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With hotel rates on the rise, more and more travelers are looking for cheaper alternatives to continue to travel and maintain their exploration habits. If you’ve found yourself in this situation and are heading out on a road trip in the near future, we’ve got the solution for you.
Sleeping in your car is a convenient and affordable alternative to the inflated room prices and is an excellent substitute for traditional tent camping. You can keep a certain level of spontaneity when you choose to spend the evenings in your car and head out on the open road whenever you want, with little to no impeding factors.
While sleeping in your car is a great option for some travelers, it’s important to take the proper steps to prepare for a safe and comfortable sleeping arrangement. To help simplify this planning process, we’ve curated a simple guide to follow to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.
Let’s get started.
Build a Comfortable Sleeping Platform
Your number one concern when choosing to sleep in your car should be setting up a comfortable place to sleep for the duration of your trip. The best beds for car sleeping are typically ones that are easy to break down and put away when they are not in use so as not to get in your way while driving.
Sleeping platforms are a great investment and are easy to set up in cars of all shapes and sizes. Taking a little extra time to plan and install one of these platforms prior to leaving will help ensure you and your traveling companions get a good night’s rest every night of the trip.
You’ll need to find a sleeping platform that fits your vehicle, so take measurements and research to find something suitable for your needs. Some platforms may require an electric pump to blow up, so make sure to pack the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max or EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro for an easily accessible power source in the comfort of your vehicle.
While the bed is an important factor for your comfort, you also need to consider the conditions in which you will be sleeping. Even with the window cracked, sleeping in cars can get stuffy and humid over extended periods of time. With the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC, you’ll have constant access to crisp and cool air to keep the interior of the car at the perfect temperature for a restful night of sleep.
Always Have a Reliable Power Source
While you may have access to a power source while the car is running, you also need to be prepared for the long nights when it’s not running. Investing in a reliable portable power source is the best way to avoid any unnecessary issues during your trip and is a great way to keep you and your party connected in case of an emergency.
The EcoFlow Portable Power Stations and EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations are great investments for your trip and are easy to take along with you. Both units are compact and designed for travel, so you will not have to worry about lugging around big pieces of machinery just to have access to power.
Ensuring that you have a reliable power supply isn’t only a matter of convenience but also a safety concern. These portable power stations can help to keep your phones and devices charged so that you are able to reach out to anyone if needed. Car issues can and will happen occasionally, so having a way to contact someone is very important to avoid a larger issue.
You can even install solar panels on your vehicle to have unlimited access to power while you are on your trip. If you are planning an extended road trip, this may be your best option.
Find the Ideal Parking Spot
Now that your car is prepped and ready to go, all you have left to do is find the ideal space to park for the evening. There are various ways to do this, but make sure to complete this step, as it will help ensure you are safe and have peace of mind while parked for the evening.
The best place to start your research is to list some local RV and campsites. Most of these parks will allow you to park your vehicle as long as you register it or pay the nightly fee. While most parks will have some sort of fee to stay, these prices are typically much lower than hotel fees, so you will still be opting for a cheaper travel experience.
Once you have found the location you would like to stay for the night, do your best to find a safe parking spot that is in a well-lit, protected area. Keep your distance from other vehicles, but make sure to stay within the defined sections of the area where it’s safest to park. Many of these sites will have some level of security, so you can rest easy knowing you are in a safe place.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a general rule of thumb, the act of sleeping in your car is not illegal. That being said, it’s important to do your research before parking anywhere for the night. Look into local rules and regulations and pay attention to the specific location you are choosing to park as private businesses and public lots can implement tight restrictions for overnight parking.
The best way to stay safe is to be aware of your surroundings and take general safety precautions when sleeping in your car. Research safe locations where you can park your car and try to stay in populated campsites or other areas where there is likely to be some level of security on the premises.
To ensure that you have the proper ventilation overnight, you should crack the window of your car very slightly while you sleep. Make sure that the window is still mostly up for security and privacy reasons but just enough to allow fresh air to circulate. This will also help to keep the temperature and humidity at a comfortable level in your vehicle.
If you are sleeping in your car during the colder months, make sure to pack the proper bedding and clothing. You should never fall asleep in a running vehicle, so pack other items to keep yourself warm even when the car and heater are turned off.
Final Thoughts
If you’re up for a new type of road trip adventure, sleeping in your car is the way to go. This simple and convenient solution will allow you to maintain a certain level of spontaneity you cannot get while traveling any other way.
With your bed set up right in the comfort of your own vehicle, you can pack up and go at a moment’s notice while also saving some cash on traditional sleeping arrangements. Are you ready to try this form of travel out for yourself? Get your EcoFlow Portable Power Stations set up and ready for the best trip out on the open road.