Sleeping in the cruiser

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I sometimes sleep in the back of the cruiser on a drawer setup that I built to be just a bit taller than the wheel wells. Something just tall enough to fit the shallow Rubbermaid type tubs underneath. Mine was roughly the same height as the 2nd row seats folded (not tumbled forwards), so I put my feet towards the front, and never notice the small step where the box ends and the seats start. Comfy mattress on top and good to go!

I pray your situation improves soon, and your time living in the Cruiser is short enough to still be fun.
 
I'm 6'2" and with 2nd and 3rd row removed a sleeping pad on the floor of the truck is about perfect to provide head room. But, not enough storage.. so when I get around to building a platform it will be as low as possible.

I've liked the look of @greentruck sleeping system since I first stumbled upon the thread. Personally I'd replace the fridge setup with my pelican cooler, but otherwise it is a VERY good setup for my needs. Camper Conversion & Drawer System

My main point? don't build it too high or it won't actually be livable.
 
BILT4ME said:
Where's @decavo ? He's probably done this and can offer some first hand advice.
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I had the same set up more or less.. i kept the back seats and made a false bottom that was the height of the seats folded down... better access to storage as I had doors on both ends... and with seats folded up still had an area with high clearance for picking up larger items..... mounted a cooler sideways and cut a temperpedic mattress to fit on top... camped off road a lot with that set up....
IH8 tents...
 
If you are in NY as your mudname implies where are you?

An Ikea twin foam mattress is a relatively cheap solution. I second the idea of milk crates or Rubbermaid tote boxes with a (folding?) plywood platform on top - cheap and flexible.

Cut some regular or plastic corrugated board to make up window covers, a few stick on velcro tabs will secure them in place for privacy. One of those folding silver sun shades in the windshield will take care of the front.

A cheap LED flashlight/lantern or 2 will meet most lighting needs and will last forever.

Walmart encourages overnight stays in their parking lots.

mark
 
Wow, thanks for all of the great responses. I'm going to get a blow up mattress and put down a piece of carpet. The milk crate isn't a bad idea and might be something to think about. Thanks for all of the great ideas!
 
jdayment said:
Sorry to hear about your situation to help you out I would search for sleeping drawer platforms there are a lot of cheap builds guys have done that incorporate drawers and a sleeping platform you can do with either leaving the seats in or out. I have camped in my 80 with just a cheap inflatable mattress from walmart in the back that worked pretty well but that was with the tailgate down. Reach out to the club in your area as well I am sure someone can help you build something and maybe in another way.
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Nothing better than capping in an 80! Longterm it's a great way to save money
 
woytovich said:
If you are in NY as your mudname implies where are you?

An Ikea twin foam mattress is a relatively cheap solution. I second the idea of milk crates or Rubbermaid tote boxes with a (folding?) plywood platform on top - cheap and flexible.

Cut some regular or plastic corrugated board to make up window covers, a few stick on velcro tabs will secure them in place for privacy. One of those folding silver sun shades in the windshield will take care of the front.

A cheap LED flashlight/lantern or 2 will meet most lighting needs and will last forever.

Walmart encourages overnight stays in their parking lots.

mark
Click to expand...
I was in NY, then NJ, now PA. Wherever the work takes me that's where I'll be.
 
If I get time tonight I will take you a picture.
$60 Super Comfy Solution.
Be Patient.
 
So, you're saying you spend a lot if time fishing and calling it work.........
 
I was born into a family that liked vans and camping. I have transitioned from my own van lifestyle to that of a homeowner and SUV driver. I have spent a more than average number of nights living out of a vehicle. I like the roof rack or receiver hitch storage option for a good number of items that need to be secure, but don't need a climate controlled environment. You also need a stove and a cooler. Other than that, parks are your friend. They usually have free shelter, they often times have free power and they usually don't care how long you are there as long as you follow the rules.

I like stuff sacks more than rigid drawers or other devices that take up space. If you live in a vehicle, your life becomes a real time game of Tetris. Just get good at arranging everything you have so that it all fits and you will be good.
 
First, sorry you find yourself in this situation.

I agree with all the cheaper options but also note you have some savings. Sleeping 'rough' has a different meaning for many, for me I often sleep in the back of the 80 when out for a weekend but, it can get old pretty quick depending on your age/health and mind set.

Would it be worth investing in a roof top tent? Yes it is an expensive option (not so if second hand) and may not be the thing to do with some of your savings, but you get the rest of the car to hold your gear, and you will get a decent nights kip. If you get one of the clamshell type (again yes expensive), then it can be setup/closed down in a couple of minutes, and pretty sturdy. Unsure where you are but winter may be coming, so again comfort is important? You will always find a buyer for your tent if you decide to sell it later on.

You mentioned shower, I was lucky enough to find one of the water bladders designed to go in the right hand rear wing of the 80, this is fitted to a pump and does provide a shower. That may be a bit more than you want? Do you have someone that will let you borrow a caravan that is being unused over winter? Perhaps parked in their side drive, plugged in and give them some $ for the electric? You just need to get yourself some time to sort yourself out.

Good luck with whatever you decide, fingers crossed the future is brighter for you.

regards

Dave
 
decoco said:
man... once the sleeping platform is done imagine all the hitchiking hippie chick's you'll be able to bed.
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And their smelly ungroomed......... um.............. hair. Yeah, lets go with hair.
 
Hey bro. Good riddance to bad rubish.

If you make it out to Iowa I have a spare bedroom. You are welcome to stay. I know everyone in our town and have a Rolodex of connections.

I have a dear friend in the Pittsburgh area in the non profit sector. She knows a ton of people and has great connections. I could put you in touch.

I built my sleep platform out of 2x4s and 3/4" birchply (you could use OSB for a cheaper option). It cost me about $75 but the birchply was $40+ of that.

And forget picking up hitchhiking hippies. Roll up to Pitt and play the happy wanderer trying to find yourself card and crash with various college coeds.
 
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