it does not matter whether you are camping or not, it is a direct prohibition that must be complied with. It is worth looking for a conditioned place to sleep on these occasions, as the fines are usually quite high.

Now being clear about everything related to the legality of sleeping in the car, we have a few more tips on how to do it. 

Thus, it is better if the vehicle is specifically transformed for it, be it a caravan or camper van. If it is in a normal and contemporary car, you can sleep in the front seats, in the rear seats or in the trunk by folding down the rear seats. There are some interesting accessories like custom inflatable mattresses, that you may consider investing in. 

Do you have some insights or tips for safely sleeping in a parked car? Please feel free to share your thoughts!

FAQ on How can I sleep comfortably in my truck?

Where is it forbidden to sleep in the car?

It is forbidden to sleep in the car in national parks. These are protected areas and therefore it is totally forbidden to camp and sleep (even in the car) in them.

Can cars sleep at truck stops?

It is not prohibited for cars to sleep at truck stops. The parking spots, however, are on a first-come-first-served basis, so you must think well and plan ahead your rest time on a long journey. 

Are truck stops dangerous?

Generally, truck stops are not dangerous places to rest for a few hours. Still, there are some risks that you must consider, and thus prepare yourself in order to rest. 

When you take a long trip, should you stop to rest?

Yes, when taking a long trip it is recommended to stop to rest, at least every 2 hours behind the wheel or every 150/200 kilometres travelled. In any case, the driver must rest whenever he needs it, even if the hours or kilometres indicated have not been reached.

References

• How to Sleep in Your Truck – Outside Online
• How to Sleep Comfortably in a Car – wikiHow
• 10 Quick Sleeping In The Car Tips (Sleep Comfortably)